How does homeschooling work?

It is hard to make solid suggestions without knowing where you live. In the US, for example, there are many states which do not even make Kindergarten manditory. That would mean that you would do nothing but enjoy the experience with your child that year. The experience is a matter of how you and your daughter learn best. Go to the library and check out Cynthia Ulrich Tobias' book, The Way They Learn. That will give you a basis for understanding how you will teach, as well. Then go ahead and pick up any home schooling book you can find. I also suggest that you try to find a local support group for home schoolers. Most will accept you even with a preschool child since many parents choose to begin home schooling through formal or informal preschool at home.

First you find out what the law is where you live. Second you decide what you what HS to achieve. Third you pick a method that you think will work for you and your daughter (but be willing to change if it doesn't work). My daughter is 4 and would be expect to start school in September. The law here in the UK says that her education is my responsibility, I don't need qualifications or anybody's permission and there is no requirement for monitoring or testing. We're taking a largely autonomous approach, with me suggesting things to do and providing opportunities for her to learn. We attend a local home ed group, she takes ballet classes and will be starting French lessons soon.

The first thing you need to do is check out your state laws. Your daughter may not yet fall under the compuslory age requirements, but it will be helpful for you to know the laws just in case. Here is a summary of each state's laws: http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp Here is a description of the different requirements: http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/homeschooling-requirements.html Next, start thinking about your daughter's interests and how she likes to learn. Here is some information on learning styles: http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/learning-styles.html That will give you direction in terms of choosing a homeschooling curriculum. For kindergarten, I recommend choosing a basic phonics and a math curriculum and working through it for a short amount of time each day, then spending the rest of the day reading, exploring, doing chores together, going on outings, etc. If you want a more formal program, many parents seem to like these programs: http://www.sonlight.com http://www.fiarhq.com http://www.mfwbooks.com http://www.winterpromise.com I used a workbook program called A Beka for my oldest and he is reading like a pro. Here's a list of similar programs: http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/complete-home-school-curriculum.html Story times, park days and field trips are great learning experiences for kindergarteners, and some support groups have events specifically for that age group. I started homeschooling my oldest when he was in Kindergarten and we really enjoyed it. I hope that will be your experience as well. Good luck!

Find a lesson plan that you think will work for your kid. For example is your kid likes drawing find a lesson plan that has drwaing things to learn them.

Homeschooling a young child is very easy. Go to http://www.oceanetwork.org/started/ and read all of the helpful information about getting started. 1. Teach her how to count, recognize shapes, letter sounds, etc. 2. Teach her how to read. 3. Teach her how to process math-facts by using flashcards and manipulatives. 4. Teach her how to write and practice penmanship. 5. Play games -- LOTS and lots of games. 6. Read aloud to her -- and as she becomes a good reader have her read to you. 7. Go on field trips -- walks in the park, museums, businesses, etc. 8. Cook together. Measure, sift, read instructions.... 9. Watch video documentaries about science -- animals and nature. 10. Exercise together -- take bicycle rides, jump on the trampoline, etc. 11. Find a local group of other people that are homeschooling. Join in on the activities that they plan. 12. Go to a home-school gym day once every week. 13. Sign up for music lessons -- piano, violin, choir, etc.... 14. Raise a pet. Feed it, water it, etc. 15. Plant seeds and watch them grow. The most important part of home-schooling is being a family. Live life --- homeschooling becomes part of your lifestyle. Do everything together -- have fun and encourage her in every new thing that she tries to do. Smile and relax -- a happy you will make a happy her! May God bless and guide you each day!