Though the appeal of the home school class room is the informality, having discipline and structure is the key to enjoyable learning. Here are 7 ways to start your Maintenance Program.

1. Let the kids get caught up in the beginning of your school year. If you've always shopped for new clothes, supplies, books, and back packs, home schooling doesn't have to interfere with that ritual.

Emphasize the fun you both are going to have because your child won't be confined to the 20 x 20 classroom. You've got the whole outdoors and the world at large. Encouraging excited anticipation will cut down on the whining I-don't-wanna's that may seep in at the beginning of something different.

2. Have your student come to class in the proper dress code that you have set by what you wear. Undesireable attitudes are formed by unkempt hair and bedroom slippers. Both of you should dress as if you were going out in public.

3. Prepare a daily schedule of the classes and post it. Make sure the student is familiar with the schedule, the equipment needed, and what is expected of her. If this has to be spelled out with slow deliberation, do it. There should be no question about any of these aspects. Your student MUST be aware of what's expected of her.

For example: If Spelling is the order of the 9a.m. time slot, the student should be on time with books, writing utensils, and completed assignments immediately at hand.

4. Have designated areas in the house just for the purpose of school. This can be done even in a small house. (We're a family of 6. We've been stuffed into a 30' x 30' house with one bathroom for the past 7 years. You get used to it. Right?) Students should at least have a library section for references and other reading material, a desk or private corner of his own to do homework, and a 'public' place to gather for class, the infamous kitchen table.

5. Students will have the true feel of a class room when 'teacher' has a blackboard and chalk for which to write notes and clarify points. This is no way to achieve the connotation of a public school room, disorganized and depressing as they are. This prop helps with the structure, note taking, and as a visual aid.

6. Have a list of disciplinary measures, as well as rewards, at your wit's end. These will depend on the individuality of the family. These are essential, because the student has to complete all assignments. If he doesn't, he loses privledges: play time, game time, free time, time with friends, field trips (most interesting), listening to music, etc.

Tip: Once a routine is established, and if learning is kept enjoyable, disciplinary measures are seldom needed.

7. Exercise patience at ALL times. Books of learning for grades 1-12 are written so as to employ teachers in the public school system. (If you don't believe this, have your student read a chapter in his math on a subject that he hasn't learned yet. Then, you explain the same chapter. You will always get: "Why doesn't the book just say that?!")

Sometimes you will have to explain things a number of times for a number of reasons. Do it patiently EVERY time. Be so patient with your student that he'll get mad at himself first.

How does this promote discipline? Your example of controlling yourself goes a long way.

Begin your Maintenance Program even before you form class, and the environment for learning will be kept enjoyable and productive.