If you're thinking about homeschooling your child, be sure you're doing it the legal way first. The requirements can vary dramatically from state to state, so start by checking the homeschool laws where you live. The Homeschool Legal Defense Alliance (HSLDA) is a great place to start your research on these requirements. Once you know the legal landscape, you can start sketching out the more fun parts of your homeschool vision, listed below.
New to Homeschooling?
Getting started with homeschooling is easier than you think! With just a few simple steps, you can begin your homeschool journey with confidence. Our free guide will walk you through How to Homeschool step by step—from state requirements to choosing a Christ-centered curriculum. Download it now to start strong!
1. Choose a Curriculum That Fits Your Family
Choose a homeschool curriculum that aligns with your child's learning strengths and your own preferences for teaching. The best curriculm will match both you and your child. Otherwise, either parent or child will be unhappy.
Check These Curriculum Traits
- Method of learning: Reading, writing, talking, doing (hands-on), exploring, presenting, watching, listening, etc.
- Structure: Fully planned lesson-by-lesson for 180 days or loosely organized
- Thinking style: More clear cut right-and-wrong or more open-ended; more abstract or more practical with real-life applications
- Assessment: Written tests and quizzes or more laid back oral discussion
Don't get hung up on fancy labels like Classical or Charlotte Mason. Most homeschoolers choose an eclectic, whatever-works approach, pulling from many styles instead of being a purist with one particular educational philosophy.
2. Set a Flexible Schedule or Recurring Routine
Create a flexible time-based schedule that gives you room to breathe. Or establish a daily routine instead that orders your tasks but doesn't attach them to a particular hour of the day. Having a plan helps you stay organized, and children thrive with a predictable daily pattern.
Be sure to include time for academics, as well as other activities like physical education, art, and music. At MasterBooksAcademy.com, you will find video-based courses designed for homeschool families to enjoy P.E., piano, guitar, and many other electives. Learn more about the Academy here.
3. Set Aside a Space
Set up a dedicated space for homeschooling. This can be a spare room, a corner of your living room, or even a designated area of your child's bedroom. The space should be comfortable and well-lit, with all the necessary materials and supplies on hand.
Some families find themselves on the go a lot, so they organize their curriculum and supplies in totebags or plastic crates that can be easily transported.
4. Find Your Support Network
Build a support network to help you stay motivated and on track. Sharing with other parents who are on the same journey you're on is key to staying the course. They will understand your challenges, pray for you, and give you the perspective you need for difficult days.
We invite you to join our encouraging community of homeschool parents in the Moms of Master Books Facebook group and in the Master Books app. We are staffed to answer your curriculum questions, equip you with teaching tips, and more!
5. Keep Records
Many states require homeschoolers to keep records of their activities, including attendance records, lesson plans, and samples of your child's work. These records can also be helpful for tracking your child's progress and making adjustments to your homeschooling program as needed.
Use this Cumulative Record to help you keep all of your student’s vital academic records in one easy-to-access location for grades pre-K through 12.
Choose Master Books
While you're here, we want to extend an invitation to give Master Books a chance to be your curriculum provider.
Whether choosing math, language arts, science, or history, you will be equipped to offer your student academic excellence while helping them to develop a strong faith in God. Master Books materials are based on the tenets of brain science and are designed to help your child love to learn. With shorter lessons, students develop mastery of subjects without overloading their developing brains.
All courses include an easy-to-follow day-by-day schedule that maps out your entire academic year. You can preview the schedule of any course by downloading the free PDF under the heading A Look Inside on each product listing.
Start your curriculum search now by browsing by subject or grade level.
