The Beginners’s Guide to Homeschooling
In the past 12 months many families have decided that homeschooling may be the best option for them in this changing world. From needing to find more stability in an uncertain for their children to wanting to have more input on what is being learned and how. Homeschooling has become the best option for many. And luckily for us it can take many forms.
Our small family made the choice to homeschool even before we had children. We knew that homeschooling our daughter was the best choice for our family. We wanted to provide a Biblical Worldview education and I wanted to be in on her learning milestones.
We’ve been homeschooling now for 11 years. We’ve learned a lot about learning, tested and tried many curricula and been able to share with and encourage those just starting their homeschool journey. My hope is to offer some encouragement and help to you as well.
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What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling refers to the process in which one or more children in a family are instructed by the parents or legal guardians, (or another member of the household). There are laws and legal requirements that differ from homeschool for each State.
Contrary to some beliefs homeschooling does not look the same in every home and every child is not homeschooled with the same tools.
Misconceptions about Homeschooling
Homeschoolers do not all use the same curriculum or homeschool the same way. Homeschoolers can learn by parent led, video, co-op courses, and even self teach by the time they are in high school.
Homeschoolers are not unsocialized. In fact they may get too much socializing time. They generally are comfortable about varying age ranges rather than just children their same age and grade.
Getting Started with Homeschooling
Start your homeschooling journey by finding out what age children are to start homeschooling in your area. It’s usually the age that kindergarten starts. In my state (Washington) that is 8 years old. Sometimes the rules and regulations can be county based, so make sure you find out on a local level what you need to do as well. If you’re in Washington State check out my article on homeschooling in Washington.
Check around for homeschooling organizations in your area like co-ops and online communities. There might be a “main” group to which most home schoolers in your community will belong, and you can find out when you talk to them. Many churches have homeschool groups. Check your local library, search Facebook, and talk to your friends.
- I started a post with links explaining some of the different methods out there. Some people stick with one, some use several, some start one way and end up another.
- If your children are little starting off with activity sheets is a great way to get an idea of some of their strengths and lightly introduce yourselves to some schoolwork at home.
- A few years I started a series where I interviewed my fellow homeschoolers from the OldSchoolhouse Review Crew. I think this is wonderful for getting a peek into a homeschool day. Start at the beginning.
What About What Products to Use?
I’ve been on the Old Schoolhouse Review Crew since 2013. Being part of this crew allows me to test out great homeschool products you might never have heard of. It’s easy to find big box curriculum but what if you need a specialized subject that works just for your child? Those are the kinds of things I review. And if you wondering we use BJU Press Homeschool as the core curriculum in our home.
- First of all you’ll want to know the requirements for your area. This way you can be on top of things when it comes to picking out and fleshing out your curriculum. HSLDA has list of all the US States and their laws. Consider becoming a member. HSLDA also has an International section.
- Homeschool Reviews in 2020 (we also moved some of our reviews to Instagram this year).
- Homeschool Reviews 2019
- Homeschool Reviews 2018
- Homeschool Reviews 2017
- Homeschool Reviews 2016
- Homeschool Reviews 2015
- Homeschool Reviews 2014
- Homeschool Reviews 2013
Homeschool Methods
For the last several years we have used BJU Press Homeschooling online as the crux of our homeschool curriculum. But we do like to supplement! And here are some great products we’ve been able to supplement with.
- Different Kinds of Homeschooling Methods
- Christian Boxed Curriculum
- Waldorf Homeschooling Method
- Online Homeschool Hub of Various Styles and Methods
How Do You Get it All Done?
Yes I’ve asked myself this question a time or two. Especially when watching my sister homeschool. How on earth do you get it all done? That’s where Homemaking Organized comes into play. An Organized Home shouldn’t take as long to keep up as a disorganized home.
- First of all be sure and read Homeschoolers at Home Interviews to find out how other homeschoolers “get it all done”.
- One of the best way to get it all done, at least in the home, is to put your home on a schedule. Having a routine of when things are done around the house is super helpful. It doesn’t have to be set in stone but having a roadmap keeps you moving forward.
- For homeschoolers new and old I highly recommend the book Flourish: Balance for Homeschool Moms.
Your children are only young for a short while. Do your best to enjoy this homeschool journey.
Full Year Printable Homeschool Calendar
Starting to Homeschool Mid Year
Transitioning from Public School to Homeschooling
Tips for Homeschooling Multiple Children
Full Year Free Copy Work ebook