Homeschooling for the First Time
Practical tips and encouragement and tips from a veteran homeschool mom of eight
It’s rough out there right now.
I get it.
At this point, none of us know what to expect of the 20/21 school year. Maybe you have always wanted to homeschool, and this is the year you are going to leap into it. Or, perhaps you have never wanted to homeschool, but circumstances have found you here, reading this. You are seeking direction for this upcoming time, and I want to offer you some hope.
I have homeschooled for fourteen years. My oldest daughter is 14, but as soon as she was born, I began teaching her. She was not only my firstborn but my first pupil. Over the years, I have added seven more children, including one more girl and six more boys.
I have taught them from birth through college (my oldest already has 39 college credits). We have ADHD and dyslexia in the mix. It has not been easy, but it has been worth it. I have some fantastic humans in my midst.
I want to share some of the common myths I hear from parents who don’t think they can homeschool.
Myths
Myth #1- I don’t have the patience
Truth- None of us do. I know I for sure don’t, but yet my children are still thriving. Patience is not something you get; it’s something that is there when you surrender.
Myth #2 — I don’t feel qualified
Truth-Do you love learning and are devoted to your child? Then yes, you are qualified. We have the internet at our fingertips and endless resources available to us. You are supported.
Myth #3- I don’t have the discipline
Truth- Neither do I. I have ADHD and at times struggled with anxiety and other thoughts. Even if you do one thing that day with your child, that is enough. Some days you will be a Rockstar, and some days you will be a rock. Isn’t that life, though? Even teachers at school are not always on their A-game. You’ve got this. You are not alone.
Legalities
For the legal aspect, homeschooling is very easy. Each state is different. Currently, we live in Hawaii, and all that we have to do is send in a letter to our local school we would attend, stating our intent to homeschool. Hawaii also requires Standardized testing every year.
I buy the tests on the Christian Liberty website. They are $25, you can do them at home, and you get the scores right away. After I get the scores, I make a copy for my file away and mail the other copy to the school. Check with your state to see what your requirements are.
For the curriculum itself, I will share my recommendations. Note: Most of these resources below are from a Biblical worldview besides Spectrum and Time4Learning.
Curriculum
Our central spine of homeschooling is Classical Conversations. It is a Classical Christian Co-op and meets in every state in the USA and some other countries as well. You can find your location here.
In addition to that here are my curriculum recommendations:
Reading/language Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons (age four until fluent) All About Reading (if your child struggles with dyslexia) Abeka Book Language and Phonics (all through elementary school and middle school) Adventures in Phonics (k-1st grade)
Writing IEW Writing (3rd-6th) Lost Tools of Writing (7th-9th) Spectrum Writing
Math Abeka book math (k4–2nd grade) Teaching Textbooks (this is on the computer and teaches and grades-3rd-pre-algebra) Shoreman Math (also on the computer-algebra through Calculus)
Spelling Spectrum Spelling
History The Story of the World The Mystery of History
Science Apologia (elementary through high school with optional lab) Shoreman (on the computer with labs, 7th grade and up)
Final Thoughts
Don’t let that list overwhelm you, tuck it away for later. Also, that is what worked for me, and doesn’t mean it will be the best for you.
If you need a lot of support initially or don’t have a lot of time, I recommend Time4Learning. It teaches your child every subject and tracks their progress. Also, it is not too high of a cost at $20 a month.
Don’t be intimidated or overwhelmed with the idea of homeschooling. There will be a transition initially when you realize school at home doesn’t look like school at school, but there is so much freedom.
You can sleep in; you can learn in your pajamas. You have free time to explore unique interests, and you have time to get a lot of extracurricular activities. My kids have taken classes like sailing, herbal medicine, drama, manners, cello, violin, piano, guitar, ukelele, horseback riding, gymnastics, and others.
The possibilities are endless, and best of all, you are creating bonds between you and your child that will last a lifetime. You have this time to teach the soul of your child and teach them the highest ideals and values. You have this time to teach them to be a giving and productive member of society.
You have this time to teach them to be a blessing to everyone they encounter. Be encouraged. You are not alone.
If you want to see how my 14-year-old got 39 free college credits you can check out my post here.