Beginning Homeschooling Presentation Notes

by Cathie Baier Minnesota Catholic Home Educators Conference June 1-2, 2012
A Survey Participants 498 children 315 are homeschooled (63%) Experience What would have helped most that first year? 1. Being part of a support group 2. Sticking with a schedule 3. Having a mentor 4. Being part of a co-operative experience What would have helped most that first year? Support Schedule Top 10 Things I Wished I Knew My First Year of Homeschooling 10. I will come here. 9. Beware the Winter Doldrums. Sometimes you have to think out of the box 8. It doesnt matter what anyone else thinks. Cathies Corollary: Dont complain to those who dont support you! 7. I will probably change my mind about curricula and/or my approach to homeschooling. Approach and Curriculum Approaches used 1. Classical 2. Eclectic 3. Traditional School at Home 4. Charlotte Mason 5. 3Rs approach 6. Unschooling 7. Montessori 8. Unit Studies 9. Principled Approach What factors affect what you should use? Learning style Special needs and/or challenges Teaching style Budget Ages, stages, and number of children being taught Home environment Opinion on the use of technology in your home school Family's core values, worldview, and beliefs

6. I will need support. Strengthening Social Relationships Moms Group Support Group Mentor Sacramental Grace 1 Friendships Found at Church 2 Daily Mass Moms group at Church Church activities Pray Our Lord Our Blessed Mother St. Elizabeth Ann Seton St. Monica St. Ann St. Jude Dads Role Encouragement, Support, Accountability Reading Aloud Teaching practical skills Spiritual Instruction 5. My child will not become a social misfit. Socialization: Or Building Strong Social Relationships Your Childs Social Relationships Co-operative opportunities Religion opportunities Extra-curricular activities Field trips Support Groups Start something yourself Strengthening Your Family Teaching thematically Guide informal discussions as a family Ask older children to help younger children. Have children work together on projects They need time Consider outside obligations 4. Jump in, get started. Make that first day special every year

Cathies Blog - http://ontheroadtobecomingascholar.blogspot.com/

3. I dont have to follow a schedule but I should still have one. Remember to include: outside activities, life activities, special days Consider your values Syllabi Schedules for you Prayer Personal Partner Parent Provider Schedules for the kids School calendar Kids daily schedule Chores Extra-curricular activities What? By-subject lists By-child lists Chores Books (or chapters) read Practices (i.e. piano, typing) Also include: Things they can do if you are busy Snacks that are okay to have if you are busy How to stick to it? Get buy-in Write it Share it Post it! Go over it weekly! Remember Monday and Thursday! Mindset: fixed or growth? Dont consider it a failure if you dont do it every day Consider every time you stick with some of it a success Consider it a goal Reward yourself and your kids when you can do it all 2. I need to keep my eyes on my own work. 1. My children are learning, even if we didnt open a book today. First Year Challenges Top 3 1. Finding time to cover all desired subjects 2. Feelings of inadequacy when we didnt finish 3. Dealing with toddlers during school time The MN Law MN Compulsory Reporting Better than its ever been!

Full Report only once Initial Report to the Superintendent Update yearly with additional students, test info, changes to immunizations with Letter of Intent to Continue Homeschooling

SEE http://mache.org/legal/annual-reportingforms What must you report? Who are you teaching? On initial report indicate any child that is aged 7 to age 16 BEFORE October 1st: Name of child(ren) Date of birth Address Immunization information Who is teaching them? If you are the Parent of the Child, you are qualified to teach them at home. Instructors name, if its not you, and qualifications such as: A licensed teacher Someone supervised by licensed teacher Someone who has passed a teacher competency exam A teacher from a recognized school Someone that has a bachelors degree How will you evaluate them? Standardized test every year (age 7-16) You do not need to give the school district the results. Please dont! What to submit: Name of the test Testers name Test location of your childs annual standardized test Dont forget! Send via registered mail to School District by October 1.