By now, most of you already have an idea of what homeschooling is and what benefits it offers. There’s this misconception that when you choose to homeschool, you will be bringing the school home. That’s not really the case. Homeschooling is entrusting your child’s education to yourself. You, the parent, will be your kid’s main instructor, assuming responsibility for their learning every step of the way. Given the profound implications of this commitment, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and ask for help.

When you decide to homeschool your children, there are many factors to weigh. Here are some important points to consider before your family ventures into this territory.

• Decide whether you will go independent or line up a homeschool provider. When you go it alone, you’ll have the freedom to choose the curriculum and activities. You won’t be required to submit anything, but it is advisable to keep a record of your child’s progress. On the other hand, if you choose to go with a homeschool provider, they suggest a curriculum to follow and activities to do, but these can be tweaked to match your and your child’s preferences and interests. A homeschool provider may require that you submit a portfolio of your activities as well as a grading sheet for records purposes. The main advantage of this option is that your child’s academic records will be readily available in case you need them in the future.
• Choose a curriculum that you think will suit your child’s learning style. Does your child learn more when they listen to stories or when they browse a picture book? Are they the type that would rather be physically active than sit at a desk? Knowing whether your child is a visual, auditory, tactile, or kinesthetic learner will give you better insight into how to teach them in a more fun and enjoyable way.
• Consider your child’s interests. Are they into sports? Art? Homeschooling is more than just academic stuff. It is interest- and child-led. If your kid goes to a traditional school, they spend the bulk of their time on academics, leaving little for activities that interest them. When you decide to homeschool, you may pay greater attention to developing skills that are based on your child’s interests. You can allocate more time to the performing arts or sports because they will not only teach your kid valuable skills, but also help them build self-confidence as they do things they enjoy. They also can be opportunities to socialize with other kids.
• Try to set up a dedicated study area. Children can be easily distracted, so they need a space conducive to learning. If you don’t have a spare room, fret not! You can use any space in your home; just make sure your child can study there without distractions.
• Be prepared to devote far more hours to your child. When you choose to homeschool, the demands on your time will greatly increase. Your child will be spending more time with you than ever before. Don’t worry, though-you won’t be constantly buried in books. Most homeschooling families spend a great deal of time on teaching life skills.