***This event is now over, but you can view the recording of the live webinar HERE.***
Click HERE to download the Helpful Homeschool Links document, which includes most of the resources mentioned in our webinar.
Also, here are minute markers if you want to jump around the video to view the discussion on topics that interest you:
How do you know if homeschooling is right for you (11:50)
Pros/Cons to homeschooling (15:50)
State laws (19:12)
How to homeschool multiple children (21:24)
How to homeschool while working full/part time (28:10)
Curriculum (37:32)
Co-op vs. an Umbrella (39:17)
Do you get reimbursement for funds you spend on homeschooling (44:08)
How many hours/day or week do you have to spend on homeschooling (44:30)
How do annual reviews work (45:00)
Special Ed & IEP questions (45:52)
How do I socialize my kids (55:23)
How to tell your kids that you are going to homeschool them (1:00:16)
How do you homeschool only 3-4 days a week? Don’t you have to do classes daily? (1:03:50)
What do you need to do if you know your child will want to return to public/private school after homeschooling for a season (1:07:50)
Field trips & social outings (1:09:34)
Accelerated/gifted programs (1:11:45)
Homeschool reviews (1:14:06)
Two recommended homeschool books for parents (1:18:01)
How to get started homeschooling (1:19:00)
Closing remarks (1:24:00)
About These Ladies:
LESLIE is the single mama of two beautiful girls ages 9 and 8. She loves to get massages, watch movies, listen to worship music, and try most new adventures as long as it doesn’t involve water or spiders. Prior to becoming a mom, Leslie was an elementary school teacher, basketball coach, and traveled the world doing mission work. She has always loved working with children, which ultimately led her to become a licensed in-home childcare provider. Leslie is currently in the process of becoming a certified life coach. As a natural encourager, Leslie’s passion in life is to help people reignite the spark in their lives that will bring long-lasting joy. Over the years Leslie has learned how to homeschool on a very small budget, and is proof that with a little creativity and LOTS of patience, homeschooling is possible regardless of your situation.
LAURIE has been married to her high school sweetheart for 24 years. They have 4 kids, ages 20, 18, 15, and 11 and two dogs. She loves reading the Bible, spending the early morning hours with Jesus, hiking and being out in God’s great creation. Laurie is self-employed as a consultant, the program and volunteer coordinator with her church, and runs a fitness ministry called Radically Fit Ministries. Her family has been with Cedarbrook Academy, an umbrella organization, from the beginning of their homeschool journey in 2004. Her family uses a Charlotte Mason approach, which emphasizes living books and classical literature. Laurie wants future homeschooling families to know that there is no wrong decision, no wrong curriculum, and no falling behind. There is trial and error, learning how each individual child learns, and being exactly where God wants you to be.
TRACEY is currently a single mom of three amazing children ages 6, 10, and 12. She enjoys reading, binge watching movies and spending time with her kids cooking, playing games and traveling. For homeschooling, Tracey and her parents work together to teach her children. They mainly use the Bob Jones Press (BJU) curriculum, in addition to a few others such as Abeka and Math U See/Spell U See.They also attend a small private school, which is our umbrella group for gym, art and field trips. Tracey holds a Bachelors degree in Deaf Studies and a Masters in Special Education with Certification in Deaf Education K-12. Tracey is currently a middle school special education teacher who teaches English, Language Arts, and Reading. She specializes in working with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Prior to becoming a teacher, Tracey worked as a sign language interpreter. She also has training in Orton Gillingham (Reading Program for people with Dyslexia).
RENEE has been married for 15 years to Gene, who is also a teacher. They have 3 kids ages 8, 10, and 12. Renee taught public school in Frederick County, Maryland until her oldest child was born in 2008. She never returned to public education but decided to use her teaching degree to homeschool her children. She loves helping kids learn and has taught multiple writing and literature homeschool classes as well as several classes in the co-op their family has attended. Renee is drawn to a Charlotte Mason style of learning and is always excited to read good books with her kids. She’s also grown to be a Nature Mama, always eager to get her kids outdoors as part of the Wild + Free nature group that she helps co-lead. Those who know her well will tell you that she has a passion for helping homeschoolers savor their days together. She knew she wanted to be a teacher since she was a little girl, and now she gets to teach her three favorite students every day. When not teaching, Renee is often working on a DIY project for her 1800s farmhouse or reading a book on her front porch, a cup of chai tea latte in her hand.