Missouri Homeschooling Made Easy with the Homeschool Complete Mom Journal (Plan, Document, and Evaluate)
Homeschool Complete Mom Journal: For Missouri Moms to Plan and Document Law Requirements (Evaluation)
Homeschooling is a popular and legal option for many families in Missouri who want to provide their children with a personalized and flexible education. Whether you are new to homeschooling or have been doing it for years, you may wonder how to plan your homeschool schedule, keep track of your child's progress, and comply with the state laws. That's where the Homeschool Complete Mom Journal comes in handy!
Homeschool Complete Mom Journal: For Missouri Moms to Plan and Document Law Requirements (Evaluation
In this article, we will explain what homeschooling is and why some parents choose it, what are the legal requirements for homeschooling in Missouri, how to use the Homeschool Complete Mom Journal to plan and document your homeschool journey, and what tips and resources can help you succeed as a homeschooler in Missouri. Let's get started!
Homeschooling in Missouri: The Legal Basics
Homeschooling is a form of private education that allows parents to teach their children at home according to their own preferences and goals. Some of the reasons why parents may choose homeschooling are:
To provide a more individualized and flexible learning environment for their children
To accommodate their children's special needs, interests, or learning styles
To avoid the negative influences or pressures of the public school system
To instill their own values, beliefs, or worldview in their children
To spend more quality time with their children and strengthen their family bonds
In Missouri, homeschooling has been legal since the 1980s, and today, thousands of families across the state are successful homeschooling their children. However, there are certain requirements parents must consider before implementing an at-home education.
How to Start Homeschooling in Missouri
One of the advantages of homeschooling in Missouri is that there is no enrollment or registration requirement. Parents can decide to homeschool and get started on the very same day! However, if your child is currently enrolled in a public or private school, you will need to officially withdraw them from that school before starting homeschooling. You can do this by sending a letter or email to the school principal or superintendent informing them of your decision and requesting that your child's records be transferred to you.
Another thing you will need to do before starting homeschooling is choosing a homeschool curriculum that best fits your child's learning needs. A curriculum is a set of materials and guidelines that help you plan what your child will learn and how they will learn it. There are many different types of curricula available for homeschoolers, ranging from traditional textbooks to online programs to self-designed courses. You can also mix and match different curricula to create a customized learning plan for your child. We will discuss more about how to choose a homeschool curriculum later in this article.
What Records Do You Need to Keep for Homeschooling in Missouri?
Missouri does have laws that families must follow once they are homeschooling, and one of them is keeping accurate records of their homeschool activities. According to the Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 167.031, parents who homeschool their children must:
Provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction during the school year, with at least 600 hours in the basics, which will be in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. At least 400 of the 600 hours shall occur at the regular home school location.
Maintain the following records: a plan book, diary, or other written record indicating the subjects taught and the activities engaged in with the student; a portfolio containing samples of the student's academic work; and a record of evaluations of the student's academic progress.
Offer at least 1,000 hours of instruction during the school year.
Make the records open for inspection by the director of the local public school district or the chief school officer of a private school upon a reasonable written request.
Keeping these records is not only important for complying with the law, but also for documenting your child's progress, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and preparing them for future opportunities such as college admission or employment.
How to Evaluate Your Homeschool Progress in Missouri
Another requirement for homeschooling in Missouri is evaluating your child's academic progress periodically. This can be done in different ways, such as:
Administering standardized tests to measure your child's achievement in various subjects
Using informal assessments such as quizzes, projects, or portfolios to check your child's understanding of the material
Seeking feedback from a qualified person such as a teacher, tutor, or homeschool evaluator who can review your child's work and provide suggestions for improvement
Comparing your child's performance with the state or national standards or benchmarks for their grade level
Evaluating your child's progress is not only useful for meeting the legal requirements, but also for ensuring that your child is learning effectively, addressing any gaps or challenges in their learning, and celebrating their achievements and growth.
Homeschool Complete Mom Journal: A Handy Tool for Missouri Homeschoolers
As you can see, homeschooling in Missouri involves planning, documenting, and evaluating your child's education. This may seem overwhelming at first, but don't worry! There is a handy tool that can help you with all these tasks: the Homeschool Complete Mom Journal.
What is the Homeschool Complete Mom Journal?
The Homeschool Complete Mom Journal is a planner and organizer designed specifically for homeschooling moms. It helps you keep track of your homeschool schedule, curriculum, records, evaluations, and more. It also includes pages for personal reflection, goal setting, gratitude, and self-care. The Homeschool Complete Mom Journal is not just a journal; it's a companion that supports you throughout your homeschool journey.
How to Use the Homeschool Complete Mom Journal
The Homeschool Complete Mom Journal is easy to use and customize according to your needs. Here are some of the features and benefits of using it:
It has a monthly calendar where you can write down your homeschool events, appointments, deadlines, holidays, etc.
It has a weekly planner where you can plan your daily lessons, activities, assignments, etc.
It has a curriculum tracker where you can list the curricula you are using for each subject and monitor your progress and completion.
It has a record keeper where you can log your instructional hours, subjects taught, activities engaged in, and samples of your child's work.
It has an evaluation tracker where you can record the results of your child's assessments, feedback from qualified persons, and comparison with standards or benchmarks.
It has a personal section where you can write down your thoughts, feelings, goals, gratitude, self-care tips, etc.
The Homeschool Complete Mom Journal is flexible and adaptable to your homeschool style and preferences. You can use it as a whole or only use the sections that are relevant to you. You can also add stickers, colors, drawings, or anything else that makes it more fun and personal.
Benefits of Using the Homeschool Complete Mom Journal
The Homeschool Complete Mom Journal is not only a great way to enhance your child's education and enjoyment of learning.
Tips and Resources for Successful Homeschooling in Missouri
Homeschooling is a rewarding and challenging endeavor that requires dedication, creativity, and flexibility. To help you make the most of your homeschool experience, here are some tips and resources that can support you along the way.
How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum that Fits Your Child's Needs
One of the most important decisions you will make as a homeschooler is choosing a curriculum that suits your child's needs, interests, and goals. There are many factors to consider when selecting a curriculum, such as:
Your child's learning style: How does your child prefer to learn? Do they like to read, listen, watch, or do? Do they learn better with structure or freedom? Do they need more guidance or independence?
Your child's academic level: What is your child's current level of knowledge and skills in each subject? Do they need more challenge or review? Do they have any gaps or difficulties that need to be addressed?
Your child's interests and passions: What are your child's hobbies, talents, or dreams? What topics or themes excite them or spark their curiosity? How can you incorporate their interests into their learning?
Your educational philosophy: What are your beliefs and values about education? What are your goals and expectations for your child's learning? What methods or approaches do you favor or avoid?
Your budget and availability: How much money can you afford to spend on curriculum materials? How much time can you devote to teaching and preparing lessons? How much access do you have to online or offline resources?
Once you have a clear idea of what you are looking for in a curriculum, you can start browsing through the many options available for homeschoolers. You can find reviews and recommendations from other homeschoolers online, such as on Cathy Duffy Homeschool Curriculum Reviews, Verywell Family, or Confessions of a Homeschooler. You can also try out some free or low-cost online programs, such as Khan Academy, edX, or CK-12 Foundation, to see if they suit your needs. You can also mix and match different curricula to create a customized learning plan for your child.
How to Find Local Support and Community for Homeschooling in Missouri
Homeschooling can sometimes feel lonely or isolating, especially if you don't have many friends or family members who share your choice. That's why it's important to find local support and community for homeschooling in Missouri. There are many benefits of connecting with other homeschoolers, such as:
Sharing ideas, tips, and resources for homeschooling
Getting advice and encouragement from experienced homeschoolers
Finding social and academic opportunities for your children
Making new friends and having fun
There are many ways to find local support and community for homeschooling in Missouri, such as:
Joining a homeschool association: A homeschool association is a group that advocates for the rights and interests of homeschoolers in the state. The main homeschool association in Missouri is Families for Home Education (FHE), which offers legal information, legislative updates, newsletters, events, and more.
Joining a homeschool group or co-op: A homeschool group or co-op is a group of homeschooling families who meet regularly for socialization, education, or enrichment activities. You can find local homeschool groups or co-ops online, such as on Time4Learning or Power Homeschool, or by asking around in your area.
Joining an online community: An online community is a group of homeschoolers who communicate through the internet, such as on social media platforms, forums, blogs, or podcasts. You can find online communities for homeschoolers on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit, YouTube, etc.
How to Incorporate Fun and Educational Field Trips into Your Homeschool Schedule
Homeschooling doesn't have to be confined to the walls of your home. You can also take advantage of the many fun and educational field trips that Missouri has to offer. Field trips can enrich your child's learning, expose them to new experiences, and create lasting memories. Here are some examples of field trips you can incorporate into your homeschool schedule:
Visit a museum: Missouri has many museums that cover a variety of topics, such as history, art, science, culture, and more. Some of the most popular museums in Missouri are the Missouri History Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Saint Louis Science Center, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
Visit a park: Missouri has many parks that offer opportunities for recreation, exploration, and nature study. Some of the most beautiful parks in Missouri are the Gateway Arch National Park, the Mark Twain National Forest, the Ha Ha Tonka State Park, and the Elephant Rocks State Park.
Visit a farm: Missouri has many farms that welcome visitors and offer tours, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Some of the most interesting farms in Missouri are the Grant's Farm, the Purina Farms, the Shatto Milk Company, and the Warm Springs Ranch.
Visit a historic site: Missouri has many historic sites that showcase the state's rich and diverse heritage. Some of the most significant historic sites in Missouri are the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum, the Jesse James Home Museum, and the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site.
These are just some of the many field trips you can enjoy with your child in Missouri. You can find more ideas online, such as on Homeschool Buyers Co-op or A2Z Homeschooling, or by asking other homeschoolers in your area.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is a wonderful way to provide your child with a personalized and flexible education that meets their needs, interests, and goals. However, it also requires planning, documenting, and evaluating your child's learning, as well as complying with the state laws. That's why we recommend using the Homeschool Complete Mom Journal, a planner and organizer that helps you keep track of your homeschool schedule, curriculum, records, evaluations, and more.
The Homeschool Complete Mom Journal is easy to use and customize according to your preferences. It also includes pages for personal reflection, goal setting, gratitude, and self-care. The Homeschool Complete Mom Journal is not just a journal; it's a companion that supports you throughout your homeschool journey.
If you are interested in getting the Homeschool Complete Mom Journal, you can order it online or find it at your local bookstore. You can also check out our website for more information and testimonials from other homeschooling moms who have used it.
We hope this article has given you some useful information and tips for homeschooling in Missouri. We wish you all the best in your homeschool adventure!
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about homeschooling in Missouri:
Q: Do I need to notify anyone that I am homeschooling my child?
A: No, you do not need to notify anyone that you are homeschooling your child in Missouri. However, if your child is currently enrolled in a public or private school, you will need to officially withdraw them from that school before starting homeschooling.
Q: Do I need to follow a specific curriculum or use approved materials for homeschooling?
A: No, you do not need to follow a specific curriculum or use approved materials for homeschooling in Missouri. You can choose any curriculum or materials that suit your child's needs, interests, and goals. However, you do need to provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction during the school year, with at least 600 hours in the basics (reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science).
Q: Do I need to have any qualifications or credentials to homeschool my child?
A: No, you do not need to have any qualifications or credentials to homeschool your child in Missouri. You do not need to have a high school diploma, a college degree, or a teaching certificate. You just need to be competent to teach your child.
Q: Do I need to test my child or submit their work to anyone for evaluation?
A: No, you do not need to test your child or submit their work to anyone for evaluation in Missouri. However, you do need to keep records of your child's instruction and evaluations, and make them available for inspection by the local school district or private school upon a reasonable written request.
Q: Do I need to follow a specific school year or calendar for homeschooling?
A: No, you do not need to follow a specific school year or calendar for homeschooling in Missouri. You can choose your own start and end dates, holidays, vacations, and breaks. However, you do need to provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction during the school year, which is defined as July 1 to June 30.
Q: Do I need to teach certain subjects or topics for homeschooling?
A: Yes, you do need to teach certain subjects or topics for homeschooling in Missouri. You need to provide at least 600 hours of instruction in the basics, which are reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. You can also teach other subjects or topics that you deem appropriate for your child's education.
If you have more questions about homeschooling in Missouri, you can contact the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or the Home School Legal Defense Association for more information and guidance. 71b2f0854b