We had wanted to homeschool for three years before we started and had many of the same questions you may have today. Deciding whether to homeschool is a significant decision. There is a large community of homeschoolers who are able and willing to help guide you to have a successful start.
The ultimate goal for most parents is to provide their children with the best education possible. There are many options for curriculum to fit your kiddo’s needs and family’s values, along with opportunities to outsource specific subjects that may be difficult to teach as your child advances. You are the principal and can customize your school as the best learning environment for your child. That’s the beauty of homeschooling!
Step by Step Homeschooling Beginners Guide:
- Know and Comply with Your State’s Homeschool Law.
- Choose Curriculum and Teaching Method.
- Create a Schedule.
- Organize and select a designated learning space.
- Connect with Others
Let’s take a closer look at the five beginner steps to start homeschooling.
1. Know and Comply with Your State’s Homeschool Law
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but each state has its unique homeschool laws that regulate how parents can educate their children at home. Some states have very restrictive homeschooling rules, including subject, reporting, and testing requirements, while others are more lenient. The web is a valuable tool for finding out your state’s homeschool requirements or visiting the office of your local officials.
2. Choose a teaching method and curriculum.
There are many homeschooling teaching methods; you may even toggle between them as you navigate and learn what works best for your kiddo.
The seven homeschool methods:
- Unschooling.
- Charlotte Mason Home Education.
- Classical Home Education. Neo-Classical Home Education.
- School-in-a-Box |Pre-packaged | All-in-one Curriculum.
- Montessori at Home.
- Unit Study.
- Eclectic/Relaxed Home Education.
Some things to consider when you’re selecting a method and curriculum: Do you want to incorporate home values, a second language, sports, or a musical instrument? Curricula can be purchased, but are unnecessary; you can create your own. There are many options for homeschooling. Some homeschoolers choose a hybrid approach, splitting their time between learning at home and attending a physical, brick-and-mortar school location.
Tips for homeschooling during the high school years:
- Be sure to fulfill state requirements for graduation.
- If college is the next step for your child, start completing admission requirements for potential colleges.
- There are also ways to earn college credits during the high school years; contact the college you are interested in to inquire about the requirements.
3. Create a Schedule
Creating a schedule is one of the pillars of having a successful school year. Scheduling schoolwork at specific times can ease stress and keep everyone accountable. Children feel more comfortable with a routine and knowing what to expect daily.
There are state requirements for the number of days and hours you must complete each school year. Each family has the freedom to create a schedule that fits their lifestyle and enables a good learning environment.
If you purchase an all-in-one curriculum, the school year is planned, and there is flexibility to adjust the schedule to fit your family’s needs. The other option is to calendar your program; some families choose to teach core subjects 3 to 4 days a week and leave the other days for field trips or outdoor leisure activities. There are many options to create a schedule that works best for your family while fulfilling the state’s requirements.
4. Organize and select a designated learning space.
Now that you have full knowledge of the state’s requirements, selected your curriculum, and have created a calendar year school schedule, the next step is to organize your materials.
Why is being organized so important?
The core benefits of organizing and operating in a generally clutter-free environment are increased productivity and improved performance. And with those come a greater sense of control, vital to stress management, resilience, and overall well-being.
Getting and staying organized is another essential pillar of homeschooling. Ultimately, homeschoolers have different ways of teaching, but the goals are fundamentally the same: to educate our children. Whether we are teaching at a fast or slow pace, being organized helps us to track our child’s success, identify areas that need improvement, and use our time wisely.
Selecting a designated space for teaching and learning helps us homeschoolers get and stay organized. It can be a room or the kitchen table; work with what you have and make it the best place to learn.
5. Connect with Others
Connecting with other homeschoolers helps us build a network for sharing helpful information and building a community. Communities offer social connection, a sense of belonging, and shared values —essentials for enjoying a fulfilling life.
Educating our children also helps them connect with others and opens the door to creating long-lasting friendships.
There are several ways to connect with other homeschooling parents and children:
- Online Facebook groups.
- Ask at the library.
- Go to the park, indoor playground, or other local kid-friendly venues during school hours on a school day.
- Enrichment activities, including music, arts, and sports.
- Church
Connecting with other homeschoolers is beneficial for creating a balanced and well-rounded teaching environment.
Final Thoughts
Deciding whether to homeschool is a significant decision. Homeschooling offers numerous benefits that can enrich your family’s lifestyle while providing a successful educational experience for your child. Meaningful education is best started when we have our basic questions answered. Clear answers to those questions will make decisions about schooling throughout your child’s life much easier.
Homeschooling offers a broad sense of freedom and autonomy. For those who embark on this incredible journey, it’s life-changing!