Looking for tips for transitioning from homeschooling to public school? We can help!
Homeschooling is a beautiful way to teach your child, but it’s also not always the best fit. For some parents, having their child in an environment where they can interact with other kids their age and learn to be part of a group is important.
Whether you’re moving from homeschooling or just want to make sure you’re prepared for when your child does move on to public school, some strategies can help make the process as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Here are some tips for navigating the transition from homeschooling to public school:
Why Transition Your Child from Homeschooling to Public School
Many students are getting their education through homeschooling. A recent survey from National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows an estimated 3.135 million homeschooled students in the US in 2021-2022. But these students may have to transfer to a public school.
There are many reasons to transition your child from homeschooling to public school. The goal is to allow them to interact with other children and have a social life while still giving them time to spend with them. The benefits of transitioning include the following:
- Learning how to be independent and self-sufficient
- Gaining confidence in their abilities by being able to communicate with teachers and peers
- Becoming more responsible for their education
Challenges of Transitioning to Public School
Transitioning to public school can be challenging for parents and children alike. The transition may feel like a big step, but it shouldn’t be scary. Here are some tips on how to prepare yourself and your child for this change:
- Talk about the change beforehand so your child knows what’s coming up. This way, they don’t feel blindsided by the news when it happens.
- Be honest about why you’re making this move. You don’t want them to think you’re abandoning or moving away because of something they did wrong. Rather than saying, “we’ve decided” or “we think,” explain why the decision was made in terms of what’s best for everyone involved, including yourself.
- Ensure everyone has plenty of time before making their move so no one feels rushed or stressed out during this transition period which could lead to unpleasant situations later down the road if not dealt with properly beforehand.
There can be many problems associated with the transition. For instance, students may face school attendance problems (SAP) anxiety. A study from the Frontiers journal shows that when all students were given homeschooling during the Covid-19 pandemic, scholars claimed that homeschooling could reduce school attendance anxiety.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
As you prepare for your child’s transition, it’s important to remember that he or she is not alone. Many other students have gone through this process and can provide support and guidance as they navigate their new schools.
Do Your Research
The first step in preparing your child for public school is to do your research. Research the following before selecting a school:
- Research the school’s programs, teachers, policies, procedures, and requirements.
- Research curriculum choices and teaching methods used by the school’s teachers.
- Teachers use research assessment tools to evaluate student progress toward learning goals in their individualized education plans (IEPs).
Research community resources available for special needs children at any school when possible. These may include speech therapists or occupational therapists who work with students regularly at no cost to parents.
Without proper research, you may enroll your child in a school that is not the best fit for him or her. This can lead to challenges for your child, impacting his or her education and career. Hence, doing your research on local schools to find out the experiences and opinions of other parents, staff members, students, etc., is crucial.
Make a Plan
As you begin planning for your child, it’s crucial to think about yourself. You may be feeling anxious and overwhelmed by all the changes that are happening in your life. It’s okay to ask for help from friends or family members who can provide a listening ear and support when needed.
It’s also essential to ensure your child has everything they need for school each morning before leaving the house, from pencils and notebooks to their lunchbox. Try having them pack their bags so they know exactly what’s happening with them each day.
And don’t forget about breakfast, whether it’s something simple like cereal or eggs Benedict with hash browns on top. Starting each day with something nutritious will give them energy throughout the day at school, keeping everyone happy.
You must also plan for long-term goals for your child. Public schooling can help achieve better long-term goals, in fact, better than private schools. Hence, many students and their parents prefer public schools. According to National Center for Education Statistics data, around 49.5 million students were enrolled in public schools compared to only 4.7 million students in private schools in 2021.
Establish a Routine
The first thing you should do is establish bedtime, wake-up time, and regular mealtimes. Ensure that they are getting enough exercise too. Your child should get enough sunlight as well. This will help them stay awake during school hours, especially if your child has trouble staying alert during classes.
Finally, set aside some time each week when everyone gets together for fun activities like playing games or watching movies together. These bonding moments will help strengthen relationships between siblings while helping everyone feel closer together overall.
Routine is also essential to make students comfortable with their schooling. A U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website article states that routine can make a child’s day predictable, boosting confidence and security.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about transitioning from homeschooling to public school, don’t panic. There are many resources available to help you along the way. You can join support groups like this one or talk with other parents who have been through similar experiences. You can also make a plan and set goals for yourself before you even step foot in that classroom again, and trust us when we say they’ll be worth it.
