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This program can be
started at any time of the year, but keep in mind it is written, in regards
to seasonal activities, with the start of the traditional school year in
mind. Before you begin homeschooling, it is extremely important to inform
yourself of the laws governing homeschooling in your particular state. Most
state educational departments have a web presence, so be sure to look them
up and keep a copy on hand.
It is recommended that
you provide an environment for your child that includes education in as many
ways as possible. Keep learning games, activities, videos and books well
within easy reach for the child. Hang colorful, yet educational, posters in
the school- room, or in a room where the child spends much of his or her
exploration time. Do not forget that day-to-day life is important and
educational as well. Children observe, and absorb what you, their role
models, do and how you interact with others. Helping around the house,
cooking with you, helping you shop, bank, etc. are all learning experiences
that he or she will not likely get in a classroom.
Most of all, try not to
force your child beyond his or her capacity, yet also try to create a
challenging, loving and creative learning environment. It is vital to work
within your child’s range of skill and readiness. It is also extremely
important to read to your children and with your children, to guide them and
follow along and encourage their interests. If your child is suddenly struck
with an interest in rocks, for example, help the child learn more about
rocks, encourage a rock collection, visit a natural science museum, help him
or her research rocks at the library and on the web, etc.
Classroom set up recommendations
First off, it is most
important that you set up your schooling area in a way that is most
comfortable for you and your child. Keep books, paper, and supplies at hand
either in a box, or on a bookshelf, etc., that is easily located and
accessed, preferably easily accessed by the child as well. Organization,
flexibility and accessibility are key to creating a well rounded, successful
and fulfilling home educational experience for both you and your child. Keep
a 3 ring binder handy for attendance forms, children’s completed work,
notes, yearly assessments, records for the school board, State testing
results, ideas, lesson plans, items off the web, local homeschool group
contact information (if you have one), local school board contact
information, state laws, a calendar, copies of your intent to homeschool
forms as well as any correspondence with GMCA or your local school board,
and this curriculum, etc. Invest in a good 3 hole-punch as well. J
Divide the notebook in sections to keep you organized and your home and
homeschool running smoothly.
One item that is highly
recommended, and placed somewhere that is highly visible to your child, is a
good-sized, child friendly calendar. This type of calendar is readily
available at most school supplies stores. A calendar such as this can also
be made easily of poster board. Create a standard grid calendar format on
the poster board, leave a space at the top for the month, and complete the
days of the week using a marker, leaving the date grids bank. Fill the grid
spaces and the top month space with self-stick Velcro dots. Using Index
cards, cut to match the sizes of the date grids and write the numbers from
1-31 on individual cards placing the opposite Velcro piece to the backs of
the dates months cards. Create month cards as well, either with strips of
poster board or Index cards. You can choose to have the calendar and the
cards laminated (before you add the Velcro dots) if you desire or your
budget allows. This will create a movable and inexpensive calendar. If
desired you can also create generic (with no number) cards for national and
secular or religious holidays, full moons, birthdays, or special days your
tradition celebrates in the Wheel of the Year. Use the calendar at the start
of each day. This will reinforce and introduce your child to the concept of
time, the days of the weeks, the months of the year, the holidays, full
moons, and number sense.
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