I get numerous questions from new homeschooling families asking how to get started homeschooling. I know it can be VERY overwhelming with all of the curriculum choices out there, state laws, and just good ole’ fear of the unknown.
With that said, I’ve done several posts that relate to this topic, so I thought it would be nice to have them all consolidated for you in one spot.
While there’s no tried and true way to get started, I find the best tactic is to jump in feet first and just go with it. Doubting yourself in the process will only lead to frustration.
I wrote a 10 Day Series on Homeschooling Enrichment awhile back, and I think it will be helpful to you getting started on this journey. The posts cover everything from getting a vision to setting up your schedule.
10 Days of Homeschooling Encouragement (You can also find links to these under “Mom Stuff” and then “10 Days”)
- Day 1: Get a Vision!
- Day 2: Homeschooling is YOUR Ministry! Are you a Super Mom or an Abiding Mom?
- Day 3: Set Up House Rules For Your Homeschool
- Day 4: Setting Goals and Responsibilities for Your Children
- Day 5: 1 Corinthians 13 (in relation to your Homeschool) Part 1
- Day 6: 1 Corinthians 13 (in relation to your Homeschool) Part 2
- Day 7: Quiet Time With God During Your Homeschool Day
- Day 8: Homeschool Curriculum Choices & Laws
- Day 9: Homeschool Organization
- Day 10: Homeschool Schedules
Click here for a printable PDF of the 10 Days of Homeschooling Enrichment !
Getting Started:
I also wrote a post specifically geared towards Getting Started. It covers teaching and learning styles, some curriculum ideas for new homeschoolers. It also includes a little bit of legal information, and our homeschool room setup and schedule along with some extra resources.
How We Homeschool: Here is a list of posts on our curriculum choices, our schoolroom setup and our daily schedule.
- Our Curriculum
- Our Schedule (Please note this changes on a yearly basis! Sometimes daily if it’s not working!)
- Our Schoolroom
- Why We Homeschool
- Candid Conversation with God (My fears and doubts)
Here are some more helpful posts for new homeschoolers getting started:
- Super Mom vs Abiding Mom
- How do you do it all?
- Ministry of Motherhood (A 12 post series, highly recommended!)
- Plate Spinning 101
- Storage and Record Keeping
- Teaching Tools
- Workbox System
I hope this information helps relieve some of the overwhelming thoughts of getting started with homeschooling! If you have any specific questions I’ve not addressed, please feel free to email me at erica {at} confessionsofahomeschooler {dot} com and I’ll do my best to help out!
Erika, Your website is such an encouragement! I love your 10 Days post, and your super mom vs. Abiding post. I love gleaning wisdom from you…
Oh wow, so that helps. Thank you!
Wow! You have a lot of good info for new homeschoolers. You’re right that doubt will just lead to frustration. Hopefully you will be able to encourage new homeschoolers to lay aside the doubt and move forward with what they are called to do.
I think God led me to your site, well I know he did. I needed this outlook on Homeschooling and I like your “style”. Thanks so much!!!!! I think I feel more ready to start than I ever have.
Not that you need my traffic, but I wanted to let you know that I included your fabulous blog in my Homeschooling 101 post as a great resource for Homeschool Enrichment & Elementary Printables! I always feel so inspired, encouraged, and blessed by your blog!!! Thanks for sharing all your ideas with all of us!
http://www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com/2012/07/homeschooling-101.html
Beth =-)
I love the idea of treating your homeschooling as a ministry! I’ve heard of treating parenting as a ministry but never specifically homeschooling… it sounds like such a good way to keep your goals clearly in mind and make sure your children are getting the best you can offer them. Love it. 🙂
I LOVE YOUR WEBSITE! I’m new to home schooling and I agree that it is a ministry! I’m having a ball watching my kids learn and I have jumped feet first into it. I was apprehensive at first but I’m all in now. Thanks for the inspiration!
I LOVE your website! I have worked in schools as a teacher and counselor for the past 7 years, and am now getting ready to be a stay at home mommy (YEAH)! I am planning on homeschooling preschool for my four year old son, and I can’t wait to use your resources. I’ll be buying your curriculum soon too. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing!
Hello Erica,
I love and appreciate your stuff! Question for ya: I have a 3 year old son and a 13 month old baby boy. I have been wanting to start doing preschool with my 3 year old. When did you start with your first while trying to care for an infant? I’m trying to figure out how to pan out my day to make it happen? also i dont have a spare room to make “school” what do you suggest to do with that Thank you!
Hello again, do you recommend laminating the letter of the week curriculum? or has it worked fine for you just on regular paper?thank u