Christian Home Education

Steps To A Successful Homeschool

Introduction

Please sign up for our E-news and Info List above for a FREE monthly homeschooling newsletter.  If you are considering homeschooling, we will send you a free DVD titled "Why Homeschool?" and resource information to help you get started.

Please take the time to review this entire website, read the articles, listen to our free audio broadcasts and view our free on-line video broadcasts. We also have other DVD's and CD's with discussions from experienced homeschooling families available for purchase; visit our Store by clicking here. 

Step 1: Biblically research God’s plan for training and educating children.

The Bible is replete with God’s teaching as to how children should be educated. Take the time to research the Scriptures (click here). The decision to homeschool must be one that is decided upon by the husband, with the wife's obedience.  It is imperative to have a family that is in obedience to God's design for the family.  

Step 2:  Find a support group or mentor.

Visit our Group listing page and locate a mentor, CHM chapter or group near you. If one is not available, we will personally help you find a mentor or local Christian support group to help you.  Our goal is to connect you with mentors that promote Biblical worldview home education and not secular government homeschool programs.  E-mail us for more information.

Research homeschooling!  Our website has a variety of DVD videos discussions with experienced homeschooling families sharing on a variety of topics, such as Learning Styles, Teaching Science, Homeschooling Preschoolers, and Homeschooling Teens.  There are also many books available on homeschooling. Here are a few of the ones we recommend: 

• Home Schooling:  The Right Choice, Christopher Klicka

• Worldwide Guide to Homeschooling, Dr. Brian Ray, Ph.D

• The Home Schooling Father, Michael P. Farris

• Home Educating With Confidence, Rick & Marilyn Boyer

• A Mom Just Like You, The Home Schooling Mother, Vickie & Jamie Farris

Step 3: Get a copy of your state’s homeschool laws

Every state has a different set of requirements for home educators.  Please consult with the Home School Legal Defense Association. They provide the most up-to-date information on laws. To obtain a copy of your state’s homeschooling law from the Home School Legal Defense Association’s website, visit www.hslda.org and click on State Laws. Or, write or call them to request a copy (HSLDA, P.O. Box 3000, Purcellville, VA 20134, 540-338-5600).

Step 4: Consider the Freedom to Learn

One of the blessings of providing your children with a Biblical home education is the freedom to learn according to yours and your child’s style.  Whether you choose to provide an education experience that duplicates traditional schooling in your home or you allow children to learn more freely, God will bless your endeavors when you seek to educate them with Him as the Foundation.  A homeschool environment will allow God to show you and your children their God-given talents, and they will delight in their educational experience.  Some families choose textbook style learning or learning through reading.  Some years you may try teaching in one way and change the next.  God has given every family a unique situation, so listen carefully to advice from other homeschoolers, but be prepared to create your own teaching style that will maximize your children’s learning, and yours, too!

Step 5: Choose Curriculum and Resources

It is very important in today’s culture to refrain from using public school or virtually all or at least most of the secular curriculum.  Even the public schools simple readers covey a belief, attitude and information that is contrary to God’s Word.  While no curriculum is perfect, most Christian curriculum and books are written by Christians and from a Christian worldview so it is imperative to train and educate your children upon these precepts. God will bless your endeavors if you are training your children from textbooks that give glory to Him.  God is pleased when His children are learning about Him and not the ways of the world.  Curriculum can be purchased either at Christian bookstores, on-line, or through catalogs. Most states have annual homeschool conventions where you can browse vendors and get a hands-on look at the products they carry.  

Christian Curriculum providers:

Homeschool Headquarters www.homeschoolheadquarters.com - Homeschool Headquarters are departments in various Christian books stores nationwide that have a selection of homeschool curriculum  Visiting one of the stores is a wonderful way to look through the curriculum. 

A Beka (800-874-BEKA) www.abeka.org  Christian homeschool curriculum.
 
Alpha Omega/Bridgestone Academy (800-622-3070) www.aop.com Christian homeschool curriculum.
 
Bob Jones University Press (800-845-5731)  www.bjup.com  Christian homeschool curriculum.

Christian Liberty Academy (847-259-4444) www.homeschools.org  Christian homeschool curriculum

Catalogs:

Timberdoodle (360-426-0672) www.timberdoodle.com

God’s World Book Club www.gwbc.com (800-951-BOOK)

Step 6: Subscribe to Newsletters & Magazines

Getting a regular boost of encouragement and fresh teaching ideas can be invaluable to the homeschooling family.  Sign up for our e-news report at the top of the page and we will send you a free monthly education report.