Children in military families have specific academic needs and styles of learning. It is hard to follow a rigid learning schedule while relocating. In order to maintain a steady education in the face of frequent transitions, many military parents are resorting to homeschooling. Homeschooling is the smartest alternative to traditional schooling. The resources and technology available to families today make it easier than ever to incorporate a homeschool curriculum.
Homeschooled children enjoy the liberty to study at their own pace, according to their personalized schedule. Of course, this flexibility works very well for children belonging to military families. Parents play a major role here. Many military families devise a homeschooling curriculum right from scratch. They keep their children’s learning objectives and patterns in mind while creating the schedule. However, the level of parental involvement depends on the willingness of homeschooling parents.
There are ample homeschooling benefits. However, the most beneficial is flexibility. Other benefits include convenience, variety of study options, liberty to follow self-paced curriculum, customizability to cater to the students’ needs, no geographic constraints, etc.
Plan Beforehand
Make sure to plan early. Have a bullet-proof plan for homeschooling your child or children before the process begins, if possible. Have back-up plans as well in case the initial plan fails. In short, be ready for setbacks. A good way to start planning is to look into important local homeschool laws, search for genuine support groups, order curriculum, gather requisites for homeschooling, etc. If you are moving overseas, make sure to gather important academic resources for your child, like text-books, reference books, etc., before the move. You can also make the process of planning fun for your child. Try to engage them into certain activities like searching for field trips, volunteer work, trips to the museum, etc.
Focus on Making Some Genuine Connections
Frequent military moves make genuine friendships and bonds very important. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to find opportunities to form relationships. You can start by asking around at your new place. Search for homeschool groups to join on Facebook or through Google. Your installation’s MWR is another great place to find support and community.
Look into the State’s Homeschool Laws
It is important to check the laws of the state where you are residing when you begin homeschooling. Keep in mind that homeschool regulations differ from state to state. Some states do not have any requirements for homeschooling. However, some states require you to submit a simple form to the local school district. In some states, there are requirements related to testing or assessment. Look for reliable websites that provide you with an insight into the series of homeschool regulations.
Use Military Resources
Relocating to a new place is overwhelming and stressful. Luckily, there are many resources available to aid you. If you are seeking information about academic services available to military families, visit the Department of Defense Education Activity website. They have information on homeschooling and other resources. You can also visit the Center for Parent Information and Resources, which supports parents of students with disabilities. They provide a comprehensive list of genuine resources that are particularly meant for military families.
Stay Patient and Healthy
Do not overlook the health factor, especially when you are planning to homeschool your child. Make sure that your family is healthy once the relocation is done. Also, while homeschooling, be ready for setbacks! Things might not be peaceful and consistent all the time. Unexpected events can pop up anytime. You might have to relocate on short notice. Thus, you need to have a good head! Always keep in mind that homeschooling can provide a good deal of stability, even while relocating. If you have planned it out well, your child can experience a seamless learning course flow at the time of relocation. Remember to exercise and encourage your child to remain active as well. When you follow healthy lifestyle habits, your child is bound to get encouraged by you. With a healthy body and mind, your child can participate in homeschooling the right way.
Why Homeschooling?
Homeschools offer your child a well-structured and customized learning curriculum and platform. Many times, parents from military families hire tutors to supplement their children’s learning. In fact, homeschooling parents who do not feel qualified often hire tutors as well. A benefit of homeschooling is that it allows child to spend quality time with their family. Also, parents have a good deal of control over their child’s learning. In other words, homeschooling can enable child to learn seamlessly, providing them with an individualized education plan. Homeschooling keeps a military family strong.
The learning methodology that is incorporated at Forest Trail Academy affords students from military families the flexibility to attend their classes virtually from any place. These virtual courses are self-paced. The curriculum can be customized to cater to the needs of the students. Forest Trail Academy is also able to accept students with IEP and 504 accommodations, if applicable. The accredited online school is aligned to national and state standards.