What does it take to homeschool? The logistics, demystified!

Jonathan peering through an electron microscope at UConn. Photo © Ruth Alumbaugh for HTNP.com

Hi, and welcome back to my homeschooling column - and to the new Web site.

For this week’s column, I was asked to provide some logistical information to readers interested in homeschooling.

To begin, each state has its own regulations and laws governing homeschooling.  In Connecticut, as a courtesy to the school district that we are in, I fill out a two-page form that is called a Notice of Intent.  It basically says that:

• I will take full responsibility for educating my child,

• that I promise to teach certain subjects,

• that I will have school in session at least 180 days,

• and that I can choose to have someone evaluate what we do or not.

I fill out this form, but it is not mandatory.  I personally feel it is important to provide this information so that, if people see me with my kids during a school day and are concerned enough to notify authorities, I am covered.

As part of her homeschooling, Rosemary spends time with people in different occupations - here she visits with a veterinarian in North Windham. Photo © Ruth Alumbaugh for HTNP.com

The required subjects… and then some

In Connecticut, I have certain subjects that I must teach.

These include reading, writing, spelling, English grammar, geography, math and social studies.

I can teach these subjects with whatever curriculum I choose.

I have chosen to supplement these state requirements with science, typing (keyboarding), handwriting/cursive, Latin (limited), local/state/country/national government and more.

I give tests to determine if my children have learned the materials they are studying.

My husband also tutors the kids in the areas in which I am weak - like math!

Their test scores determine if they go on to other parts of the topic or need more time in the area they are currently studying.

Jonathan building his own computer (paid for it with money he earned through his snow removal business!) Photo © Ruth Alumbaugh for HTNP.com

Measuring progress

Many curriculums have a resource called “Scope and Sequence” that tells a person what a child should know at each age/grade level. These vary depending on the nature of the curriculum.

There are also books that focus on “What Every _____Grader Needs to Know” (fill in the grade level).

I use these as guides to help me know how my kids are doing.

Some homeschoolers opt to pay for testing and can use that as a tool for measuring the level their kids have reached.

My lesson plans

I set goals each year and write lesson plans each week.  These have specific directions for the week’s assignments, as well as outside activities listed (horseback riding, kung fu, etc.) along with appointments through the evening.

Friends from China visiting our home school. Photo © Ruth Alumbaugh for HTNP.com

The kids then know what is expected of them throughout the day.

Sometimes they bring their studies with them when we are on the road.

I take each year one year at a time.  For now, I believe homeschooling is our best option and I am totally committed to it… and so is my supportive husband, Jon.

Finding more support

There are a number of supportive organizations that help people who homeschool.  For example, I am a member of the Home School Legal Defense Association

This organization assists me with journals with up-to-date legislation having to do with homeschooling, provides resources for our classroom, alerts me if I need legal advice, and provides tons of other help on-line.

There are a number of local groups that provide support.  They are sometimes based on geography, since people like to stay close to home.

I am currently not a member of a larger local organization, but occasionally fold into activities with CHEER, ECCHO, and CHOOSE.

There are a plethora of events that go on all the time, so I try to limit the memberships!

If you have specific questions about homeschooling, please ask me!

For now, you can address your questions through the editor at brensullivan@yahoo.com, and she will forward your emails to me. I will respond to you when I can, or maybe your question will become the topic of a future column.

[Editor's Note: Ruth's other passion is cooking. Click on the following link to read about her in Taste of Home magazine: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Community/Cooks-Who-Care/Featured-Stories/Chef-For-A-Night

Posted March 15, 2009