Homeschool Instruction Plan

A homeschool instruction plan is one that specifies how you will be teaching your children during the upcoming school year. While not all states require parents to submit a homeschool instruction plan, those that do usually require specific information. These instruction plans aren't difficult to write and they can be completed quickly, usually within an hour.

Homeschool instruction plans are required in many states.

For some, just the idea of having to write an instruction plan seems daunting. Don't let this stop you from homeschooling your children! The document is actually easy to complete if you do it in an orderly fashion.

The best way to start this project is to find out what the local school district requirements are of homeschoolers. These requirements should be in writing and you may request them from the local school district office in person or have them sent to you through the mail. Some states will have a homeschool instruction plan form that needs to be filled out, while others have the parents create one from scratch.

It isn't usually enough to state that you will be teaching history, for example. Some states require that you provide the title and author of the books you will use. Some parents choose to use what the school is using, such as their textbooks, while other parents will design their own units for a subject. It isn't necessary to list future field trips, videos or additional books you may use. This information will be provided to the school district when you file your quarterly progress reports.

Once you have gathered all of your teaching materials that you intend to use, or a list of the books and authors together, you can begin writing the instruction plan.

Those that can fill out a pre-made plan certainly have it easier than those who have to create one from scratch. If you are simply filling out a form, be sure to fill in all of the blanks and provide the most complete information possible. Some school districts are very strict about this part of the homeschooling process; so don't turn in incomplete forms.

If you are creating an instruction plan from scratch, make the document as easy to read as possible. Break it down by sections, covering each subject you intend to teach separately. For example, if you're teaching second grade math you would write out the following:

1. Second Grade Math
2. Textbook and workbook titles and authors
3. Goals - such as "learning multiplication and fractions"

A few sentences are all that is required to describe each subject.

In some instances, parents may use their state's Department of Education syllabus for their child's grade level. If this is what you intend to do, state this clearly on your instruction plan.

The following tips can help you write your instruction plan and have it completed with time to spare:

• Gather all of your materials together before you sit down to write the plan. Some states require that you list the books you will be using as well as the authors.
• Make your instruction plan as professional looking as possible. Remember, it is part of your child's permanent record and may be used later, such as when the child wants to attend college. Write in one color of ink if you are filling out a form by hand or create one using a computer.
• Write without distractions. Choose a time to write the plan when you won't be interrupted. What you write should be clear and concise.
• Don't turn the form in if it is incomplete. Call or visit your school district's office and get answers to your questions before turning the form in.
• Don't miss the deadline. Turn your completed plan in before or on the deadline date so you will avoid a rejection. While a rejection doesn't always mean that you cannot homeschool your child, it may cause unnecessary problems that you would have to resolve with the local school board before the next school year begins. When possible, turn the plan into the district office in person so you are sure they have received it before the deadline.

Writing an instruction plan isn't as intimidating as many people think. It simply requires that you have a plan in place to cover certain subjects during the school year and specific goals that you plan to reach. It doesn't have to encompass everything that you will do, since that is the purpose of quarterly progress reports. If you've been afraid to start homeschooling because you're afraid of writing an instruction plan, be afraid no more! They're simply a part of the education process in your state and can be completed quickly and easily.

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