"How do I get started Homeschooling?"

With the recent restructuring of our school Dist I have gotten a lot of inquiries via FB involving homeschooling. An abundance of questions, concerns, and the big one...How do I get started homeschooling. I'd be GLAD to help and answer your questions. If it was not for the great homeschooling parents out there who have answered my concerns and questions about anything homeschooling, I doubt I could of taken the plunge alone. Welcome to the greatest journey of your lives! =0)

 I think it's AWESOME that you are taking your children's future and education into your hands. YOU know your children best and what is the BEST for them!
All you need to do in the state of IL is give the Dist a withdraw letter. Google "IL Homeschool laws" (or whatever state you are in) and you will find all the info you need and a sample withdraw letter. Check out HSLDA they have tons of info too.
There are thousands of different curriculum, learning and teaching styles.
When we first started "homeschooling" we schooled at the kitchen table. We quickly outgrew the kitchen as our school supplies were over spilling into other rooms. We decided to turn one of the boys' bedrooms into a school room so we had a designated place for all of our learning resources.
I spent out first year "deschooling" and learning each boys learning/teaching style. The younger the child, the cheaper it is. I find tons of freebies online through FB pages, groups, websites, and Pinterst. It takes a lil' more time, but I can gear it toward what the actual needs for the child are and customize it. I found that I have one doing 5th grade math and reading who is technically in 3rd grade. So it suits us better to plan my own and build my own curriculum. I use several online free curriculums as well. Let Google be your friend. There is an abundance source of info out there.
It can be overwhelming at first, but once ya find what works and get into a groove things go much smoother and the children and parents confidence builds.
My ONLY regret is that I didn't do it sooner.
This list was shared with me today, so I'll just leave this here for you =0)

1. Don’t homeschool unless you and your spouse are both on board.
Do proceed if both parents are unified and at peace with the decision!
2. Don’t wait to have all your ducks in a row until you start.
Do realize that you can only do it with God’s help, strength, and guidance. (And you’ll never have all your ducks in a row!)
3. Don’t pattern your homeschool after public school.
Do make learning an adventure.
4. Don’t forget the laws of your state.
Do follow the requirements set before you and be thankful for this amazing opportunity!
5. Don’t be afraid.
Do realize you already know a lot . . . and you have tons of resources at your fingertips (i.e. the Internet, the library, your friends/peers).
6. Don’t feel like you need to know everything.
Do plan on learning along with your children. (You’ll be amazed by all you learn!)
7. Don’t focus on teaching subjects.
Do remember you’re teaching your child. Seek your child’s heart and nourish his or her skills.
8. Don’t get too stuck in a boxed curriculum.
Do find ways to make learning come to life!
9. Don’t isolate yourself.
Do get plugged in with local homeschooling groups and friends.
10. Don’t worry about what’s popular with other homeschoolers.
Do follow your child’s unique interest and learning styles.
11. Don’t make “finishing the work” your goal for each day.
Do make the love of learning the goal. (That will stick with your kids for life!)
12. Don’t think of book work as a complete education.
Do incorporate real life learning: volunteering, home ec, and life skills.

♥♪♫•.•°*°•.¸¸♥. PEACE and LOVE .•°*° ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ Wendy