Friday, November 2, 2012

Short Version of Homeschooling (in Alabama)

I had a reader ask a question on how to get started in homeschooling and choosing curricula. She also lives in Alabama and I thought I'd just make it a post in case someone else had the same question.

To make a long story short, you get to choose which curriculum you think will work for your family. Each curriculum has different levels of study. Some are Bible based others are not. This will take some time on your part to choose what is right for your family.

Here are some of the more well-known curricula to help you get started:

Sonlight
My Father's World
ABEKA
RightStart Math
Saxon Math
A Reason for Spelling
Handwriting without Tears
Getty-Dubay Italics

Click HERE for reviews of different curriculum we have used.

Another great option for you would be to attend one of the Homeschool Conventions. You can find more info for Alabama conventions here:

http://www.alabamahomeschoolexpo.com/
https://www.homeschool-life.com/al/chefofalabama/

Another good place for information on homeschooling is http://www.hslda.org/

If you are not a licensed teacher, you will need to find a cover school. There are several types of options with this.  You can choose something local to you that offers classes or you can go in the opposite end and find a cover that only requires you turn in your paperwork and number of days completed. (Alabama has VERY flexible rules regarding homeschooling.)  Each cover will have its own set of requirements; possibilities include: statement of faith, curriculum list, grades, ACT testing, etc. You will have to do some research on this one.
 
I remember getting a bit overwhelmed with all the choices in the beginning, but as you begin to research you will whittle away the ones that won't fit and your list of choices will become smaller.  If you have further questions (and I'm sure you will), please feel free to contact me at missbecky75 {at} gmail *dot* com

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