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Wondering how to start homeschooling? Follow these 3 easy steps to get started. Spoiler alert: It’s simpler than you think!
My oldest child was still a baby when I decided to homeschool him.
As a new mom, I read tons of articles about how kids learn best, and I learned that most American schools don’t teach them that way. I listened with horror as friends and neighbors told me stories of active shooter drills at their kids’ schools. I read news stories about bullying and molestation happening right in our school district.
Later, I sat in an informational meeting at our local elementary school as the principal explained that “kindergarten was the new first grade”. As he spoke proudly of the rigorous curriculum the school offered, I wondered when the kiddos had time to eat, rest, or play. I hated the idea of sending my baby on the school bus at 8:25 a.m. each day to spend seven hours pretending to be a little adult.
The choice to homeschool was easy, but I remember being terrified as I was getting started. Terrified of breaking the rules. Freaked out about learning how to teach. Convinced my kid and I would both be lonely weirdos.
If this is you, too, Mama, read on. Rocking this homeschool life is easier than you think.
STEP ONE: Get Legal
Homeschooling looks different all over the world.
Requirements in the US range from very simple to extremely complex. In some states, families register to homeschool and then do their own thing. They aren’t required to report any information to anybody unless their local school board thinks there’s a problem.
Other states require regular reviews with representatives from the school district, standardized tests, or other hoops to jump through in order to keep things on the up-and-up.
The Homeschool Legal Defense Association has a great website that will let you know what you need to do in your state. If you’re planning to homeschool outside of the United States, this page gives an overview of some of the laws by country.
STEP TWO: Decide what your school will look like
How will you school?
Now comes the fun part—choosing what your school will look like. You may decide your school should look similar to your local public school. Or, you might choose to unschool and let your children follow their own interests rather than any prescribed curriculum.
In between these two extremes are a million other options. You might decide to be a Classical Homeschooler, Charlotte Mason Homeschooler, Gameschooler, Waldorf Homeschooler, Montessori Homeschooler, an Eclectic Homeschooler, or something else entirely. Your school will be uniquely your own and can be customized to fit your child best.
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When will you school?
You will probably find that you can ‘do school’ in much less time each day than you think. And your school year runs whenever you want.
You might decide to school from September to June like they do in public school, or you might find that you like to school year-round. This way you can stay inside reading during the heat of August and spend beautiful September afternoons at the park. You may decide to follow a strict daily schedule, or you may choose to wake up each morning and see what the day brings.
What will you do in school?
Ultimately, you know yourself and your child, and you no doubt have a hunch about what will work best for you. If you choose something and you don’t like it, you can choose something else. Even if you decide that homeschooling doesn’t work for your family, you can always go back to regular school later.
None of your decisions are permanent–don’t worry about any little detours you might make along the way.
Help to find your style
There are tons of resources to help you find your style and narrow down all those bright and shiny new curricula. I really love:
Eclectic Homeschooling’s Homeschool Philosophies Quiz
This quick quiz can give you some ideas about which homeschooling philosophy might suit your family. Once you get your results, you can read more about the philosophy that works best for you right there on the site. You know, in case you don’t know what the heck it means to be a Waldorf, Charlotte Mason, or Montesorri homeschooler yet.
Cathy Duffy Reviews
Cathy Duffy has been reviewing homeschool curricula since 1984. Go to her website to read all about that bright, shiny curriculum you’re considering.
WANT TO MAKE THIS THE BEST HOMESCHOOL YEAR EVER?
Check out this fully customizable printable homeschool planner full of special surprises for life-loving mamas like you!
SEA (Secular, Eclectic, Academic) Homeschoolers
This site’s goal is “to build a strong, healthy, and vibrant network for secular homeschooling families, educators, and business people.” It’s a great resource for finding secular materials to use in your homeschool, and the corresponding Facebook group is massive, active, and full of AWESOME people.
STEP Three: Find Your People
Speaking of awesome people, you need to find yours. There are nearly two million homeschooled students in the United States, and the number appears to be growing.
In my area, co-ops, open gyms, group field trips, etc. for homeschoolers happen pretty much every day. Unless you want to, there is no reason to stay at home and keep to yourselves.
Search the name of your city, county, or state with the word “homeschooling” in Facebook or Google, and I bet you’ll be surprised at the number of groups that show up.
Mama, all of us veteran homeschoolers remember what it felt like to be new at this. We want to help you. Don’t be shy about asking questions and seeking help, and looking for friends.
Maybe you’re like me, and you want to homeschool so your babies can stay babies a little longer. Maybe you’ve got another great reason to homeschool. Whatever your reason, you can do this, Mama. I hope this post helped to show you that it’s really not as daunting as it seems.
Mama Goes Beyond is not a Homeschool blog.
But I have homeschooled my two boys for the last five years. And I have all sorts of ideas for ways we can make homeschooling easier, organize our homeschool days better, and have a lot more fun in the process. Click the button below to access all of my homeschooling resources.
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