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There are some folks in this world who set out to homeschool. Homeschooling has always been a part of their life plan.
Then there are others who, for one reason or another, gradually make their way into the world of homeschooling.
And then there are the unexpected homeschoolers.
I am an unexpected homeschooler.
I know what it feels like to start homeschooling from scratch.
To fly by the seat of your pants and hope that it will all work out.
To worry about… everything.
Today, I am sharing resources for new homeschoolers. It doesn't matter if you set out do homeschool or if you fell into this gig. I've got you covered!
Before we dive in, I want you to remember two things:
If you are wondering how to start homeschooling, I want you to grab a cup of tea, sit down, and read this post and the links herein.
And I want you to remember two things:
- Start small.
- You’ve got this.
The first thing you need to do
The very first thing you need to do is to figure out the homeschooling regulations for your area. If you live in the United States, bookmark the following page:
Make sure you know the rules and regulations for your state and follow them. Keep the page bookmarked and check it out from time to time.
Are you looking for a simple and realistic homeschool routine as you adjust to your new normal? *Especially* if you are transitioning from public school due to COVID-19?
When you first start homeschooling, especially if you are transitioning from a more traditional school setting, it is important to deschool.
That said, children thrive on rhythms and routines and deschooling does not mean that the learning stops altogether. Your children will learn despite you, I promise!
In this article, I explain how to create a super simple homeschool routine that allows for plenty of connection and spontaneous learning opportunities while you deschool. The suggestions in this post about a structured summer break would also work well for deschooling.
The Lazy Homeschooler's Guide to Unit Studies
{DIGITAL COURSE with PRINTABLE RESOURCES}
Do you want to raise curious, joyful, lifelong learners?
Unit studies can help!
Learn how to create super-simple, effective, and completely engaging unit studies that the whole family will love.
Each lesson includes actionable PDFs and printables to help you get off and running.
Embrace those rabbit holes and surrender to delight-driven learning while crossing off those nagging homeschool must-dos.
Get ready for more joy and less overwhelm today!
Join Lazy Unit Study 101:
Gameschooling: Add more play to your homeschool day
{Digital Course with printable resources}
We all know play is an essential part of child development, but how do you fit it in when you have a huge homeschool to-do list?
Homeschooling can be almost all fun and games.
Gameschooling is the intersection of play and homeschooling and it can change your entire homeschool atmosphere for the better!
Play can boost connection, fuel learning, and revolutionize your homeschool routine.
Coming summer 2020!
Join the waitlist for early access and a subscriber-only discount:
How to Rock THe Most Important Part of Your homeschool Day
{DIGITAL COURSE with PRINTABLE RESOURCES}
Reading aloud is the single most important thing you can do for your child's future academic success. (And we have decades of research to prove it!)
Reading aloud also offers a host of non-academic benefits. Plus, reading aloud makes lifelong family memories!
Learn how to start your homeschool day with the most important thing.
Find a read-aloud routine that works for your unique family and fuel learning throughout the day.
Join How to Rock THE MOST IMPORTANT PART of Your Homeschool Day:
These two episodes of The Homeschool Sisters Podcast will help you get started:
You Don't Have to Do It All: Getting Started with Homeschooling
{Episode 5}
Cait and Kara reflect on the early years of homeschooling. They share tips and tricks for those just starting down this path, and impart their favorite piece of advice- that you DO NOT have to do it all, especially your first year.
Listen as they chat about deschooling, finding a community, and how your house will never be the same, but in a really awesome way.
Do not worry if this is your first year. Your sisters have got you covered!
Start Small: Rhythms and Routines
{Episode 9}
One of the most common questions the sisters get is about rhythms and routines.
How to start one?
How to resume one after a break?
What about when your rhythm or routine is just NOT working?
Cait and Kara hash it out in this episode and share their tips and ideas. The biggest one? Start small!
Resources we use to homeschool:
Be sure to check out these related articles:
- Homeschooling by Subject | A Resource Page
- Gameschooling by Subject | A Resource Page
- Books by Subject | A Resource Page
- Our Curriculum Choices by Year
- 10 Amazing Homeschool Subscriptions
- There are countless resources available for homeschooler today, but I firmly believe you could homeschool with a library card and THIS.
Homeschool documentation and testing:
Be sure to check out these related articles:
Do you need to follow a certain homeschool method or philosophy? What about co-ops? Do I need one?
Methods, Philosophies (and Why You Don't Need Them)
{Episode 67}
The sisters are chatting about methods and philosophies and why you don’t necessarily need to choose one in order to homeschool.
Cait + Kara share their own experiences, and about learning this lesson the hard way – one of them even got booted from a group! (Wait until you hear the reason).
The sisters also talk about finding support if you don’t choose a strict method to follow.
Co-ops and Copywork
{Episode 87}
The sisters are discussing co-ops, and copywork, and... eye doctors?
Listen in as they catch up – they promise this isn’t an eye doctor podcast now – and dive into co-ops and copywork.
Are either necessary? When do you need them and when can you do without?
Cait and Kara are sharing thoughts and their own experience!
Homeschooling littles? A large family? An only?
- How to Homeschool Little Ones (Without the Overwhelm)
- Learning with Little Ones, with Erin Loechner {Episode 72} | The Homeschool Sisters Podcast
- Homeschooling an Only, with Jessica Waldock {Episode 96} | The Homeschool Sisters Podcast
- Sibling Stuff (Because We're Together All the Time! ), with Lynna Sutherland {Episode 73} | The Homeschool Sisters Podcast
More resources for you:
Be sure to check out these related articles:
If you've JUST landed in the world of homeschooling,
READ THIS:
Uh-oh. I know that face.
You’ve decided to homeschool… and now you are completely overwhelmed.
Breathe, mama. Come here and have a seat.
I’m going to tell you what I wish someone had told me when I first started down this path...
Need more help? Conferences and consultation can help!
If you are stuck and need more help, I highly suggest either watching an inspiring conference or reaching out to a homeschool consultant. Here are two resources to help:
