Thinking about homeschooling but unsure where to start? You’re not alone!

I always wanted to homeschool, but for a while it seemed like a pipe dream. I later became a teacher, hoping that my training would someday come in handy for homeschooling.

But even with my training, I still sought the advice of seasoned homeschooling moms when choosing our curriculum. Other the last few years, I’ve gathered some insights to make your journey smoother. Let’s dive into the basics, and discuss state requirements and what to consider when choosing your curriculum.

Understanding State Requirements

Homeschool laws vary by state, so your first step is to check local regulations. In Hawaii, parents must file a “Notice of Intent” with the Department of Education. This must be done when you first begin homeschooling as well as anytime your child would change schools.

For example, if your family moves or when your child transitions from elementary to middle then to high school. The Department of Education has a simple form you can fill out and drop off at your local school.

They keep it in your child’s file. All children have a file regardless of if they’re in public school or not. This file brings me to the next requirement.

At the end of the school year, you must provide some form of a year-end progress report. In Hawaii, there is no specifications of what this progress report should look like. You could printout the Department of Education’s blank report card for your child’s grade as a guide.

For my oldest, I created my own easy-to-use progress reports and assessments. They include all of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Math.

The Common Core State Standards are adopted by many states. So even if you don’t live in Hawaii, your state likely uses them as well.

You can find these Kindergarten and First Grade Assessments and Grading Sheets in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. I turn these in to our local school as his progress report at the end of the year.

In Hawaii, students also must complete standardized testing at the end of grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. In those years, you would contact your local school to schedule a time to have your child assessed.

If you’re outside Hawaii, look up your state’s requirements through resources like the HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association). It offers detailed information by state.

Choosing a Curriculum: My Father’s World

One of the biggest questions for new homeschool moms is, “Which curriculum should I choose?” I personally recommend My Father’s World—it’s affordable, straightforward, and wonderfully supportive.

It’s neither overwhelming for kids nor too complex for parents to teach. I appreciate the new concepts that are being taught without requiring so much time for each lesson.

The company also checks in with homeschooling families on a regular basis! About once a quarter, someone will call to check in on our family.

They ask how homeschooling is going, offer to pray for our family, and answer any questions we may have. My Father’s World also sends out emails to encourage us in our homeschooling journey.

I’m so grateful that they really just want us to succeed and enjoy homeschooling. This curriculum has made my own homeschool experience manageable, and it might just be the right fit for you, too!

Don’t Stress Over the Cost

The thought of buying a full curriculum can feel daunting. But remember, you don’t need to spend a fortune to provide a quality education. It’s completely okay to mix and match subjects from different sources if you feel that suits your family best.

Alternatively, if you prefer consistency, getting all your materials from one curriculum company like My Father’s World can simplify planning. Homeschooling allows for flexibility, so there’s no need to stick to a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

In homeschooling, you have the freedom to change what you’re using at anytime. This could be from one year to another. It could even be different from one child to another. You get the make the best choices for your family!

Meeting Your Child Where They Are

One of the most beautiful aspects of homeschooling is the freedom to move at your child’s pace. In traditional school settings, teachers often have to keep pace with a set curriculum.

This can be challenging for kids who need more time in certain areas. Or for kids who have already surpassed the skills or concepts being taught.

Homeschooling allows you to adjust according to your child’s needs. If they need an extra month or two to master reading, you can take that time!

If your child can already add, you can skip over lessons that are too easy for them! Celebrate this flexibility and focus on your child’s unique learning journey.

Extra Resources to Challenge or Support Your Child Where They Are

As a former teacher, I love using tools that make homeschooling easier.

Teachers Pay Teachers is an amazing resource for finding additional materials for any subject or grade level.

As I mentioned earlier, I have a store on Teachers Pay Teachers. My store has resources to help both classroom teachers and homeschooling parents.

But even outside of my store, there is a wealth of resources available! You can find simple projects, to units, all the way to whole year curriculum on Teachers Pay Teachers!

Connect with Other Homeschooling Families

There’s a huge community of homeschool families who are eager to share what’s worked for them. Reach out and ask questions!

Other families offer ideas for curriculum, but they can also help you navigate the ups and downs of homeschooling. Local co-ops, Facebook groups, and even Instagram can be great places to find supportive homeschool communities.

We love our homeschool co-op. The kids get to play and learn with friends once a week. I love being able to connect, learn from, and be encouraged by other moms!

In our co-op, we take turns teaching classes. It’s a great way to compartmentalize what you’re teaching at home and what they’re learning at co-op.

For example, I’m teaching a science unit at co-op for my oldest son’s class. This means that we’re not focusing on science at home this quarter because he’s already getting it at co-op.

Once a week co-op meetings works great for our schedule. But others may prefer meeting several days a week. Or even every other week. Ask around in your area to see what co-op options are available for you.

You’re Already Qualified

Remember, you don’t need to be a certified teacher to homeschool.

As a parent, you’re uniquely equipped to nurture your children’s education with love and patience. You are your child’s first and most dedicated teacher.

Children were being homeschooled for millennia before the modern idea of public or private education was created.

Homeschooling can feel overwhelming at times, but you can absolutely do this! Trust in your own capabilities, lean on resources, and embrace the opportunity to be a part of your child’s education.

Final Encouragement

Starting to homeschool is a big step, but with the right resources and support, it’s also incredibly rewarding. You may choose a curriculum like My Father’s World. Or you might mix-and-match resources. The most important thing is to create a learning environment that works for your family.

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