How to start
Whether you are just starting out with a preschooler or you've pulled your teen out of public school, it can be overwhelming when you first start to homeschool. Here are some ideas on where to start on your homeschooling journey...
get plugged in with support
After you've checked out the homeschooling laws in your state, connect with others who are homeschooling. Building connection and having support is key. There are many groups on social media, local groups in your city, co-ops, and places that offer extracurricular classes. Click below to find groups in your area:
Find your child’s learning preferance
All kiddos are different and have their own way of learning. Knowing if they are a visual learner, verbal, or more hands on will steer you in the right direction of what curriculum would work best for them, as well as direct your planning. For more descriptive information on this, as well as an online quiz for your child to take, click the button below:
find your own teaching style
After you find out your child's learning preferance, it's smart to find out what your own teaching style is. That way you can be prepared to know what will work for you both and what will not. Homeschooling has a major learning curve, but the more you know about how you the both of you can mesh, the better. More info on this:
find your educational approach
Next up is finding out what your educational approach, or homeschooling style, would be. Some families love the traditional textbook way of learning or a packaged curriculum, others prefer hands on unit studies. There are many different approaches & some (like myself) like a mix - it's called an eclectic approach. To understand this more fully with descriptions & examples, as well as quizzes to help you, click below:
choose curriculum & Lesson planning
Now you're ready to find the curriculum that will work for you. Since this is a comprehensive topic, I've dedicated a separate page just for choosing curriculum here.
As for lesson planning, there are many options. You know the ins and outs of your family's routine, so schedule accordingly. For example, it works best for my family to do school four days/week, using the last day for trips to the library, field trips, playdates, catching up, etc. I also prefer planning on paper so I can physically cross out each subject we finish. But there are really good digital planning apps, as well. For more advice & tips on planning:
My personal advice
Each child is a unique package that you get to unwrap - their personality, learning style, what they have a passion for, their God given giftings/talents. So it's important to relax, take your time, don't be so hard on yourself, realize this is a journey with loads of freedom, YOU are your child's parent & know them best, ask Holy Spirit for help (He knows your kiddo better than you!), and enjoy this time in your life that you will never get back. Cherish it. I did this quick video years ago about my top 10 homeschooling tips, and I still stand by it one hundred percent: