Thinking of Homeschooling?

Presented by Bruce Flachsbart

Christian Homeschool Connection

www.chc1.net

Could Homeschooling be for you?

1. A Vision for

Homeschooling

2. Illinois Law

3. Resources and

Curriculum

4. Q & A

Vision for Homeschooling:

• Reactionary Reasons:

– Trouble in school or with a school (bullying, verbal

abuse, negative peer pressure)

– Unique learning needs of child (creativity being stymied)

• Visionary Reasons:

– Character development

– Relationship focused

– Explore together – context of real life

– Preparation for life – direction in life

Visionary “Thoughts”

• There is a bigger picture to “education”• It is NOT all about stuffing brains with “facts”• It’s really about developing a “love-for-learning”

that will last a lifetime• Teach life skills, strengthen weaknesses, and

develop each child's unique passions.• “Sharing your life stories with your family”• “Camaraderie and connection with your children”• “Celebrating the natural joy of a child learning &

exploring”

Illinois Law

– Homeschools are the same as Private Schools in

Illinois

– Children are not required to attend Public School

if they are: “…attending a private or parochial

school where children are taught the branches of

education taught to children of corresponding age

and grade in public schools and where the

instruction of the child in the branches of

education is in the English language.”

Requirements

– Ages 7 to 17

– 176 days of instruction, but not mandatory

– Required subjects: language arts, biological and

physical science, math, social sciences, fine arts,

health and physical development (additional subjects

required in High School)

– Special Needs Children can receive assistance

through the school district

How to Start

1. If child never

attended school →

nothing to file

2. After attending a

public school →

send an optional

withdrawal letter

Approaches

• Charlotte Mason

• Classical

• “Curriculum in a Box” – Text Books

• Unit Study

• Unschooling

• Delight Directed

• Eclectic

Factors Affecting Curriculum Choice

• Learning Style– On-line test to help

determine learning style: www.oklahomahomeschool.com

• Interests or what works

• Special Needs

Reporting / Record Keeping

• Daily / weekly

schedule

• Examples of work /

portfolios

• Record book

• Household tasks

Groups that Support You

• Boyscouts / Girlscouts

• Awanas

• Park District Activities

• Champaign Public Library

• Church support groups, Christian

Homeschool Connection, TORCH, & HOUSE

• Learning Cooperatives (parents take turns

teaching)

Support Groups

• Focus on parent / family relationships

• Provide encouragement, resources and

sharing of burdens

• Help maintain focus on vision

and family priorities

Checklist

1. Discuss this decision with your family

2. Research styles of home education – there’s

not one right way to educate your child!

3. Find a support group or groups

4. Gather resources

5. YOU CAN DO THIS!