How to put together a home education plan
So you’re thinking about home education. Here are some tips to help you make an effective plan to get started.
1) Goals
If you are intending to apply for a Ministry of Education exemption to home educate your child, the best way to start to prepare for the application is to identify your goals. If you don’t have a destination, how can you plan your route?
This is also helps for the journey, because from time to time you may question if you are doing the right thing. Keeping an eye on the goals and the progress will help you to work this out. As your children develop, their goals will emerge too.
2) Investigate your children’s learning styles
Each child learns differently – i.e. kinetically, audibly, or visually – so educate yourself about different learning styles. Decipher how your child learns best, and create their education programme in a way that best helps them to learn.
3) Make a plan for the parent who will be educating
Whether it’s mum or dad, any adult staying at home and looking after children 24 hours a day needs some time out. Plan to allow this parent some time to themselves so that they don’t burn out.
4) Familiarise yourself with the legal/administrative processes
Preparing an application for an exemption for your child can be time consuming and complicated. Visit relevant websites and talk with the Ministry of Education about what is expected and required initially and on an ongoing basis.
5) Talk with other home educators
There are support structures and groups around the country for most home educators. It’s important to talk with other home educators before you take the plunge, so that you know what to expect and what support is available. Also check out online home education forums.
6) Investigate approaches and resources
Your goals will help you develop your educational philosophy. Obviously literacy and numeracy are important, but what else is important to you and your child when it comes to learning? Also, investigate curriculum options that are available to you. Work out how much it will cost you for resources so there are no surprises.
