First, you must have at least a high school diploma or it's equivalent.  Next, you must file a letter of intent with the Dept. of Non-public Education, www.ncdnpe.org.  You can either call and request information, or obtain the information from their website.  You are required to keep an Attendance Record, a copy of each child's Shot Records and give an annual Achievement Test.   

 

You are NOT required, only suggested, to school 180 days, school in the morning, and school so many hours a day.  Each child is different and may need more or less time to school.  As homeschoolers, we teach each subject and not what the state requires that is not subject related.  So, we finish earlier. 

 

School Name:  When you file your intent, you are asked to name your school.  Your school's name can be either a street name (Main St. Academy, example), your last name, (Smith Chriistian School), or, in my case, my children's initials (J & M Christian School), whatever you want it to be.  Think about your name.  It will stay with you until you close your school. 

 

Achievement Tests:  The state recognizes 5 different achievement tests.  I use the CAT/5.  There is also a verbal, Stanford & Iowa.  You can administer the CAT tests yourself.  It's simple and easy to use.  DNPE's website list some places you can order tests from.  I have used Bayside (http://www.baysideschoolservices.com/) and Thurbers (http://thurbers.net/teatests.html) and have had great success with them.   Tests are usually ordered by Feb. and administered sometime between March & May.  They suggest keeping the same week each year.  I test the week of Easter.  It's easier for me to remember.  Greg Munger is a great person to use if you do not want to administer the test yourself (www.pesdirect.com).  Also, some Support Groups offer group testing. 

 

One major note, testing should be comfortable and stressless.   Group testing requires sitting still and no distractions of any kind.  My oldest would do well with a group, but my youngest definitely does not.  I've always tested myself and they both do very well. 

 

2nd major note, DO NOT get bent out of shape over testing.  This is something we are required to do, but in no way counts against us.  It's your report card.  It helps us to know where our child's strengths and weaknesses are.  The state files it and does not make recommendations based on it's report.  So, relax.

 

 

Support Groups:  Our area offers several support groups.  One group that is recommended is NCHE or North Carolinians for Home Education, www.nche.com .  With NCHE you'll get up to date information that you, the homeschooler, should be aware of.  Local support groups can offer everything from on-line chatting, group testing, meetings, fieldtrips to classes.  Choosing the right one can be difficult.  Just ask yourself, what is it that I want for myself and my childtren.  Greensboro, Trinity, Archdale, Thomasville, and Winston  all have support groups.  Some require dues and participation, some don't. Some people choose to join one group, while others will join more than one to all of them.  For cities without support groups, the Yahoo Groups are a good way to stay informed.  Please see Support Group page for those links.

 

Socialization:  Believe me, we've all heard the dreaded question, "What about socialization".  The only problem with homeschooling is "when do we do our work".  We tend to over socialize.  With team sports, scouting, park days, fieldtrips, co-ops and more, we tend to be too active.  It's great for the kids, but keep in mind what the purpose of homeschooling is, Education.  I haven't met a homeschooler, yet, that was tied to the house.  So, squash the socialization theory.  When you first start out, it is good to join some sort of support group or co-op.  They can be very helpful in answering questions and it's good to meet other homeschoolers.  Pulling helpful ideas from others can be a huge blessing.

 

Curriculum:  What do I use?  Good question.  Vendors are everywhere.  Not like it was 10 yrs ago.  You're the teacher, so what you choose must be compatable with your student/s.  Afterall, they're the ones learning.  Picking out the right curriculum can be a headache, but it's also trial and error.  I use a mixed curriculum.  Pathway Readers, Abeka Math, Some Classical Conversation, MCP Phonics, different language workbooks, BJU, etc.  I haven't found any one publisher that fits all our needs.  By mixing it up, you can tailor your curricula to your child's needs.  Each child learns differently and recognizing your child's learning style can really help you pick the right curricula.

 

If you want an all-in-one curriculum that dictates what, when and how, then Alpha Omega, BJU and Abeka are a good choice.  It can be more expensive going with a total curriculum, but for those just starting out, it can be easier to use and requires less planning.    

 

Once you filed your intent, registered a school name, joined a support group (optional), and picked out your curriculum,  then you're on your way.  Remember, help is just an email or phone call away.  Happy Homeschooling!

 

 

 

 

 

Science Centers, fieldtrips, vacations, helping around the house, nature walks, etc.. are great for science, history, health, home economics, math, and more.  Car rides are great for counting or reciting the abc's.  If it works, use it. 

 

Each child learns at a different rate.  Let them be your guide to how much and how long they should school.  For 4 yr olds, no more than 2 or 3 hours.  Younger children even less.  You want them to have fun and not be stressed about learning.  The time can be split during the day or all at one time, 3 days a week or 5, Sept. thru May or all year.  You decide what works for your family. 

 

The key is to have fun and provide a stressless learning atmosphere.  No family is perfect and no 2 families are alike.  So, whatever you choose to develope your child's learning experience and it works for you, GO FOR IT!!