Homeschooling in Tennessee is a popular and valid method of education. The state approves this way. Many families choose to homeschool their children because it offers freedom and flexibility. Also, it is cost-effective too.

Homeschooling in TN is growing. Parents can control everything as long as they comply with the state laws. Tennessee’s Department of Education even makes things easier for homeschooling parents. The state approves getting support from umbrella schools and online private schools. However, things can be challenging for beginners. In this post, we will share some practical tips for successful homeschooling in TN from local parents. Let’s dive in!

Why Homeschooling in TN Is Different

Like other states in the United States, Tennessee has its own homeschooling laws and regulations. If you want your kids to graduate successfully, you need to know the basics and comply with the rules.

• Tennessee requires parents to notify their local school district before each school year.
• You’re expected to teach for at least 4 hours a day over 180 days.
• Attendance records and vaccination proof might need to be submitted.
• There are options like independent homeschooling or umbrella schools.

Once you understand the framework, you can easily plan and schedule your homeschooling legally and confidently.

Top 5 Homeschooling Tips from Local Parents in TN

Homeschooling offers freedom with some challenges. As there is no academic framework and requirements, it’s easy to fall behind schedule. To make your homeschooling journey smooth, follow this advice and these tips from local families.

Set Up a Solid Routine

Homeschooling parents often face challenges in balancing their teaching schedules with flexibility. You want your kids to learn consistently. Also, you want the maximum freedom homeschooling offers. So, follow this routine. 

• Add breaks and free time into your daily teaching schedule.
• Don’t skip your schedule for most days, but adjust it if you need to.
• Use a simple calendar or planner to keep everything on track.
• Include start times and end times for each subject or activity.

If the routine is fixed and predictable, kids can build good habits around their schedules.

Choose the Right Curriculum for Your Family

There is no restriction on choosing your curriculum. You have total freedom to choose whatever you want from the state’s specific subjects. So, pick one that matches your kid’s learning style.

Options to consider for Homeschooling in TN:

• Independent curricula you can customize.
• Accredited online schools offering guided lessons.
• Umbrella schools for extra support and record-keeping.

If you use umbrella schools, consult with the support team to choose the best curriculum for your child.

Make Learning Hands-On and Fun

When you homeschool your kid, it’s you and your child. There are no other students present. So, you can apply creative teaching and make your kid an active participant. Kids remember lessons better when you incorporate everyday life into learning opportunities.

Follow these pro tips:

• Use real-life examples to break down tough lessons.
• Turn cooking into a math and science lesson.
• Explore local history on field trips around Tennessee.
• Use arts and crafts to teach creativity and motor skills.
• Incorporate gardening to teach biology and responsibility.

Though you can’t access traditional public schools, you can definitely visit the state’s parks and museums. These are the best places to teach your kids with real-life examples. 

Build a Support Network

Don’t just isolate your kid from others. Contact other homeschooling families and build a community in your area. You can arrange get-togethers, field trips, and sports.

You’ll want to:

• Join local homeschool groups or co-ops in your area.
• Participate in field trips and group classes.
• Connect with other parents for advice and encouragement.
• Use online forums and Facebook groups for extra support.

These extracurricular activities help kids grow their social skills and make friends.

Keep Good Records from Day One

According to Tennessee’s homeschooling law, you need to keep attendance, test, and progress records. Also, you need to submit them to the local school district. So, local homeschooling parents suggest maintaining a good record from day one.

You can use spreadsheets or a planner to organize these records. However, if you enroll your kids in umbrella schools such as Graduates Academy, they handle the paperwork and submit it to the school district.

Here’s what to keep:

• Daily attendance logs.
• Samples of your kids’ work.
• Curriculum details and grades.
• Immunization and health records.

Conclusion

Homeschooling in TN is not a challenging task if you have all the information and knowledge. These practical tips from local parents will help you make your homeschooling journey easier. We highly recommend reaching out to other homeschooling families who have successfully taught their children at home. They can share essential guidance, resources, and support. Also, you can get help from umbrella schools. They provide every support you need in your homeschooling journey.

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