f you’re considering homeschooling your children, you’re not alone. Many parents choose to homeschool for various reasons such as flexibility, personalized education, and a desire to be involved in their child’s education, not to mention the potential danger we worry about like school shootings and authoritative abuse. Starting homeschooling can seem overwhelming, but with some basic knowledge and preparation, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. I have been homeschooling my son for 7 years now , and I can testify that it can be extremely beneficial for both you and your child.
Here is a simple quick guide on how you can get started with the homeschooling process.
1.) Research state laws and regulations: Before you start homeschooling, you need to research the laws and regulations in your state. Homeschooling laws vary from state to state, so it is crucial to understand what your state requires of homeschooling families. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is an excellent starting place for researching your state’s homeschool laws.
To learn more: Check out their website for more in depth info.
2.) Decide on a curriculum: Curriculum is probably the most challenging aspect of homeschooling. Your curriculum decisions will be based on your child’s learning style, interests, and your state’s regulations. It’s important to make the right decision since it will act as a guide on your child’s educational journey.
Here is a list of some popular homeschool curriculum options:
- Best Budget: ABC Mouse ( My son was obsessed with ABC Mouse for the first 3 years of his life 🙂
- Most Customizable: K12.com
- Best for Structure: Time4Learning .
- Best for Community: Connections Academy
- Best Free: Khan Academy
- Best for College Prep: edX
- Best for Math and Science: CK-12 Foundation
3.) Plan & Prepare: Homeschooling requires planning. You need to decide how many hours your child will study, what subjects they will study, when breaks will be taken, etc. Use a planner or scheduling app to help you stay organized and focused. I use these tools to stay organized and inspired about homeschooling duties.
Clever Fox Teacher Planner – School Year Planner with Calendars & Lesson Plans – Teacher Plan Book for Classroom & Homeschool Organization – Undated, 7×10″, Hardcover (Purple)
I really love this one bcause of the cute stickers! 🙂
Homeschool Lesson Planning Minimalist Notebook (Nature Series): 12 Month, 52 Week Undated Planner by schoolnest
Oxford Plastic Binder Dividers for 3 Ring Binder, 8 Tab, Multicolor Tabs, 3 Hole Punched, Letter Size, 6 Sets
Dividers are such a great way of keeping track of all test scores or just special works your little one does during school time.
4. ) Stock your homeschooling supplies: Stock up on all resources you need for homeschooling like textbooks, workbooks, educational games, craft supplies, art materials, and basic school supplies.
X-ACTO Pencil Sharpener, School Pro Electric Pencil Sharpener, With Six Size Dial, XL Shavings Bin, Black, 1 Count
ThinkTex Plastic Expanding Hanging File Folders, 7 Innovative 1.2″ Accordian Pockets, Large Capacity, Multi-Color Tabs, Letter Size for Filing Cabinet – 3 Packs
WALIKI Chair Ball with Feet for Kids | Alternative Classroom Seating
A FUN & great way to keep kids entertained while teaching a lesson, especially great for the kiddos who are always on the go! 🙂
Art Supplies 120 Colors Colored Pencils Set for Adults Coloring Books with Sketchbook
Whenever you need some down time to do lesson planning or just take 15 minutes for yourself, these color pencils come in super handy to keep the kids entertained! They love it!
Oxford Spiral Notebook 6 Pack
Dry Erase White Board, 16inX12in Large Magnetic Desktop Whiteboard with Stand, 10 Markers, 4 Magnets, 1 Eraser, Portable Double-Sided White Board Easel for Kids Memo to Do List Desk School
This is a fun way of getting your child hands on and interactive during school time. Practice hand writing, penmen-ship, and organizational skills.
Some ways you can use this could be :
- Writting the Date
- Daily Todos
- Reading & Writting Activities
and the possibilities are endless. This is a show stopper with my kids, they love taking turns writting on the board and it lets their creativity run wild.
Learning Resources MathLink Cubes – Set of 100 Cubes, Ages 5+,Math Manipulatives, Math Cubes, Homeschool Supplies, Kindergartner Classroom Supplies, Back to School Supplies, Teacher Supplies
If you’re teaching an elementary student in math, these cubes will come in handy during lessons. You get 100 interlocking cubes in 10 different colors, each of which has different shapes on its sides. You can use these to teach basic addition and subtraction, learn about patterns, color sorting, and shape identification.
Workbooks & Worksheets
There are so many great resources on Amazon that you can get to help you know how and what to be teaching your child.
We at Schooala also have our own books, check them out! 🙂
Crayola Construction Paper, 240 Count, Bulk School Supplies For Kids, 2-Pack School Paper
When in doubt, turn to construction paper to make a dull lesson plan extra exciting . Another great hands on , interactive activity that can help facilitate a smooth lesson and make it fun.
Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)
If your kiddos love science , this book is a must have for creative educational and fun activities. Your kids will love school time with these activities.
5.) Create a designated learning area: To give your child a sense of normality, designate a specific area in your house as the “classroom”. Just like a public school, you should have everything a child needs to study properly. Remember that this area is only for learning and studying. Use an organized space kept well-stocked with all necessary supplies.
MioTetto Soft Non-Toxic Baby Play Mat | Toddler Playmat | Colorful Jigsaw Puzzle PlayMat | 16+2 Bonus Squares Foam Floor Mats for Kids & Babies
Having a personalized dedicated schooling “classroom” helps your child stay focused and creates discipline.
These tiles are soft, safe and non-toxic , perfect for circle time, reading books, or just doing homework and playing.
6.) Join a Homeschooling Group: Joining a homeschooling group can provide you with fast support, advice, and friends who have also chosen homeschooling. You can also organize field trips and group activities with parents who share the same homeschooling experience.
Homeschooling may seem like an intimidating journey, but it can be a rewarding experience. By researching your state’s laws, selecting the right curriculum, planning lessons, stocking your supplies, creating a designated learning area, and joining a homeschooling group, you’ll be well on your way. With time and experience, you’ll develop your own style that aligns with your family’s needs and preferences. Ultimately, homeschooling gives parents a unique opportunity to enrich their children’s education by offering personalized instruction, customized curriculum and creative learning opportunities.
