I've been thinking about homeschooling (since God has given me such wonderful ideas without looking at any curriculum). Since my husband is on board now I'm going ahead with it. There's a homeschooling convention in Indianapolis this weekend and I'm going! I'm very excited. I have my book bag for all the stuff I'm going to get. I'm also bringing my address labels (someone said they have you fill out a whole bunch of lists).

I have a 3 and 2 yr. old so the advice I've gotten to homeschool them is kinda what I'm doing now. Be with them and live life with them. I try to make the best of every opportunity to teach them. Like while traveling home from Grandma's house I did some math with Cassia (the oldest), "Look Cassia one truck ... Look Cassia another truck. One plus one equals two trucks. We've passed by two trucks!" When we're in the supermarket I try to get the kids to find letters on the products and say what the letter sounds like. I use the letter magnets on the freezer to teach letter recognition and what the letter sounds like ... etc., etc...
I've read Debbie Pearl's book To Train Up A Child. She taught me to take advantage of every opportunity to teach your children.

I do have a question about planning and keeping record and stuff like that. Do I need forms and charts? I've already been writing down every day in a day planner what I teach them. If I start homeschooling do I have to be more official?

Hi Violet, You will need to see what is required from your state. Here in FL we do not need to keep any records until 1st grade. I did start keeping records in K, just to get me use to the idea. Your state may require something else.

When you go to the convention they should have all the information you need. If not, I am sure someone on this list will be able to direct you to a link to your state.

As for planning, Donna has lots of helpful information on her web site at Homeschool Helps. I have learned a lot from that site and the forms I use for my records are from there also.

Hope that helps.

I hope you have a great time at the convention. As far as planning and keeping records, I concur with Michelle said above!!

Hey y'all! I'm back from the convention and I learned that here in Indiana all we need is an attendance record. I still want to keep very organized records of everything we do. I'm considering that in my decision to get an organization software program. I heard if a superintendent asks to see my records I should hand them over. That's why I want to keep really good records. Anything online for me is a whole lot more organized than what I can write down on paper. Thanks for your help!

Violet, if the superintendent needs to see your records, then you'll need to show them. You do not need to show them everything. What they will want is a record that shows the child is progressing in his/her learning.

Here in FL we have to keep records for two years. If the superintendent wants to see records they have to give a written 15 day notice. It is a rare thing to happen, usually they don't have the time, but if you are asked for records it is no big thing. You will be homeschooling with pride, keeping good records, and there is no reason not to show off your hard work. I would not take my children to see them or let the school board into my home. This is my .

That's good advice, Applie. I did hear that you should give what they ask for nothing more nothing less and that they can't come into your home.