How To Start Homeschooling - The Guide For Families Transitioning From Public School
Are you a new homeschooling parent trying to figure out how to transition your kids from public school to homeschooling? If you answered yes, you've come to the right place because, in this blog post, I will walk you through how to start homeschooling to make the transition as seamless as possible.
When new homeschoolers first come to Infinite Learning Academy to learn more about home education, I can often see the overwhelm and worry on their faces. (Which is understandable, by the way!) But you can rest assured that transitioning from public school to homeschooling doesn't have to be daunting.
With the right approach and some tips on getting started, you can make this transition smooth for your kids and you as parents. By understanding the homeschool style and your child and family's needs, you can create an environment that is much more accustomed to your child's learning style while giving them the best possible education!
But first, what are the benefits of homeschooling? And is it worth the headache of transitioning from public school to homeschooling?
What Are The Benefits Of Homeschooling?
Some people succeed in the traditional education system, but that is only a small percentage. Of course, that is a topic for another blog post. However, you should weigh the pros and cons before making final decisions. There are many free webinars and consultations to help you make that decision. (Infinite Learning Academy is one company that offers these free services) With that said, homeschooling has so many benefits, not only for your child's education but also for you as a family.
Firstly, new homeschoolers may find they have more freedom than when their child was in public school. This makes it easier for some parents to work specific jobs or for the whole family to travel whenever they want. This flexibility is one of the biggest draws for new families switching from public school to homeschooling.
Second, homeschoolers receive more quality social time and learn better social skills. Through smaller groups and more time spent at social meet-ups, children learn how to make friends and receive direct guidance from family members on navigating various social situations. This includes social situations with peers of the same age and adults.
Furthermore, your child can learn at their own pace and be able to explore topics that interest them more deeply than in a traditional school setting. This helps create an environment where kids can become independent, creative thinkers without the pressure of tests and grades.
Finally, homeschooling allows for more one-on-one instruction with you as the parent or teacher. That is helpful to ensure that your child gets a personalized learning experience tailored specifically to their needs.
Is Switching To Home-Based Education Worth It?
For many families, the answer to this question is a resounding yes.
I used to work as a principal in the public education system, and based on my experience, the traditional school system may not be suitable for every student and family. There are various reasons why this might be the case, such as having a lifestyle that involves frequent travel or having a child who struggles to concentrate on subjects that interest them or is unable to progress beyond a particular grade level.
For whatever reason, switching from public school to homeschooling can be a good idea. It will be up to you and your family to determine whether or not it would be a good idea for your circumstances!
Now, let's look at how you can make this transition from public school to homeschooling as smooth as possible, not only for your kids but also for you as their parents!
How To Start Homeschooling After Public School
Tip #1 - Have An Open Dialogue As A Family
The first step in transitioning to homeschooling is to have an open and honest conversation as a family. It would help if you discussed why you are considering homeschooling, what each person needs from the transition, and how you can make it work.
It's important that everyone feels heard during this process so that they can come up with an agreement that works for everyone.
Many homeschool families that we work with even hold regular family meetings to discuss their child's education, what's working, and what's not, so they can find solutions to problems and make this experience great for everyone. Create this environment with open and honest communication before you start the homeschool teaching method.
Tip #2 - Check Legal Requirements In Your Area
Once you and your family have decided to go down the homeschool route, you must check the state law for homeschooling where you live. For example, some states are extremely strict about the subjects taught, learning hours, standardized tests, etc., while others are more relaxed. Understanding your state requirements can help you plan for your homeschooling journey that follows all the legal requirements in your area.
Consider checking your State's Department of Education website to learn more about your area's legal requirements. You can even talk to your local school district to see what information they would be willing to share with you. You can also seek legal advice if you're worried about this.
Tip #3 - Find A Homeschool Curriculum That Makes Sense
The next step is finding a homeschool curriculum that makes sense for your child and family. This might mean finding a secular or non-secular homeschool curriculum for some families. It could also mean finding a curriculum that focuses heavily on a topic or subject your child is interested in.
When choosing your home school program, it will be essential to think about the following:
What is most important to your child to learn?
What elective courses or topics is your child interested to learn more about?
Does it teach the required subjects to meet your state's homeschool laws?
Does it include done-for-you lesson plans, or must you make them yourself?
How much hands-on learning is required?
How much time do you need to have available as the parent to teach, or is there an online school option that your kids can use to learn the materials?
I know firsthand that choosing a homeschool curriculum can be daunting. At Infinite Learning Academy, we create curriculums tailored to your and your child's needs. To learn more or to book a call and get your questions answered, go here.
Tip #4 - Create A Homeschool Schedule
When transitioning from public school to homeschooling, you might think that no set schedule is better so you and your kids can work at your own pace. One of the biggest problems with this approach is that it can leave you feeling overwhelmed and your kids needing to know when they should or shouldn't be studying.
Creating a homeschool schedule can help keep both of you on track and make the transition much smoother.
Now, this doesn't mean the schedule has to mimic their public school schedule, and it doesn't need to be complicated, either. It just needs to have enough structure to help all of you stay productive and motivated during this transition.
Some of the things you should include in your homeschool schedule are:
The time of day that you and your kids will start learning.
How long each subject or activity will last.
Any breaks, such as lunchtime or reading time, are needed during the day.
Extra-curricular activity time slots.
Flex periods for catch-up time or extra exploration of a subject.
Again, this schedule does not need to be so rigid that every minute of every day is planned out. But trust me, having a structured schedule is incredibly helpful when switching from public school to homeschooling.
Tip #5 - Set Up A Study Area In Your Home
One of the biggest challenges for kids transitioning from public school to homeschooling is that their home and play environment is now also their learning environment, which used to be completely separate. This can result in distraction, overwhelm, and general confusion.
The most important thing you can do to reduce this issue is to create a designated area in your home for you and your child to focus on their studies. This could be a bedroom space, an office space, or a corner of the living room. If you don't have space to do this, you could also create a ritual with your kids that helps to cue them that it's time for learning. This could mean clearing off the kitchen table and adding a special tablecloth, putting away their toys in their room, and turning on study music, so they have a clean workspace that is now conducive to learning.
When choosing a study area in your home, you should also consider the best environment for your child. Does your child perform better in complete silence, or do they prefer some background noise? Do they need a clear desk to work from, or do they like to have a few items on the desk to help them stay on track? Once you have determined these things, you can create a space that works best for your child's learning style and preferences.
Tip #6 - Join Local Support Groups
As new homeschooling parents, having support can help you tremendously. And what's great is these support groups can come in different forms and sizes, so you can find the ones that help you the most.
The first type to look for is local homeschool groups. These are usually specific to your area and will allow you to meet other homeschooling families who have been there, done that. In addition to getting support from these groups, you can also plan extra-curricular activities and field trips with them, which can be great for your kid's socialization.
The second type to look for is online support groups. You'll find social media groups in Facebook groups or on Instagram. There are also online forums, websites, and blogs devoted to homeschooling, which can be an excellent resource.
Having these support systems in place can make your journey so much smoother. You will get advice and support from other homeschooling parents, and it can also be a great source of motivation and encouragement. Check out the facebook group A Homeschool Start for new homeschool/unschool all inclusive families!
Tip #7 - Plan Extra-Curricular Activities
One of the most significant drawbacks to our public school system is that kids are forced to sit at their desks for most of the day, reading books or learning from videos. But with homeschooling, you can mix things up and introduce your kids to extra-curricular activities they wouldn't usually participate in!
Some ideas for extra-curricular activities include:
physical activities such as swimming, hiking, etc.;
joining a sports team;
trips to local museums, art galleries, etc.;
joining a music or theatre group;
community service projects;
If you are a part of any local homeschooling groups, find out what activities they offer. Or, if other kids in your area are homeschooled, arrange for them to meet and do activities together. This is a good way to immerse yourself in the local homeschooling community and allow your child to foster friendships with other homeschool students.
Adding some extra-curricular activity to your child's homeschooling routine can be a great way to add some fun and excitement while at the same time teaching your child valuable lessons and skills!
Tip #8: Monitor Your Child's Progress and Growth
As a homeschooling parent, knowing how to monitor your child's progress and growth will be essential to ensure they have everything they need to thrive in this learning environment.
Great; but how exactly do you do that?
Honestly, this will look different for every parent. Only you know your kid's personality, learning style, and cues.
With that said, here are some ideas of things you can do to monitor your child's progress and growth.
Get involved in their learning alongside them.
Read more books together.
Write more words.
Apply what they are learning to hands-on activities. (For example, if they are learning to count change, give them some money and ask them to total it up. Or have them pay for something at the dollar store in exact change.)
Track how long it takes to complete activities in different subjects.
Track their interest in certain subjects or topics.
Challenge them with more complicated books, math problems, etc.
In addition to monitoring their progress, you'll also want to look for signs of anxiety, stress, or any difficulties they may have. Doing this will help you address any challenges immediately so your child can keep moving forward in their learning.
Tip #9 - Be Flexible
It would be best to remember that you are not trying to replicate the public school experience in your home. Instead, you create something unique and special tailored to your child's needs!
What works for one child may not work for another. The same goes for you too! What works for one homeschooling mom may not work for you. You will need to find what works best for you and your child, then be willing to make adjustments when needed.
Also, be open to trying new things. Just because something already works doesn't mean something else won't work better. Some kids also thrive on change, so finding ways to keep things flexible is a good idea.
That's the beauty of homeschooling - it's flexible and can be tailored to fit the needs of every family!
If you're looking for a curriculum that offers the flexibility you and your family need, you're in the right place! Infinite Learning Academy helps families create a unique curriculum and a flexible schedule designed to meet your needs, whatever they may be!
Click on the text below to get the information you're looking for!
See how it works.
Learn more about our available curriculums.
Learn more about starting a homeschool co-op or starting your own.
Tip #10 - Have Fun
Finally, don't forget to have fun! Homeschooling is a gift and an opportunity, so it should be enjoyed. Take the time to laugh, explore, and be creative - that's what learning is all about!
I hope these tips have helped you start thinking about and planning the transition from public school to homeschooling for your child's education. With some patience, planning, flexibility, and a lot of fun, you can create a homeschooling experience that works well for both you as the parents and your children.
Finally, remember the homeschool journey is not linear. There will be ups and downs throughout. But the rewards can be incredible, so enjoy the whole journey! Good luck!
