How to Start to Homeschool Now!

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Surely you have been thinking about an easy way to homeschool now. Even more new homeschoolers are popping up.

Despite what you may think, you can start homeschooling reasonably quickly, even though starting your homeschool can seem like a daunting process.

Unquestionably, it is likely that for you going off to school each day was the norm as a kid. With this in mind, a traditional school may seem like a lot to take on at home.

Particularly, a lot of moving parts. After all, schools have principals, teachers, classrooms, and chairs!

Overall, to move school to the home environment may seem a bit much. But it’s easier than you think.

How is school possible at home? Where do you begin?

For one thing a traditional school is all day. Realizing that school and homeschooling are different is a great start.

To begin with, you have to change what “school” looks like in your mind.

On the contrary, one thing to remember: You’re not duplicating school!

If you think about it brick-and-mortar schools are very different than homeschool.

Homeschool is Different

Your School Day Can Finish Quickly!

By comparison, school and homeschool are markedly different. One difference is the allotment of time. Take the case of the school day. In a traditional school setting, not all the time in school is devoted to learning. How so?

On one hand, schools have to take time to switch between subjects, lunchtime, recess, and time to deal with unruly students.

Additionally, schools have to take time to switch between subjects, time to serve and allow students lunch, and time to deal with unruly students.

Subsequently, unlike traditional school it may take your child only an hour to finish all of his subjects!

Your Homeschool Day Can Look Different

Also, the traditional school schedule is usually September through June. Presently, your little one goes to class from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., day in and day out. In this situation, there is not much room for creativity.

Do you want to enjoy a family vacation in the middle of the semester? Fuggedaboutit. Do you want a little more control?

Your Family Values Matters

In contrast, homeschooling is much different than in traditional schools. Without a doubt, the family is entirely in charge! Your beliefs, values, and schedule take front and center.

You have the opportunity to create something different. You can create a learning experience unique to you and your family. 

Do I Need to Have a Teaching Credential?

Don’t worry! You don’t need a degree or special training to teach your child in most cases.

Just so you know, parents who have not graduated high school, people who have advanced degrees, and everyone else homeschools. For instance, you taught your child to walk, talk, and go to the potty. So you got this!

Once you take your first step to start all the information and support you need is available. In fact, there are books, blogs, podcasts, and your community to lean on for help and questions. 

Schooling After COVID

Before the wackiness of 2020, starting homeschool was a pathway of freedom from bullies, freedom to teach religion, and freedom not to vaccinate. Now it is so much more. Undeniably, sending your kids to school can present a whole new set of challenges.

For example, if you have a family member that has a high-risk health condition sending your kids to school may be dangerous. As a result, some families are attempting to mesh with online learning provided by the school district.

But in some cases that is just NOT WORKING. 

Get Started Homeschooling

You Can Homeschool

As a result of learning at home, homeschooling provides flexibility. 

Much like the end of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” {spoiler alert?}, anyone who could be a Slayer ended up a Slayer. {Thanks for entertaining my trip down memory lane} #oldmillenial 

If you’re anything like me, you are thinking I don’t have time to read a 100+ page book about homeschooling. Kids need…things all the time, and that laundry pile is multiplying like gremlins doused in water. {Or however that happens. I haven’t seen that movie in a long time.} 

Therefore here is a brief list if you just need the short version of starting homeschooling. 

NEED MORE SUPPORT?

I have an e-book with fillable worksheets and email coaching if you want a little more support on your journey to start homeschooling! https://metrohomeschooling.com/shop/

The Easy 3-Step Roadmap to Your Homeschool Start

#1 Why Do You Want to Homeschool?

Are you homeschooling because of the 2020 madness? Were you thinking about it before the pandemic? Are you seeking the freedom that schooling your kids provides?

Most important, thinking about your reasons will give you comfort through the journey of homeschooling. I have met dozens of parents all homeschooling for a variety of reasons. Your Why will give your homeschooling roots and a foundation for however long you choose to homeschool. 

#2 What Are the Homeschooling Laws?

Significantly, in the United States, it is legal to homeschool, but the details are different in each state. As a matter of fact, each state has its particular steps to homeschool.

Above all things, it is essential to consult your state’s Department of Education. As a result, you may be able to easily fill out an online form to homeschool privately or in various other ways. Of course, be sure to follow the proper steps and deadlines. 

By all means, if you live in California check out the Department of Education: https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/

You can also read my in depth post on how to get started homeschooling in California.

#3 Where Do You Get Curriculum? 

First of all, before considering curricula certainly consider your child. Then, create a list of your child’s personality traits. Does your child enjoy numbers, art, music, discussing everything?

Next, not to mention, how much time do you have free in the day? Finally, how does your schedule look? Now you can start your curricula search.

Also, there are resources for free curriculum including my free curriculum post, online-only curriculum, physical products, virtual classes, and more. Additionally, what you use will change over time with your growing student. The important thing is to start somewhere. You can go to your state’s Department of Education website to look at the standards if you wish. 

Another thing, you can adjust your curriculum to fit your life. That 2-page assignment could be stretched over two days if your child had a bad day. Or if your child already knows that stuff, skip it. You don’t have to give busy work. 

Here’s the bottom line…

Just get started.

Make homeschool fit your family!

The best part is, HOMESCHOOL IS NOT SCHOOL! 

You don’t have to sit at a table.

Go outside. Or not.

Play games. 

Sing songs. 

Use library books.

Art your heart out!

You can do it.

It’s easier than you think.