Homeschool

Homeschool Guide for Parents

By Winnie on February 2, 2021

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When families are considering homeschool, it can feel really overwhelming. Do you need to follow a curriculum? How should you structure your days? The truth is, there is no right or wrong way to homeschool and the beauty of it is you can try lots of different approaches to see what works best for your child.

We're breaking down everything parents need to know about homeschooling from what guidelines exist to how to choose a curriculum. 

Homeschool Guidelines

Quickstart Guide to help you and your student start off on the right foot

Research the laws in your respective state. Each state carries different guidelines and laws. States range from having zero policies to very strict requirements regarding required lessons, immunizations, school notifications, etc. Become familiar with the instructions and protocols to ensure proper implementation in your home. 

Complete an internet search on the different types of curriculums that are offered. Do not feel as though you need to commit to a particular plan right away. Tap into any resources available to you at the public library, through fellow parents, within homeschool support groups, and in magazine subscriptions to help navigate the various lesson plans. Proper research will provide ease and comfort in choosing the best fit for your child. 

After thorough curriculum research, choose a plan that seems best suited for your learner. A curriculum may be purchased through online retailers or local bookstores. Such resources are available in digital format or in a more traditional textbook set up. Choose a module that will be appropriate for your learner. Consider learning style, growth pace and interests. Based on those factors, determine what curriculum is most comfortable to use for instruction in your home environment. You may even decide to incorporate some online programs to supplement your curriculum.

Prepare an appropriate learning and classroom space. The following inventory is ideal for the home learning environment:

  • Utilization of wall space featuring colorful charts and posters, bookshelves and baskets for textbooks and supplies
  • A computer with internet connection
  • A record-keeping plan in place to track student’s progress throughout the academic year. This could range from a paper notebook to an excel spreadsheet.
  • A black or whiteboard to display teaching points
Set goals. While students in a homeschool setting learn at their own pace, it is also essential to provide structure. Set specific goals to accomplish and begin to consider the importance of elective activities.  Extracurriculars may include piano lessons, dance classes, Boy or Girl Scouts activities, club sports, or karate. Choosing an extracurricular activity will foster an atmosphere for socialization outside of the homeschool setting.  

Set a schedule. One attractive benefit of homeschooling is the appeal of flexibility it enables.  However, it is also important to create a schedule to adhere to the majority of the time. Planning field trips, enabling recreational sessions, and having a set time for specific lessons are advantageous. The daily schedule can always be adjusted, depending on your child’s needs and interests.  

Finding ways to keep your child involved outside of the home while allowing yourself a support group of other homeschooling parents is important. The balance will help with any feelings of isolation that homeschooling may create.

Don't hesitate to experiment with different curriculums. It may not be wise to commit to an expensive package without learning the curriculum style necessary for your child’s needs. Adjusting as you go is a big perk of homeschooling and allows you the flexibility to introduce your child to the material and lesson plans in a way that makes sense for them. Lastly, keep a positive attitude! There are bound to be challenges that arise with educating at home, but maintaining a can-do, enthusiastic attitude will help foster continued excitement for learning. You can also visit Winnie, a marketplace for parents to find preschools and daycares near them, to connect with and hear thoughts from child care providers and other parents.

Additional Resources for Homeschooling

For further exploration on specific homeschooling topics, refer to the following resources:

Winnie is a marketplace for licensed child care and education used by millions of parents across the US. 

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