How to Homeschool in Canada
Transcription
How to Homeschool in Canada
How to Homeschool in Canada Copyright © 2014 Published by: Lisa Marie Fletcher http://thecanadianhomeschooler.com All Rights Reserved. This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. While attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibilities for errors, omissions, or contradictory information contained in this document. The author, publisher and affiliates disclaim any personal loss or liability caused by the utilization of any information presented herein. The author is not engaged in rendering any legal, accounting or professional advice. The services of a competent professional should be used if such assistance is needed. All product names, logos and trademarks are property of their respective owners who have not necessarily endorsed, sponsored or approved this publication. While the sources mentioned herein are assumed to be reliable at the time of this writing, the author, publisher and affiliates are not responsible for their activities from time to time. Sources may terminate, move, change prices or do other things at their sole discretion. Sources can only be confirmed reliable at the time of original publication of this manual. This manual is a guide only and as such, should be considered solely for basic information. How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #2 Introduction 4 Why I wrote this book, how it can help you, and what you will find inside Know the Reasons 5 It's important to know why you have decided to homeschool Understand the Rules 6 The regulations and requirements to homeschool in each province Get A Support System 13 The where and how's to find other homeschoolers to connect with both on - and offline Choosing Curriculum 18 Figuring out what best suits you and your child, provincial learning outcomes, & where to find Canadian materials, plus information about homeschooling through high school Have a Plan 28 Tips to help your every day homeschooling Never Stop Learning 31 What we, the parent/teacher, need to learn Provincial Cheat Sheets 33 A quick reference to the rules, learning outcomes, and support for each province/territory Other Resources 46 Recommended books and websites About the Author & Acknowledgements 47 More about me, my website, and the people who helped me with this book How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #3 Why I Wrote This Book: These days, the homeschooling movement is on the rise, with more and more people accepting it as a viable option for educating their children. On a regular basis, I get emails and messages asking me for advice on what steps are needed to get started homeschooling in Canada. The problem is that most of the time, parents just don't know where to start. A search for more information is usually challenging, and often the information they find is complicated and hard to filter through. They feel overwhelmed and confused. How This Book Can Help You: I looked through all the main questions that people ask when they first start homeschooling: (What do I have to do to get started?, Where do I get curriculum?, Is there a homeschool community near me?) and have attempted to answer those questions through a compilation of information that I've gathered to help you as you look into and/or start the journey of homeschooling. My goal for this book is to make that first step of homeschooling seem less like a giant leap into the unknown and more like a safe and easy path to success. Hopefully, it will make how to start homeschooling in Canada understandable, less overwhelming, and more enjoyable a journey for you. What's Inside This Book: There are 6 main areas that I'd consider important to examine as you start the journey: Know the Reasons, Understand the Rules, Find Support, Choose Curriculum, Have a Plan, and Never Stop Learning. In this book, we will examine each of these topics together. Wherever possible, I've shared helpful resources and links to things that I have used, read, or loved myself. Let's get started! How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #4 First is a step that each homeschooler should make sure they’ve done : Know the reasons why you are homeschooling. Knowing the WHY behind your choice to homeschool will not only make it easier for you to explain and refute that decision when questioned, but also gives you something to look back on and reaffirm your choice if or when you have times of doubt or challenges. Each family has their own set of reasons for choosing to homeschool. Typically, though, I’d narrow the list down to 5 main reasons behind the choice to homeschool: 1. To offer an education that better lines up with your religious or moral beliefs. 2. Disapproval or dissatisfaction with the school system's curriculum, methods, agenda, ability to meet your child's needs, environment, etc. 3. Bullying or other social challenges. 4. Medical needs such as illness, autism, allergies, learning disabilities, etc. that would be better controlled from home. 5. Lifestyle choice, such as travelling, sports/acting, or living in a foreign country. Of course, this list is in no way definitive, and most of the time there are a combination of reasons families choose to homeschool, not just one. When you are thinking about why you homeschool (or plan to homeschool), don’t forget to ask your child. It’s amazing how much insight they can offer into why they are or want to be homeschooled. Take some time and write them down. Think about it carefully, because it actually makes a difference to be sure of why you are choosing something that is essentially counter cultural. It’s easier to throw in the towel if the WHY isn’t clear or you can’t remember it. When done, put the list somewhere you can see it regularly. It's a great reminder and encouragement to keep on going. How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #5 The next very important step is to make sure you understand the rules. Although homeschooling anywhere in Canada is completely legal, each province and territory has their own set of regulations and expectations surrounding homeschool. It is important that you familiarize yourself with what your province/territory requires. The last thing you want is to have a conflict that could cause big troubles for your family and your intent to educate at home. One highly recommended resource is the Homeschool Legal Defence Association of Canada (HSLDA). I asked them to share a little more about who they are and what they do: “HSLDA's mission is to enable, empower, and protect Canadian home educators. As such, our strong desire is to make a difference in the homeschooling community at large by being a positive influence in the lives of individual families. Our name indicates our unique and primary role: we are our members’ defence and assurance in any legal matters that might impact their ability and right to homeschool (including letters to government organizations, jury duty exemption, court cases, and provincial notification forms). We are actively involved in provincial, federal, and international politics to ensure that Canadians’ constitutional freedoms to homeschool are not limited or jeopardized. However, what many people do not realize is that our members experience many other benefits as well. Membership to HSLDA provides insurance coverage over homeschooling events and activities. As well, HSLDA is committed not only to defending your freedom to homeschool, but also to lightening your load as you homeschool. Our expert staff, our member site, our social media sites, and our regular emails are full of insight, resources, and answers to help our members in their homeschool journey. From preschool to high school graduation to entering the postsecondary realm, HSLDA has the knowledge and help that you need to homeschool well. You do not need to wait for a crisis: you can contact our office anytime with questions you may have. Why not become a member today?” While membership with the HSLDA is not required in order to homeschool, many families feel it is a vital part of their homeschooling basics. How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #6 British Columbia In British Columbia, there are actually 2 main options for learning at home. One is called Distributed Learning (enrolling) and the other is actually homeschooling (registering). There is a big difference between the two – homeschooling being more independent whereas distributed learning is more like “school at home.” Homeschoolers in this province get financial support with the value dependant on what option is chosen. “Here in British Columbia, we have a government that seems quite supportive of home education. There are many options available to families here. You can be a registered homeschooler, an enrolled homeschooler, or you can send your child to some classes at a public school and do some at home. ” -Natasha M., homeschooling parent •Government Requirements •BC Home Learners’ Association •The Difference Between Distributed •Provincial Association of Learning and Homeschool Homeschoolers of British Columbia •From a BC Homeschooler Alberta In Alberta, families who homeschool are required to register with a willing board somewhere in the province and have their plans approved. There are 3 options: completely doing your own plans, following some of the government curriculum outlines, or completely following the school plans. You are assigned a facilitator who visits you several times during the course of the year. This province offers funding to families who homeschool, depending on what school board and method of schooling you choose. “In order to be legal and to receive funding (yes in Alberta you can get reimbursed for home education resources you purchase) you need to be registered with a “Willing Non-Resident” School Board by September 30 of the year you are planning to home educate.” - Lori D., homeschooling parent •Government Requirements •Alberta Home Education Handbook •From an Albertan Homeschooler •Alberta Home Education Association How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #7 Saskatchewan Homeschoolers in Saskatchewan are required to register with their school board and provide an educational plan for each child. Over the course of the year, they need to keep a portfolio of their work which they present at the end of the year. Funding for homeschoolers varies according to district. “While homeschooling regulations in Saskatchewan are set by the province, registration, documentation, and files are maintained by each school district. Each district appoints a homeschool administrator, who serves as the contact individual for homeschooling parents, and who will collect information coming from parents regarding homeschool registration, plans, outcomes, etc.” - Sheri V., homeschooling parent •Government Requirements •From a Saskatchewan Homeschooler •Saskatchewan Home Based Educators Manitoba In Manitoba, homeschoolers need to inform the government that they are homeschooling. In January and again in June, an official report is filed outlining the learning completed. This province offers no funding to homeschooling families. “Homeschooling regulations in Manitoba are very simple: let the government know you are going to homeschool and update them twice on how it’s going.” - Jennifer G., homeschooling parent •Government Requirements •From a Manitoban Homeschooler •Manitoba Association for Schooling at Home •Manitoba Association of Christian Homeschools How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #8 Ontario Ontario homeschoolers are requested to submit a letter of intent to their local school board. Other than this letter, there is no other requirement or involvement from the government. This province offers no funding to homeschooling families. “In Ontario there are no laws for homeschoolers that require you to submit curriculum plans, text book lists or reading lists. There are also no required testings in Ontario. You do not need to have approval to teach what you wish to your child.” Sandra H., homeschooling parent •Government Requirements •From an Ontarian Homeschooler •Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents •Ontario Christian Home-Educator's Connection • Québec Although homeschooling in Québec is completely legal, this province seems to also have the most challenges with acceptance from their school boards. It is highly recommended to get a membership with the Homeschool Legal Defence Association (HSLDA) in order to have legal protection as needed. Please connect with a homeschool association in the province and the HSLDA for complete details about what is required for homeschoolers in Québec. This province offers no funding to homeschooling families. “If you are a member of HSLDA, call them and be in constant contact so they can help guide you throughout the process. Unfortunately, the School Boards in Québec try to scare parents and use their inexperience in education to get the parents to sign contracts that are not in the best interest of the child.” Amber L. – homeschooling parent •Education Act •From a Québecois Homeschooler •Association Québécoise pour l’éducation à domicile (French site) •Association of Christian Parent Educators of Québec (bilingual site) •Association d'Enfants Scolarisés à la Maison (AESM)/Association of Children Educated at Home (ACEH) How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #9 New Brunswick In New Brunswick, homeschooling families have to either register with an English or a French board. The Anglophone board requires submission of a fairly basic set of forms and will respond with a letter of approval. The Francophone board is more complex – requiring a more detailed application outlining your homeschooling plans along with an in-home interview. This province offers no funding to homeschooling families. “If you are under the Anglophone (English) school districts, parents need to simply fill out a 4 page form that involves agreeing to teach 11 specific subjects and acknowledging that you are giving up the right to certain services that are offered through the school. It's a different story with the French school districts. They have a 6 page form to submit and then they come to your house to conduct an interview. They want to know what curriculum you're using, what forms of testing you're using, and how you plan to give your child opportunities to socialize.” - Allison F., homeschooling parent •Government Requirements •Homeschooling in New Brunswick (English Brochure) •Home Educators of New Brunswick Nova Scotia In Nova Scotia, parents are required to register their child using a form that is available on the Ministry of Education's website. In June, parents need to follow that up with a progress report, outlining what their child learnt throughout the year. This province offers no funding to homeschooling families. “In June, the homeschooling parent must send in another form. You can use your own reporting method, but this form is quick and easy. All it asks for is the subject/course name, test marks if applicable, the course grade (I just mark it S for satisfactory in the subjects that we do not provide a grade) and a small comment box. ... I simply use that box to give a quick overview of the subjects covered that school year.” - Lindsay, homeschooling parent •Government Requirements •From a Nova Scotian Homeschooler •Nova Scotia Home Education Association •HEMS How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #10 Prince Edward Island All that is required for PEI homeschoolers is to fill out and submit a notice of intent form. This province offers no funding to homeschooling families. “There is no requirement to report back to the provincial government. All the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development asks is that you submit a simple form called “Notice of Parent’s Intention to Home School” (available on their website in the “Forms” sections) stating that you intend to homeschool your children. You are completely responsible for all curriculum, record keeping, and testing.” Jacqueline M., homeschooling parent •Government Requirements •From an Island Homeschooler •PEI Homeschool.com Newfoundland & Labrador Recent changes to the school districts have left homeschoolers in Newfoundland and Labrador without direct information on what is required at this time. Previously, there were four different regions, each with their own homeschooling requirements, but now everything has been combined into a single board and official homeschool regulations aren't completed. Keeping in touch with the HSLDA is a good idea. “Because of the amalgamation, a province wide policy hasn't been developed yet. It's largely a region by region case for now. ” - Linda W., homeschooling parent •Government Website •Christian Home Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador Northwest Territories In the Northwest Territories, parents register their children with their local school, where they are classified as students but are exempt from attendance. Homeschoolers in this province get a portion of the funding from the school to help pay for their school expenses. "Principals are expected to work with the parents to provide the level of support they request. In terms of funding, parents are given a portion of the money the school receives for the student. " - Judy R., homeschooling parent •Government Requirements How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #11 Nunavut Homeschooling in Nunavut involves registering with their local school and working with the leadership in that school. Inclusion of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) – or the teaching of Inuit societal values and culture is to be included in a homeschool education. Funding in this province is available on a reimbursement plan. "Each family homeschooling here in Nunavut may find differing interpretations of this section depending on which school their child is enrolled in. This past year, we registered our oldest two children (grade 2 and K) with the local school as is required and had two assessments (math & reading) with the vice principal of the school. In each of these assessments, their scores were noted and filed." - Thad P., homeschooling parent • Government Regulations (see section 21) Yukon Yukon homeschoolers need to register with the Aurora Virtual School, who co-ordinate the home education program for Yukon Education. Along with registration, submission of a home education plan is required that outlines the plans and learning outcomes for the year divided into four semesters. The Yukon uses the British Columbia curriculum outline for their guidelines. Funding is provided for homeschoolers in this province. •Government Requirements •Home Education Handbook (as of 2014) How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #12 Another very important key to homeschooling success is to build yourself a support system. But why, and how, should you find support? A homeschool support group traditionally consists of several homeschool families that get together in person for various meetings or events, with the purpose of providing opportunities for kids to interact with other homeschooled kids, parents to connect socially, and to get access to things like field trips or classes. In today’s technological world, support groups aren’t just limited to the homeschoolers in your local community. We are able to connect with homeschooling families from around the world through online groups – opening up a whole new set of support networks that didn’t exist not that long ago. We’re able to find people from all walks of life who are experiencing the same day-to-day struggles, successes, and questions we have. Benefits of support group: •social opportunities for both kids and parents •field trip opportunities (and sometimes group discounts!) •someone to “talk shop” with – about curriculum, methods, learning styles, etc. •encouragement from other people with the same experiences •people who “have your back” against opposition •wisdom and experience from veteran homeschoolers How to find a group: When you are trying to find a support group for your homeschooling experience, you want to ideally find people who are going through the same kind of journey as you. Although similar geographic location is one that is a good place to start, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. For example, •If you are homeschooling a child with special needs of any sort, search for a group around that need. •Look for a group that is built around the same faith as you have. •Check for a group based on the grade ranges/ genders / interests of your child(ren). •Find a group that is using the same curriculum choices as you. How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #13 Where to find a group: To find a local in-person group, try these tips: • Look up your province’s homeschool support website and see if they have a listing of any groups that are near you. • Look into events held at your local library, art gallery, or YMCA – often they have classes available for homeschooling families. That means that a local bunch of homeschooling families will all be in one place at one time where you can connect with them one on one to discover what support groups are around. To find an online group: • Search for Yahoo Email Groups. Although many have been abandoned due to other social media outlets, there are still some active ones around. • Check on Facebook. This is where you will probably be more successful at finding support groups online. • Be sure to search for a local and/or provincial group. Often these communities offer connections to smaller, active groups to get involved with – or at least can point you in a good direction. Facebook Homeschooling Groups This is by no means a comprehensive list of every group available. Most of these groups are “closed” – which means that you will need to request to join them. If you don’t get a response, I recommend sending a message to an administrator so that they know you are real! I hope that you can connect with some other homeschoolers – online and/or in person. It truly can make the difference between succeeding in your journey and crumbling under the strain. Canada-wide: •Homeschool Swap: Canada British Columbia •BC Unschoolers/Homeschoolers •British Columbia Homeschool Chat and Swap •Greater Vancouver Local Support Groups (not just Facebook groups) •Christian Canadian Homeschoolers •Homeschoolers of Northern BC •Vancouver Island and Gulf Island Learning Community •BC Registered Homeschoolers How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #14 Alberta •Calgary and Southern Alberta Homeschoolers •Homeschoolers Central Alberta •Alberta Homeschoolers Group •Cochrane Home Educators •Red Deer Homeschooling/Unschooling Circle •Lethbridge Homeschoolers •Edmonton Homeschoolers •Edmonton and Area Aligned Homeschoolers •Edmonton West-End Homeschoolers •Edmonton Natural Learning and Unschoolers Saskatchewan •I homeschool in Saskatchewan! •I homeschool in MooseJaw Manitoba •Manitoba Association for School at Home •Winnipeg Homeschoolers •Unschooling Calgary and Area •Drumheller Homeschoolers •Fort MacMurray Homeschoolers •Medicine Hat Homeschoolers •Airdrie Homeschool Mom's Group •Drayton Valley Homeschoolers •Leduc and Area Homeschoolers •Sherwood Park and Area Homeschoolers •St. Albert and Area Homeschoolers •Spruce Grove/Stony Plain Homeschoolers •Ponoka Homeschoolers •Lacombe Homeschoolers •Prairie Spirit Home Educators •Winnipeg Homeschooling Network •Unschooling Manitoba •Interlake Homeschoolers PEI •PEIHomeschool.com Newfoundland & Labrador •Homeschooling Freethinkers in Newfoundland The Territories •Northern Canada Home Based Learning How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #15 Ontario •Ontario Homeschoolers •Mississauga Homeschoolers •Christian Toronto Homeschoolers •Superior Shores Homeschoolers •Thunder Bay Christian Homeschoolers •Homeschoolers and Unschoolers of London, ON •Windsor/Essex County Homeschool Activity Group •Homeschooling Parents of Ottawa •Durham Region Homeschoolers •Homeschoolers/Unschoolers Toronto •Northern Ontario Homeschoolers •Peterborough and Area Homeschoolers •Muskoka Homeschoolers Québec •Association québécoise pour l’éducation à domicile •Centre Communidée - Montreal Homeschooling Community Centre •Un/Schooling Club of Barrie, Orillia, and Surrounding Areas •Simcoe, Delhi, and Surrounding Areas Homeschoolers •Niagara Area Homeschool Group •Hamilton Christian Homeschool Support •Cambridge Ontario Homeschoolers •Sudbury, Ontario Homeschooling Parents Group •Toronto Muslim Homeschoolers •Hastings and Prince Edward County Home Educators and Learners •Cornwall Ontario Homeschoolers •Timmins and Area Homeschoolers •Ecole à la Maison de Montreal Montreal Homeschool New Brunswick •Fredericton Secular Homeschoolers •Moncton Homeschoolers •Moncton Christian Home Educators •Fundy Home Educators •Charlotte County Home Schoolers Nova Scotia •Nova Scotia Support Groups Listings (not only Facebook) •South Shore Homeschoolers •Special Needs Homeschooling Nova Scotia •Cape Breton Homeschoolers •Antigonish Homeschool Group •Annapolis Valley Community Playgroup How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #16 The following groups are not Canada-specific, but speciality groups that might be useful. Faith (or non-faith) based Groups •Muslim Homeschool and Education •Christian Homeschool Families •Secular Homeschool Families Special Needs Groups •Homeschooling on the spectrum: Autism, aspergers, PDD •Special Needs Homeschooling •Special Needs Homeschool Homeschooling Methods Groups •Unschooling •Charlotte Mason Homeschool •Montessori Homeschooling •Waldorf Homeschool Curriculum Discussion •Well Trained Mind (Classical) How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #17 Now comes the part that most new (and many experienced) homeschoolers find overwhelming: Choosing curriculum. Before you dive headfirst into the (potentially bottomless) world of homeschooling books and resources, I recommend that you start by researching two things: your child's learning style, and the various homeschooling methods. Learning Styles Learning Styles are typically divided into 3 main options: visual, auditory, and kinetic. This is really simplifying it as learning styles can be very complex, but this is a good place to start. Visual = seeing. Auditory = hearing. Kinetic = moving/doing. You will find you are better able to narrow down how your child best learns as your journey progresses, but for now – it's a bit of a chance to use your observation skills and see how your child understands the world around them. A great resource to use is Kidzmet. For a $12.95US yearly membership fee, you can access an online profile quiz that your child can complete to give you some terrific insight into their learning style and personality. If your child is a non-reader, they can do the test by picking from images. Or, you can read the text for them to choose from. Once completed, you will get a profile that explains their personality type and learning style as well as some amazing tips for how to best help your child succeed in their education. There is even a unique “learning playbook” you can get that offers specific suggestions on teaching your child. Once you have an idea of how your child best learns, it makes it easier to pick out a way to teach. How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #18 Homeschool Methods Now, it's time to take what you've learnt about your child and combine it with your own teaching style and preference. NOTE: Before I move ahead, I did want to mention that secular and non-Christian homeschoolers are going to find many of the resources that are popular in the homeschool community and are readily available have either blatant faith-based materials or come from that point-of-view. This can make it especially challenging for someone looking for materials that keep religion out of their learning and teaching experiences. But there are products for you out there – you just have to be willing to research and look. There are many different ways to homeschool. Here are the main ones: • • • • • • • • School at Home (or Traditional) – Basically the public school system brought into your home, this method involves textbooks and notebooks - just like your child would at school. Classical – Dividing childhood up into three segments based on their natural abilities, this language-centred method involves a lot of rote fact learning in the early years when children love memorization, followed by application of logic in the middle years and rhetoric in more advanced grades. Charlotte Mason – Following the teachings of Charlotte Mason, who believed that children should love to learn and as teachers we should facilitate that. This method uses living books – typically fiction books that bring people and events to life. Unschooling – Also referred to as child-led or delight-directed learning, unschooling allows a child's interest, passions, and life experiences be the driving force behind their education, instead of a curriculum plan. Unit Studies – Focusing on one topic at a time and connecting other subjects such as science, history, language, etc together based on that one subject. Online or Video Schooling – Technologically based, this method uses either a website or video that leads the kids through instructions and lessons, with various different activities and reviews. Montessori – Based on the research of Dr. Maria Montessori, this method involves creating an environment that fosters and stimulates children to learn through selfdiscovery and exploration. Eclectic – Combining the parts of any of the above methods, or using their own style, this method involves a mix and match approach to learning, personalizing everything to the child's learning. How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #19 Most new homeschoolers, especially if their child has been in the school system, opt for the traditional method of schooling because it's familiar and “safe.” True as this is, I challenge you to be willing to explore the other methods to see what resonates best with you. Sonya from SimplyCharlotteMason.com has created a terrific video that explains many of these different styles, how they work, and a short “test” to see which appeals to you. It's called the 5 Flavours of Homeschooling. [The important information about homeschooling methods is presented in the first 20 minutes of the video. During the last 10 minutes of the video, she explains how she arrived at the Charlotte Mason approach with her own children and why she loves it, as well as information about her website.] One highly-referenced and recommended resource is a book called 101 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy. Before suggesting this book to you, I'd like to be clear that this book is both American and Christian based, so the writer uses that slant with her writing. Even if you are not religious, many of the chapters at the beginning of the book are fantastic at helping you examine your own ideas of what you feel your child should learn, explaining each of the methods in detail, and breaking down what kinds of materials to look for based on your child's learning style. It includes some worksheets and questionnaires to work though to help you figure it all out. If you are pulling your child out of the school system, you might hear the word “deschooling” mentioned by veteran homeschoolers. Deschooling is when you take a period of time off from the mindset and structured life that happens with public schooling. It means dropping all formal education and letting your kid be free to do whatever they want for a while – allow them to be aimless, be OK with them doing nothing all day, leave them to play, explore, and pursue their own interests without the pressure of school. The challenging part of this experience is your own personal preconceived expectations of education and learning. It's hard to let go – even for a little while. Spend the time with your child and get to know them better before getting into the plans of homeschooling. Curriculum Next, you have to decide if you are going to follow the curriculum as set out by the government of your province (or if you are required to as mentioned in the legal obligations above). If so, you can build your curriculum plans around these outlines and objectives. If not, you are free to create your own plans however best suits you, your child, and the method that you feel will work the best in your home. How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #20 Below are the website links to the learning outcomes created by the Ministry of Education for each province. These are the curriculum goals put in place for each grade by subject. Government Learning Outcomes • • • • • • • • • • • • • British Columbia Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario Québec New Brunswick Nova Scotia PEI Newfoundland & Labrador Yukon Northwest Territories Nunavut (not currently available online. This link is to the Education website.) I am currently working on preparing curriculum checklists per grade and province. As I complete them, they will be available on my website, under Downloads. Curriculum Materials To date, there are no Canadian specific curricula available to just pick up and use out of the box. Most Canadian homeschoolers choose to either use and adapt an American curriculum or mix and match to piece together their own. There are a LOT of options to choose from and it's very easy to get overwhelmed. Before you try to wade through the options, here's some questions that might help narrow it down: • Do you want Canadian content or are you fine using American content? • Do you want everything to come pre-planned and ready to use out of the box? • Is there a preferred curriculum used by the people in your support group? • What are other homeschoolers in the method you want to follow using? • What are other homeschoolers whose children have the same learning style as your child using? • Would you like to be able to see or use a sample or video before you commit? • Are you looking for a faith-based curriculum? How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #21 Reading reviews of products is a great way to get feedback on what works and what doesn't for different homeschooling families. Read the testimonials on the company website, search for homeschooling blog reviews, see if there are any YouTube videos of people using the product. If you can go to a homeschool conference, take the opportunity to meet the vendors, check out the materials, and chat with other homeschoolers about what they like and don't like. Note: One danger when buying curriculum is buying too much and spending too much money. This is especially true in the first year or two of your journey when you are trying to figure out what styles and products work best for you and your child. Try to get a chance to look before you buy whenever possible, see if there are sample units or pages on the company's website, borrow a book from a friend, or consider buying used materials until you know what's right for you. Also remember that if you do buy something that just doesn't fit – you don't HAVE to stick with it. You are free to change and try something new. A simple search engine search for homeschool curriculum will yield you a wide collection of options. Typically, the big name ones are Christian American boxed sets – like Abeka, Alpha Omega, and Sonlight. It can be hard to find Canadian materials, even when sifting hard through results. Many people opt to go with an American curriculum and modify, adapt, or add Canadian content as needed. Although so many Canadians use American materials (and mention that they wish there were Canadian editions!), the only company that I know of that has a Canadian supplement is Weaver – a unit-study approach program. The other option is to mix and match products based on what you would like to learn, combining whatever materials work best. That means you can use Canadian or American (or any!) materials. Here are some popular Canadian products, by subject. Keep in mind that this is not a list of every known Canadian resource. I've only put the ones that offer a full curriculum here – not all the variety of different options available to teach with. Be sure to stop by The Canadian Homeschooler for more reviews and posts on Canadian resources. How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #22 Math Company Name Description The goal of JUMP math is to make mathematics understandable for everyone, even those kids who struggle. This program offers two workbooks per level with online teachers' guides for each, regular in-person workshops to help you be able to teach math better, and other online support. English materials for Grades 1 – 8. French Immersion materials for Grades 1 – 6. Average cost per workbook is $12. jumpmath.org JUMP Math Math-U-See Canada The Canadian edition of a homeschooling favourite math program, Math-U-See uses a series of hands-on manipulatives and DVD lessons to help make math visual. Instead of grade levels, the series levels are based on Greek letters and placement tests are used to figure out where your child should begin. To teach, you need to buy a Teacher's Manuals with DVDs, manipulatives, and student workbooks. Cost varies with each level and what you need for each. www.mathusee.ca The MathSmart series is the roots for a now extensive line of Canadian based workbook resources. Offering comprehensive math workbooks for preschool through Grade 9, these books are presented in easy-to-use segments. There are no teacher guides available, but teaching ideas are presented for each new topic – along with examples and explanations, along with a midway review and final tests per section. These books cost between $10-15 per book. www.popularbook.ca MathSmart History/Geography/Social Studies Donna Ward/ Northwoods Press One of the top names in Canadian curriculum for grade level history and geography, Donna Ward has 4 main books: Canada, My Country, Courage & Conquest, Geography: Province to Province, Canada's Natives Long Ago. Easy-to-follow lessons combined with worksheets and resource lists including fiction and non-fiction books, videos, & others to go with the topic. Bundles with extra books and some digital ebook versions available. donnaward.net How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #23 Hands-On Social Studies Taking a hands-on approach to social studies, this lesson plan resource was designed by and for teachers in a classroom, but can be modified for homeschool use. Units are based on either Ontario (to Grade 6) or Western protocol (to Grade 4) curriculum, broken down into lessons and activities, with lists of needed materials, worksheets to copy, and everything prepared to just get started and go. Books are costly – somewhere around the $100-$150CDN range, but are very detailed. www.portageandmainpress.com Modern History Through Canadian Eyes Covering history from the First Nations to today, this history program combines resources like literature, non-fiction resources, videos with hands on projects. This second edition costs $34 for a 188 page resource. www.solidoakpublishing.com Science Company Name Description ScienceSmart From the Smart Series books, these Science workbooks are based on the Ontario curriculum and include lessons, experiments, worksheets, and other activities. Books are available for Grades 1-8. Cost is about $17 per grade. www.popularbook.ca Hands-On Science Taking a hands-on approach to science, this lesson plan resource was designed by and for teachers in a classroom setting, but can be modified for homeschool use. Units are based on either Ontario (to Grade 6) or Western protocol (to Grade 7) curriculum, broken down into lessons and activities, with lists of needed materials, worksheets to copy, and everything prepared to just get started and go. Books are costly – somewhere around the $100-$150CDN range, but are very detailed. www.portageandmainpress.com Peppermint Stick Science A Christian Canadian homeschooling family has created an elementary science program based on the Ontario curriculum. Two options are available for JK-Gr. 3 science – either complete daily science lessons for 30-33 weeks or in individual unit study format. Costs are $75 for the complete book or around $20 per unit. www.peppermintsticklearningco.com English Company Name EnglishSmart Description From the Smart Series books, EnglishSmart workbooks include reading and comprehension activities, grammar and language knowledge, phonics, vocabulary, and writing practise. Books are available for Grades 1-8. Cost is about $17 per grade. www.popularbook.ca How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #24 Excellent Resources: Canadian Themed Writing Lessons Based on the Institute of Excellence in Writing, these Canadian themed writing books combine video lessons with hands-on writing activities. Themes include history, all things Canada, and relations with the USA. Grade ranges are from Grades 2 – 9 depending on the unit chosen. Print versions of the material are about $70. Digital editions are $50. www.excellentresources.ca Health Company Name Canadian Health Activities Description A teacher's guide to teaching health using the Canadian curriculum. Includes activities and lessons on nutrition, safety, physical activity and more. There is one book for Grades 1-3 and another for Grades 4-6. Cost is $15 each. Ebook editions available. www.chalkboardpublishing.com Art Company Name Description Canadian Artpack Art lessons focused on 25 Canadian artists like Emily Carr, the Group of Seven and more, including art activities, lapbook materials, worksheets for studying artists, and more. Costs $49 for the complete pack. www.mapletreepublications.ca Anyone Can Draw A Primary and Intermediate books and DVDs of step-by-step drawing lessons using basic shapes. Also a new book about using watercolours, pastels and charcoal. PDF workbooks are $12 and $22. DVDs are $25 or $35. www.anyonecandraw.ca Canadian Art Ideas Three books (K-1, Grades 2-4 & Grades 5+) that explore art through lessons inspired on seasons and Canadian artists. These are teacher guides of activities. Books are $15 each. www.chalkboardpublishing.com French Company Name Description FrenchSmart For Grades 4-8, these workbooks are part of the SmartSeries of books. Focusing exercises on vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and reading – these books are a fun way to work on developing French skills. Books are ~$20 each. www.popularbook.ca Nallenart Divided into 3 levels: Say (Dire) for K-Grade 3, Read (Lire) for Grades 3 to 8, and Write (Ecrire) for Grade 9 – these books include a student workbook, audio files, and a teacher's answer guide. The complete kits cost about $30-$40 each. www.nellenart.com How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #25 Where to Buy Materials One challenge of homeschooling in Canada is finding a place to get your materials from. Shipping from across the border can be very costly. Be sure to visit the publisher websites, look for local used curriculum sales, and shop on Amazon.ca. Used Homeschool Swap: Canada Homeschool Canada Store A Facebook group of Canadian homeschoolers who are selling or looking for materials. An online consignment store of new and used books Stores Canadian Home Education Resources Also known as CHER. One of the largest and most well-known homeschooling resource stores in Canada. Catalogue includes many of the most popular curriculum materials as well as many top Canadian products. Showroom based out of Calgary, Alberta. Cornerstone Learning Resources The Learning House Distributors of popular homeschooling materials and many Canadian resources. Storefront located in Goderich, Ontario. A+ Books Canada An online store with a lot of popular homeschooling resources and Canadian books & videos. Based out of London, Ontario. Scholar's Choice The Teacher Store. This store has teaching supplies for classes and home! Posters, games, manipulatives, books, toys, and much more. Tree of Life Based out of Kelowna, BC, this bookstore offers a large collection of books and resources, including BC specific curriculum bundles that meet the prescribed outcomes. Specializing in Classical and Christian homeschool materials, this online store is based in New Brunswick. How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #26 If you are looking at homeschooling through high school, the first decision that you need to make is if the final goal is to get an official diploma or if that even matters to you. The usual reason for debate over this decision is because of question about homeschoolers being accepted into a post-secondary education without a high school diploma. Where once homeschoolers may have faced challenges with admissions, as homeschooling continues to become a more mainstream method of education, post-secondary schools are starting to offer admission policies especially for students schooled at home. A good resource for this is UniversityAdmissions.ca – a site by Sarah Rainsberger about homeschooling and some options about how to get into post-secondary without a diploma. Options for high school courses and learning can include: • purchased homeschool curriculum • DIY courses • virtual (online) courses • correspondence programs This is a good time to really evaluate passions and goals for your student's current and future life. What do they want to become & what do they need to know in order to get there? Some other great resources are: • • • The Duke of Edinburgh Award – a challenge program for teens ages 14 and up that requires them to work through a series of personal goals and achievements to receive a prestigious award. Peppermint Stick Learning Co – High School Resources Donna Ward – Canada in the 20th Century High School Course How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #27 Although different provincial regulations and teaching methods require different amounts of detail for plans, actually having some sort of plan is definitely essential to every homeschool. [Yes, even unschoolers!] The Learning Space When you first start homeschooling, you need to have a plan about where in your home your child is going to “do school.” Many people just use their kitchen or dining room table, especially at first. Avoid the temptation of sinking large amounts of money on furniture and supplies off the start – wait until you settle into your homeschooling styles and routine to see what would work best for your family. The only furniture you may want to consider is a bookshelf – this will be very handy! Yearly Outline Having an idea of what you kind of oversee the whole year encompassing is a good place to start – whether that be taking a look through your planned curriculum and seeing what you are going to cover or coming up with a set of learning goals for your children. Here’s an idea that you can do with your children – have them create a vision board for the year. Cut/paste pictures or words of things they want to accomplish or attempt throughout the school year. You can divide up the page into sections to focus on, like academics, social, spiritual, physical, financial, etc. This is a great way to see what your child’s goals are, and to help them figure out what steps they need to take to get there. Here’s a great example of how one family did their annual plan with their Learning consultant with a large sheet of paper and some thinking. Weekly Plans Making an outline of what you want to accomplish during the week, no matter how detailed or vague that will be, is a great way to follow through and succeed at finishing them. Personally, I find when I’ve spent time planning out our week, that we get done what I wanted done – instead of just winging it and then wondering what we’ve spent our time doing over the last few days. The one resource that I’ve found super helpful is a lesson planner. How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #28 Daily Plan Having a way for your kids to visually see what they are expected to accomplish in their day is a great way to get them on board, avoid arguments, and make it easy for them to develop independence. Here are a few ways that you can do that: •A Checklist– Just writing down what you want done in the day and letting your child check things off as finished is a terrific and simple way to have a daily plan. Don't forget you can add chores and out-of-the-house activities too! Some great ideas for this are to: •use a whiteboard to write the list and erase as done •use a paper checklist (I've added one on the next page that you can print/copy or create your own Student Daily Work Checklist) •use a digital list with check boxes, with a program such as Evernote •Visual Charts – Sometimes, seeing pictures is the best way to understand what needs to be done in the day. I have at least 1 kid who really excels when I remember to use this method with him. I took a clipboard, added a whiteboard sticker page and separated it into squares. On each square I place a card with an image/title related to what he needs to work on. When he’s finished that task, he flips the card over and can move onto the next card. When all the cards are flipped over, he’s done everything I need him to do for the day. It’s pretty easy and effective. The cards I created and downloaded off of a great website called Mrs. Riley, a terrific website! •Workbox System – For many years now, there’s a buzz in the homeschool community about a method of daily organization called “workboxes.” Basically you have a set of containers of some sort, and label each with a subject & number using velcro dots. Each bin is filled with subject by subject work to do, or a snack or free play, or chore cards, or whatever you need. Your child starts at bin 1 and when finished what is inside– moves that number to a chart and then starts on bin 2 – repeating until all the bins are done for the day. Once you find a method that works for you, stick with it. It will make this homeschool journey much easier for both you, your kids, and any record keeping you need or want to do. How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #29 Today's To-Do List Name:__________________________ Day: ___________________________ Subject To Do Done How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #30 This section is called “Never Stop Learning” because, honestly, that’s the base of it all: Learning. And I’m not talking about the kids. I’m talking about us. The teacher. WE have so much we need to learn as we walk this journey. 1. We need to learn patience. Ok, so we may never get there. In all likelihood, we won’t ever succeed as being the patientfilled parent we want to be, but in order to be a successful homeschooling parent – it should be something we strive for. Let’s face it – we are literally with our kids all the time. That means that we are teacher, parent, supervisor, counsellor, entertainer, chauffeur, chef….. well, you get the picture. Being together that much can lead to periods of friction. And trust me, your kids know exactly how to push your buttons and push they shall. Patience is a skill that we, as the parent should aim to have. It’s hard for everyone when there’s tension in the home. 2. We need to learn to ignore the voices of opposition. You know the ones. The voices we hear inside and out that question our plans and tell us what we’re doing wrong, that fill us with self-doubt and uncertainty. It is really, REALLY hard when you are new to homeschooling and have someone (especially when it’s a close friend or family member) think what you are doing is wrong. You need to learn to ignore those voices. Stand up for what you are doing. Remember when I told you to write down those reasons for homeschooling? When those voices get too loud to fight off – that’s the time to look at them again. Refresh yourself on the roots of your homeschool and standfast. You started on this journey with purpose – don’t let yourself or anyone else take that away from you. 3. We need to learn to listen. One of the most amazing gifts that homeschooling can offer is the opportunity to have a constant communication with our kids. The hard part is the we have to remember to actually listen to what they are sharing with us. Open communication is the key to a loving, lasting relationship. Hear your kids’ hearts. PLUS – we need to learn to listen to advice and suggestions from the people we respect and admire in our homeschooling community. Feedback should be welcome (even if we have to filter it through our own personal experience and knowledge.). You never know how it could positively impact your life/family/schooling. How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #31 4. We need to learn how our children learn. Figuring out how your child learns most effectively means that you can help them succeed in anything you try to teach them. Don’t be afraid to try many different things while you try to understand your child’s best method – and don’t be afraid to stretch the weaker learning styles too. 5. We need to learn to love learning. Guess what? If you love something, your kids will pick up on that. If you have a passion for learning, they are going to get that excitement and interest from you. It’s far too easy to feel that we’ve been there, done that with our own school experiences. But, as homeschoolers, we get to learn it all over again with our kids. Honestly, it’s amazing how much I’ve been able to relearn and refresh in my own knowledge just by teaching it to my kids. Build that love of learning, and get them excited to learn along with you. 6. We need to learn to relax, have fun, and enjoy the journey. Homeschooling can be overwhelming. There’s so much to… well.. learn and do. But one of the most important things we need to learn is just how to enjoy the journey. Laugh lots. Take time to build relationships with our kids. Relax. They will learn what they need to learn. You can do this. How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #32 If you are considering homeschooling in British Columbia, here are the basics that you need to know: Homeschool Regulations In British Columbia, there are actually 2 main options for learning at home. One is called Distributed Learning (enrolling) and the other is actually homeschooling (registering). There is a big difference between the two – with homeschooling being more independent whereas distributed learning is more intended to be “school at home.” Homeschoolers in this province get financial support to help them pay for their books and activities. It varies according to how you homeschool and other factors. •Government Requirements •The Difference Between Distributed Learning and Homeschool Prescribed Learning Outcomes The Ministry of Education sets education standards for students through a provincial curriculum. These learning outcomes are guidelines of what students should know and be able to do at each grade for each subject. • British Columbia Support • • • BC Home Learners Association BC Unschoolers/Homeschoolers (Facebook Group) Provincial Association of Homeschoolers of British Columbia How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #33 If you are considering homeschooling in Alberta, here are the basics you need to know: Homeschool Regulations In Alberta, families who homeschool are required to register with a willing board somewhere in the province and have their plans approved. There are 3 options to choose from – completely doing your own plans, following some of the government curriculum outlines, or completely following the school plans. You are assigned a facilitator who visits you several times during the course of the year. This province offers funding to families who homeschool, depending on what school board and method of schooling you choose. •Government Requirements •Alberta Home Education Handbook Learning Outcomes The Ministry of Education sets education standards for students through a provincial curriculum. These learning outcomes are guidelines of what students should know and be able to do at each grade for each subject. • Alberta Support • Alberta Home Education Association How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #34 If you are considering homeschooling in Saskatchewan, here are the basics you need to know: Homeschool Regulations Homeschoolers in Saskatchewan are required to register with their school board and provide an educational plan for each child. Throughout the year, they need to keep a portfolio of their work which they present at the end of the year. Funding for homeschoolers varies according to district. •Government Requirements Learning Outcomes The Ministry of Education sets education standards for students through a provincial curriculum. These learning outcomes are guidelines of what students should know and be able to do at each grade for each subject. • Saskatchewan Support • • Saskatchewan Home Based Educators I homeschool in Saskatchewan! How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #35 If you are considering homeschooling in Manitoba, here are the basics you need to know: Homeschool Regulations In Manitoba, homeschoolers need to inform the government that they are homeschooling. In January and again in June, an official report is filed outlining the learning completed. This province offers no funding to homeschooling families. • Government Requirements Learning Outcomes The Ministry of Education sets education standards for students through a provincial curriculum. These learning outcomes are guidelines of what students should know and be able to do at each grade for each subject. • Manitoba Support • • • Manitoba Association for Schooling at Home Manitoba Association for School at Home (on Facebook) Manitoba Association of Christian Homeschools How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #36 If you are considering homeschooling in Ontario, here are the basics you need to know: Homeschool Regulations Ontario homeschoolers are requested to submit a letter of intent to their local school board. Other than this letter, there is no other requirement or involvement from the government. This province offers no funding to homeschooling families. • Government Requirements Learning Outcomes The Ministry of Education sets education standards for students through a provincial curriculum. These learning outcomes are guidelines of what students should know and be able to do at each grade for each subject. • Ontario Support • • • Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents Ontario Christian Home-Educator's Connection Ontario Homeschoolers (on Facebook) How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #37 If you are considering homeschooling in Québec, here are the basics you need to know: Homeschool Regulations Although homeschooling in Québec is completely legal, this province seems to also have the most challenges with acceptance from their school boards. It is highly recommended to get a membership with the Homeschool Legal Defence Association (HSLDA) in order to have legal protection as needed. Please connect with a homeschool association in the province and the HSLDA for complete details about what is required for homeschoolers in Québec. This province offers no funding to homeschooling families. • Education Act Learning Outcomes The Ministry of Education sets education standards for students through a provincial curriculum. These learning outcomes are guidelines of what students should know and be able to do at each grade for each subject. • Québec Support • • • Association Québécoise pour l’éducation à domicile (French site) Association of Christian Parent Educators of Québec (bilingual site) Association d'Enfants Scolarisés à la Maison (AESM)/Association of Children Educated at Home (ACEH) How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #38 If you are considering homeschooling in New Brunswick, here are the basics you need to know: Homeschool Regulations In New Brunswick, homeschooling families have to either register with an English or a French board. The Anglophone board requires submission of a fairly basic set of forms and will respond with a letter of approval. The Francophone board is more complex – requiring a more detailed application outlining your homeschooling plans along with an in-home interview. This province offers no funding to homeschooling families. • • Government Requirements Homeschooling in New Brunswick (English Brochure) Learning Outcomes The Ministry of Education sets education standards for students through a provincial curriculum. These learning outcomes are guidelines of what students should know and be able to do at each grade for each subject. • New Brunswick Support • Home Educators of New Brunswick How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #39 If you are considering homeschooling in Nova Scotia, here are the basics you need to know: Homeschool Regulations In Nova Scotia, parents are required to register their child using a form that is available on the Ministry of Education's website. In June, parents need to follow that up with a progress report, outlining what their child learnt throughout the year. This province offers no funding to homeschooling families. • Government Requirements Learning Outcomes The Ministry of Education sets education standards for students through a provincial curriculum. These learning outcomes are guidelines of what students should know and be able to do at each grade for each subject. • Nova Scotia Support • Nova Scotia Home Education Association How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #40 If you are considering homeschooling in Prince Edward Island, here are the basics you need to know: Homeschool Regulations All that is required for PEI homeschoolers is to fill out and submit a notice of intent form. This province offers no funding to homeschooling families. • Government Requirements Learning Outcomes The Ministry of Education sets education standards for students through a provincial curriculum. These learning outcomes are guidelines of what students should know and be able to do at each grade for each subject. • PEI Support • PEI Homeschool.com How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #41 If you are considering homeschooling in Newfoundland or Labrador, here are the basics you need to know: Homeschool Regulations Recent changes to the school districts have left homeschoolers in Newfoundland and Labrador without direct information on what is required at this time. Previously, there were four different regions, each with their own homeschooling requirements, but now everything has been combined into a single board and official homeschool regulations aren't completed yet. Homeschooling in each region is currently done case by case. It is recommended to keep in contact with the HSLDA. • Government Website Learning Outcomes The Ministry of Education sets education standards for students through a provincial curriculum. These learning outcomes are guidelines of what students should know and be able to do at each grade for each subject. • Newfoundland & Labrador Support • Christian Home Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #42 If you are considering homeschooling in the Yukon, here are the basics you need to know: Homeschool Regulations Yukon homeschoolers need to register with the Aurora Virtual School, who co-ordinate the home education program for Yukon Education. Along with registration, submission of a home education plan is required that outlines the plans and learning outcomes for the year divided into four semesters. The Yukon uses the British Columbia curriculum outline for their guidelines. Funding is provided for homeschoolers in this province. • • Government Requirements Home Education Handbook (as of 2014) Learning Outcomes The Ministry of Education sets education standards for students through a provincial curriculum. These learning outcomes are guidelines of what students should know and be able to do at each grade for each subject. • Yukon Support • Northern Canada Home Based Learning (Facebook Group) How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #43 If you are considering homeschooling in the Northwest Territories, here are the basics you need to know: Homeschool Regulations In the Northwest Territories, parents register their children with their local school, where they are classified as students but are exempt from attendance. Homeschoolers in this province get a portion of the funding from the school to help pay for their school expenses. • Government Requirements Learning Outcomes The Ministry of Education sets education standards for students through a provincial curriculum. These learning outcomes are guidelines of what students should know and be able to do at each grade for each subject. • Northwest Territories Support • Northern Canada Home Based Learning (Facebook Group) How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #44 If you are considering homeschooling in Nunvut, here are the basics you need to know: Homeschool Regulations Homeschooling in Nunavut involves registering with their local school and working with the leadership in that school. Inclusion of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) – or the teaching of Inuit societal values and culture is to be included in a homeschool education. Homeschoolers in this province get a portion of the funding from the school to help pay for their school expenses. • Government Regulations (see section 21) Learning Outcomes The Ministry of Education sets education standards for students through a provincial curriculum. These learning outcomes are guidelines of what students should know and be able to do at each grade for each subject. Although Nunavut's curriculum is not currently available online, here is the website to find more information. • Nunavut Support • Northern Canada Home Based Learning (Facebook Group) How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #45 • The Truth About Homeschooling: Myths Debunked • 10 FAQs about Homeschooling in Canada • Homeschool in Canada: Research and Statistics - Fifteen Years Later: HomeEducated Canadian Adults & Home Education in Canada: A Report on the PanCanadian Study on Home Education 2003 • Real-Life Success Stories • French as a Second Language Resources • Canadian Homeschooling Blogs Conferences are a great resource for homeschooling families. They offer a chance for you to connect with other homeschoolers, listen to experts share their wisdom, and interact with vendors of curriculum materials. It's a unique opportunity to get hands-on with a variety of products, to see what they are like and if they might be useful for your family. Most homeschooling conferences are held in the spring season. If you are looking for a homeschool conference, here are two websites to reference: • • Joy of Learning Centre Conferences & Events HSLDA Conference Listings How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #46 My name is Lisa Marie Fletcher. I'm a homeschooling mom from Ontario who has a passion for helping others on their homeschooling journey. I have 4 boys – currently ranging in age from 10 to 1. We've homeschooled since the beginning and haven't looked back. When my oldest started school, we chose an American Christian boxed curriculum that came highly recommended by my already homeschooling sister-in-laws. While the program was excellent, I struggled with all the Americana that just didn't fit into my personal preference. I went on a hunt for a Canadian alternative. It was a very hard search, and involved a lot of finetooth combing and research. I decided to start The Canadian Homeschooler as a way to share what resources I'd found. After all, there had to be other Canadians looking for the same thing! I wasn't wrong. From there, the journey has lead to helping try and build a community amongst Canadian homeschoolers through Facebook and Twitter. I am super excited to see us coming together to support and encourage one another. My heart is still to bring Canadian resources to Canadian homeschoolers – and so I continue to work towards that goal, aiming to help fill the holes in the market and connect the businesses with the people who need their products/services. I'm looking forward to seeing where this path leads. I'd like to thank my support network for encouraging me towards that goal, including this book. Thank you to the group of people who took time to read through this book, tell me what was missing and proofread through it – Shari, Sarah, Lee, Miriam, and others. Your input was invaluable. I hope this book, and everything I have planned for the future, helps our Canadian Homeschooling Community grow bigger and stronger. Thanks for being part of it. ~Lisa Marie Fletcher How to Homeschool in Canada – thecanadianhomeschooler.com - Page #47