Starting Your Home School Journey: Part 2

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Dear Lesson Plan Ladies,

I have decided to homeschool my soon-to-be pre-k daughter using the classical model.  I have read portions of The Well Trained Mind and have enjoyed learning from it.  What do you consider the next practical steps? 

Sincerely,

Inquiring Mom 

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Dear Inquiring Mom,

You have taken a positive step in preparation for home school. Congratulations! Classical education is a wonderful way to equip your child for future excellence and success.  We love this enriching philosophy!        

Your next steps are very important legal steps.  First, go to Home School Legal Defense Association’s* website.  Here is the link: 

https://www.hslda.org/ 

Some families join HSLDA as a safe guard in case they run into home school related legal troubles.  Others join this organization to have access to a legal advocate in the case of someone squelching their home schooling rights.  Still others learn from the website and choose not to join the association. Whatever you decide, it is important to at least browse and learn from their site. 

On the HSLDA site, you will notice the “My State” section, a helpful tool for people new to or considering home education.  Click on your state to learn its particular home school laws, liberties, and responsibilities. 

Some home educating parents also desire to learn their state's public school requirements for specific grade levels.  In addition, some states require home schooled kids to take the state mandated standardized tests.  The following website will be helpful for both aforementioned categories:   

http://www.educationworld.com/standards/state/index.shtml. 

On this site, click your state to bring up its education website which contains standards and testing information. 

I know this is may not be exactly what you had in mind when you asked about your next steps.  However, these are important steps that will allow you to be an informed home school parent.  Take heart!  Once you learn the legalities of your state, the fun of home school can (and will) begin. 

Sincerely,

Lesson Plan Ladies

*HSLDA is a reputable organization.  We know there are other wonderful choices available, but LPL only have experience with this particular organization.  

Starting Your Home School Journey

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Dear Lesson Plan Ladies,

I am excited at the prospect of teaching my 2 year old at home when he reaches school age.  I came across your website and liked it.  Where should I start as I begin thinking about curricula choices and homeschool planning? 

Sincerely,

Future Homeschool Mom

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Dear Future Homeschool Mom,

Deciding to home educate your child is an exciting and serious decision.  We, as home educators, have a great responsibility to our children, and with that responsibility, comes a wonderful freedom.  Parents have the privilege of choice!  

Ask yourself these questions:  What philosophy best fits my child’s and my needs? Will that philosophy be ideal in assisting me to shape a growing mind?  Does it line up with our family’s values?  What classes should I teach in each grade?  What curricula aligns with my philosophy?  How do I plan our year?  Our week?  Our day?  These are essential questions to ask.   

Lesson Plan Ladies chose to classically educate our own children.  We believe in a rigorous, systematic, developmentally appropriate approach.  This philosophy may be a fit for you, as well.  Here is a link that gives LPL’s simplified answer to the question, “What is classical education?”. 

http://lessonplanladies.com/faq-and-support/ 

As part of your research, we also suggest reading The Well-Trained Mind by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer.  This resource offers a detailed description and specific road map for classical education. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0393067084?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0393067084&linkCode=xm2&tag=lesplalad01-20

For a more detailed synopsis of The Well Trained Mind, click here:  http://www.welltrainedmind.com/about/

If you think classical education may be a fit for you and your family, there are other wonderful resources available, as well.  Please write back when you are ready for more recommendations, or simply visit LPL resource page again.  LPL are excited for you and your child as you begin planning this home schooling adventure! 

Sincerely,

Lesson Plan Ladies