It’s that time of year again…….Summer seems to be rapidly coming to a close and it’s time to buy new school clothes for the kids, and supplies and ………wait a minute!  Weren’t you thinking of looking into Homeschooling this year?  Well, it isn’t too late!

If you are a resident of Colorado, then let’s get started right now!

It is not at all complicated to begin this journey called Homeschooling!

 Let us SIMPLIFY the process together.

S-Send in your Notice-of –Intent form.  The Colorado homeschool statute says we must do this once a year, and each year that your child is between the ages of 7 and 16 years of age.  Click here for a link to a printable form.

The form is very straightforward and simple.  Be sure to copy it for your records, and also send it to your district of choice certified/return receipt mail.  You can send it to any district in the state, but it is recommended that you send it to your local district.  Send it to the Administrative Office, not the school itself.

I-Investigate and know your law.  You can also find information on the Colorado statute, and updates on legislation and news here. You must be knowledgeable of the law, and how it came about so that you will be sure to uphold it and appreciate it!  We have a wonderful law here in CO., but that could changed if we aren’t vigilant.  Here is info on the law, in a "nutshell" from RMEC-online! 

M-Maintain your resolve to grasp that which is already yours:  Your right to educate your children. When we send in our Notice of Intent, it is just that, a notice.  It is not asking permission, or registering our children.  We are the parents, in charge of our homeschool.  Join hands and forces with those who are there to help you and are constantly on the job protecting our rights; HSLDA.

P-Pray.  Pray for guidance, wisdom, strength, courage and a large dose of humor. Pray for each child; their needs, wants, direction, and for your relationships. Subscribe to the Devotional e-news and get help and find spiritual refreshment!  

L-Learn.  Learn all you can about Homeschooling styles, methods and get to “personally know” those who have gone before you, the Homeschooling Pioneers!  You can find a wealth of information in these two resources: Secrets of Successful Homeschooling.  It is an e-book, and you can buy it right here.  Just click on the link! 

Be sure to pick up a copy of the Homeschooling Methods book:  Proceeds from this one are going to benefit NATHHAN, which is your best stop for information on homeschooling your special needs children.

You can also download this nice little brochure too! (It’s Free!)   

I-Identify your reasons for wanting to homeschool.  Look at each individual child, your family situation and analyze your beliefs.  Do they all play a major part in this decision?  They should.  Know why you are doing this.  Talk it out with your spouse, pray about it and even put it into writing as a “Mission Statement.”  Place it on your wall, so you are reminded of why you are making this decision.

F-Focus.  Remember to focus more on the “Home” part, and then the “school” or learning part will all come together.  It is relationships that cause children to learn and grow, not just throwing information at them.  Focus on the things that make your family unique.   And a great place for you to read and learn about other families and the successes and challenges they have faced is right here! 

Y-Yes, AND Yield.  Say Yes! to your family.  Say Yes to what you know is right, and listen to this:  Yes, you can do it.  Yes, it is legal.  Yes, your child can get into college with a homeschool "diploma."  Yes, Yes, Yes!

And, Yield only to God, and not to traditions, media, and institutions of this world.  Create your own traditions, and as you yield to God, your homeschool will also “yield” or produce a harvest that can only come through the dedication of your heart to a life of Homeschooling! 

 This day-to-day walk called Homeschooling doesn’t have to be complicated, but sometimes we make it hard when we don’t need to.  All you have to do is remember to SIMPLIFY!

Blessings,

Nancy Baetz

Colorado HSN Coordinator

Homeschooling Is Life!

 

Related Tags: Colorado Homeschooling, Colorado Homeschool Requirements, HSLDA, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Home Education, NATHHAN, Homeschooling Methods, Secrets of Successful Homeschooling