Feeling Called to Homeschool? You’re Not Alone.
If you’re new to homeschooling, you may be feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelm. Questions like “Where do I start?” or “Am I even qualified to do this?” are common—and completely normal. (I’m gonna throw some Homeschool Memes in here for giggles.)
The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out at once. My mom was a pioneer in the homeschooling world back in the 1900’s (wow, that makes me feel old!). The local Board of Education would send parents her way to ask questions on how to do it.
She would help families get their legs underneath them and feel confident that they were doing the best thing for their family. This guide is designed to provide you with the basics and help you take those first steps with confidence.
Step 1: Know Your “Why” for Homeschooling
Before you dive into curriculum or schedules, pause to ask: Why do I want to homeschool?
Here are some common reasons:
- More family time: My brother and sister-in-law decided to take their son out of school and travel throughout much of the US. They homeschooled until his freshman year and he went back to a school in his community.
- Special needs: Let’s face it. The school system is overrun (in some places more than others). It is not always feasible to pack up your family and move to a new place for a school system that has the means to meet your child’s unique needs. So, you can find the tools necessary and meet those needs from home.
- Faith-based education: This was a big motivator for choosing to homeschool my family. I feel that God has given me the task of raising my child to know Who He is and I am thankful our family is in a place (financially and physically) where I can do that.
- Need more flexibility: I love the flexibility that homeschooling allows! Even if both parents work, because of the flexibility of homeschooling, you might be able to work that out! Going to visit grandma? Your classwork can go with you (whether Grandma makes you do it…). Taking an impromptu trip to the beach? School can join you on the sand! Have an appointment at the doctor? Finish those Math problems in the waiting room.
- A safer or calmer learning environment: There are a lot of children struggling with anxiety and depression in our world today. Sometimes, a calmer, less hectic pace is all that they need to thrive.
Write it down (and post it where you can find it). Your “why” will anchor you when challenges arise and help guide your decisions.
Step 2: Learn Your State Laws for Homeschool Requirements
The first step after understanding the “why” is to research your state’s homeschooling requirements. Some states require testing or attendance records; others are more flexible. My state only requires that I submit the subjects I plan to teach, curriculum for each subject, and a record of completing 180 days with 4 hours each day. Or I could choose to be under an “umbrella school,” and they would report all that info for me. Check out HSLDA.org for a clear breakdown of your state’s requirements.
A wonderful resource to help you with this is local homeschool groups. Find homeschoolers on Facebook and ask all your questions. There are plenty of parents out there with a wealth of knowledge that they are happy to give you. The homeschool community is full of those who want to help you be successful!
Step 3: Find Your Homeschool Style
Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to homeschooling. Explore different styles and see what fits your family. A few common styles:
- Traditional: Structured, school-like at home. I fall into this category because I have to quantify things. (Maybe this is a flaw.)
- Charlotte Mason: Gentle, literature-rich learning. My friend does this with her family. I can only imagine what her bookshelves look like!
- Unschooling: Child-led learning based on interests. I know of families who follow this approach as well. Some students are not academic, and this approach is a great way to sneak in the learning without them even knowing it.
- Unit Studies: Focused, theme-based lessons across subjects. I know a lady who did this approach with her children. Very impressive the way she tied all the subjects together for a well-rounded homeschool experience.
It’s okay to mix styles or change as you go. I know parents who choose a different curriculum each year! I’ve been known to switch a time or two. And that is OK! Some families switch mid-year, or one child uses one curriculum while another is better challenged with a different approach.
Step 4: Choose Your Homeschool Curriculum (Without the Overwhelm)
Picking a curriculum can feel like the biggest hurdle, but remember, you don’t need the “perfect” one to get started. Many families try a few before finding the right fit.
Some beginner-friendly options:
- Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool (free, faith-based) My friend used this approach with her family and it worked really well for them!
- My Father’s World (Charlotte Mason inspired)
- The Good and The Beautiful (open-and-go, faith-based)
- Time4Learning (online and secular—meaning not promoting religion)
- Acellus (online and secular)
💡 Tip: Don’t buy a full year’s worth before you know what works for your family. But also don’t give up at the first sign of difficulty.
Step 5: Build a Flexible Homeschool Routine
Homeschooling doesn’t need to look like 8–3 classroom days. Many families find 2–4 hours of focused learning is plenty, especially for younger grades. My children (when they set their minds to it) can be done mid-day and have the rest of the day to pursue other interests. A sample day might look like this:
- Start with a morning rhythm (devotions, reading, morning chores, or journaling)
- Focus on core subjects first (math, reading, writing)
- Save creative projects and electives for the afternoon: Science, History, Art, nature walks, or Pickle Ball (more on this in a future post!)
This is by no means the way your family has to do it. It might be best for your family to start regimented and gradually give your students more freedom to set their own goals and accomplish them.
Step 6: Find Your Homeschool Community
Homeschooling doesn’t mean you’re doing it all alone. As I mentioned before, there are so many parents out there cheering you on! Build up a support network! You can find them in local co-ops (basically homeschooling families that gather once a week throughout the school year and teach one another’s children core classes as well as extracurricular subjects) for group classes and field trips. Go to your local library and ask around for social and educational opportunities. My girls have made friends at library functions and they run across those same friends in other homeschooling groups. Don’t forget Facebook—it has groups for homeschool hiking clubs, co-ops, parents of teens—soooooo many options and a wealth of knowledge you can tap into!
Step 7: Give Yourself (and Your Kids) Grace on this Homeschooling Journey
Homeschooling is a journey—not a sprint. I learned this the hard way! So many unnecessary tears on my part and my poor children’s (They tell me they still love me.). There will be great days—and hard days. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:
You Can Do This!
Whether you’re exploring homeschooling for a year or making it a long-term plan, know this: You don’t have to do it all perfectly. You just have to begin—and keep showing up with love, patience, and faith.