Launching your Homeschool Journey: 10 simple steps to getting started
Starting to homeschool can seem so overwhelming, as it did for me last year when we pulled all of our kids from traditional public school. Here are my best tips for keeping your sanity and being successful as you begin this exciting chapter in your kids education.
1. Chill, You Got This!
No need to stress. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you're doing what's best for your family. Trust your instincts! The very best way to ease in to homeschooling is to simply trust the process and go for it. I promise you will pick up everything you need as you go.
2. Legal Lowdown
Every state has different homeschooling laws. Google is your new BFF for this one. You need to withdraw from public school (if your child is currently enrolled) and then you will need to establish your homeschool. Here is an amazing resource by HSLDA that gives you requirements by state: https://hslda.org/legal?gclid=CjwKCAiA4smsBhAEEiwAO6DEjQiyTrhVYt3BNdb3RGOxAuPnbJvXoeJWdCTCvCNXYWLDJshkIM64fhoCXHEQAvD_BwE
3. Find your Tribe
Get on to Facebook and join as many Homeschool groups in your area as you can. This was the very BEST thing I did as a new HS mom. I was able to find all of the homeschooling meetups, get advise, meet friends and join a community. The is SO much out there for HS kids. You do not need to do this alone.
4. Routine, Not Regimen
Ditch the rigid schedules. Create a flexible routine that works for your gang. Learning can happen anywhere, anytime. Trying to schedule out every minute of the days leads to stress and anxiety if things don’t go according to plan (which, lets face it, they rarely do when it comings to anything with kids). Try block scheduling by chopping your day in to a few sections instead of specific time. E.g “Kids, we are doing school from 9-11 today and then we will play” Then build all the fun and chores around that. (I will post a follow up blog post with example schedules)
5. Curriculum Quest
Don't be overwhelmed by curriculum choices. There are so many! Start small, spend a few weeks doing 2 subjects only, I suggest math and ELA, and building from there.
6. Home is Our Classroom
Embrace the chaos! Best to be set realistic expectations from the start. Your house is now a learning wonderland. Math in the kitchen, history in the living room – make it fun and interactive. If your child learns best doing their school work on the couch, let them.
7. Field Trip Frenzy
Learning doesn't always happen indoors. Museums, parks, grocery stores – turn everyday activities into educational adventures. Having a few field trips planned per week also breaks up the monotony of only learning at home
8. Patience, Patience, Patience
Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is the perfect homeschool. Give yourself and your kids time to adjust. It's a journey, not a sprint.
9. Assessment, Not Stress-ment
Regularly assess your kiddos' progress, but don't let testing stress you out. Celebrate victories and learn from challenges. Part of the appeal of homeschooling is individualized learning. Regular assessments and change when needed can help your child continue to succeed int he way they learn and also as certain subjects become more challenging. Don’t be afraid to slow down or shift gears when needed.
10. Flexibility is Queen
Life happens. Sick days, unexpected outings, or just a bad day – it's okay to adjust your plans. Flexibility keeps the joy alive.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all in homeschooling. You're the captain of this ship, navigating uncharted waters. Enjoy the adventure, and happy homeschooling! 🚀
