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Homeschool
Where to Begin
Take time if you can. I suggest trying to plan ahead if possible, like the spring or summer before to spend time doing the following:
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Breathe. Snuggle. Toast a cup of tea.
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Embrace your freedom as a homeschooler! to do "school" a million different ways - you are free to find YOUR way!
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Hang out with other homeschool families that are enjoying their experience to get inspired. BUT, also remind yourself that your journey does not need to look any which way, look like anyone else's or produce the same results as anyone else. Homeschooling is truly choosing the path you see fit for your child, adapting and flowing as you feel your way through it, and having fun learning with your child! Don't judge others' journeys. Pictured to the right are my two youngest girls. One is eclectically homeschooling and one is in a full-time classical school. They couldn't be more opposite of learning experiences, but they are both very happy in their chosen environments. I happily support them both!
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Come visit one of our events to meet other homeschool parents, go "shopping" in the resource fair to see all of the local education resources, and get excited... together!
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We also have a big library of homeschool resources (huge actually, so narrow your search by things that matter to you like location, approach, or grade levels)
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Investigate different style of homeschooling and imagine yourself using any of them to see it they fit. Here is a FANTASTIC video on homeschooling approaches.
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Investigate options for curriculum. There are a million (literally) options and it can be overwhelming. Skip to our Curriculum page for some guidance on this topic.
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Test out your ideas and educational tools on your kiddo. Give them the opportunity to choose for themselves what they like! Have fun getting to know your child in this new way and if something feels like you are pulling teeth to get them to do it, throw it out! There are plenty of other ways. Here is a great article on learning styles in homeschooling.
(stepping off my soap box now, LOL). I have blogged about my personal homeschool journey this year (see below).
We don't always have time to plan ahead. Life happens and sometimes we are shoved into homeschooling by unforeseen circumstances. Don't worry, friend. We are here for you. Fill out a contact form or give us a call anytime. We will do our best to support you.
I couldn't have said it better myself!
(So, I didn't - here is a great video intro to homeschooling. Her journey is faith-based, but a great intro for secular as well.)
My Homeschool Journey Blog
Fun Schools Group (and Summer Homeschool Carnival)
Homeschool co-op that meets in various locations around the Rogue Valley twice a week (although many families opt in for one day a week) such as parks, river, museums, farms and more. They also host the annual homeschool carnival (see our events page for more info).
Gather Round Homeschool Curriculum
Christian Curriculum covering all subjects other than math.
Gather 'Round Homeschool is not just a curriculum, it is really an entirely new way to homeschool. Targeted lessons that challenge and inspire curiosity in our students and are age/stage appropriate. One beautiful teachers guide and then connecting student pages that spider web into the amazing connections of social studies, science, history, reading, writing, spelling, grammar, geography, art, Bible, and more!
Global Learners Homeschool Program
Homeschool Co-op + culture and art summer camps. This program is focused on developing knowledgeable, empathetic students through a project based, globally focused curriculum. Empowering students to “be the change”. Our homeschool program meets 4 days a week during the school year. Ideal for creative, hands-on learners!
GP Flex
Grants Pass Flexible Learning Experience (GPFLEX) is an exciting educational opportunity for K-12 students and their families looking for an alternative to the traditional brick and mortar school. As our name suggests, GPFLEX allows students to work fully online, have a hybrid schedule with some in-person and some online courses and can serve as a bridge to other educational opportunities for a diverse array of students.
Guest Hollow
Guest Hollow is a small homeschool materials company that specializes in creating unique and engaging curriculums, printables, and books (all in digital format for download and viewing online) for homeschool instructors. As a literal ‘mom & pop company’, we pride ourselves on excellent customer service and offering the most interesting and easily followed schedules available. Our fun and flexible curricula are specifically designed to captivate both gifted and reluctant learners. Our award-winning materials cover grades ranging from Pre-K through High School. (free online textbooks for world history, biology, geography, and government or the biology workbook)