How to Start Homeschooling: Everything Parents Need to Know
Ready to begin homeschooling? Great! Our comprehensive guide gives you everything you need to get started!
Author
Katie Wickliff
Published:
September 18, 2024
Key takeaways
- Our 10-step guide on how to homeschool answers parents' most common questions and concerns.
- Reflecting on your educational philosophy and learning goals for your child is essential.
- Children thrive on routine, but flexibility is also important–don’t be afraid to mix it up!
Table of contents
So, you’ve made the exciting decision to start homeschooling—congratulations! Homeschooling can be incredibly fulfilling, giving you the chance to truly customize your child’s education to their unique needs and interests. And while starting homeschooling can seem a bit overwhelming at first, don’t worry! With some thoughtful planning and research, you can create the best learning environment for your child. Follow these 10 steps, and you’ll be well on your way to making homeschooling a fantastic experience for your whole family.
How to start homeschooling
Follow these 10 easy steps to get started homeschooling your kids:
Step 1: Get to know your state’s homeschooling laws
After you’ve decided to homeschool, the very first thing you should do is to familiarize yourself with your state’s specific homeschooling laws and regulations. Each state has different homeschool requirements, including notification procedures, curriculum standards, and assessment methods. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offers support for homeschooling parents and can help you gain a clear picture of requirements in your area.
Step 2: Clarify your educational philosophy and goals
Next, take time to determine what you want to achieve with homeschooling. Define your educational philosophy and set clear goals for your vision. Are you interested in a traditional or classical approach, or a more relaxed, child-led homeschool method? Understanding your goals will guide your curriculum choices and teaching strategies. When you figure out what you want as a teacher, consider what you hope your child will achieve through homeschooling, such as academic excellence, a love for learning, or increased independence.
Step 3: Choose the right curriculum
With so many options available, it’s crucial to select a curriculum that aligns with your educational goals and your child’s learning style. Research different programs and resources, considering factors like adaptability, rigor, and your homeschool budget. Check out our recent article on how to choose the best homeschool math curriculum for your family. Consider DreamBox to complement your child’s curriculum. This online program helps support your child’s math development through personalized games and fun adventures.
Step 4: Create a purposeful learning environment
Create a dedicated learning and homework space for your child. It doesn’t matter if that space is a desk, a dining room table, or a kitchen countertop. What does matter is that the area is organized, well-lit, and stocked with necessary supplies like books, workbooks, paper, pencils, and a calculator. A special learning space can help your child’s motivation and focus.
Step 5: Develop a schedule
Establish a daily, weekly, and monthly routine that works for your family. A consistent schedule helps everyone know what to expect and minimizes disruptions. Decide on the number of hours your child will spend on schoolwork each day, and outline a learning plan that includes time for subjects, outdoor breaks, field trips, and extracurricular activities. While routine is important, flexibility is key–it’s ok to adjust as you go.
Step 6: Prepare a record-keeping system
Documenting your child’s learning and keeping other academic records is incredibly important for tracking progress and meeting any legal homeschooling requirements. Create a system to record lesson plans, completed assignments, assessments, and any other relevant information. There are plenty of digital tools specifically designed for homeschooling parents—or keep things simple with binders or paper folders. Finding a system that works for you is the best way to stay organized.
Step 7: Join a homeschooling community
Connecting with other homeschooling families can provide resources, support, and help your family build friendships. Look for groups locally or online where you can share experiences, ask for advice, and participate in group activities. The HSLDA website can help you find groups in your area.
Step 8: Plan for socialization
Many new homeschooling parents worry about socialization opportunities for their children. However, there are plenty of ways for your child to interact with peers, such as joining co-ops, playing with sports teams, or participating in community events. Socialization is crucial for developing communication skills and building friendships, and there are plenty of ways to meet this need.
Step 9: Stay flexible and adaptable
One of the best things about homeschooling is the flexibility it offers families. No matter what approach you use, homeschooling is a dynamic process—what works one day may need to be adjusted the next! Regularly assess your child’s progress and don’t hesitate to try new methods or approaches if needed. Listen to your child and consider their viewpoints. They might have a great idea you haven’t considered yet.
Step 10: Become a life-long learner
You didn’t think your child was the only one learning, did you? Homeschooling is an ongoing journey for both you and your child. Keep exploring ways to improve your teaching methods, stay current on educational trends and philosophies, and constantly evaluate your child’s progress. Attend conferences, read educational books, and engage with other educators to keep your approach fresh and effective.
FAQs about how to homeschool your kids
While there’s no one way to “do” homeschooling properly, there are several steps to make it a rewarding experience for your family. Those steps include:
- Check out your state’s homeschooling laws
- Define your goals
- Choose a curriculum
- Create a distraction-free learning environment
- Develop a schedule
- Keep organized records
- Join a homeschooling community
- Find socializing opportunities
- Stay flexible
- Keep learning!
The cost of homeschooling varies widely and depends upon several factors, including: number of students in your homeschool, the type of curriculum, the cost of specific resources for your child’s program, tax advantages, and more.
Adaptive, research-based games such as DreamBox Math help homeschoolers learn by reinforcing math skills and concepts in an engaging, interactive way.
