The #1 question I see asked the most in homeschool groups is, “What are the requirements for the state I live in?” or “Where do I even begin?” This makes sense because it was absolutely one of the first questions that crossed my mind at the beginning of my homeschool journey, and the most common response you’ll see pop up is to check out HSLDA - Making homeschooling possible.
This is the first tool in your homeschool toolbelt that will help you get started. Once you are on the website, go to Legal > State Homeschool Laws > Click on the State you live in > View Complete Details. Here you will find all the details laid out for you.
In my state, you must notify your local education service district by sending them an intent-to-homeschool letter. How do you write one of these, and what should it include? For my state, HSLDA has a sample letter you could use if you pay for their membership; however, I figured out how to get one for free. I googled the education service district for the county I live in, and they had a free letter of intent on their website that I could use. I just had to simply fill it out and email it to them.
Homeschooling sometimes means living on one income, so if I can save money, I'll take it!
The second most common question I see is people inquiring about the curricula that others use. I feel like trying to pick out a curriculum or lesson is where you can easily lose your mind. The options are endless, which is both good and overwhelming. Every homeschooling family is different, and so is every child's learning style, but how are you supposed to know what works for you? So, you reach out to other people to try and find someone you relate to and try what they have done, BUT then you get conflicting responses about the SAME THING. Super frustrating.
I think it’s our inner imposter syndrome mixed with the people we know are waiting to say I told you so living in our head that builds an immense amount of pressure on our shoulders to pick the absolute best thing because if we don’t, we are going to fail our children, right? Wrong. In my very unprofessional opinion, the fact you are following your calling to homeschool your child is already a step above.
So, how do you prevent this curriculum overwhelm meltdown? Don’t look at it like an end-all-be-all situation, and follow your natural instinct. I’m a strong believer that if you find yourself drawn to something, it’s probably for a reason. Do a little research and pick a curriculum to try. I promise you won't ruin your child if you later decide this choice isn’t best for you and move on to something else. That’s the beauty of homeschooling. The possibilities are endless.
Questions to ask yourself about the curriculum you want.
- Do you want it to align with your beliefs and core values?
- Do you want it to involve technology?
- What is your budget?
- Do you want mostly worksheets?
- Do you want it to include hands-on activities?
- How much structure and flexibility do you need?
- How does your child prefer to engage with learning materials?
- What areas does your child struggle with?
- What are your child's interests and strengths?
- What are your educational goals for this year?
*Accreditation is something to take into consideration as well.
These are a few popular curriculum choices you can start with.
Teach Your Monster: Free Phonics, Reading and Mathematics Games
https://parents.miacademy.co/?msclkid=7a369421cc9510d6eb79f2985095028f
Acellus Academy | Accredited Online School (Grades K-12)
Learning to Read for Kids | Learn to Read with Phonics | Free Trial – Reading Eggs
Khan Academy | Free Online Courses, Lessons & Practice
"See what things interest them most and help them to go down that particular road."
-John Holt
The most important thing I try to remember is this is a new experience. It will take time, mistakes, and trial and error before discovering what works best. If you woke up one day and decided to run a 5k, you wouldn't expect yourself to go out and do that without some training first. (Assuming you are not already an avid runner.) Enjoy the training process; you'll be running the 5k journey of homeschooling in no time!
Four Bonus Tips to Help Your Journey
1. Incorporate a Variety of Learning Activities
Make learning engaging and diverse by incorporating a variety of activities. Use a mix of textbooks, online resources, educational games, hands-on experiments, and field trips. This multi-sensory approach will keep your child interested and enhance their understanding of different subjects.
I follow various creators on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest who all have creative, hands-on ways to teach your child something new. It's also nice to be a part of a community of families going through the same thing as you.
"Children learn from anything and everything they see. They learn wherever they are, not just in special learning places."
- John Holt
2. Monitor Progress and Adjust as Needed
Regularly assess your child's progress to ensure they meet their learning goals. Adjust your teaching methods or curriculum if necessary. Remember, homeschooling allows for flexibility, so don't hesitate to adapt your approach to suit your child's needs.
I like to use ABC Mouse to assess my daughter's progress. They have assessments you can give your little one, and then, depending on their score, they suggest activities.
As mentioned in the quote above, homeschooling is not to recreate public school at home. Often, giving assessments is seen as unnecessary, and your child will develop at a pace that is right for them, which I totally agree with. I don't put pressure on the assessment or treat it like a test she has to pass. Most importantly, I don't judge her or myself based on the score. It's just another fun thing we do together, providing ideas or guidance on what direction to head next.
"Every child is unique therefore their education should be also."
- Jeannie Fullbright
3. Foster Socialization Opportunities
While homeschooling provides a personalized learning experience, fostering socialization opportunities for your child is important. Encourage participation in extracurricular activities, sports teams, or community groups. This will help them develop social skills, make friends, and broaden their horizons.
This is the part of homeschooling that receives the most criticism. Someone once said that if you are taking on your child's education, you are also taking on their socialization, and I resonated with that. Our daughter makes new friends in parks play areas, and everywhere she goes. She even seamlessly mingled with a group of adults at a work event. She is also not a child I would consider to be outgoing. She has just adapted to engaging with different people in different situations. It's a proud Momma moment to see your little ones learn and grow into the people they aren't meant to become.
"The idea that children need to be around many other youngsters in order to be 'socialized' is perhaps the most dangerous and extravagant myth in education and child rearing today."
-Dr. Raymon Moore
4. Stay Positive and Flexible
Lastly, maintain a positive attitude and be flexible. Homeschooling can have challenges, but remember to provide your child with a unique and tailored education. Embrace the journey, celebrate achievements, and be open to adjusting your approach as you learn and grow together.
"To have a more effective home education, I realized I needed to abandon the trappings of school and harness the energy of home. I dropped my allegiance to the sacred "school schedule." Instead, I adopted the more forgiving "home routine."
- Julie Bogart
This homeschool starter guide will equip you to embark on your homeschooling adventure. Remember, homeschooling offers a beautiful opportunity to provide your child with a personalized and enriching education. Embrace the freedom and flexibility it offers, and enjoy the learning journey together!
