Saskatchewan Home Based Educators

Can I Really do This?

Click the play button in the segments below for Quicktime audio recordings titled "Can I Really Do This?". You may have to wait a few seconds before the controls become visible. This was a talk given at the SHBE 2008 conference led by Lynette Sawatsky featuring five home educating moms giving us a glimpse of their experiences. If you don't already have Quicktime, you can download it here. Below that you will find six steps that you may find helpful.

How do I start Home Educating?

Step 1: Learn
Step 2: Notify and Plan
Step 3: Decide on Curriculum and Resources
Step 4: Join
Step 5: Subscribe to Magazines and Newsletters
Step 6: Enjoy

Step 1: Learn

First you need to decide if home education is the right choice for your family. If you are beginning to think about educating at home you might first want to visit our links page to discover support group contacts and online information. Also, visit your local library to obtain books and resources on home education, also referred to as Home Schooling (make use of interlibrary loan services if your branch has limited resources). Read as much as you can to make a wise decision.

Check out the FAQ page for some commonly asked questions about home education.

Talk to experienced home educators. SHBE has an annual convention in February. This can be great opportunity for those wanting to learn more about home education. In addition to other home educators, this convention also has numerous curriculum vendors who are very willing to answer questions.

Contact the SHBE help desk and we will mail you an infopak which includes the prescribed form to notify your school division of your Home Based Education program as well as a booklet entitled What About Answers to Common Questions About Home Schooling.

When you are ready, learn what is legally required by viewing detailed requirements in the Saskatchewan Home Education Provincial Regulations. This will inform you of your rights as a home educating parent. It will guide your interaction with any school division officials by outlining exactly what is not required for both you and your school division.

Step 2: Notify and Plan

Each school division in SK is autonomous. The school division where you live will determine the resources and the services available. At your local school division office you will be able to obtain a copy of your division's policy. This must align with the Saskatchewan Home Education Provincial Regulations.

Once you have obtained a registration package from your school division, complete a Notification to Register and an Educational Plan. Submit the documents to your school division. SHBE's infopak has some sample Educational Plan's. While there are certain requirements that must be met as outlined in the province's regulations, Educational Plans are as varied as the number of families who home educate. Your plan should express the unique educational goals and philosophy of your family. Seeker or Beginner Resources.

Step 3: Decide on Curriculum and Resources

How you start your program will depend on what educational approach you take. There are as many styles of home education as there are home based learning families from the very structured to the free-form, from school-at-home to unschooling so read up on the different approaches and the philosophies behind them to create one that suits your family's needs and values. See Links: Seeker or Beginner Resources.

Step 4: Join

Join your local home education support group. Join SHBE. Be a part of the provincial organization that is committed to supporting home educators, promoting home education, and protecting the right to home educate. Membership is $35 per year and is renewed annually. All members receive the SHBE Journal. Membership information.

Help for Requests from new home educators/new to the area. SHBE occasionally receives requests for answers concerning home education in various SK locations. Because each school board in SK is autonomous, it is difficult for one person to know all the policies for each school board. And because SHBE does not share names or contact information with anyone, it is difficult to connect newcomers without prior permission. If parents would like to leave their names, location, and contact information with SHBE Helpdesk, a list could be maintained and information distributed through the HELPDESK as needed. Thanks to those who have already submitted their information!

Step 5: Subscribe to Magazines and Newsletters

You will find the community of home-based learners is a generous community that is willing to share ideas and support. Once you have decided to home educate, or even prior to your final decision, help is only a click or phone call away. Check out the various Home Education magazines that are available.

Step 6: Enjoy

Now take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the time you have with your child. Home educating, while more difficult and time consuming than sending you child off to a public school, is not intended to constantly give you stress and headaches. This is a time to spend with your child and to teach them in the way that fits them best. You will know that better than anyone else. Sometimes it is easier to stick with one curriculum when beginning, but be open to and aware of your child's specific learning preferences and needs. Be creative in your teaching and learning methods. Remember: relax and enjoy!