New to Homeschooling?

A Note from our Director:
I am passionate about homeschooling, and while there have been many seasons in our thirteen years of homeschooling, I believe parents know their children best. Who's better to prepare them to be adults than you? God gave us the responsibility to train our children, not the public school system. Each child is unique and different, and homeschooling helps us tap into their gifts and talents. It is not always easy, but it is a privilege that I don't take lightly. 

My first year of homeschooling in 2009 was a huge learning curve. I was overwhelmed before starting because I didn't know what curriculum to buy or whether I would be able to teach my kids. I am grateful for the homeschool parents who helped me along the way and allowed me to visit their homes and gather ideas, as well as draw from their years of wisdom. I would love to feel like an expert, but each year is a new season for us. Homeschooling is an adventure; we get to do it as a family.

There are many resources available for homeschooling, which can be overwhelming. But take a step back and enjoy quality time with your children. In our first year of homeschool, we used Sonlight, a completely Christian, literature-based homeschool curriculum. Today there are thousands of resources at your fingertips through online learning. Most are cost efficient and many resources are free. If you don't know where to start that is okay too. We can help you get going in the right direction. Remember homeschooling is a journey with your children and the most important thing is to enjoy the journey. 

Homeschool Styles:
While there is no right or wrong way to homeschool, there are many different styles of homeschooling. Some families prefer replicating a  classroom, while some desire to do more hands on learning and through field trips, experiments, as well as online learning which can be done anywhere, not just in your home. We are all different, and what works for one family may not work for another. And that's the beauty of Homeschooling; You can make any resource you find, fit your schedule, family, learning styles, and homeschooling style.

Learning Styles:
I learned that my children have different learning styles during our first year of homeschooling. Every child does. A significant advantage of homeschooling is that you can teach to each of your childrens learning styles as there is no one size fits all. 

Legal Requirements:
The only two requirements in Virginia) is to notify your school superintendent that you plan to homeschool by August 1st and send your child's results to the superintendent by August 15th of the following year. Please check with your specific city because  each city has different requirements on top of the state requirements.  

Homeschool Co-ops:
Homeschoolers need encouragement and support! This is a big job, and there is no paycheck to validate your hard work. I loved the co-ops I have been involved with in the past. There were classes for all my children, even a nursery for the baby. My older children have taken classes like music, art, and even PE, all of which were hard for me to teach at home. We had field trips, school pictures, and even a yearbook! These are all the things I am trying to do at Hope for Tomorrow, with your help and, most notably, with God's help!

The main thing with homeschooling is to relax and don't get stressed! Take it one day at a time. Homeschooling is a journey, a privilege, and an absolute joy.

May God Bless you and we look forward to working with you,
Mrs. Harper 

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