So, you're thinking about homeschooling. Maybe your child is bored, discouraged, bullied, or just needs a different learning environment. Once the idea takes root, it's hard to ignore. The good news is, you can do this! Homeschooling is a journey you can take one step at a time. Here is what I did and what I recommend!
This step-by-step guide will help you create a plan and begin with confidence!
Step 1: Understand Your Why
Before diving in, take some time to explore. Why do you want to homeschool? Is it out of necessity, preference, or a desire for a different kind of education for your child? Some people set out to homeschool from the beginning, but for others it's completely unexpected! No matter what you think may happen, how can you be sure you're making the right choice? You might feel overwhelmed... I'm here to say that you can take your time and learn as you go. Providing one-on-one personalized education for your children will look and feel different than a typical school. The first step is to read and research as much as possible but if you feel overwhelmed -- take a break and try again in a few days.
Step 2: Check Your State's Requirements
Your first practical step is to check your state’s homeschooling laws. Every state has different requirements, which often include:
- Submitting a "Declaration of Intent"
- Teaching core subjects (e.g., Math, Science, English, Social Studies)
- Maintaining attendance records
- Providing annual assessments (like standardized tests or a portfolio review)
The first step is to read and research as much as possible but if you feel overwhelmed -- take a break and try again in a few days.
Step 3: Choose Your Style
So, now you have researched, checked legal requirements and know why you want to homeschool. Great! Now its time to think about what the personalized needs are of your child and your family. You may have already given some thought to the style of instruction you want to pursue. That's perfect, because now is a good time to choose how you want to go about things!
Homeschooling doesn't have to look like traditional school. There are plenty of different educational philosophies you can explore to see what fits your family best.
- Traditional: Textbook-based, similar to a school structure.
- Classical: Focuses on grammar, logic, and rhetoric.
- Charlotte Mason: Literature-rich, with short lessons and a focus on nature.
- Unschooling: Child-led, interest-driven learning.
- Online/Virtual Schools: Accredited programs that provide the curriculum.
Step 4: Set Your Goals
Once you have a style in mind, set some simple goals. What do you want to achieve this year, both academically and for your child's overall well-being? These goals will be your compass.
A few long term and short term goals are plenty to begin with. You may have a plan for their mental, physical, social or spiritual needs in addition. For academic goals, I look for curriculum grade level assessments. Although grade levels are not very important in homeschooling, you can use them as a guide for the main priority. This helps create a starting point.
Step 5: Select Your Curriculum
Remember, children can learn on their own! Everything that you do will enhance their natural ability to learn and achieve a higher level of understanding. So it's your job to help magnify their efforts with your selected materials. There are so many options out there, its almost guaranteed you will find something that fits your child. Actually, you may find a bunch and choose to use a combination of several!
You can even use the internet to homeschool your child for FREE. Its really amazing! Choosing a curriculum will help you stay on track and reach your goals one day at a time. Find what works for your child and think about their learning style. If something isn't working, you can always change it!
A Few Curriculum Examples:
- All-in-One: Abeka, Sonlight, Time4Learning, Oak Meadow
- Free Options: Khan Academy, Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool
- Subject-Specific: Saxon Math, Apologia Science, Brave Writer for Language Arts
Step 6: Create Your Space
Homeschool can happen indoors or outdoors, but a designated spot can keep your organized and create a routine. You can teach in a hotel room, campsite, backyard, office, bedroom, living room floor, or at the breakfast table.
However, I do recommend keeping a few supplies nearby so you don't have to stop in the middle of your lesson. A day planner can also help you keep records and take notes on progress. Designate a spot for supplies—a bookshelf or a plastic bin for pencils, paper, scissors, and books. This keeps you organized. Gather it all together and you're ready to go!
Step 7: Set a Flexible Schedule
Have you thought about what holidays you will take off? How many instruction days do you need to have per year?
It's time to set a schedule and create lesson plans for your day, week, semester or year. Some curriculums have lesson plans included. You can alternate days off and subjects taught per week, according to the your goals. Basically you should look at your materials then create a plan to finish all of the work in a set amount of time. Maybe you need a flexible schedule for your lifestyle. Maybe you want to copy the school schedule or change and adapt it completely. Anything is fine as long as you reach the requirements of your state. Get creative and pick which subjects you will teach on what days. Set a schedule and you're ready to go!
Its also possible that in the first few weeks or months, you will discover that what you planned is not working. You may feel like a failure because things aren't going like you thought they would or the routine has been absolute chaos. Perhaps the curriculum you thought was perfect has all of you scratching your heads. That's ok too. Don't be afraid to chuck it all out and start fresh! Maybe you can focus on a single subject that does work from that curriculum and worry about adding in others later.
Step 8: Start Your Journey!
The best way to learn is to start! Pick a date and begin. Be ready to learn as you go, have fun, and stay flexible.
As you go, keep simple records. This includes your intent form, attendance, and samples of your child's work (a portfolio). This makes annual assessments easy and fulfills legal requirements.
Step 9: Keep Records
Do make sure you keep records of your child's progress. You can also keep workbooks and assignments they complete. I recommend storing the required homeschool documents in one place. This includes declaration of intent, annual summary, standardized testing and attendance records.
Step 10: Find Your Community
A common concern about homeschooling is socialization, but homeschoolers often have more opportunities to socialize than other schooling options! Honestly, I think homeschooling allows you to have way more free time and opportunities to meet friends! Look for homeschool groups in your area, homeschool conventions, and activities targeted at homeschoolers during the day. You will gradually meet other homeschool families as you explore your neighborhood and city attractions. Go to the zoo, museum, aquarium, park, nature center and more!
- Join Social Groups: Look for homeschool co-ops, park days, and field trip groups in your area.
- Explore Extracurriculars: Sign up for sports at the YMCA, art classes, library programs, or STEM clubs.
- Check for Special Homeschool Days: Museums and zoos often offer homeschool discounts.
- Get Support: Connect with local homeschool associations for encouragement, resources and legal guidance.
Seek Support Early: Join local or state homeschool Facebook groups and ask questions. As the Georgia Home Education Association (GHEA) wisely says, "Search the internet, read books... talk with current homeschoolers." You'll find your own teaching niche over time—be patient with yourself.
Step 11: Enjoy the Adventure!
With all of these ideas, I also want to encourage you to stop and enjoy the free time you have with your child. Homeschooling can work for all different families and lifestyles. Thank you for reading my post. I'm new to homeschooling but I think it's a wonderful opportunity and privilege. I want to encourage you to research the best option for you, find materials that help your child succeed, share my experience and let you know that YOU CAN DO IT!
Good luck and don't forget to have fun!
