How To Start Homeschooling: A Response to Mommy L's Letter

Image source: www.batavialibrary.org

Because of this blog and, I guess, my homeschooling articles on Smart Parenting's (SP) website, I have been blessed and privileged to have received inquiries from parents (some I know personally; most, though, I don't) about homeschooling, particularly in the Philippine setting.

Now, I am no homeschooling expert (I've told my editor at SP to change the "title" they've given me but they still haven't! hehe!), especially since we just "formally" started homeschooling Tim last September. However, I do have a passion for researching on homeschooling, which has recently translated into writing about it and interviewing more "experienced" homeschoolers. Still, I know I have a lot more to learn!

Anyway, most recently, this is one of the messages I received (I'm only sharing part of it and have "hidden" the sender's identity for privacy reasons):

Hi Tina!! I need some guidance and advice... I'm thinking of homeschooling.. Can you help me get started? I dunno how to start eh. I hope you can give me some guidance. Thanks! ~ Mommy L.


Below is part of my reply to her (pls. forgive the formatting, I just copied and pasted this from Facebook). I'm sharing it here in case there are other parents who may stumble upon this humble little blog of mine and are considering homeschooling too. I hope it helps somehow!

• Hi, Mommy L!  First off, let me honor you for your discerning about homeschooling..  I believe that when God places the desire to homeschool in someone's heart, He will honor and bless that decision! 
  
  
  Anyway, for starters, maybe you’d like to read these articles:
  http://www.smartparenting.com.ph/preschooler/education/homeschooling-in-the-philippines-faqs-and-tips-for-parents
  
  http://www.smartparenting.com.ph/kids/preschooler/why-homeschooling-is-best-for-your-preschooler
  
  
  http://www.smartparenting.com.ph/kids/preschooler/the-benefits-of-homeschooling-your-child
  
  
  http://rockersph.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/hello-world/(with a powerpoint show about Catholic homeschooling that I did for our homeschool group)
  
  FYI, we’re using Catholic Heritage Curricula (http://www.chcweb.com/catalog/index.html) as our core Kinder curriculum now, but supplement a lot with other stuff. 
  
  
  Admittedly though we’re quite eclectic and somewhat “irregular” in our schedule since I am still out of the house at least 2x/week because of work at SVP.
  
  
  We’re also praying about Kolbe (www.kolbe.org), and Seton (http://www.setonhome.org/) as they are both solidly Catholic and very Marian for grade school. Both have Kinder curricula though in case you’re interested. 
  
  Through the ROCKERs homeschool group, I have met lots of more experienced homeschoolers, who are more than willing to share their experiences and tips. It has been a HUGE blessing and I often get my encouragement to keep homeschooling from them! 
  
  
  Hope this helps you, dear! Will pray for you, your family and God's call for you! Godbless!
  
  
  If you want to be part of the ROCKERs Philippines Facebook group, just click here and ask to be added to the group. Alternatively, you may send me an e-mail at teachermamatina@gmail.com. ;-) I'd be happy to answer your questions or add you to the group, or both! ;-) God bless!