Have you decided to start homeschooling? Or do you still have questions about the process to help you make your decision? Homeschooling is a big decision, unique to each family. It’s an important decision and requires a strong level of commitment from both parents and children.
Before we continue, you may want to read some of my most popular blog posts on starting homeschooling:
What is the official law on homeschooling?
State Laws
The first step to start homeschooling is to check with your state laws. Homeschool laws vary in the amount of regulation by each state (no notice, minimal, moderate, or high). Homeschooling requirements are unique and different by each state and you must follow those of the state that you currently reside in. This is true even if you own property or pay income taxes in another state (which may be the case for military families). You can find an overview of each state’s laws at HSLDA’s interactive map.
No-notice states are least the restrictive states for homeschooling. However, they still have homeschooling requirements and laws that must be met. Highly- regulated states have much more explicit homeschooling requirements in place for homeschooling families. They often require stricter time, reporting, recordkeeping, and testing requirements.
Here’s a look at how the states fall on the spectrum:
- No-Notice States: Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut
- Minimally-Regulated States: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Wisconsin.
- Moderately-Regulated States: Oregon, Washington, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Louisiana, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, New Hampshire, Maine
- Highly-Regulated States: Pennsylvania, Vermont, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts
I cannot stress enough the importance of learning your state’s laws! This is the very first step to starting homeschooling and will set the pace for the rest of your year!
What are “Options?”
Many states offer different options for homeschooling. The most common option is homeschooling through the state’s homeschool statute, which usually involves reporting to the school district your child would normally be zoned for. Other options for homeschooling could include:
- private or denominational school
- private tutor
- homeschooling association
- satellite day school or boarding school
- online school or accredited program
Some states only offer one option; others offer up to four. Once again, check with your state’s laws and regulations to determine your options for homeschooling.
What subjects do I need to teach?
Once you have read through your state’s laws, you can then decide what you need to teach (and what you would like to teach additionally). The subjects you teach will vary according to age, grade, and state requirements. But, for the most part, you should be prepared to teach the core subjects of math, reading/language arts, writing, science, and social studies.
Where can I find learning materials, resources, and curriculum?
As a homeschooling parent, deciding on a curriculum can quickly become all-consuming and overwhelming! There are so many options available. You can choose a religious or secular curriculum. You can buy teacher-created resources from a marketplace like teacherspayteachers.com, or you can purchase curricula from large educational publishers. Some free curriculum options even exist…just do a quick Google search and see what you find! Check your state laws for requirements (if any), and then choose one that meets those requirements and suits your child’s interests and learning style.
Some of the best places to find used curricula are Ebay and Facebook groups. Try searching through these places to see what is available that you may enjoy. I have also found great learning materials at Goodwill stores and garage sales! Personally, I enjoy putting my hands on a book and seeing what is in it before I commit to a purchase.
Curricula is a wonderful tool, especially for parents who don’t know exactly what is supposed to be taught in each grade level or in a specific course. Information is available in other places, however, such as state standards, the common core standards, or even a quick Google search for pacing guides or scope and sequences. Once you know what should be taught, how to teach it is up to you (and that’s the fun part!).
Do I have to use a formal curriculum?
Unless your state requires you to use a specifically mandated curriculum, you can decide what curricula you want to use and to what extent you want to use it. You have flexibility! If books and worksheets are not your style, you have the power to move your learning outdoors or to create a more hands-on learning environment. If your child learns better with unit studies, go for it! Suppose you want to use bits and pieces from various different curricula. That is completely your choice! This is the beauty of homeschooling!
Whatever curricula and learning method you choose, be sure to save some work samples. Most (maybe all) states require you to save work samples for a period of time in case you are audited. Once again, check your state laws!
I checked my state’s laws and chose a curriculum. Now what?
Depending on your unique situation, you may be ready to begin homeschooling! If you are starting the school year with homeschooling, then nothing should be holding you back. My suggestions for moving forward are to:
- make a daily schedule and stick to it the best you can
- don’t re-create school at home
- plan your lessons/activities at least on a weekly basis
- have a dedicated place where your child can work, but be flexible
- keep up with grades and work samples
- stay organized (most importantly, don’t miss important deadlines)
- join a homeschool support group
- have fun learning!
What if I start homeschooling mid-year?
If you start homeschooling mid-year, however, things are a little bit different. You will likely need to provide your child with a daily schedule and give him or her time to adjust to it. Even though your child is home, he or she needs will still benefit from an organized schedule so he or she knows what to expect. Also, your child may need to get caught up on skills that are lacking. You can expect to play catch-up until your child has mastered the grade-level skills he or she missed in the classroom setting.
You will also want to reach out to homeschool support groups or associations to find various socialization and learning opportunities for your child (and you). Your child may have mixed emotions about homeschooling, so be patient and understanding as you help him or her work through them. The adjustment period may be a little rough and bumpy at first, but things will eventually smooth out as you and your child begin to get the hang of learning at home.
What is a homeschool support group? How is this different than an association?
A homeschool support group is different than a homeschool association. For the most part, a homeschool association usually helps with the legal aspects of recordkeeping and homeschooling and requires a yearly membership fee. They prepare transcripts and handle attendance reporting to the state on my behalf. If I have any questions regarding grades/GPA, curriculum, state laws, audits, credits, reporting, etc., I refer to my association. My association also offers counseling services for additional fees.
A support group is more like the homeschooling “moms” group. I am a member of several Facebook support groups that are in my local area. These groups are great sources of information for field trips, play dates, events, curriculum, and any other homeschooling topic. They are definitely the more social aspect of homeschooling support. If you haven’t joined one yet, I encourage you to try to find one in your area!
What about extracurricular activities?
Homeschoolers can be just as involved in extracurricular activities as regularly-schooled students. They just may have to seek opportunities outside of public schools (although there are some exceptions, like JROTC programs). Some states allow homeschool students to participate in interscholastic activities; others do not. You will want to check with your state’s high school association to determine their eligibility rules.
Even if your child isn’t eligible to participate in interscholastic activities, he or she will benefit from programs or activities that you can tailor to his or her interests. Karate? Dance? Gymnastics? Equine Therapy? One positive note about extracurricular activities and homeschooling is that you can build them into your day whenever you see fit. Extracurricular activities for public school students are often tacked on to the end of an already lengthy day, making for an exhausted student at the end of the night. One who probably still has homework to do!
As a beginner homeschooling parent, however, be aware that it is easy to overshedule your child into too many activities! My advice is to start with one or two activities. Let your child decide if he or she likes them, and then go from there. Schedule your social gatherings or field trips thoughtfully. Otherwise, you will wind up spending all your time on the social aspect of homeschooling, and not the academic one!
What else should I know?
Homeschooling is a huge decision and requires a total commitment on everyone’s part! It is not all flowers and sunshine. There are days where you will be frustrated or tired or sick or simply not motivated to homeschool. You will need to set aside your “mom” hat (or ‘dad” hat) and be a teacher, and that’s hard too! You will yearn for a break, and you may even long for the days where you used to work and actually get paid for it. Homeschooling is tough, and your kids probably won’t really appreciate your efforts until they are 25.
But, with all that being said, you do what you feel is best for your children! Yes, after working in public schools for so long, I am a strong advocate for homeschooling. But if you feel like you are not ready to start homeschooling, or if it’s just not working out for you, that’s okay too. Every family is unique and has its own set of challenges. Ultimately, doing what is best for your family is what is important.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment! I hope I have covered the basics, but I know from experience there are so many things swirling through your head as you consider starting homeschooling. Best wishes for whatever you decide!