As the motherhood and parenting boards light up on Facebook with questions about the best kindergarten programs available, the homeschool boards are hot with questions from parents preparing for their first year of homeschooling.
While the idea of starting a homeschool journey may be daunting, the resources available for a smooth transition is plentiful.
Register for the Alberta Home Education Conference
Every April, AHEA (Alberta Home Education Association) hosts a three-day conference in Red Deer. While there you can listen to speakers on a variety of subjects, meet other homeschool families, talk to homeschool boards about registration, and cruise through the vendor booths to find different materials.
How to Homeschool
According to the Alberta Education Act, there are two types of homeschooling.
There is the Alberta Programs of Study, with is an aligned program where children do the same schooling at home as they would do at school.
There is also the Home Education Program, which embodies the traditional homeschool methods which the parents choose where, how, and what their children will learn.
Some parents choose to blend the two programs together, using some of the Alberta taught methods such as language arts and math, and creating a program for social studies and science.
Find the hidden gems
There are many programs specifically designed for home school students. The Telus World of Science and the Edmonton Public Library have teamed up to offer a variety of free classes for our children. The Muttart Conservatory is another great attraction which creates great courses for a group of home schoolers to attend.
Register with a Homeschool Board
There are many amazing homeschool boards to choose from, depending on the type of schooling chosen decipher which board to choose. School of Hope and Wisdom are two of the many to choose from. Find out about how other parents enjoy their home school board by asking in a local online support group. The home school board will help with the letter of intent and education program plan.
Enjoy the Landmark Journey
Home schooling is so much more than learning to read and write. It is the focus on family connection and finding the love of learning. Splurge on year passes to places like Telus World of Science, and enjoy monthly field trips. Take the time to learn the passions of the children, and build family values.
Build Their School Yard
There is a large homeschool community out there. Reaching out and finding the village will be key to home school success. The village is built of peers for both the parents and the children. It will bring comfort, knowledge, and understanding when schooling becomes difficult, and it will help build life long friendships for the kids.
This feature is brought to you by Terra Landmark is the original Landmark Doula, and homeschool mom of two.