Note: The information in step 1 is specific to families in the province of Ontario, in Canada.
STEP 1
Was your child registered or attending a public or private school in Ontario previously?
If NO: skip to step 2
If YES: You have to submit a Letter of Intent to Homeschool before each school year to the school board until your child graduates.
It is a simple letter. Save their acknowledgement of receiving it for your records. That’s it.
No matter what the school board or principal says, you do not have to do anything further legally. Some principals might harass you; disregard them. Know your rights. You have the right to homeschool and in Ontario, that means homeschool with no government involvement whatsoever.
STEP 2
Were your children in a traditional school anywhere in the world before?
If NO, skip to step 3.
If YES: Deschool. Deschool. Deschool.
This is an important step. It is the transition from a traditional school system mindset to a homeschool mindset. Especially if traditional schooling involved a negative experience like bullying, etc. Before, your entire family routine revolved around the traditional institution of school. The deschooling process lets you step away from that and find the groove of your own family rhythm with no outside pressures.
During this time (few weeks to a month), you are reconnecting as a family. The kids may want school, or just want to sleep and play video games, or just be bored. That’s all ok. It’s part of the process. Think of it as resetting their education experience scales to zero, of wiping it clean.
When you have found your own unique family rhythm and flow, then you can begin the work of building your homeschool life.
STEP 3
As a parent, gather resources on homeschooling. You’ll want to start by getting to know yourself, your child/ren, and your entire family better. Ask yourself some questions:
-how does your child learn best?
-what are your child’s interests?
-what are your family’s priorities?
-what is your budget? (very important! Keep it realistic too!)
-what kind of support group is available to you?
-and more…
STEP 4
Gather materials.
Ask your homeschool support group as many questions as you need. Other families are your best resource.
It’s not only books. Toys. Board games. Educational apps. Equipment: tablets, laptops, art supplies, toys, etc
STEP 5
Plan it out. It doesn’t have to be a day by day plan. But come up with a flexible idea of what your day will look like and so on.
STEP 6
Bismillah, and start.
Things to remember:
-duas, duas, duas always
-no two seasons are alike in homeschooling. Your family is evolving and so is your homeschool. Be open to that change.
-embrace the mess…in the blink of an eye, these years will be gone
-the library is your best friend. Always check there first.
May Allah make us the best shepherds for our children,
and may He guide us on this journey.
Aemen
