Jump into homeschooling with the simple action steps in our Quickstart Guide to Homeschooling! (If you aren't familiar with homeschooling, start with "What is Homeschooling?")
There are two types of people when it comes to starting something new—the kind that jump in feet first, and the kind that research and read and research some more. For the researcher, we have our "Get Started Homeschooling Guide," and for those wanting to just jump in, we have this, the "Quickstart Guide to Homeschooling."
Quickstart for New Homeschoolers
- Read about deschooling
- Deschool
- Then start homeschooling
- Don't consider "summer" to be your deschooling time (it's also not necessarily an ideal time for a trial period of homeschooling—it's just summer)
- Read the rest of this article
Quickstart for All Homeschoolers, New and Returning
- Be legal
- Consider starting slowly this year
- A few days a week
- A short time each day
- Evaluate homeschooling based on your children's response
- Are they engaged?
- What can you change to increase engagement?
- Are you meeting them where they are? or where you wish they were? Adjust.
- Find your people. Attend or create a social event:
- A Not Back to School event
- A park day
- A homeschool group activity
- A parents' night out or moms' night out
- A social media group for your area
- A homeschool field trip
- Think on these homeschooling truths:
- The desire to learn and knowing how to learn will be more important than accumulated facts or skills.
- There are no educational emergencies.
- There is no homeschool guarantee.
Quickstart for Unschoolers
- Remember unschooling is not un-everything.
- How will you partner with your child?
- How will guide your child?
- How will you facilitate for your child?
- How will you respect your child's personhood?
- Keep deschooling.
- Live! Learn! Love!
Curriculum
Notice I didn't mention curriculum to anybody.
That's because most of you all think the curriculum is the most important thing anyway, so you're all obsessing over choosing curriculum, and you don't need a reminder.
So instead of a reminder to choose a curriculum, let me offer you the article "How to Choose the Best Homeschool Curriculum," which explains the many things to consider when choosing a curriculum. Maybe you don't even need one!
You might also like the free homeschool planners by TheHomeSchoolMom. They work for a variety of homeschooling styles as well as helping you plan other household activities that are important to a homeschooling family.
Homeschooling is Not School
Finally, to everyone, remember that homeschooling is not school. Make homeschooling your own, and make it about connecting with your children, which is what provides the context for all the learning!
Many of us have a school model of education in our minds because that's how we grew up. Experienced homeschoolers know, there are many "school things" that homeschoolers do not have to do.
Enjoy your children, and aim for them to enjoy learning. Anything less won't provide the full benefit of homeschooling.
Want more information? Visit our homeschool blog, where you can find hundreds of posts on dozens of topics related to homeschooling!
Hi- I’m a single mom in my late 40s and my 8 year old son has been in Christian private schools through this past year. My son has asked about being homeschooled last year and I needed to do a lot of research and start playing around with work ideas so I can finally leave the medical field full time…. Despite his school ranking highly in the State for both sports and academics, there were big issues as well. He also reads several grades ahead (about a 5th-6th grade level- increased vocab and comprehension), he learns most things quickly, is extremely creative, asks tons of questions,…. Between that and some bullying and other behaviors he learned from other kids at this school, I was just done by the 3rd quarter. I’ve signed him up for many homeschool classes that are outside and are aligned with his interests- He’s just not a kid that can solely learn sitting in a classroom. We live in Tennessee, but may move to Indiana to be closer to friends. I have no family nearby (we are mostly estranged unfortunately)… anyone have any tips or advice going forward? He will technically be in the 3rd grade, but I’m still searching for a suitable reading/vocab program for him. Thanks!!
Hi Melissa,
Sounds like homeschooling could be a good fit for your son. I love hearing that you've signed him up for homeschool classes that are outside and aligned with his interests. That's a great start and also shows you are willing to customize to meet his needs, which is one of the biggest benefits of homeschooling.
Reading aloud, listening to him read aloud, and discussing what you read will continue to be among the best ways to further strengthen his vocabulary and comprehension. You might take a look at Brave Writer's literature and mechanics guides and the many wonderful books they recommend. Another option is Oak Meadow's language arts curriculum.
You can learn about many different language arts curricula here at TheHomeSchoolMom curriculum review pages.
Both Tennessee and Indiana have homeschooling groups, and I suggest you visit groups as a way to seek friends for your son and support for your homeschooling efforts. Check out our listing of local and state homeschool resources to find groups you might be interested in. Especially since you're a single mom with no nearby family, local groups might be especially important.
Happy homeschooling!
Looking forward,
Jeanne
Hello, I am new to this. I have a 4 year old grandson and 3 year old granddaughter. Daycare cost$1600 a month for both of them do I was thinking about teaching them here at home getting the 4 year old ready for kindergarten and start prek for the 3 year old. I like the idea of homeschooling them. That way they get more personalised attention especially since the 4 year old has ADHD. I just need some help with what kind of curriculum to use.
The single most important thing you can do for your grandchildren is to read to them every day. Your librarian can help you select great books for them. Taking the kids to the library with you is also a good idea. Your library may have a scheduled story hour and a children's section featuring picture books they can pick out themselves. Regardless of what curriculum you choose, know that reading aloud to your grandchildren daily is the way to provide the biggest academic boost for children.
We recommend reading our article What Curriculum Should I Use for My Four-Year-Old?
While I know it is tempting to get started with formal academics early, keep in mind that research keeps telling us that play-based preschool experiences have the best longer term effects on children's behavior and academic performance in school.
Read aloud every day as much as you can, encourage creative play, show them interesting things in the world, and talk and listen to your grandchildren for the best introduction to homeschooling ever!
Looking forward,
Jeanne
Is it possible to send my child 2 days a week to local public school and homeschool rest of the week ??
My child needs enrichment. Hence the plan and we are working parents.
This varies from state to state and sometimes even from school division to school division and school to school. Your best source for information about this is actually your local public school. They can tell you about any parent partnership programs they have that might be like this, but be aware they exist only in a handful of states. In some areas, there are homeschool co-ops, private micro schools, and university model schools that operate on exactly this kind of schedule. You will need to network with local homeschoolers to find out if those options exist in your community.
This article explains homeschool co-ops. There are some types of co-ops that may meet your need, but you'll have to find out if they are available where you live.
Good luck!
Jeanne
I have a unique situation that I need help with. My son is 16, he has a heart condition and a GI condition that has caused him to miss to much school and is having a very hard time just to keep up. I have multiple sclerosis, I am his mother (single). There are many days that I need his help as well. He has become so discouraged when it comes to school. We tried home school for the first 4 months of this year, and then he wanted to go back to public school. I have no choice but to find a program that will help him have an education that will fit our life. I have no clue what I am looking for and I am searching and begging for someone to help us.
Hi Mindy,
This sounds like a tough situation. Health problems like you and your son are experiencing make life so challenging, no matter what approach is used for education. If you haven't already, I'd try to see if you can find more help for yourself through social services, a church, family members, or possibly a nonprofit service organization. If he wants to attend school despite his illness, seeking support services from the school or even what is often called "homebound" education through your school division might lead to some possibilities. If he ultimately would prefer to be home, ask some questions of your local and state homeschool groups. You may be able to find a homeschool co-op or another family with a teen who is looking for a friend.
Thinking about this as a mom in the culture I live in, I'd want to be careful that I not jeopardize my teen's education because I need their help, but I know if I had a child who also has health issues, they might also want to be home. The hard question is: in my circumstances, can I provide the social life and education they need if we homeschool?
While your circumstances come at you all in one package, I wonder if it might help you to think about them as separate issues to address. How are the various ways I can get the help I need at home, how could we make school better if he attends school, and how could we make homeschooling better if he wants to learn at home? A counselor may be able to help you tease this apart and address each issue.
Sending you best wishes. I know some of us don't live in places where society or family offers much support to those with extra challenges, and I can hear you are up against it. Talk to the school, network with some local homeschoolers, and think about how you can get your needs met.
Jeanne
I am new to homeschooling and I simply want to know where I can find out exactly what my first grader should know academically by the end of the year.
Believe it or not, there isn't agreement about this among all authorities! That said, there is a series of books by E.D. Hirsch, What Your First Grader Needs to Know, What Your Second Grader Needs to Know, and so on, that many people refer to. You can also find your state's standards for first grade on your state department of education website as well as on your local school division website.
While some homeschoolers find standards helpful because they feel they have something to aim for, others find them frustrating or limiting, since they are not customized for individual children. In most states, homeschoolers are not required to follow guidelines about what each grade child should know academically. However, many homeschooling parents use them as a way to help them make plans to cover the minimum that the state requires of school children.
Best wishes for your homeschooling!
Looking forward,
Jeanne
What's the best Illinois online accredited k-12 homeschool program? After doing research I can't seem to find one thats accredited in illinois can you please help me?
Each state has its own homeschool laws, so we're unable to provide state-by-state support. You can use our local and state homeschool resources to reach out to an organization that specializes in your state.
Be aware that homeschoolers in many-to-most states receive no value from using an accredited online school. For example, accreditation does not help with college admission and in most states, accreditation does not help with transferring credits back to public school if you've been homeschooling rather than using a virtual public school. Read our article Online Schooling: Everything You Need to Know, which addresses that issue.
Hi I live in Michigan and really want to start homeschooling my middle schooler. It's just not working out for him but I don't know where to start. I would really like to connect with someone who can help me with this as soon as possible.
Hi Robin,
Welcome to the world of homeschooling! Use our Local and State homeschool resources to find someone to connect to in your area. Statewide homeschool organizations are great at helping new homeschoolers understand legal requirements, and local resources can help you plug into activities near you.
Sometimes school does not work out for all kids, and homeschooling can be a great option. We have lots of information to help you get started in Homeschooling 101: A Guide for Parents.
Looking forward,
Jeanne
I'm Considering to start this home schooling journey for my 4 children 7 year old son in grade 2 and my 10 year old son in grade 4th and my 11 in half year old son starting 7th grade and my 14th year old daughter going in to the grade 8th
So two of my children have IEP and my other son have a 504 form that Requires additional special education education recommendations so how do I get start with the homeschooling for my children
Hi Shante - each state sets their own education regulations, so your questions about IEP & 504 resources would be better answered by the homeschool organization in your state. While federal law requires that states find and evaluate students needing special education resources, state law may or may not provide resource access to students outside of the public school system. Knowing what the law is will allow you to ask for the resources to which your students are entitled and fit it in with your other homeschooling plans. For more information on homeschooling itself, please visit our Homeschooling 101 resources (linked in the main navigation menu). Best wishes on your homeschool journey!
I am a semi-retired math teacher interested in offering tutoring to home schooling groups. I’m not sure how to connect with them here. Can you help? Thank you!
I am a homeschooling parent and reading these posts has really inspired me to get the ball rolling. I am dedicating my time and efforts into starting an organization that caters to families that homeschool. Families need a safe haven they can go to when first starting out and when they become discouraged. I believe homeschooling should be an enjoyment not a horror.
Hi Dysheme,
I'm glad you are feeling inspired. I moved frequently while homeschooling and started various homeschooling groups and volunteered for state organizations that were doing good work to help homeschooling families. There are homeschooling co-ops and homeschool resource centers that do cater to families that homeschool. They may provide information, classes, activities, and encouragement for parents. I hope you will find a role in supporting homeschooling that fits you well. I'm so grateful for the people who helped me during our homeschool years, and I know there are others out there who could use your help in your community today.
Good luck!
Jeanne
Hi Tonya,
Check out our local and state resources. You may want to advertise or exhibit at state conferences or offer a free workshop for homeschoolers in your community. Most homeschoolers arrange tutoring on an individual basis rather than through homeschool groups. Some teachers form classes for homeschoolers, which can be well-attended if you live in a place where there is a large enough population of homeschoolers. It basically works like any other business: create a website, network to find potential local customers, advertise, provide a good service, and count on referrals from satisfied parents. In addition to perusing our local listings, you might also ask at your library if they know who the local homeschool leaders are. You could talk with them about how to reach homeschoolers in your area.
Good luck!
Jeanne
My son just arrived from south america and I'd like to know if I could sign him up for homeschooling. He is 18 years old and I was wondering how to get started.
Hi Jose,
Welcome to your son! Homeschooling in the U.S. is typically geared toward kids ages 5 - 18. It can be tricky to figure out how to legitimize a homeschooling education after age 18, but we do have an article about homeschooling to complete high school at age 20. Many 18-year-olds in the U.S. take courses at their local community college rather than homeschooling. Your local library may have suggestions for finding adult education programs in your area, as well. Additionally, every state in the U.S. has different laws for education, and in many places, there is actually no "sign up" for homeschooling. You may "sign up" with a particular curriculum company or online/distance learning school, but those "sign-ups" are with those companies or schools. In other states, you do have to notify local school authorities to "sign up," but that's only for minor children, not people who are 18 year old or over. Good luck as you and your son discover the best route to advancing his education in the U.S. I'm not sure homeschooling is the way forward for him, but you can find the right path!
Is there somebody that can homeschool my daughter or help me homeschool her.
Here is an article called Can Somebody Homeschool My Kids that will give you some information.
I'm interested in home schooling my 5 and 12 year olds. How can I get started?
How do i get started
Hi Camile,
Get started by reading and taking the steps in our Getting Started article.
Good luck!
Jeanne
Can you help me.
I am searching for organziations that do home schooling in Suffolk County
Maria, find homeschoolers in a specific area by checking our local and state homeschool groups.
Roberta, TheHomeSchoolMom does not provide individual homeschool coaching. The volunteers at your statewide homeschool group may be able to answer your individual questions and help you find resources.
Homeschooling can feel hard to get going because it requires parents to be "self starters" in ways that feel brand new. We may have previously thought of "schools" as the ones who do everything and provide all the instructions to us as parents.
With homeschooling, we have to figure things out for ourselves. There is no substitute for reading the articles, finding out the law where we live, contacting organizations in our state who may be able to help, and following up.
Good luck!
Jeanne
Hello!!
I'm a wife and mother of 6 ages 11, 9, 7, 6, 5 and 7 months. Recently our city placed safety officers in the schools that carry assault rifles and I just can't wrap my head around my child being exposed to that. We want to homeschool again but I am clueless about the legal aspects and technical aspects as far as testing and grade levels. Also college scholarships.
Hi Farasha,
People consider homeschooling for many reasons, and unfortunately, the atmosphere in public schools is one of those reasons. You are not alone in your concerns.
It is important to homeschool legally, and you can do that in every state in the U.S. and many countries around the world. If you are going to homeschool, you need to do some research about the homeschool laws where you live, so you won't be clueless. There are different laws in each state, but like other homeschoolers, you can figure this out with the resources we have provided. Testing is not required in all states, and again, you need to find out if testing is legally required in your state. If it is required, you'll find that in most cases, there are tests you can give at home for relatively little expense, or there may be alternatives to testing.
If your children are college-bound, in addition to providing education to them yourself, you will want to help them have transcripts and "outside evidence" of their ability to succeed. College scholarships are often awarded to homeschoolers based on many of the same achievements that apply to public school students: good grades, community activities, leadership, test scores, volunteer service, athletic accomplishments, participation in the arts, and more.
Good luck making your decision about homeschooling!
Jeanne
Hi,
I am a mother of four and I am very interested in homeschooling my 3 year old and my 6 year old. The only thing hindering me is not knowing if I would be able to do it with a 18 month old and a 7 month old in the house. It seems way more challenging with babies at home but I am not pleased with the public school system. I also want my children to learn based more on our christian beliefs. What do you advise?
Hi Tiahara,
Many people do homeschool with babies and toddlers at home. Homeschooling is a family affair! When I homeschooled with a baby, I used a baby sling and a backpack to help keep my little ones close. I did a lot of homeschooling from the couch where we could all snuggle together and listen to stories. When my older kids were working on their letters or artwork, the little ones were finger painting. I did have to think of ways to keep the little ones involved at their level or give them something to do to entertain themselves. Here are some of my other suggestions for homeschooling with little ones.
Keep in mind that while it is a challenge to have the youngest around while you're homeschooling, you save yourself some effort by not having to follow the school schedule, which might require you to get all the children out to attend school or school activities. You do have more flexibility. For example, you can go to the library at a time that works for you. You can make the most of the baby's naptime instead of sitting in a carpool line, and so on.
Many people make it work, though you might have to try for a few months to find your groove!
Good luck!
Hi, I am really considering homeschooling my child. How do I get started to becoming a homeschool mom?
Hi Crystal,
Homeschool moms get started by reading up on homeschooling. Read each of the steps above, and click on each link to read the articles that the links connect to. Use the information to know what to consider and what actions to take as you decide whether to homeschool. Good luck!
Hi there am looking for my autsim boy home school please let me know if you guys does home school services call me or email me [REDACTED].
Hi Almaz, TheHomeSchoolMom's service is providing information about how to homeschool. If you need homebound services for a child who is enrolled in school, you should ask your school division. If you are looking for someone to homeschool your child, you need to find out if that is legal where you live, and then you need to look close to home for someone who is willing to provide what you are looking for. If you are seeking special services because your child has autism, you should contact your local community services board to see what is available. It may go by a different name in your state or community. A social worker who works in your county may be able to help you.
I sat down today to actually plan the upcoming first month of homeschooling for my two kids aged 7 and 5 but luckily I found your website. It's amazing and tells me not to plan anything rightnow. It's time to deschool and enjoy with my kids:)
My only concern is the 3 different levels I have. My youngest is 2.5. I hope I can cater to their individual needs as my youngest won't let us do anything...I donot want to be a judge around the house solving their issues amongst each other.
Hi Madiha,
Yes, you can delay planning "school" when you first get started, but remember that "deschooling" does not mean "don't do anything." You do still want to involve your children in enriching activities. Make sure you read about deschooling here at TheHomeSchoolMom. You will find suggestions like reading aloud, taking nature walks, playing games, encouraging dress-up play, going interesting places, making art, and more.
During this time, you will begin to see how homeschooling might work best for them, which will help you pick resources and activities.
And yes - ENJOYING time with your kids is the way to start things off right! How wonderful! You will even learn more about how to keep the youngest one entertained while you are doing things with the others. This is what the deschooling period is all about!
Enjoy your family!
Hello! This is my first year of homeschooling my child. Any tips or advice you can give for Momma's who are new to this? I literally opened up 18 more tabs to find more information. It's amazing you have this website to help other homeschooling parents out.
Thank you!
Hi Desiree and Jessica,
I'm glad you're finding the website helpful.
We wrote this really abbreviated Quickstart Guide to kind of boil down essential first steps.
Desiree, I truly would look at all the articles we have on deschooling first - and carry out some of the ideas that we have in our article called "How to Start Homeschooling: Tips for Deschooling."
There are many cool things to do there with your kids. I know that this does not sound like "homeschooling," but I promise investing time in these things will get you off to a good start.
Just follow the other steps here - find out how to be legal, start slowly, assess how your kids are responding, and look for other homeschoolers in the places mentioned in the article.
But mainly - do the deschooling things so you can connect with your kids in non-schooly ways. Remember, it's LEARNING that's important - not necessarily "school."
Good luck!
Jeanne
I can relate about the 18 tabs! 🙂 I've bookmarked and favorited so many links and information that it's a bit overwhelming. But this website is extremely helpful and insightful.
This is my real first attempt to homeschool. We can no longer afford tuition and I am disabled. Your website was a great first step! Thank you!
So glad the information you found here is helpful, Laura. We wish you the best in your first year of homeschooling!