What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Homeschooling

When you first start homeschooling it feels like there are a lot of parts. Here's what you need to know. 

Here's what you'll learn in this article: 

• If you are thinking about homeschooling, then the newness can feel overwhelming, but with a little organizing and chunking the tasks it doesn't need to be.

• Four insights I wish I had before starting to home school. 

• Answers to common questions about homeschooling.

• Key takeaways to continue with your home school journey today.

• Where to learn more about organizing and preparing for home school.

Many People Home School and You Can Too

When you start something new, especially something as significant as homeschooling, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Thankfully, there are many home school resources and experiences to learn from as you start your home school journey.

Millions of people in the US home school according to the National Home Education Research Institute. While individual approaches vary, there are common elements that make it accessible to anyone who is motivated and ready to support their children's learning. 

4 Insights I Wish I knew Before Beginning to Home School

Homeschooling takes constant effort, but once you get started you build momentum and find what works for you and your family. Here are the insights I wish I knew to help you as you get started:

1. Registering with Your State Isn't Hard

Before starting home school the thought of coordinating with the state to register properly felt daunting. It didn't need to though. With an afternoon of research and a calendar to chart the key dates and tasks, the process is straightforward. We have more details on state registering here.

The emotional reality of registering to home school is likely more significant than the actual process. When you decide to register, give yourself some time to process the coming change. Allow yourself to get excited about this new path and find comfort in making the decision.

2. You Need Fewer Materials than You Think

The day goes quickly, even with full-day learning. There is a lot of learning that can be done with a notebook and pencil, art set, book, world map, science kit, and math materials like bead chains or squares and cubes. It isn't necessary to overwhelm your child (or yourself) with all the types of materials you can find.

When you are just starting to home school, aim for covering the basics, as you can always add materials later. With fewer open-ended materials available, there is the opportunity for depth that is invaluable. With internet and library resources readily available for free, you can always incorporate additional materials when needed.

3. Keeping Records and Planning Doesn't Have to Take All Day

Chances are you do other things besides home school. Home school does not have to consume your life. When you first begin, it will take extra effort to get started and find your routine, but once you do, homeschool, on average, becomes part of your day.

Keep the records that you need to meet requirements and focus on methods that work for you. Likewise, incorporate time to plan home school into your weekly routine, so it becomes a habit. As you build the habit, reflect on what works and what you can streamline.

4. There is More to Explore than Any One Day Can Hold

There are so many opportunities for learning. There is space in each day to cover foundational skills and explore your children's specific interests. Let your children take the lead on their learning, with your intentional support as the foundation.

With prepared materials and anchor activities in each day, it becomes easy to fill the days with varied learning experiences. With practice you will become more skilled at recognizing learning opportunities and supporting your children's interests.

FAQs: Homeschooling is a New Project Achievable with Organization and Planning

What if I am Not Good at Executing New Projects?

Is that really true? Chances are that each day you start activities and finish them. If you feel like you aren't strong at completing new projects, were they really things you cared about or did you feel you "should" do them? Remember that this project is for your children, so use that to find extra motivation. You also don't need to do it alone, so seek support to give you the boost you need to keep going.

How Long Does it Take to Get Started Homeschooling?

Registering to home school is probably the most time constrained aspect because it relies on applications and others to approve. But establishing the other main elements of homeschooling like space, materials, curriculum, and schedule is up to how much time you put into it at once. While you may surge on initial tasks to get started, remember that the work load will stabilize.

Key Takeaways

• Newness can feel hard. Starting something new can feel hard, but with support on where to focus and get organized, it doesn't have to.

• Register with confidence. Embrace the change and do your research to get registered with your state.

• Start with the basics. Give yourself time to find your groove and gauge your pacing with materials.

• Find routines. Focus on building routines and creating new habits around homeschooling.

• There is always more to learn. Be humbled by the many topics available to learn and that there will always be more than any one person can cover; with foundational learning habits you'll give your children a rich home school experience.

Where to Learn More