5 Things to Consider Before You Start Homeschooling
Are you trying to decide if homeschooling is right for you and your family? Congratulations – you’ve taken the first step by looking for more information on how to make this idea a reality! Homeschooling can be a wonderful and rewarding experience for the whole family but, before you take the leap, there are a few things you should consider. In this post, I’ll go over five things you should think about before you start. Please know that this list isn’t meant to deter you but to help you consider the best options for you and your children before you jump in.
1. Check Homeschooling Laws in Your State/Country
To start, you’ll first need to understand the legal requirements for homeschooling in your state and/or country. Each state and country has different requirements – and some may not allow homeschooling at all. Before you start, ensure you are following the legal guidelines to keep you and your children safe.
Here are some things to consider:
- Notifying Your Local Education Authorities: Do some research on whether or not you need to inform your local education authorities and what is required to do so.
- Required Subjects: Understand any requirements regarding subjects that need to be taught and number of instructional hours.
- Teaching Qualifications: Check if there are any required qualifications for teaching your children.
- Attendance: Know the age when your child is required to attend school and the number of days that are required per school year. See if there are regulations on when you can homeschool, such as a specific school year timeframe or year-round schooling.
- Record-Keeping: Learn what records you need to maintain, such as attendance, grades, and portfolios. Look into ‘umbrella schools’ that can help with organizing your education plan, attendance and grades.
- Standardized Testing: Determine if your state requires standardized testing and how to comply.
If you live in the United States, you can find more information for laws on homeschooling here: Homeschool Laws by State. If you live in another country, I would encourage you to get in touch with your local education department for more information.
2. Research Educational Philosophies
After understanding the legal requirements, it’s good to do some research on different educational philosophies and homeschooling methods. One of the many benefits of homeschooling is that you can personalize it to what fits best for you and your family. There are many different approaches, and some families stick to one method while others blend different methods to create something unique that fits their family.
As you do your research, consider stepping away from the structure of traditional schooling and be open to imagine what your homeschool could look like with each method. Many of us have grown up believing that the traditional school structure is the only effective way to learn, but that’s simply not true. Here are some common philosophies and methods to look into:
- Classical Education: This method helps kids learn to think and communicate clearly through the three stages of the trivium: Grammar (basic facts), Logic (how things connect), and Rhetoric (expressing ideas).
- Charlotte Mason: This approach uses living books and encourages outdoor play. It focuses on developing good habits and a love of learning through short but engaging lessons and hands-on activities.
- Montessori: Montessori lets kids explore and learn at their own pace in a prepared environment. It fosters independence and curiosity.
- Unschooling: Unschooling allows kids to learn through their interests and everyday experiences, rather than a set curriculum. It supports natural curiosity and child-led learning.
- Waldorf Education: Waldorf education combines learning with creative activities like art and music. It focuses on developing imagination, social skills, and emotional growth through engaging, hands-on projects.
- Eclectic Homeschooling: This approach blends different methods to fit each child’s needs. It lets parents mix and match techniques from various styles like classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, and unschooling for a customized learning experience.
Remember, choosing one style doesn’t mean you have to stick with it forever. It’s often a matter of trial and error to find what works best for your family. Exploring different homeschooling methods can help you find the best fit for your child’s learning style and educational goals.
3. Research Curriculum & Resources
With an idea of what homeschooling method you’d like to follow, the next step is choosing an appropriate curriculum and resources. Before buying any curriculum, you’ll want to revisit any legal requirements where you live to make sure you include all that’s required.
Here are a few types of options to consider:
- Curriculum Packages: Complete sets of materials covering multiple subjects in one bundle.
- Online Curriculum: Digital resources and programs for learning.
- Subject-Specific: Materials, books or curriculum designed for a single subject.
- Unit Studies: Themed units that combine different subjects into one study area.
- Living Books: Engaging books that make learning engaging and relatable.
Additional Tips:
- Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from other homeschooling families to find trusted resources.
- Supplementary Resources: Identify additional resources such as books, manipulatives and educational games that can enhance your curriculum.
- Library and Community Resources: Make use of local libraries, museums, and community resources for field trips and additional learning opportunities.
Remember that selecting one curriculum doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stick with it either. You can change or add things throughout the school year depending on what’s working, what’s not and how your children respond to the materials.
4. Time and Schedules
As a family with two full-time working parents, finding time and creating a schedule that works for us has been one of our biggest challenges! Finding a schedule that works will be very specific to each family. When developing your schedule, it’s important to consider different factors:
- Work Schedules: If possible, see if one parent can stay home to homeschool. If your job offers flexible hours, consider adjusting your work schedule to accommodate schooling. You might also dedicate time in the evenings or on weekends for homeschooling. If needed, hiring a tutor or household help can provide additional support.
- Family Commitments and Responsibilities: Assess how homeschooling will fit into your existing commitments. It’s essential to find a balance that works for your family without overwhelming anyone.
- Free Time: Ensure that your schedule allows for adequate family free time. Maintaining a balance between structured learning and relaxation is crucial for everyone’s well-being.
- Your Child’s Natural Rhythm: Pay attention to your child’s natural patterns. Identify when they are most alert and focused, and plan your learning sessions around these times. Also, consider when they need to release energy and incorporate breaks or physical activities accordingly.
Once you’ve considered the above, create a rough plan of what your family’s schedule could look like. Develop a daily and weekly schedule that balances your commitments, homeschooling time, and other responsibilities. Personally, I like to create a few options and test out what works best. And remember, you’re not tied to one schedule—adjust as needed!
5. Budget and Costs
Finally, consider your budget and how homeschooling might affect your finances. I strongly believe you don’t need to spend a lot to homeschool your children, but if you have a specific curriculum in mind or decide to have one parent quit their job to stay home, it could impact your finances.
- Loss of Income: Consider whether it’s financially feasible for one parent to stay home. Evaluate your current expenses and spending habits to identify areas where you can make adjustments to accommodate the loss of income.
- Cost of Curriculum and Resources: Budget for the homeschooling curriculum and resources you prefer. Explore different options to find ones that fit within your budget. Sometimes, more affordable alternatives can be just as effective.
- Free or Low-Cost Resources: Take advantage of free or inexpensive curriculum options available. You can also create your own curriculum using various resources. Remember, homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive!
Summary
Homeschooling can seem overwhelming, but I encourage you to take it step-by-step and know that it is possible for you! Start by understanding the legal requirements, exploring different educational philosophies, picking the right curriculum, and setting up a flexible schedule that works for your family. Don’t forget to check your budget and look for affordable resources.
The fact that you’re considering homeschooling shows how much you care about your child’s education, which makes you the perfect person to guide their learning journey.
I hope this helps you in making your decision, and would love for you to stick around for more homeschooling tips and resources!
Additional Resources
Looking for more information on how to get started with homeschooling? Check out our Homeschooling Basics page and sign up for our newsletter for more posts to support your homeschooling journey!
