How To Start Homeschooling

This year marks out third year of homeschooling and this is a decision that I wish I made sooner! This is such a huge decision that I can now stand here and say I made confidently, not just for myself but for my daughter!

Now let’s be honest, I was nervous. I was scared and most of all overwhelmed with all the research I did. I felt like I was in new uncharted territory! Not to mention that at this time the pandemic had just hit, so we were already doing distance learning at home. Don’t get it twisted, distance learning and homeschooling are NOWHERE near the same thing.

What is homeschooling?

Homeschooling is parent-led education at home vs. the traditional public/private school. Since the pandemic the homeschool rate has simnifically increased. Before Covid, 5 million U.S. children in grades K–12 were being homeschooled and since then it has nearly doubled.

How to start homeschooling?

First things first, you have to find out what the laws are in your state! I know that sounds scary, but this is the easiest part to ensure you are meeting your states requirements. To find out your states requirements you head to The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). ON HSLDA, you can search by state and it will give you a detailed view of your states requirements and your next steps such as how to withdraw your child from public school.

Finding a homeschool curriculum

For me this was probably the most overwhelming part. The options on which curriculum to use seem nearly endless and I wasn’t sure where to start. if there’s anything you take from this, please know that the first year of homeschooling is much or a trial and error period. You and your child will spend this first year learning what you do and don’t like, and what does/doesn’t work for you. that includes your curriculum choices. Our first year, we brought an entire set. We quickly learned that wasn’t for us. It is not a one size fits all. What I love about homeschooling is that I do have the freedom to be able to switch things us and find things that fit my child’s needs when it comes to learning.

Aside from a curriculum, another way I feed my daughters love for learning is though co-op classes. Co-op allows us to meet with other families who homeschool like us and give them the social aspect for homeschool. I highly recommend hoping on facebook and finding homeschool groups in your city/state. Learning from one another and hearing each other experiences really help when it comes to cultivating a fun/loving homeschool experience that works for both you and your child!

Although it may see scary and you may have doubts. I am here to tell you that you can do it! If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or send me a message. I’ll be happy to help anyway that I can!