Summer is winding down, and soon our family will kick off our 4th year of homeschooling! This year is extra special because it’s my son’s senior year of high school.
Our son attended a private school for kindergarten through 8th grade, and we began to homeschool him as he started high school. I am so grateful that homeschooling has allowed my husband and I to play a significant role in his education while creating so many sweet, lasting memories, strengthening our family bonds, and instilling core, lifelong values.
As the new school year draws near, you may wonder if homeschooling could be a good fit for your children. Or perhaps you’re preparing excitedly for your first year of teaching your children at home. Wherever you are in the process of making this decision, it’s my mission to help families just like yours get the most out of your homeschool experience!
Whether you’re new to homeschooling or you’ve been doing it for a while, careful planning and thoughtful curriculum selection are essential for a successful and enriching school year. Follow these steps to set your family up for homeschool success this year!
Step 1: Save the date(s)!
Schedule flexibility is one of the many advantages of homeschooling!
However, it helps to have a plan and a general sense of structure before you dive into the school year.
Begin by checking out your state’s requirements for how many hours or days you should homeschool each year. Some states, like Ohio, require you to provide 900 hours of instruction per year. Others, like Louisiana, say you must operate your home study program for 180 days yearly without explicitly dictating a specific hours requirement.
Regulations vary by state, so do your research and know what your state requires.
Next, reference the calendars of private schools in your area, especially if you are new to homeschooling. Taking note of the start date and number of school days was very helpful during my first few years of teaching my son at home, as it provided a sense of structure and a clear framework for lesson planning.
Remember that homeschooling allows for flexibility in scheduling, so you can plan vacations during off-seasons to save money and make the most of your family time. Embrace this freedom to customize your little learner’s educational journey and create meaningful experiences for your child.
Step 2: Learn more about your state’s content requirements
Many parents are nervous about leaping into homeschooling because they don’t know where to start when it comes to educating their children at home.
However, you don’t need a teaching degree to become familiar with the content your child needs to learn (although some states require parents to have a high school diploma/GED or even a bachelor’s degree to educate their children at home.)
Start by referring to your state board of education guidelines for the subjects recommended for each grade. Different states have varying requirements for content and curriculum, and regulations are more stringent in some parts of the country than others.
For example, to be a legitimate homeschool in Texas, you must have a curriculum that teaches five subjects: reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. However, other states are more specific.
For homeschooling families in Michigan, instruction must include mathematics, reading, English, science, and social studies in all grades. Plus, the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of Michigan, and the history and present form of the civil government of the United States, the State of Michigan, and the political subdivisions and municipalities of the State of Michigan in grades 10, 11, and 12.
Don’t stress about when and how to teach these subjects! Most packaged curriculums provide a scope and sequence to help you pace your instruction and aid your lesson planning with detailed directions.
But before you begin browsing different curriculum options, it’s time to focus on your child’s unique needs!
Step 3: Consider your child’s learning style
Now that you have a firm grasp of your state’s requirements, understanding your child’s learning style is crucial in selecting the right curriculum.
Some children thrive in auditory learning environments, absorbing information through hearing, while others are visual learners who prefer seeing and reading. Kinesthetic learners, on the other hand, excel when engaged in hands-on activities.
Where does your child fall on this spectrum? Quizzes like these can help you tailor your homeschool approach to their needs by identifying your child’s learning style.
Step 4: Assess your curriculum preferences
Once you understand your state’s content requirements and know your child’s learning style, it’s time to gather homeschooling materials.
However, before you venture down a resource rabbit hole and become overwhelmed with options, here are a few considerations to help you narrow down the best choices for your child’s needs:
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- Values and morals: Look for a curriculum that aligns with your family’s Christian values and fosters a love for God and others.
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- Company reputation: Opt for a curriculum from a reputable company known for its reliable and effective educational materials.
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- Child’s input: Involve your child in the curriculum selection process. This empowers them and ensures they feel a sense of ownership in their education.
Step 5: Ready, set, shop for resources!
Depending on your needs and budget, curriculum and resource options are endless! Whether you can afford to go all-out on sets of packaged, ready-to-go curricula for your little learners (or big learners), or want to piece together meaningful, cost-efficient resources for your children, here are some of my tips for finding a curriculum perfect for your family.
If you Google “homeschool curriculum,” it’s easy to get overwhelmed with options! Many of these companies feature done-for-you lessons that take the guesswork out of planning and help you feel confident with your instruction.
To get you started, here are a few websites and vendors I would recommend:
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- Abeka (https://www.abeka.com/)
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- BJU Press Homeschool (https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/)
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- Christian Book (https://www.christianbook.com/)
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- Power of Learning Press (https://www.poweroflearningpress.com)
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- Rosetta Stone (https://www.rosettastone.com/)
If you’re opting for a more budget-friendly route for gathering curriculum materials, or want to customize your lessons with a variety of resources, check out these ideas:
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- Shop second-hand bookstores/resale stores: You may find used curriculum materials at affordable prices.
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- Head to the library: Take advantage of the vast resources available at your local library. Borrowing books and educational materials is an excellent way to save money while offering diverse learning opportunities.
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- Search Youtube for educational videos: Youtube offers educational content across various subjects, making learning engaging and interactive.
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- Browse homeschooling curriculum fairs and garage sales: Attend homeschooling curriculum fairs or keep an eye out for garage sales, where you might find pre-loved materials at discounted prices.
If you’re still trying to decide what curriculum best fits your child’s needs, connect with other homeschooling families in your community or online. They can offer valuable insights, share curriculum recommendations, and organize group activities.
Step 6: Supplementing your child’s curriculum
Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity to extend your child’s learning experience with enriching activities beyond traditional lessons. Here are some ideas to enhance your instruction:
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- Podcasts: Explore educational podcasts related to your child’s study subjects to offer additional perspectives and insights.
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- Wondrium: Utilize educational apps like Wondrium to access a wide range of academic content, from documentaries to tutorials.
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- Field Trips: Plan excursions to museums, historical sites, nature reserves, and other places that complement your child’s studies.
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- Hands-on activities/games: Incorporate hands-on activities and educational games to reinforce learning and make it enjoyable.
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- Projects and Experiments: Encourage your child to dive deeper into their interests through projects and experiments, fostering a love for learning and discovery.
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- Local Experts: Connect with local experts, such as retired teachers or seniors, who can share their knowledge and experiences related to your child’s subjects.
Also, be sure to check out these engaging resources! I’m passionate about creating activities and printables that make children excited about learning. Check out my FREE Year-Round Journal Ideas that are sure to inspire your little writers. Plus, don’t miss out on this Back to School Time Capsule Memories activity!
By diligently planning your homeschool year, selecting the right curriculum, and supplementing learning experiences, you can provide your child with a well-rounded and nurturing education. Remember to be flexible, adaptive, and, most importantly, enjoy the precious moments of learning and growing together.
My prayer for your family this upcoming school year is that you would embrace the freedom homeschooling offers and let the joy of learning guide your educational adventures
