Could you teach your children at homeschool? Do you wonder what is required to be a homeschool teacher? Do you know what you are required to teach at home? Have you ever said, “I don’t think I have the patience?” “I wouldn’t know where to start.” “I wouldn’t know where to get the teaching materials?” “I don’t have a college degree.” “My child needs the socialization that public school offers.” “I’d like to homeschool, but I work fulltime.”

There are many myths about homeschooling your children and most are just not true. The truth is that most parents could homeschool their children, at least in the United States. Unfortunately, there are some countries where it can be dangerous because it is illegal. There is a legal organization you can join for a very modest fee called Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) that can protect you, if needed, and inform you of the homeschool laws in your state.

Are You Qualified to Homeschool?

You do not need a college degree to homeschool your children. In fact, you don’t even need to be a high school graduate. Your job might be more difficult because you may need to learn some things along with your child. However, where there is a will, there is a way.

If you struggle with a certain subject that you do not feel competent to teach, consider these alternatives. Use a tutor for that subject, an online internet school, enroll your child in a single public school class, or join a homeschool cooperative. You need to teach your child reading, writing, arithmetic, state history, United State’s history and government. HSLDA may be able to give you a more complete list.

I went to my public school, asked for a copy of their graduation requirements, and taught my children those courses. That has worked out well, and my children have passed the state competency tests. (Note: I was not required to test my children, I do so voluntarily to see where they are, and to earn scholarship money.)

How Do You Begin?

If you lack patience or work full-time, but really want or need to homeschool, consider these possibilities. Join a homeschool cooperative, join an interactive internet homeschool, or purchase computer-based curriculum so that your child is working on the computer and only brings occasional questions to you.

If you don’t know where to start, check your area for a homeschool group or cooperative. Make an appointment to visit, ask questions, and ask other homeschool mothers what they like or don’t like about their curriculum.
Some popular choices for Christian curriculum are Alpha Omega Publications (AOP), Bob Jones, and Saxon. Non-Christian curriculum is available through American School of Correspondence, local teacher supply stores, or possibly from your public school. AOP has a free download from their website to test your child’s grade level so you will know where to place your child for success.

Social Education

Many homeschooled children are involved in enrichment activities and well socialized. Does your family attend church, AWANA, youth group? Perhaps your children take music lessons, swimming, horseback riding, or dance lessons? Does your city have an organized sports program that isn’t affiliated with public school where your children can play sports? What about 4-H, boy, or girl scouts, there are many options to socialize your children and you may have more influence on the type of friends.

This is the first in a series of homeschool articles. Next, I’ll discuss the children who could benefit from homeschooling. If you have questions, I will try to address them in future articles, so ask, please.