How to Homeschool

Wondering how to homeschool? Trying to improve your homeschool program? We can help.

Looking for information on how to homeschool? While there is no single "right way", there are numerous resources to guide you on the way.

Whether you are just beginning to research how to homeschool, or are a veteran homeschooler, we have provided resources we think you will find helpful.

Also don't forget to check our blog page for the latest information and pages we have published.

Getting Started

So you have decided to homeschool. Before going into the nuts and bolts of how to homeschool, I strongly recommend a simple first step. This short article on getting started will help point you in the right direction.

Legal Issues

In the United States, the individual states regulate educational policies for Kindergarten through 12th grade. Homeschooling laws differ from state to state. It helps to know the distinct laws of your state.

The Homeschool Bill of Rights explains the legal, academic, and personal importance of an individualized education at home.

Choosing Your Homeschool Curriculum

One of the first questions asked by people who are learning how to homeschool is: "What curriculum do I use?"

Once you have developed your goals, its time to delve into the process of choosing curriculum.

You have so many curriculum choices, it is easy to become overwhelmed. But don't worry.

We have broken it down to make the process manageable in our article Choosing Homeschool Curriculum. First read about the four main curriculum options. As you are reading this, consider the goals you developed. Then you can choose which option seems best for your family.

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Unit Studies

A joke sometmes told at homeschool conventions is that the most popular workshops are those which provide information about unit studies; while the most popular booths are those which sell texbooks. Indeed, both of these two very different approaches are popular with homeschoolers.

Textbooks and unit studies both have specifc advantages and disadvantages which should be contemplated before selecting your curriculum and organizing your program. This article on Comparing Unit Studies and Textbooks contrasts the two methods.

Do you want specific examples of how to homeschool with unit studies? This page compares the unit studies of different homeschool families studying the Civil War.

If you have chosen to use unit studies, check out this model on how to homeschool with the Learning Tree Model of homeschool unit studies.

Writing Educational Goals and Objectives

Many states require parents to submit educational objectives for their homeschool program. Afraid of educational jargon? Uncertain of the difference between an educational goal and an educational objective?

Don't worry. This will explain how to write educational objectives.

We even provide a template educational objectives for each subect that you can modify to fit your own homeschool program.


Finally, we provide specific objectives as well as scope and sequence for homeschool computer education.

Homeschool Conventions

One of the best places to gain information on how to homeschool is at a homeschool convention. Speakers, workshops, curriculum, and lots of homeschoolers with similar interests and ideas. Make attending a homeschool convention part of your annual tradition.

Homeschool Suppliers

Not sure where to get homeschool materials? A list of homeschool retailers will make your searching easier.

Of course, it is easy to think of the BIG FOUR when buying curriculum (language, math, science, history.) We also list a few tips for materials for creative subjects as well.

Organization

Homeschool Scheduling

Ready to start making your annual, quarterly, weekly, and daily schedules? Here are some effective guidelines for homeschool scheduling.

To prevent daily routine from becoming predictable and boring, we also have ideas on adding flare to your daily schedule.

Considering homeschooling year round? Here are nine reasons homeschool in the summer months.

Getting Organized and Staying Organized

Organization is an important element for an effective and efficient homeschool day. Need tips for getting organized and staying organized? Tips for the Organized Homeschool Mother.

Speaking of tips, you might want to have your kids help you plan. This is particularly helpful when your homeschool day starts before you are ready. Introducing the Emergency Planning Session.

Help, My Kids Expect Me to Cook!

Nope, it's not enough to be a teacher, you need to be a chef as well. Our Helpful Homeschool Chef will give you some ideas for quick dinners and non-sugary snacks.

Bullying and Your Child

In today's aggressive society, many families have chosen to homeschool because of bullying. It may be their child has been bullied in school and they have been unsuccessful stopping it. They may have found that a teacher is the bully. Or perhaps a child has been bullied from outside of the school environment. Dealing with a bullied child is a series of articles that may help you through this process.