You’ve decided to take a different route for your child’s education, but have no idea how to begin homeschooling. You’re likely scouring the internet looking for information and asking the only people you know that homeschool. I get it. There’s a lot of information out there.
Today, I want to simplify the process of how to begin homeschooling so that you can finally put your worries to rest. This includes the “legal” aspects, along with the other questions you may be pondering such as “What to do before you file your notice of intent?”
How to Begin Homeschooling
Step 1: Create a vision for your homeschool.
Before you start homeschooling, it’s important to create a vision for your homeschool and set goals and objectives for your child’s education. Think of your ideal homeschool; what does this look like? What kind of interactions do you have with your child? What is your relationship like? Get clear on this, and let that drive the goals you set.
Step 2: Set goals and objectives
Before you begin homeschooling, it’s important to set goals and objectives for your child’s education. This will help you stay focused and ensure that your child is making progress. Consider what you want your child to learn and what skills you want them to develop. Think of what’s important to your family such as values, character, nature study, behavioral/emotional development, etc.
Step 3: Research homeschooling methods
This is an underrated step that was an essential part of our homeschooling journey. There are so many ways you can homeschool your children without having to re-create school at home. Popular homeschooling styles include traditional, classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, unschooling, etc. Each style has their own philosophies and ideas that you may resonate with. Knowing which style you resonate with most can help you when selecting curriculum, planning your days, joining homeschool groups and making other important homeschooling decisions.
>> Check out this post on 7 Homeschooling Styles Explained
Step 4: Check your state laws
Every state has different homeschooling laws. Some states have education requirements for teachers, while some do not. Each state varies in the types of records you must keep, but for most states this is minimal. Before you begin homeschooling, however, you will want to check your individual state laws to ensure what your specific process is.
Here is a great website where you can find your state laws.
Step 5: Choose a curriculum
Once you have a better understanding of the legal requirements for homeschooling in your area and the homeschooling style you resonate with, it’s time to choose a curriculum. There are many different types of curriculum available, including traditional textbooks, online programs, unit studies and literature based curriculum such as Ambleside Online. Consider your child’s learning style and interests when choosing a curriculum. How do they learn best? What has worked in the past? What hasn’t worked well? What curriculum seems appealing to you? (This matters!)
>> Check out this post on How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum
Step 6: Keep up with the requirements.
Make sure you keep up with your state’s requirements, whether that includes annual testing, turning in a portfolio, or keeping items on file. Our state (North Carolina) requires attendance records, immunization records and an annual standardized test – none of which have to be “turned in” to anyone. They simply need to be kept on file. I have a binder each year for each of my children that contains this information. It is the same binder I file their paperwork in at the end of the year for their “portfolio”. We truly enjoy reviewing their end of year portfolios, often. Other states, however, have different requirements. Make sure you know exactly what you need before you begin homeschooling.
Step 7: Breathe.
This is mandatory. Take a deep breath before you go forward. You’ve honestly taken the scariest step already by deciding to homeschool your children.
Step 8: Begin homeschooling.
Now, you know exactly how to begin homeschooling. But what’s next? What are you supposed to teach? And how are you supposed to teach it? What about your schedule?
If you’re unsure how to answer these questions, you’re not alone. I was really lost when I first began homeschooling, and there was a lack of information on these topics. I’m happy to help you during this process! Click here to set up a time for us to talk.
Leave a Reply