The thought of independent homeschooling can be exciting and a bit scary to parents, especially after the challenges virtual learning experienced during Covid19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.
But, if you are considering independently homeschooling your children for the first time, I’m here to tell you, “You got this!”
Planning your child’s independent homeschool adventure does not have to be worrisome. You know your child better than anyone else and you have been your child’s teacher since birth. If anyone can teach your child what is most important academically, socially, and ethically, it is you!
Think about it. You taught your child how to walk, how to talk, how to ride a bike, and so much more. You didn’t need a “professional” to tell you how your child’s bike riding skills compare to
other children their age, or to tell you that your child wasn’t quite ready to ride without training wheels. You watched, you participated, you encouraged, and you knew.
You didn’t need a “professional” to tell you when to practice bike-riding or for how long. You and your child went out and practiced, following your child’s cues that showed exhilaration, frustration, or exhaustion. You could tell when would be a good time to rest and when to jump back in. As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. When working one-on-one, standardized tests, formal lessons of instruction, and traditional school schedules may not apply. You may choose when, where, or how to best help your child learn. Trust yourself, encourage your child, and have confidence. You got this!
When it comes to the nitty-gritty of curriculum planning and implementation, the homeschool community is here to support you in every way.
Organizations like the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, or HSLDA, the Homeschool Association of California, and the California Homeschool Network offer a wealth of resources to help you on your way including online courses for students and parents, guidance on “how to homeschool,” annual conferences, and even local homeschool groups in your area to meet up with for park days and field trips. Of course, we here at the Talega Preparatory Academy will support you as well.
The key to remember is that homeschool doesn’t need to look like a traditional school. As a California independent homeschool family, provided that you include instruction in the core subject areas of math, science, social studies, English, and physical education, you may choose the topics, academic levels, schedules, and activities that will best suit your family’s needs and your child’s interests and abilities. You can be flexible. If something isn’t working, you will know and can adjust your curriculum accordingly.
As we face a new school year of potential learning loss due to Covid19, more masking in grades K-12, and the ongoing possibility of ineffective remote learning (remote learning is NOT the same as homeschooling!), families are looking for alternatives to the traditional classroom. Parents, have confidence in yourselves. You are the first and best teacher for your children. No one knows your children better or loves them more than you do. We are here to help you plan and implement a joyful homeschool adventure. You got this!
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The Talega Preparatory Academy offers homeschool help for families whether they are new to homeschool, looking for homeschool planning or curriculum ideas, wishing to retain their child, wanting a creative or hands-on approach to learning, and so much more. Contact us so that we may help you plan your homeschool journey.
Marguerite Gaspar is the Director of the Talega Preparatory Academy, a California Private School offering Satellite independent study programs to families seeking the utmost in educational freedom. Marguerite has homeschooled her three children, taught middle school science and math for over thirty years in California public schools, and has supported homeschooling families throughout the state since 2002. She is committed to helping students and families homeschool, their way.