Getting Started with Homeschooling
Inside: Thinking about homeschooling is scary, and getting started with homeschooling can seem like there are a million steps that you need to take.
Thinking about homeschooling is scary, and getting started with homeschooling can seem like there are a million steps that you need to take to get started. But you can do it. You’ve already made the first step in making the decision to homeschool your child.
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Getting Started with Homeschooling
The first part of getting ready to homeschool your child should be an information-gathering expedition. Here I have compiled some of the information that you may want to look into and some links for the information.
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Research
Research the laws in your province or state. Homeschooling is legal in all provinces and territories of Canada. Some provinces are easier to homeschool in, including providing some funding.
Research which type of homeschooling approach you may be interested in using. There are a number of different ones along with different curriculum that follows them. In some provinces, you require approval from the school board on the curriculum you use.
Find Support
Do you know any other homeschoolers? If so, ask if you can talk about homeschooling, and pick their brain. Fellow homeschoolers really are the best source for information if they are similar to you.
If you are a secular homeschool chat with other secular homeschoolers. Yes, you can make religious materials work but why do the extra work if you don't have to?
The best form of support that I can recommend is finding like-minded moms. It is not easy, but it's worth it. The support from one mom even can help you through all the hard days.
It can give you another family to do field trips with, and hang out at the beach with while public school is still in session.
Pick Curriculum
There is a lot of great curriculum to choose from, from boxed curriculum to picking and choosing those you think will work for you. Or unschooling, something completely different, no true materials needed.
Homeschool Books
There are some great books for homeschooling, one book I found extremely helpful was Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum. It was a great eye-opener at the number of options available.
The ultimate book of homeschooling ideas: 500+ fun and creative learning activities for kids ages 3-12
There is a lot to think about when you think about or have decided to homeschool your child. This is a great starting point.
I think one of the best things about being a homesteading homeschooling family is that your children are going to be surrounded by learning in their everyday lives. You don't need a huge homestead for them to learn from, we do just fine on less than an acre of land.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to start homeschooling? The short answer is, you can start at any age. However, as a homeschooler, your state or province's department of education can give you a more specific answer based on the homeschooling laws where you live.
What age do most homeschoolers graduate? The Homeschooling Context. Homeschoolers have a lot of flexibility in the age of graduation, with most people graduating by their parents when they are between the ages of 16 and 19.
Want More?
Books to Start Your Homeschool Journey
