Hi, and welcome or welcome back if you've been here before. My name is Tracy and I am here to tell you to take a deep breath and relax. But Tracy, I don't know what the heck I'm doing! To that I say, let me help you out. Let's talk about it. After each of our conversations (posts), you won't feel so overwhelmed and by the end, you'll know exactly what you're doing.
Yes, it's stressful to take on your child's education whether you're a current homeschool parent(s) or you're taking the plunge because of covid19. I'm here to guide you. I'm here to encourage you. I'm here to let you know that if I can do it, you can too. So where to start? Like everything else, at the beginning.
Decide what kind of goals you would like to accomplish when teaching your kid. Are you kidding me? No. I'm not. And the reason is so that you'll know how to teach your child, what to teach your child and what kind of resources are there to help. Your goals can be for that school year only. You don't have to plan out his college education when he's in 3rd grade unless they know exactly what they want to be when they grow up. :) Also, there's always room for flexibility.
And just so you know, what I just wrote is easier said then done! With that being said, the best way to figure out what it is you're trying to accomplish is... Question: What grade is your child? Let's just stick with the 3rd grade theme. Sorry, I'm random but follow me here... Go online and find your state's standard report card for 3rd grade. Print it up. Now take a look at it.
What you see should help ease your mind. It gives you a guideline of what your state's traditional schools teach at the 3rd grade level. It even has a scheduled timeline on it! Okay, maybe not quite a calendar, but a school year of what is required. With this information, you are able to see the big picture for the year and also able to set your goals.
Why is this important? Because now you'll know how you'll want to teach your child and/or if you'll need help, or a support group, maybe a tutor? Or if both parents are working full time, can it be done without outside help? It will help you decide which homeschool option is best for you and your family as there are many ways and so much flexibility when teaching a child. Homeschool offers a custom education for your kids and for the parent(s).
Organizing your thoughts on this unknown, possibly new adventure, in the very beginning, helps put into perspective what it is you're trying to do which ultimately will help you and your confidence. Start here. You've got this.
-TM :)