How Do I Get Started Homeschooling?
We’re here to be your parents homeschool guide to getting started! Maybe you’re on the fence, or maybe you’ve had to jump in, and now you’re trying to get started homeschooling. Maybe you’re ready to dig deeper and really develop your homeschool knowledge. We know you’ve got questions that beg to be answered and our purpose is to help you find answers. From podcasts and how-to videos to free printable tools that help you homeschool effectively, our mission is to help you homeschool. Let’s Get Started.
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For those new to homeschooling, it’s one thing to get started with homeschool state laws and join support groups, and another thing entirely to teach your children. How do you actually teach these new homeschool students?
If you’re wondering how to start homeschooling, we’ve summarized a few simple steps for you.
Understand Your State’s Homeschooling Laws
Each state has its own regulations regarding homeschooling. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with your state’s legal requirements to ensure compliance each school year. Visit your state’s department of Education website or check out Homeschool.com’s state laws page for detailed information. Be aware that at times, the local school district will attempt to require additional oversight. Know your state homeschool laws to protect yourself.
Define Your “Why” and “How”
Take a moment to reflect on why you want to homeschool. This can serve as your mission statement and guide you through challenging times during the homeschool year. Next, decide on your homeschooling method. Whether it’s classical, Montessori, or unschooling, choose a style that aligns with your family’s needs and values.
Learn About Your Child’s Learning Style
Every child is unique, and understanding how your child learns best can help you choose the right curriculum and teaching methods. Consider your kids learning preferences, favorite lessons, and motivations to create an engaging and effective learning environment. This will help you as you determine your type of curriculum (textbooks, online, literature-based, etc) and your type of homeschool method (Charlotte Mason, Classical, etc).
Choose a Homeschool Curriculum
Numerous homeschooling curriculums are available, ranging from structured programs to more flexible, eclectic approaches. There are so many, in fact, that most new homeschooling parent find it difficult to sift through them all during their first year. This is why we’ve built our easy-to-use Curriculum Finder Tool. It makes it easy to research and select a curriculum that fits your educational goals and your child’s learning style.
Create a Schedule and Organize
Establishing a routine can provide structure and consistency for your home education journey. Plan your daily, weekly, and monthly schedules, including time for academics, extracurricular activities, and breaks. Flexibility is key, so be prepared to adjust as needed. Determine how you will organize, plan, and conduct grading.
Find Support and Resources
Joining a homeschooling community or co-op can provide valuable support, resources, encouragement, and social opportunities for both you and your child. Look for local homeschoolers or a homeschool group, moms’ day out, online forums, and social media communities to connect with other homeschooling families.
Start Teaching and Adjust as Needed
Begin your homeschooling journey with confidence. Remember, it’s okay to make adjustments along the way. Homeschool families learn to pay attention to what works and what doesn’t, and be open to changing their approach to meet your child’s needs better.
Homeschooling Methods to Consider
There are several homeschooling methods to choose from, each with its unique approach. You can find an in-depth resource and quiz for determining your Homeschool Method here. Classical Education focuses on critical thinking and classical literature through the trivium stages. Montessori emphasizes child-led, hands-on learning, fostering independence. Charlotte Mason uses living books and nature study to educate the whole child. Unschooling promotes self-directed learning through life experiences and interests. Waldorf integrates academics, arts, and practical skills for holistic development. Eclectic Homeschooling combines elements from various methods for a personalized approach, while Unit Studies focus on thematic, in-depth exploration. Lastly, Online or Virtual Schooling offers structured lessons through technology, providing a guided learning experience.
Some families may ask about the cons of homeschooling, and for many families, the cons don’t overshadow the benefits. Some parents may consider requirements such as portfolio grading, evaluation, filing the letter of intent, and finding homeschool resources as points of anxiety. But for the most part, parents find inspiration from the freedom that homeschooling provides and find it do-able to work through the details.
