4 Steps Every New Homeschool Parent Should Take

Starting homeschooling can feel exciting and a little overwhelming at the same time. You might be wondering where to even begin. The good news is that it does not have to be complicated. With a little planning and patience, you can set your family up for a great homeschool journey. Here are four simple steps to get started.

Step 1: Follow Your State's Homeschool Laws

Before anything else, it is essential to familiarize yourself with your state’s homeschool laws. Every state has its own rules for homeschooling. Some states are very relaxed, while others have specific requirements, such as submitting paperwork or maintaining attendance records.

You might find advice in Facebook groups or online forums, but be careful. Sometimes people share information that is not correct for your state. Always visit your state’s official education website or a trusted homeschool organization to ensure you are following the correct steps.

Knowing your legal requirements will help you start on the right foot and avoid future problems.

Step 2: Deschool and Observe Your Student

Once you have taken care of the legal part, it is time to deschool. Deschooling means taking a break from formal lessons to give your child time to adjust from a traditional school mindset to a homeschooling one.

During this time, spend a few weeks observing your student closely. Watch how they naturally learn, identify their areas of interest, and pinpoint where they may struggle. Are they always building things with their hands? Do they love to read for hours? Noticing these patterns will help you understand what style of learning fits them best.

Deschooling is a crucial step that is often overlooked, but it can significantly impact the choice of the right learning path.

For more about deschooling, you can read our article: Breaking Free: The Importance of Deschooling for Homeschooling Success.

Step 3: Set Clear Educational Goals

After spending some time observing your child, you will be ready to set educational goals. These goals are not about long-term achievements like graduating from high school. Instead, think about short-term, measurable goals that can be reached in a semester or a school year.

Examples of good goals might be:

Mastering multiplication facts
Improving paragraph writing
Completing 20 hands-on science experiments
Reading 10 historical novels

Clear goals will provide a roadmap to guide your lessons and help your students feel a sense of accomplishment.

For more tips on setting homeschool goals, check out our article: How to Define Your Homeschool Goals for a Successful Year.

Step 4: Pick a Curriculum

Now that you know your state's laws, understand your child’s learning style, and have set clear goals, picking a curriculum becomes much easier. You will be able to choose materials that match your child's learning style and what they need to accomplish.

Remember, no curriculum is perfect. It is okay to adjust or mix different resources to fit your family’s needs. Trust yourself. You know your child better than anyone else.

There are so many wonderful options available today, ranging from comprehensive programs to à la carte classes, online learning, and hands-on kits. With your observations and goals in mind, you will be able to find something that works for you.

For more about choosing the right curriculum, you can read our article: How to Choose the Right Curriculum for Your Student

Final Thoughts

Starting homeschooling does not have to feel overwhelming. By following these four simple steps, you can create a learning experience that fits your family and helps your child thrive. Take it one step at a time, and remember that you don't have to figure it all out overnight. You are already doing a fantastic job just by taking the first step.

If you ever feel like you need a little extra support along the way, FunCation Academy is here to help. We offer flexible programs, curriculum options, and a welcoming community to make your homeschool journey a little easier. You are never alone in this.