Homeschooling - Getting Started!
So you have made the decision to homeschool your children! Now What?
Don't worry! Hundreds of families have traveled this road before you and have left a wealth of information for you to learn from. Here's some helpful information to get you started:
1. JOIN a homeschool support group!
THE BEST place to gather information is from the people that are already doing it! We even suggest joiing a year or so before you actually beging! Learn the culture. Gather indeas, by researching & examining different options, without the pressure of time.
2. READ, READ, READ
There is so much information on-line! Start local. The library is a great resource as well.
3. Talk to parents that are currently homeschooling!
A Support Group, like WMH, is hwere parents can get ideas, share knowledge and curriculum. Some support groups like ours offer field trips, social evetns, adademic fairs, 4-H, scouting and athletic events. Contact the group leaders in your area. Get connected and stay connected! It's the best way to get all the information you'll need. You'll see, it's money well spent to keep your family connected to an active community of folks that are doing the same thing you are!
4. Find out the law in Massachusetts!
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states but laws vary GREATLY from state to state. So don't ask your sister-in-law in New York, how you'll register in Massachusetts. Your local support group or MassHOPE (www.masshope.org) can offer you the most accurate information. Most groups have a packet of information they make available for new homeschoolers through a New Homeschoolers Orientation. Plan to attend one!
5. Choose a teaching method and/or curriculum
There are so many options available; this can be an overwhelming task! Don't let it be! We encourage you to get connected with a support system FIRST and use those families that are already homeschooling as your springboard to researching methods and curriculums. From daily lessons prepared for you to designing your own curriculum there's something out there for everyone! Talking to other homeschooling parents is a great way to find out what each curriculum is like. Many curricululm catalogs offer reviews and detailed explanations of curriculum as well as free samples for you to review.
6. Visit the Homeschool Legal Defense Association!
We encourage you to visit the www.hslda.org website where you can read their information regarding home education and the law. Another great resource for beginners!
WMH New Homeschoolers Getting Started Info
The following are links to articles that address some of the immediate questions and concerns new homeschool parents have.
Getting Started Articles
Home School Legal Defense Association
Have you ever read to your child? Helped them tie their shoes, ride a bike, build a model, cook a meal or helped them with their homework? You are already Home schooling your child.
You know the joy of seeing the look on your child’s face when they “get it” for the first time. Homeschooling is very rewarding; however it does require a lot of discipline and hard work.
Our friends at the Home School Legal Defense Association www.hslda.org have put together an excellent resource to help you get started.
You Can Homeschool!
Do you have a question or concern as it relates to homeschooling in your local school district?
The individuals listed below have graciously volunteered their time: to offer encouragement and support and foster communication which, hopefully, ensures that all homeschoolers in your area are treated the same.
Please note that our Homeschool Contacts do not provide legal advice; rather they share their experience with your local superintendent and their policies as they know them.
WMH Contact Person List
Information for Superintendents
Produced by Massachusetts Home Learning Association (MHLA) & Massachusetts Homeschool Organization of Parent Educators ( MassHOPE ) Massachusetts superintendents and school officials can now find extensive information, conveniently located on the web, about home education regulations in the Commonwealth.
Information for Superintendents
So you have made the decision to homeschool your children! Now What?
Don't worry! Hundreds of families have traveled this road before you and have left a wealth of information for you to learn from. Here's some helpful information to get you started:
1. JOIN a homeschool support group!
THE BEST place to gather information is from the people that are already doing it! We even suggest joiing a year or so before you actually beging! Learn the culture. Gather indeas, by researching & examining different options, without the pressure of time.
2. READ, READ, READ
There is so much information on-line! Start local. The library is a great resource as well.
3. Talk to parents that are currently homeschooling!
A Support Group, like WMH, is hwere parents can get ideas, share knowledge and curriculum. Some support groups like ours offer field trips, social evetns, adademic fairs, 4-H, scouting and athletic events. Contact the group leaders in your area. Get connected and stay connected! It's the best way to get all the information you'll need. You'll see, it's money well spent to keep your family connected to an active community of folks that are doing the same thing you are!
4. Find out the law in Massachusetts!
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states but laws vary GREATLY from state to state. So don't ask your sister-in-law in New York, how you'll register in Massachusetts. Your local support group or MassHOPE (www.masshope.org) can offer you the most accurate information. Most groups have a packet of information they make available for new homeschoolers through a New Homeschoolers Orientation. Plan to attend one!
5. Choose a teaching method and/or curriculum
There are so many options available; this can be an overwhelming task! Don't let it be! We encourage you to get connected with a support system FIRST and use those families that are already homeschooling as your springboard to researching methods and curriculums. From daily lessons prepared for you to designing your own curriculum there's something out there for everyone! Talking to other homeschooling parents is a great way to find out what each curriculum is like. Many curricululm catalogs offer reviews and detailed explanations of curriculum as well as free samples for you to review.
6. Visit the Homeschool Legal Defense Association!
We encourage you to visit the www.hslda.org website where you can read their information regarding home education and the law. Another great resource for beginners!
WMH New Homeschoolers Getting Started Info
The following are links to articles that address some of the immediate questions and concerns new homeschool parents have.
Getting Started Articles
Home School Legal Defense Association
Have you ever read to your child? Helped them tie their shoes, ride a bike, build a model, cook a meal or helped them with their homework? You are already Home schooling your child.
You know the joy of seeing the look on your child’s face when they “get it” for the first time. Homeschooling is very rewarding; however it does require a lot of discipline and hard work.
Our friends at the Home School Legal Defense Association www.hslda.org have put together an excellent resource to help you get started.
You Can Homeschool!
Do you have a question or concern as it relates to homeschooling in your local school district?
The individuals listed below have graciously volunteered their time: to offer encouragement and support and foster communication which, hopefully, ensures that all homeschoolers in your area are treated the same.
Please note that our Homeschool Contacts do not provide legal advice; rather they share their experience with your local superintendent and their policies as they know them.
WMH Contact Person List
Information for Superintendents
Produced by Massachusetts Home Learning Association (MHLA) & Massachusetts Homeschool Organization of Parent Educators ( MassHOPE ) Massachusetts superintendents and school officials can now find extensive information, conveniently located on the web, about home education regulations in the Commonwealth.
Information for Superintendents
