- Why are you interested in homeschooling? The "why" can often direct your initial homeschooling experiences and plans.
- Would you be any less concerned if your child was in public school? Often homeschool parents stress and worry about every education choice. However, if you think about it - if the child was in public school the parents would be worrying over each grade, how much homework the child has, parent/teacher conferences, behavior at school and any potential negative influences the child may be exposed to at school.
- How much time do you have to devote to homeschooling? Being a busy parent does not limit the ability to homeschool but it does direct some of the initial options and choices (i.e. carschooling may be something you want to take a closer look at).
- Do you know various homeschool terms/vocabulary? Like many other social niches, homeschoolers have developed their own vernacular. To learn more check out the CCHE homepage (http://www.cchomeeducators.com/vocabulary.htm). Understanding these terms can really make a difference when it comes to exploring your options.
- Do you know of any local homeschool support groups? CCHE is based in a fairly rural area - the Upper Peninsula of MI. Yet, there are several homeschooling groups within driving distance. Our main website also has links to various homeschooling groups (http://www.cchomeeducators.com/resources.htm)
- http://www.michigan.gov/documents/home_schools_122555_7.pdf - Michigan Department of Education's Summary Letter on Homeschooling.
- http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere/default.asp?bhcp=1
- http://www.homeschoolcentral.com/new.htm
- http://www.hsc.org/pubs/EmpoweringFamilies.pdf - Note: Based on California Laws (not Michigan)
- http://www.homeschool.com/new/
- http://www.homeschoolinfo.org/ - Note: Not sure I agree with everything on this site. I think it has some great information but it is written from the perspective of homeschooling in a state where there are more requirements and from a very structured perspective.
This article was written by:
Valarie Juntunen