Long before I had children I worked as a Children’s Librarian. During that time, I started learning about Homeschooling from mothers that would come in looking for books on certain topics that they were getting ready to teach their children. The Moms were all so sweet and kind. Their children well behaved compared to other children I saw throughout the day. Huh, maybe we could homeschool when we have kids one day I would tell Sam. Looking back now OH how I wished I had asked these Homeschooling Mothers more questions! Thankfully because we have been homeschooling since the get go, I have had many years of researching, and trial and error of what has and hasn’t worked for us. Here is the Where to Start If You Want to Homeschool Your Child Guide, I wish I had when we began our Homeschool Journey.
Check Your State’s Laws
HSLDA is a legal website that advocates for homeschooling families. If you are curious about the laws in your state regarding homeschooling, then visit the website and search your state. It will give you the laws at a glance and complete details of information as well.
This resource has been very beneficial as our family has moved state to state over the years. I have always known what to expect for the school year, when to submit forms for our school aged kids, any required subjects, and more beforehand.
Talk with Someone You Trust
Do you already know someone who homeschools their kids? Ask questions you may have. Visit their Homeschool Day to give you an idea of what it could be like for your family. Let your kids be involved in a friend’s Homeschool Day to see what they think. Ask for a list of Books and Resources they like so you can begin your own research when you get home.
If you don’t know anyone personally then check out my other homeschool resources and feel free to pick my brain by leaving a question in the comments. I would love to answer them!
Read Books on Homeschooling
There are SO many resources out there for homeschooling. If you are just starting out or want to dip your toes in the water, then these are my favorites that I would recommend you read first.
Everything You Need to Know about Homeschooling: A Comprehensive, Easy-to-Use Guide for the Journey from Early Learning through Graduation by Lea Ann Garfias.
The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming the Wonder in Your Child’s Education, A New Way to Homeschool by Ainsley Arment.
Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just by Doing It by Ginny Yurich.
Research Styles of Homeschool
After you have educated yourself a little bit on homeschooling then dive deeper into the style that sounds like it would be a good fit for your family. Maybe that is Traditional. Charlotte Mason. Unschooling or a more Child Lead approach. Want to try a few different styles? Then create your own Eclectic style of learning… This is what we do. Check out Co- Ops OR Tutors if it all still seems like too much and you want some extra support.
Simply Charlotte Mason has a wonderful article and video to explain further the different Homeschool “Flavors”. Remember that is you pick a style and just aren’t feeling it then by all means change things up. When we first started homeschooling, I did a more Traditional approach with Olivia and we both HATED it! The course was too rigid and didn’t allow for the ebbs and flow that come with life. I felt like I was in a strait jacket with no flexibility to our days. Halfway through the school year we ditched the books and created our own eclectic version, and this is what we have stuck with since.
Buy Curriculum + Supplies
Keep it simple to start with when buying your curriculum and supplies. You may be tempted to BUY IT ALL but just pick 2 or 3 things that your child is truly interested in and some things you are excited about. Maybe a Nature Study Book, Read Aloud, and even a Workbook IF it will make you feel better. Don’t forget to get some fun back to school supplies as well. Pencils, Markers, Pencil Pouch, Blank Notebook, Contruction Paper, Glue, Google Eyes, etc. Maybe even a few Craft OR Lego Kits for those rainy days when you can’t venture outside.
Check books out from the Library first before making a purchase to see if it is something your child and you will enjoy. Things like a Poetry book. Insect Encyclopedia for your six- year- old. Books with fun outside activities like 1000 Hours Outside: Activities to Match Screen Time with Green Time by Ginny Yurich. Pick an American Girl character to read with your nine- year- old daughter and as she asks questions along the way dive deeper by seeing what else your Library may have on those certain topics. By all means check out books for yourself too so your child can see you enjoy learning something new as well!
You can do this Homeschool Thing!
With Homeschooling there are truly endless possibilities to make it work and endless things to learn with your kids. Check out my other Homeschool Resources for additional information and inspiration. Or leave a question in the comments. I would love to answer them!
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