E3 Camping Issue Q4 2020 | Page 75

Homeschooling on the Road
You can get free curriculum packages from organizations like K-12 or spend thousands of dollars on private , online or personally created programs . Whatever your personal preference , there are tuition free , quality programs from charter schools and state run programs . Look for a no fee , online school with advanced placement classes , as well as , opportunities to complete basic college courses at an extremely reduced rate , giving your student the ability to finish at least the first year of college before they ever step foot on campus saving thousands of dollars ! Check your local area for colleges that have done similar things in your area .
Is it legal to make my own curriculum ?
There is an enormous variety of options when it comes to the programs and tools for homeschooling . You ’ ll want to choose the best homeschool curriculum for the student and your travel itinerary . Not every program is ideal for learning on the go . Some of the considerations have to take into account when deciding on curricula include :
• How much storage space do the materials require ?
• How much space will be needed to complete the school work ?
• Are all the supplies included or need to be purchased on the road ?
• Can more than one child share curricula or materials ?
• If the curriculum is web-based , will you have internet connection ?
Be sure to check the regulations for your state before you go . Home School Legal Defense is a great place to start . Homeschooling is regulated at the state level , requiring you to establish a “ home state .” If you ’ ve already been homeschooling in a particular state , then great — you ’ re already familiar with the laws you homeschool under , and will maintain those same homeschool requirements while traveling .
If you are new to homeschooling , you ’ ll want to become familiar with

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The most recent report from the U . S . Department of Education stated that homeschoolers are , on average , one year ahead of their schooled peers on the elementary school level .
the homeschool laws for your resident state . If you will no longer have a permanent residence and will be living primarily in a recreational vehicle , you ’ ll have a unique opportunity to establish a “ home base ” in a state where regulations are not constrictive and match your families overall homeschooling goals .
The school does not need to be accredited . What most people look for when they request accreditation is if the curriculum is well developed , will prepare their student to migrate to a private high school or desired college , or will your desired curriculum allow for seamless reentry to your student ’ s previous school if you take a year off to travel with plans to come back .
Thinking through what your student wants to do beyond middle school and high school is the best way to create a plan . For example , does your student want to go into a military academy or a competitive college ? Go to the site of the schools you ’ re interested in to see what ’ s required , then have a meeting to go over expectations . The admission offices are very helpful and usually have a specialized office or person that handles homeschooling families . The key is the earlier the better . You need to know as soon as possible so you have the time to deliver on the requirements .
How do I work and homeschool my kids ?
Time management is key for homeschooling on the road . Set aside a specific number of hours so the majority of the work is completed and supervised . Dedicated , supervised time will leave more time for learning about the sights and sounds you ’ ll encounter when traveling .
Performance results
The most recent report from the U . S . Department of Education stated that homeschoolers are , on average , one year ahead of their schooled peers on the elementary school level . Part of that success is learning what books can ’ t teach . This is where homeschooling can be amazing or challenging . Creating opportunities where kids can see themselves stack up to their peers helps in growth , identity formation and practice in working out solution-based thinking .
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