Where to Start when Homeschooling
During these uncertain times, I have noticed an influx of new homeschooling families. Making the decision to homeschool is huge. With that decision comes questions that can feel overwhelming. Questions about curriculum, state requirements, daily schedules, and homeschooling multiple children or children with disabilities. Where to Start when Homeschooling will address some of the most frequently asked questions for new homeschooling families or at least (hopefully) point you in the right direction.
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Where to Start When Homeschooling Step by Step
Figuring out where to start when homeschooling can be conquered through the simple steps listed below. Like with most goals, homeschooling can be broken into manageable steps allowing you to pursue homeschooling with ease!
Step 1: Meeting State Legal Requirements
Every state has different requirements for homeschooling. Some states mandate more than others. Find out what your state requires. Start there. Get the legal aspect of homeschooling out of the way so you can focus on the fun stuff. The best place to answer the question, “Where to start when homeschooling?” is here. You will be directed to a U.S. Map where you can click on your state. Next, click on the button that says view complete details. There you will find your states mandated needs. The site does a thorough job of explaining what is expected of you.
Don’t stress. Just take one step at a time.
Declaration of Intent
Filling out your Declaration of Intent is part of step one when conquering where to start when homeschooling. The first thing you need to do is fill out your Declaration of Intent. This link is specifically for my Georgia peeps. You can mail it in to the address provided or you can complete the form online. Make sure to PRINT THE DECLARATION OF INTENT OUT to keep for your own records. It is not necessary to complete a Declaration of Intent for preschool and kindergarten students unless they have already been attending public school. The Declaration of Intent form is only for 1st-12th grade students.
If your child was enrolled in the public school system prior to this decision, make sure to let them know of your intentions. As you go to withdraw your child, I would advise taking a copy of the Declaration of Intent form with you.
The other requirements for homeschooling your child can be found here on the Georgia Home Education Association.
Step 2: Consider this Before Curriculum
It is tempting for a new homeschooling momma (or daddy) to jump right into shopping for a curriculum. I would advise any new homeschool parent to think realistically about what your “school” will look like before buying a curriculum. I have seen many homeschoolers spend hundreds of dollars on grade level curriculum kits only to turn around and sell them on E-bay never having used them. Resist the urge to buy everything you see thinking that one day you will use it. I have some of those “one day” booklets in a box in our hall closet. “One day” hasn’t come yet.
Before buying, ask some important questions:
– Do you plan on teaching year round or only during the traditional school months?
– Is homeschooling a permanent decision or a temporary one?
– If you have multiple children, will you teach certain subjects as a group in a unit study? This is common for subjects like science, social studies, Bible, etc.
– Will your day be highly structured or more laid back? Read an article about what qualifies as school hours.
– Do you need the help of an online teacher for certain subjects?
– How does my child learn best? Identify your child’s learning style here.
– Is learning done primarily at a desk, outside, field trips, or a mixture of all?
As you answer these questions, you will become more aware of what type of “school” you and yours will create. The learning environment you foster will lead you towards a certain homeschooling style. Once you figure out what homeschooling style you want to pursue, then you are ready to start researching curriculum. To learn more about homeschooling styles, click here to read the descriptions of each type provided by Time 4 Learning.
Step 3: Choosing Curriculum
When figuring out where to start when homeschooling, curriculum choices seem to be an overwhelming decision. However, they don’t have to be. Some families will choose to get all their curriculum from one spot while most homeschool families I know pick and choose subjects from various sources. For example, we use phonics, grammar, and math from the same place, but then we gather books to supplement reading, science, spelling, Bible, and social studies. We are always reading something. We add in unit studies, field trips, and other learning experiences. So, with that being said, I guess you could say we foster an eclectic learning style taking advantage of life learning.
Some Curriculum Options
I want to be upfront… I do not know about each curriculum in depth by no means. After listening to other homeschooling moms and reading commentaries from education sites, I compiled this list of some of the curriculum offered. Cathy Duffy Reviews is a great online resource that can give lots of insight into the best curriculum out there.
If you are ever able to go to a homeschool conference and convention, that is an awesome experience. If you are eager to see first-hand all of the various homeschool curriculum options, then put that on your list of to-dos!
Christian Based Curriculum
*Denotes FREE curriculum
–LIFEPAC: Based on the principle of mastery learning. In addition, you can mix and match subjects or grade level worktexts to personalize your student’s curriculum content.
– Abeka: Traditional style with grade level kits, but you can pick and choose textbooks, workbooks, and online classes to fit an eclectic homeschooling style.Offers online courses. Accredited.
– Sonlight: This curriculum is literature-based. It offers elective kits you can buy such as science and piano. Encourages great literature over textbooks and “teaching moments.”
–Classical Conversations: An educational model that focuses on three core concepts: classical, Christian, and community. Teaches Christ-centered worldview with classical teaching tools.
–Apologia: Award winning science curriculum. Offers textbook learning and online classes. Offers a wide array of high school science courses.
–BJU Press: Curriculum is presented from a biblical worldview. Known to be academically rigorous and encourages critical thinking. Technology support.
–My Father’s World: This curriculum combines the best of Charlotte Mason’s ideas, classical education, and unit studies with a biblical worldview and global focus.
– The Good and the Beautiful: Emphasizes family, character, and literature. History, science, and electives are family style. Requires no prep time. Combines subjects.
– *Plain and Not so Plain: This mom of 10 children has uploaded the curriculum she used for hers online. She uses other free online sites and her own downloadable pdfs. Was awarded “Practical Homeschooling.”
-*Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool: FREE curriculum that uses online resources and printed curriculum. Material and book lists are provided. Provides a step by step guide just for your child. Made Cathy Duffy’s top 102 homeschool curriculum.
-*Ambleside: Curriculum is online, FREE, Charlotte Mason-style, Christian-based homeschool curriculum for children in grades K-12.
-*Mater Amabilis: FREE Catholic curriculum based on the Charlotte Mason method for grades K-12.
Secular Curriculum
*Denotes FREE curriculum
FYI: Secular curriculum oftentimes follow the teaching of evolution and the Big Bang theory while not including God’s creation.
–*KHAN Academy: Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a FREE, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Online based.
– PowerHomeschool: Has interactive course materials and videos to keep their students engaged at all ages.
– FunCation: Offers three different academic programs. One has a rigorous college prep online community while another offers flex learning.
–Time 4 Learning: Online curriculum allows students to move at their own pace with independence. Features multimedia lessons great for teaching new topics.
–Acellus Academy: Accredited online school for K-12. Boasts success with students of all needs including autism.
–*K12: FREE online public school. I have never read positive reviews for this one. I’m sure there is someone who loves it, but haven’t found one yet in my homeschooling community. Strict deadlines, lots of busywork, etc.
–BookShark: Engaging literature-based learning approach that utilizes excellent books, captivating stories, historical biographies, and hands-on science experiments. Claims a structured 4-day homeschool for family flexibility.
*Connections Academy: FREE online charter public school.
Other well-known curriculum:
*-Freedom Homeschooling is a site that lists all FREE homeschool curriculum.
Step 4: Connecting with the Homeschool Community
Just remember you are not alone. All homeschool families began where you are now, trying to figure out where to start when homeschooling. There are thousands of resources and homeschool communities for you and yours to connect with. The hardest part is finding the ones that work for your family. It’s easy to find groups on Facebook by simply typing in “homeschool groups” in your state. Look for homeschool coops in your area too. Make the internet work for you. The resources at your fingertips are endless. Most state parks and facilities offer some sort of homeschool science related programs. I have seen countless classes, festivals, and outdoor activities directed towards homeschool groups. You just have to look. If you want to find connections, you will.
Don’t feel like your connections have to be with homeschool kids. Socialization can come from church, sports teams, elderly homes, library events, musical bands, drama, scouts, … I could go on. I think you get the picture. Don’t be scared to branch out and try something new. You might not find your tribe right away, but keep looking. Remember, socialization comes in many forms.
Step 5: Create a learning space
This does not require a complete make-over of a room featured on HGTV. A learning space can be as large as a basement or as small as a file cabinet and kitchen table. I can honestly say that we do most of our school work and crafts at the dining table. We have story time and reading on the couch in the living room. On good days, we may sit outside at a table near the sandpit for the younger ones.
The key is to create an environment that is welcoming, comfortable, and allows for creativity. The more they can facilitate on the their own, the better for them and you. If possible, try to carve out a space that has little distractions… for periods of quiet time. This can be harder to do for some than others! Just remember, learning can take place at anytime and anywhere.
Right now, just set aside a space for materials to be stored. Items that are must-haves for us are pencils, paper, books, art and craft supplies, puzzles, atlas, dictionary, games, math manipulatives, computer, and printer. As time goes on, you can add to your learning supplies how you see fit. Things like globes, maps, science stuff, and more books! This should be fun… don’t overthink this.
Step 6: The journey begins
There will be days when you have to remind yourself of the reasons for why you are homeschooling. Don’t think that day won’t come? It isn’t a matter of if it will come, it is a matter of when. There will be days when you feel like you got nothing accomplished. Some days you will get sidetracked and the planned schedule doesn’t go accordingly. Other days, the dishes and laundry will pile up so high you wonder if you will ever catch up.
But then, something happens. You start to see how important the moments with your child are and how magical it is to see him or her learn something new. Talking with them about the world and where they are in it is surreal. You get one chance with them, make the most of it.
Be patient with the process. Be patient with your kids. And especially, be patient and gracious with yourself. This is a journey that takes time to adjust to. Just stay the course. The rewards will outweigh the bumps in the road. There will be times when you doubt yourself especially when others question your choice. Just remember why you are doing what you do. I pray the best for you and your family. We are blessed to homeschool. Happy Homeschooling!
Marie
Other Resources to help answer your Homeschool Questions...
This site has a wealth of information regarding all questions homeschool. It gives the evidence you may be looking for in the validity for homeschooling. It provides ideas and tips on how to homeschool if you have a special needs child, a single parent, or two working parents. If you are looking for answers on where to start when homeschooling, take a look here.
GEORGIA HOMESCHOOL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION- If you live in my neck of the woods, this site may answers some of your more state specific questions. Check it out here.
Other Free Teaching Resources
