How to Get Started With Homeschooling

How to Get Started with Homeschooling (Even If You Don’t Own a Globe, a Laminator, or a Pinterest-Worthy Chalkboard Wall)

So, you’re thinking about homeschooling. First of all, take a deep breath. Then pat yourself on the back. Choosing to homeschool is no small feat, but it’s brave, beautiful, and, honestly, one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. It’s also like assembling IKEA furniture: confusing at first, potentially life-changing, and best done with snacks nearby. Today we will explore how to get started with homeschooling, even if you don’t own a globe.

This guide will help you take those first steps with confidence, curiosity, and a healthy dose of humor.

Figure Out Your “Why”

Before you start ordering every curriculum that’s ever been recommended to you and planning a color-coded lesson schedule (guilty), take a moment to ask yourself: Why are we doing this? Your “why” is your homeschool compass. Whether for flexibility, mental health, faith-based values, or because you can’t bear another call from the principle, you need to know your reason. Write it down. You’ll be so glad you did, especially when the glue sticks go missing and the kids have an existential crisis over fractions.

Check Out the Laws in Your State

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but the rules vary depending on where you live. Some states are laid-back with minimal requirements, while others want detailed reports and yearly tests. Don’t worry—this part is scarier in theory than in practice. Head to your state’s Department of Education website, or check out a homeschool advocacy site like HSLDA for all the details. You’ve got this!

Consider Unschooling Yourself and Your Child

Let’s be real: most of us grew up in a traditional school. Desks, bells, silent reading time, and pop quizzes—it’s in our DNA. But homeschooling doesn’t have to look like that. Give yourself permission to let go of what “school” is supposed to look like. Let your kid sleep in. Let them learn about volcanoes by watching YouTube videos and building one out of mashed potatoes (no judgment here). Unschooling, even for a little while, can help you and your child rediscover the joy of learning and curiosity.

Spend Time Figuring Out Your Child’s Learning Style

Every child learns differently. Some kids love writing essays; others express themselves better through LEGO creations and random trivia. Is your child a visual learner? A kinesthetic one? Do they need to move while learning? Observing and honoring your child’s learning style will make your homeschool life much smoother (and way less filled with tears—yours and theirs).

Talk to Other Homeschooling Families

You don’t have to do this alone; honestly, you shouldn’t. Talking to other homeschoolers is like getting the cheat codes to a game you didn’t even know you were playing. Veteran homeschoolers can point you toward resources you didn’t even know existed and—most importantly—reassure you that your child doesn’t need to read Shakespeare by age 7. You’re doing great.

Keep an Open Mind

Spoiler alert: your homeschool journey won’t look like anyone else’s. And that’s okay. Some families swear by the classical curriculum. Others are all about forest school. Most of us land somewhere in between, happily picking and choosing what works best for us. Stay open to change. Stay open to rabbit trails. Stay open to pivoting mid-year if something isn’t working. That’s the beauty of homeschooling—the flexibility to make it work for your family.

Check Out Your Local Library for Resources

The library is a homeschooler’s secret weapon. Free books? Yes. Audiobooks? Yup. Documentaries? Absolutely. Events, STEM kits, book clubs, study spaces, and even free printing? Yep. Make friends with your librarians—they’re curriculum consultants who wear cozy cardigans.

Research the Different Types of Homeschool Curricula

There are many curriculum options—everything from open-and-go to Charlotte Mason, Montessori, classical, unit studies, and online academies. Don’t panic. You don’t have to pick the perfect curriculum right now. Start by sampling a few. Borrow from friends. Mix and match. Ask other homeschooling moms what worked for them and what flopped. And remember—curriculum is just a tool, not a boss. It’s okay to change things up when it doesn’t fit.

Take It Slow

I know, you want a plan—a map of your child’s entire educational future. But take a deep breath and ease in. Start with just one subject, and then build up from there. There’s no rush. You’re not behind—this is a brand-new beginning. Homeschooling is a marathon in cozy pants, not a sprint.

Important Tips to Keep in Mind

Every Child Learns Differently

You know this, but it’s worth repeating: just because something worked for your best friend’s kid doesn’t mean it’ll work for yours. And that’s okay. That’s actually kind of the point of homeschooling—finding what works for your child.

Your Goal Isn’t to Recreate Public School

Put the teacher’s desk down (seriously). You’re not running a mini school – you’re crafting a personalized education that works for your child. No bells, rigid schedules, and busywork unless you want it. Ditch the “school-at-home” pressure. This is home education.

Homeschooling isn’t as Taboo as it used to be

Gone are the days when homeschooling meant social exile and strange looks from the PTA. Nowadays, it’s a legitimate and respected educational option. You’ll find thriving online communities, co-ops, enrichment programs, and support. You’re not alone, even if your kitchen table is doubling as a math lab.

Keep Records, Even if Your State Doesn’t Require It

Trust me, you’ll want some record. Whether it’s for your peace of mind, end-of-year evaluations, or that surprise move to a new state with stricter requirements, keep a binder, a digital tracker, or even a homeschool Instagram account. Anything that helps you remember what you’ve covered and how far you’ve come.

You Don’t Have to Stick with the Same Curriculum for 12 Years

Think of the curriculum like shoes. Just because one pair fit last year doesn’t mean they fit now. It’s okay to change things up—even mid-year. If something’s not working, don’t feel bad about ditching it. Sell or donate.

Involve Your Child in the Process

Ask your kids what they want to learn. Seriously. Let them help pick unit study topics and electives, or choose which workbook doesn’t look like the least fun option. The more invested they are in the process, the more engaged they’ll be. Bonus: they’ll start owning their learning. And that’s a lifelong win.

Check Out Local Co-ops and Hybrid Programs

You don’t have to teach every subject. (You’re not a unicorn.) Co-ops offer classes, social opportunities, field trips, and—let’s be real—a little sanity for parents. Hybrid programs (part homeschool, part classroom) are also rising. Explore what’s available nearby. You might find your tribe and a break from teaching algebra.

In Conclusion

Homeschooling isn’t just an educational choice—it’s a lifestyle. A wonderfully flexible, creative, and sometimes chaotic lifestyle that lets you grow alongside your child. Is it always easy? Nope. Will there be tears? Occasionally. But there will also be laughter, spontaneous science experiments, snuggly read-alouds, and a front-row seat to your child’s amazing learning journey.

So, start where you are. Take it one day at a time. Trust yourself. Trust your child. And don’t underestimate the power of coffee and a good booklist.

If you enjoyed this post and want more ideas, inspiration, and encouragement for your homeschooling journey, come hang out with me on social media! You can like the Creative Homeschooler Facebook page for daily tips, creative resources, and real talk from one homeschooler to another. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @creativehomeschoolers for behind-the-scenes peeks, hands-on activity ideas, and a little everyday magic. Let’s stay connected—you’re not in this alone!