Where to start for new homeschoolers
In the last few months I have had several requests for guidance on where to start when it comes to homeschooling for the first time. Here are a few helpful tips and links that I would recommend to those considering taking the home education path. Please note, these are specific to New Zealand.
- Talk to other homeschoolers you know and request to visit their home and see their resources etc. I personally found this really helpful and also inspiring!
- Have a read through the Ministry of Education info on homeschooling. This explains the law and requirements for homeschooling in NZ, plus it has the application form and guidelines for applying for exemption from school.
- Check out Cynthia Hancox’s website for help with writing an application for exemption from school. The exemption process is pretty overwhelming the first time around, so it’s extremely helpful to see examples of what’s expected and required. You can even get in contact with her for help if needed.
- Allow yourself plenty of time to write your application – think of it as an assignment! For subsequent children it is much easier, since you can reuse a lot of the content. However, you need to make sure you tailor it to each individual child. Once you’ve written it, there are many experienced homeschoolers around who will happily read it through and give you advice on how to improve.
- Join homeschooling Facebook groups near you for support and to keep up to date with local activities. The homeschooling community is awesome!
- If in Auckland, join Auckland Home Educators and get in touch with them if necessary. They can put you in touch with other like-minded people, or point you to other sources of information.
If you’re anything like me, after doing all your homework on home education you will probably feel overloaded with information and perhaps a little overwhelmed and intimidated. Remember to just take it one step at a time, and allow yourself to slowly ease into it. Don’t give up! You will eventually find your rhythm and homeschooling style. The rest of us are mostly pretty ordinary mums (and dads) who decided to give it a go and are just doing the best we can.
All the best with your journey!
