HOW do I get started?

The most important advice we can give you as you start is this:

DO NOT RUN OFF RIGHT THIS MINUTE AND BUY A VERY EXPENSIVE COMPLETE KIT FOR YOUR STUDENTS OR SIGN UP FOR A YEAR LONG COMMITMENT TO AN ONLINE ACADEMY.  Those companies employ very convincing salesmen that want your money and don’t care if the product will work for you.  They might be selling what works for you, but they might not. Spare yourself some trouble and hair-pulling with the following steps:

1. Ask yourself how YOU work.  Are you very rigid or go with the flow?  Do you need a set schedule or do you like to follow the rabbit trail?  Does the idea of a rigid schedule break you into hives or do you need something that is laid out in full?  How much work can you handle in this?  What is your end goal? 

2. Do the same for each of your children.  Some families get all kids with the same wiring but that’s pretty rare.  What is more likely is your kids will be all over the place in strengths, weaknesses, and interests.  One might hate workbooks while another loves them best of all. Consider how your kids work as individuals!  Talk to them.  What are their goals?  (Do they have them?) Maybe they’re short term, “I want to learn how to draw turtles” or maybe they’re long-range “I want to go to CU and be a biomedical researcher.”  Whatever they are, it gives you a starting line. 

3. After you have considered what makes everyone involved tick, and what everyone’s goals are,  involve your kids in the curriculum hunt.   Look at samples together.  Would they want to do this?  Do you want to teach this?  Does it fit your goals, your lifestyle, and your budget?