1. LEARN about home education.

It is very important to know why you are making this decision. Homeschooling is a wonderful journey, but when difficult days come, you will need to be confident that you made a sound, informed decision.

• Seek God’s wisdom
• Watch the You Can Homeschool! Online Seminar
• Explore different methods of homeschooling
• Research books, newsletters, magazines, blogs, videos, and podcasts presented by Home Educators.
• Talk with other home educators in your area
• Attend available events and support group meetings

2. FAMILIARIZE yourselves with Oklahoma law concerning home education.

3. FORMALLY withdraw from public or private school, if registered

• Write a letter of withdrawal – need help, click here

4. PERSONALIZE homeschooling goals and needs.

• Evaluate family goals, lifestyle, and ministries
• Evaluate each child’s needs: spiritual, emotional, academic
• Note each child’s talents, interests, strengths, and weaknesses
• Consider your budget

5. FORMALIZE your reasons for choosing home education.

• Determine your philosophy of education.
• Write a statement of purpose or a constitution.
• List your general objectives and goals for each child: spiritual, academic, and character maturity.
• Consider how long you plan to home educate

6. CONNECT to others for support, encouragement, and to share ideas and information.

• Find and join an established support group
• Seek out like-minded families in your church and community
• Team up with a close friend who is also teaching children at home.
• Subscribe to home education blogs, podcasts, social media, and online newsletters.

7. EVALUATE each child’s level, including his/her academic needs, strengths, and learning styles.

• It is common for students to work at many levels other than their actual grade level – tailor your curriculum to meet specific needs and interests.
• Scope and sequence charts may be helpful.
• Children coming out of a traditional school setting may benefit from testing to determine an appropriate course of study.
• Preschoolers and Kindergarteners benefit most from attention, reading, discipline, and discovery rather than a rigorous school format. They may express no interest in school or be excited to get started. Keep each day brief, basic, and fun. Let them work alongside you during the day, read together, and explore the outdoors daily.
• First grade (not earlier than 6 years of age) is the time to lay a firm foundation in reading and math skills. Teach at an appropriate level, focusing on a positive attitude toward learning.
• Elementary grades 2-5 are full of exploration and discovery.
• Junior high begins the transition to high school. Seek to fill learning “gaps,” practice test-taking and good study skills, hone writing skills, and chart a course for high school study. Offer support, encouragement, and direction.
• High School involves classes for credit, career goals, college preparation, work, volunteer experience, driver’s training, and social development. Take these years seriously – once you start, be prepared to follow it through.
• Know that sometimes Meltdowns happen!

8. CHOOSE and Gather an appropriate curriculum for your homeschool.

• Knowing your child’s primary learning style is helpful as you choose the curriculum.
• Curriculum resources are listed here.
• Learn the ups and downs of virtual charter schools and how they relate to constitutional home education

9. SET UP your school environment.

• Designate specific areas for books/supplies
• Acquire resource materials and supplies
• Know that your home doesn’t have to look like a school classroom

10. SEEK community resources that complement your curriculum

• Field Trips
• Church-related groups and activities
• Museum, zoo, cultural exhibits, or nature center classes
• Music, art, drama, or dance classes
• Gymnastics, physical education, and organized sports
• Internships, public speaking, paging at the state capitol

11. ESTABLISH your own schedule.

• School hours per day (a routine structure…with flexibility)
• Number of school days per week
• 180 days per year required by OK law
• Length of term, noting holidays, vacations, etc
• Let your kids know what the new school routine is. Don’t leave them in the dark, but give them a good heads up so they know change is coming.
• Household chores – everyone can help!

12. PREPARE your record-keeping system.

It is wise to keep records even though it is not mandatory in the state of Oklahoma. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this.

• Attendance Record
• Lesson Plans
• Evaluation of the child’s progress: grade book or journal
• Daily work: cumulative record file or notebook
• Achievement Test Scores
• Portfolio

13. JOIN Homeschool Oklahoma

You’ll have full access to information, resources, and special events.

14. CONSIDER a Home School Legal Defense Association membership.

If you have further questions, please contact HSOK at team@hsok.org.