Answering 6 Questions to on how to start your homeschool journey today.

Since you’ve clicked on this post, I’m assuming you’ve decided you have time on your hands and are considering schooling at home, but are unsure of how to homeschool. Or perhaps, virtual learning has thrown you for a loop. Or maybe you’ve started your journey but are on the hunt for new missing information.

However, you find yourself in your new venture into the fantastic world of homeschooling, welcome!

I’m Jaclyn! A former public school teacher who decided to jump on the homeschool bandwagon and hasn’t looked back. Don’t sweat the small stuff; I’m here to help you with any questions you may have.

If you would like more information and want to chat about anything you’ve read today, I’m here for you.

Go ahead Ask Me Anything is what I do best! I’d love to put parents like yourself at ease during our 30 Minute Consultation Session.

But for today, let’s focus on discussing a few basic homeschool questions you perhaps want to know.

To clarify, you don’t need to have a teaching certification to began homeschooling, all you need is a little time, patience, and understanding. Coupled with little planning and organization your school at home is covered.

Let’s do this!

Here’s what you need to know about homeschooling.

Do I need to research my State Requirements and State Homeschool Options?

Absolutely!

Every state’s homeschooling requirements, rules, and regulations vary. HSLDA is a tremendous legal resource that provides its readers with direct links to each States’ specific homeschool law.

Here are just two examples of state laws to help get you started.

Texas is a free state,

and we Texans like to keep it this way. Homeschooled Texans are not subjected to state testing (unless we opt to) and do not have to report to the local school for any reason. Thank goodness!

Texas Homeschool Law states, “homeschool instruction must be bona fide (not a sham). The curriculum must be in visual form (books, workbooks, video monitors), and the curriculum must include the primary subjects of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship (Texas Home School Coalition)”.

Florida Law defines homeschool education;

as “sequentially progressive instruction of a student directed by his or her parent or guardian to satisfy the requirements of Statute 1003.21 and 1002.41.” As you can see, Florida education law is broad and provides parent(s) with the freedom of education in a variety of provisions via Statute

• Public school
• Parochial, religious or denominational school
• Private school
• Home-education program
• Private tutoring program“

Whichever state you decide to homeschool in, knowing the law will put your mind at ease and arm you with the support and confidence needed to educate your child in the comforts of home.

When to Start Homeschooling?

No matter what age, grade level, or time of year, any time is an excellent time to start your homeschool journey.

As a homeschool mom, I consider our schooling to be year-round. That’s the beauty of homeschooling. I can homeschool anyway, anywhere, and at any time of the day or year. Our schooling traveled with us when we temporarily lived in the Virgin Islands.

However, if you consider yourself a traditionalist and are shooting for a traditional school calendar year, plan your calendar accordingly and take the summer months off.

You do you!

Should I join a Local Homeschool Group?

When in doubt, stressed out, or even needing adult socialization, homeschool co-op or gatherings are a great way to feel at ease. As any homeschool parent will be glad to help with any information you are seeking.

Contact or join a local homeschool co-op organization for more ways to connect with, find support, and information for any homeschool subject.

Not sure if a co-op organization is right for you, check out more information on co-ops here.

Which homeschool Curriculum should I choose?

Deciding on a homeschool curriculum can be challenging. Don’t worry, you’ll get through it, with the help of trial and error.

As a certified teacher, I fully expected my oldest child to learn as students do in a public school setting. How did that work out, you ask, it did not.

Learn more about learning styles theory here.

Through trial and error, deschooling, and many methodologies practices, I discovered what works best for my daughter and myself. My suggestions would be to do your research and get to know your child’s learning style. 

Learn more about deschooling here.

Keep in mind, the purchasing of a curriculum can be an investment, and if you’re unhappy with your curriculum choice, your child will be too.

Bonus Tip!!

Borrowed or gently used curriculum is an excellent choice for the start of your first homeschool year. Who says the curriculum needs to be brand new? Purchase used curriculum intended to be used on a trial base to ensure that the choice curriculum is the right fit for both you and your child. Getting to know yourself and your child’s needs, wants, and learning style before committing to a set curriculum is the best practice for homeschool success. 

Keep Calm and Homeschool On the first year is always the experiment!

Where do I homeschool?

Wherever you choose to homeschool is up to you. In the library, back yard, in the car while running errands (guilty), or at your dining room table, your homeschool space is up to you and the needs of your family.

No need for a fancy homeschool room here (also guilty), just a vacation rental table and a stack of homeschool books, now that’s what I call the school at home success.

Do I need a homeschool schedule?

Creating a homeschool schedule is up to the needs of you and your child. In our household, I use a block schedule to take care of our schooling needs and routines. 

Click Here for your free download blank block homeschool schedule.  

I try not to limit myself to a small chunk of time but an overall block of time, otherwise known as a block schedule.

Knowing that each day and week, especially around the holiday season and or after-school activity days, our plan will look very different, I enjoy using a block schedule. As it affords me the freedom, I need to plan life and its happy interruptions.

REMEMBER!

Homeschooling is a journey.

A little advice a homeschool mom gave me; “As long as your child learns to learn, you did your job.”

Well said! I hope I answered any questions you seek to find during your homeschool decision. Remember, to have fun on your homeschool adventure, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Happy homeschooling!

Jaclyn