One interesting fact about homeschooling is that more parents are choosing this method to educate their children, especially between grades 1-8. According to a survey by the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of homeschooled children has increased by 100% over the past two decades. In 1999, homeschooled children made up 1.7% of total students, rising to 3.4% in 2012.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic put many parents in a challenging position when they had to homeschool their children during lockdowns. While some found it frustrating, many became more aware of their ability to teach and chose to continue homeschooling their children.
6 Steps to Start Homeschooling Without Issues
Deciding to homeschool is never easy. It requires focus and determination, as school is traditionally where children learn and socialize. Parents must find the best way to educate their children while ensuring they still experience social growth. Here’s how to begin homeschooling smoothly:
1. Check Local Requirements
Education laws vary by state. While all states follow federal laws, curriculum requirements and teaching styles differ. Parents must review local regulations, especially if they move frequently. Researching and selecting the right curriculum early on can make the process smoother in the long run.
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA): Provides detailed information on homeschooling laws by state, helping parents understand legal requirements.
Coalition for Responsible Home Education: Offers a state-by-state breakdown of homeschooling laws, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
2. Choose a Curriculum
Finding the right curriculum can be overwhelming, but it is crucial for a successful homeschooling experience. Parents should consider whether the curriculum aligns with their educational goals and budget.
An affordable curriculum is one that parents can effectively use, both in terms of materials and activities. Ideally, families should commit to a curriculum for at least 6 to 7 years. Additionally, parents should determine whether their child will pursue higher education or a vocational path, as this impacts curriculum choices.
Miacademy: Provides information on homeschooling laws and curriculum requirements by state, assisting in selecting appropriate educational materials. (
The Homeschool Directory: Offers free lesson plan templates and resources to help structure your homeschooling curriculum effectively.
3. Keep Records of Progress
Parents should maintain detailed records of their homeschooling efforts, including the curriculum used, state requirements, and the child’s academic progress. Tracking lessons helps parents identify areas where their child excels or struggles.
Setting up a grading system can be helpful. Some parents prefer transparency, allowing their children to see their progress, while others use a semi-private grading system similar to traditional schools. For families with multiple children, grading standards should reflect the child’s grade level and learning abilities. Though time-consuming, proper record-keeping helps parents tailor their teaching approach.
Homeschool Planning: Provides guidance on effective record-keeping strategies, including templates and best practices.
Homeschool.com: Offers articles on how to maintain homeschool records and plan your educational journey.
4. Plan and Build Learning Habits
Every child has a unique learning style. Even siblings or twins may learn differently. Parents need to identify the best learning methods for each child and adapt accordingly.
For households with multiple children close in age, this can be a challenge. Each child has distinct intellectual abilities and learning preferences. While following a general structure is helpful, parents should remain flexible in adjusting to individual needs. It’s okay if things don’t always go as planned—what matters is consistency and progress.
5. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Education is like building blocks for the future. Parents should set both long-term and short-term goals. Whether a child will later enroll in public school, pursue a trade, or follow a different path, a strong foundation begins at home.
Small, realistic goals keep children motivated without overindulgence. Many parents make the mistake of praising every minor achievement, which may help younger children but can create complacency in older students. Instead, parents should strike a balance between encouragement and setting meaningful milestones.
6. Join a Homeschooling Community
The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” applies to homeschooling as well. Parents should seek out support groups, whether through local libraries or online communities like Facebook groups. Since homeschooling is becoming more common, connecting with other homeschooling families can provide valuable insights and encouragement.
Being part of a community benefits both parents and children. Parents can exchange teaching strategies, while children have opportunities to make new friends. Additionally, these communities often share resources on other parenting aspects, such as cooking, gardening, or extracurricular activities.
At first glance, homeschooling may seem overwhelming for beginners. However, with proper planning, anyone can successfully educate their child at home while ensuring they thrive academically and socially. The key is for parents to focus on providing the best possible education, as learning is a fundamental requirement for success.
Useful resources for homeschooling
Home School Legal Defense Association
Provides comprehensive legal guidance for homeschooling families, including state specific regulations and advocacy support.
Coalition for Responsible Home Education
Offers a statebystate breakdown of homeschooling laws and promotes responsible educational practices.
Miacademy
Provides structured lesson plans and curriculum recommendations tailored to various educational needs.
The Homeschool Directory
Offers free lesson plan templates and curriculum planning resources to support homeschooling families.
Homeschool Planning
Features recordkeeping tools, progress tracking methods, and goalsetting strategies to ensure effective homeschooling.
Homeschool.com
Provides homeschooling advice, recordkeeping solutions, and connects parents with support networks and communities.
Spelling Bee Ninja
A specialized tool to improve literacy and vocabulary, helping students develop strong spelling skills.
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