You CAN Homeschool: Getting Started

With all that’s going on in the world right now, you may be feeling a tug {or even a major pull} to homeschool your kids.

But you may also have some serious reservations or concerns. Do any of these sound familiar?

• I don’t even know where to start.
• I’m not a teacher. I can’t teach my child.
• My child has learning challenges. I can’t meet those needs.
• The idea of homeschooling is completely overwhelming.

If any of these sound like your thoughts, you’re in good company. Even after over a decade of homeschooling, I still have some of these very thoughts. Most homeschoolers do.

BUT, I want you to know that you CAN homeschool!

This 5-day series is for you. I’m going to take it slowly, step-by-step, so that you hopefully won’t be overwhelmed by all the information. Scroll down to see all the posts as they go live, scroll below

You may also enjoy our other homeschool blog series, So, You Want to Homeschool.

Yes, You CAN Homeschool

1. Research your area’s requirements for homeschooling.

The first step you need to take is to research your area’s requirements for homeschooling.

For example, I live in the states. I can search something like, “homeschooling in Florida” to find more information. Make sure it’s an official site from your state/area so you’re getting the correct information.

You’re specifically looking for the laws and rules that govern your area. For example, your state may require that you homeschool “x” amount of hours in a day. Your area may require you keep your records a certain way. You may be required to take a standardized test at the end of the school year.

This is your starting point, so it’s important that you know your area’s requirements and rules for homeschooling.

 

2. Talk with your child.

Warning: your child may resist the idea of being pulled out of school. It can be good to explain your reasoning to your child, especially if they are older.

Talk about their fears or thoughts on homeschooling. Respect them for where they are and talk with your child {not at your child}. Change is hard for some kids. Sometimes just talking through things can really help calm anxieties.

Get a feel for what they prefer when it comes to curriculum or a schedule. Jot down their ideas and keep it in the back on your mind as you begin to do your homeschool research.

Ultimately though, you are the parent. It’s your decision. Even if your child is resistant at first, work with your child to make the transition as smooth as possible. {I had to do this with my high schooler last year.}

 

 

3. Officially withdraw your child from their school.

Yes, even in the middle of the school year, you can withdraw your child from school! You may need to send an official letter to the school’s office. In some states it has to be a certified letter. But it’s important that you let your child’s school know.

Before you cut ties completely, give your child time to say good-bye to their teacher(s) and friends at school. Ask for phone numbers of close friends so they can keep in touch.

 

4. Register your homeschool with your state/area.

Don’t skip this step! On the official website you found in Step #1 above, register your child/school in your state. This lets your district know that your child is still “attending” a school. In our state, homeschooling fits under the private schooling laws, but that may be different from area to area.

 

5. Keep it SUPER SIMPLE at first.

I know this might sound crazy and completely unorthodox, but you don’t have to have your curriculum picked out and your schedule planned before you start homeschooling. Seriously. You don’t.

Go to your public library and find books your child can read. Trade books with another family or find used book stores.

If your kids are young, you can have them use free educational websites for a time until you feel more ready. Older kids can even explore educational YouTube channels.

Cook dinner together {cooking requires LOADS of math skills}, start a garden, try science experiments together, visit museums and parks nearby.

Just keep it simple until you’re ready to add more.

 

 

Enjoy homeschooling!
~Becky

 

Find More Posts in this Homeschool Series

Click on the images below to find the posts.