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Getting
Started
Whether
you’re thinking about homeschooling or have already decided to homeschool,
be sure to visit
NHEN's New Homeschoolers page.
You’ll find information about learning styles, homeschooling approaches,
homeschooling resources, and much more.
Legal
requirements.
West Virginia’s compulsory attendance statute sets forth the
requirements for homeschooled students and the person providing instruction.
It is important to understand
the compulsory attendance law
and become familiar with its requirements before you begin homeschooling.
Basically, the law requires you to notify the county school board or superintendent of
your
intent
to homeschool,
and to provide the results of an annual
academic assessment.
What about
curriculum? Many
families design their own curriculum while others purchase a
“curriculum-in-a-box” that is complete and ready to use. Some
homeschoolers refer to the
WV Content Standards and Objectives for
their children’s grade levels. Some
families use public school textbooks, available for free through your
county’s school board. Homeschoolers of all stripes frequently use the
Internet and community resources such as libraries and museums. There are many
excellent resources to help you find or develop a curriculum; one good
reference is Rebecca’s Rupp’s Home Learning Year by Year.
Find support. Talk
to other homeschoolers about their experiences. Join an e-list and/or find a local
support group. Or you can call WVHEA (800-736-9843) or
email us
for a contact person in your area.
Does
homeschooling work? Homeschooling
is very efficient because it allows a child’s education to be tailored to
his or her abilities and interests. Homeschool graduates enjoy the same
opportunities as other graduates, and have proven successful in higher
education and a variety of careers.
What
are some of the benefits of homeschooling? One
of homeschooling’s greatest strengths is its flexibility. There are as
many ways to homeschool as there are families. Children benefit from
individual instruction designed to meet their needs. Homeschooling also
fosters strong family relationships.
What
if our child needs to learn something that we can’t teach?
Parents don’t have to be experts in everything to homeschool successfully.
You can share your child’s learning adventure by learning the material
together, or assist him or her in finding someone who can teach it. Friends,
neighbors, and business people are usually glad to help a young person learn a
new skill.
My child has special needs. Can we still homeschool? Yes. Homeschoolers have the flexibility of adjusting the learning materials to more closely match their child’s needs. We suggest you consult West Virginia Parent Training and Information (WVPTI) (800-281-1436), a resource for parents of children with special needs. This organization can help you find the help your child needs. In addition, WVHEA has a special needs advisor who can help with questions, Mary Ellen Sullivan (mary.ellen@frontiernet.net; 304-795-4388). Homeschool mom Heather Laurie's website http://specialneedshomeschooling.com/ can help too.
What about socialization? Most homeschoolers are involved in a variety of outside activities that allow ample interaction with other children: sports, dance, theater, church, and organizations such as scouts and 4-H. In many areas, local groups of homeschoolers get together regularly for various activities. Families often find that homeschooled students actually have more time to participate in outside activities, which bring them into contact with a wide array of people of all ages. Be sure to read
A Social Experiment.