I know the idea of being responsible for your children’s education can seem daunting. But it’s not as hard as you think to start and there are endless resources to help you every step of the way. Plus the rewards are priceless, this journey you go on together is amazing! Here are some steps to get started.
Step 1: Check your state (or country’s) laws and requirements!
I know this isn’t the most glamours step but you’ll know what you’re up against before you get to the more fun parts. If you’re in the United States then Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states but you’ll need to look up the requirements by each state. Check the HSLDA to search your states requirements. Don’t be discouraged though because there is still plenty of freedom in Homeschooling no matter which state you’re in. And if you’re pulling your child out of public school then you may need to write the school a letter stating your intent to Homeschool, more may be needed depending on the state you live in.
Step 2: Research different Educational Methods and decide what you want from your Homeschool.
This is where it gets fun. There are a lot of Homeschooling methods out there, Charlotte Mason, Classical, Traditional, Montessori, Waldorf, Unschooling, Unit Studies to name the main ones. If you like a couple you’d be considered Eclectic with your homeschooling. I like a few so I’m Eclectic but I also try to follow Charlotte Mason’s methods for our Home Education. Once you decide what methods you like most, read a book or several on that method, listen to podcasts and read blogs to get a better understanding of the method. But remember your first duty isn’t to the method but your child, you can tailor things to fit yours and your children’s needs and not the other way around.
Step 3: Decide on a Budget & which curriculum you’ll use.
Another exciting part! Homeschooling can be done for every budget. Look into free curriculum if your budget is tight! Some companies offer every subject, while others offer one or two. Decide if you’d rather buy everything from one company or you’d rather thrift everything. Library sales and used curriculum are also great places to check for things. No curriculum is truly open and go, you’ll still need some prep on your end but some make it easier than others and those tend to be more expensive for the convenience.
Step 4: Create your Homeschooling Space
You don’t need a Homeschooling room to Home Educate. Chances are if you have one you’ll end up all over the place doing lessons anyhow. But creating a space for your books to live, pencils, notebooks and curriculum is a great way to stay organized and be ready for lessons. We use our dinning room but I have things stored around the house. The key is to stay organized so when you go looking for math stuff or something to write with you’ll find it right away. Small spaces, get creative!
Step 5: Set Goals and a Daily Rhythm
Asking yourself why you wanted to Homeschool in the first place will help keep you motivated with things get hard (we all have hard days). And I find a Rhythm instead of a schedule makes things more flexible, which is a gift of homeschooling. Of course appointments still need to be met on time but your lessons don’t need to start at 9AM on the dot or nothing. Being flexible helps you get things done daily without feeling defeated. Perhaps everyone does better with lessons at night or you need to do them during nap times. Rhythms are flexible and changeable for the different seasons you’re in.
Step 6: Find a Community
It’s extremely helpful to find a community of other Homeschooler’s. This can be hard so starting online is a great place to start to ask questions, see reviews of curriculum and connect with others in the same boat as you. Co-ops and Nature Groups (like Wild + Free) are a great place to start with looking for a community by you. Check libraries, ask around church or ask in any local mom groups to see who else is homeschooling in your area.