Curriculum is a key topic in the homeschool community, and in some circles a big debate. If you are new to homeschooling (comment to this post if you are!), you may not be aware that curriculum was non-existent when homeschooling got its start. Our homeschooling pioneers in the US had to clear their own path in a new territory. There were no resources, no groups and no curriculum. So, naturally they had to create their own educational tools from libraries, bookstores and the few school districts who were willing to share their resources with parents.

Fast forward to today and you will find hundreds of curricula to choose from. It is only natural that the homeschooling pioneers constructed a culture of do-it-yourselfers who wanted to create their own education plans. Today however, many people do not want to be the creator and appreciate ready made curriculum, making their decision to homeschool easier. For instance, if you are coming from a conventional school setting you may want a traditional curriculum because that is what you are used to. Of course a large number of us are somewhere in between, with the mentality that yes, curriculum is good, but it is not the beginning or end to our child’s education. Always keep in mind that you have a choice and you are in charge! Be creative by using more than books and explore your options. Homeschooling is a culture and it is open to all. There is plenty of room for new ideas and new ways of thinking. If it works for you and your family, then it is good!

So, your child is “school age” and you are considering homeschooling. Can you do it? How do you do it? These may be a few questions you have asked yourself. Here is what I ask people contemplating homeschooling kindergarten: Who taught your child how to talk, to walk, to recognize colors and shapes? I would bet it was you, the parent. Chances are you are also reading to your child. So, in essence you have been homeschooling or home educating from the very beginning.

Now it is just a matter of finding a homeschool curriculum, which contains the educational tools you will use to teach your child at home. Kindergarten is a very good place to start for both you and your child, here’s why:

Your child…

1. naturally wants to learn.
2. has no preconceived notion of school or education.
3. is used to learning from you.

You the parent…

1. have already established yourself as the teacher.
2. are fully equipped to teach kindergarten.
3. have endless resources available in this homeschool friendly era.

There are many options when it comes to kindergarten curriculum. You can start with the book What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know. You can find this on Amazon. Basically, they will learn numbers and the alphabet, and how to properly print both, as well as shapes, sounding out letters, etc. For a complete list, check out school.familyeducation.om. Also, keep in mind that many states do not even require kindergarten, so check your state’s homeschool laws before you begin (www.hslda.com). Of course you can still teach kindergarten even if it’s not required, it’s your choice how your child is educated. Exercise this right by finding a great curriculum, or going to the library or buying tools at a book store. Just know that you are in charge now – millions of us homeschool, and we welcome you to the homeschool community!

Now you can buy those crayons, markers, paper, paints, playdough and all the other fun “school” supplies – you have a student at home!

I would like to start by saying “Welcome to Homeschooling!” This is your official greeting and pat on the back for making such an important choice in educating your child. Is it the road less traveled? Yes, but it is a road worth traveling! Now take a deep breath and realize that today around two million other children are currently being homeschooled in the US alone!

So what do you do now, after weighing the pros and cons and deciding that homeschooling is the right choice? It is important to realize that this first year will be about discovery. Do you have to pick a curriculum? People can debate this point – so yes and no. Do you have to develop a rigid routine? Depends on you and your comfort level. Do you have to comply with the laws in your state? Yes, but this isn’t difficult and there are many helpful resources out there. But do you need to have it all figured out? Definitely not.

This first year you will be learning about your child and the process of homeschooling. For example:

1. How do they learn best?
2. What are they interested in?
3. What time of day do they learn best?
4. Do they need structure?
5. What do you want your child to learn?
6. How can you improve your child’s learning experience?
7. What will you keep the same? What will you change?
8. Are they more productive with or without breaks?

Take this opportunity to discover what style of learning will work best. Find out if your child needs to start their studies in the morning or afternoon. All of this will become clear as you begin to homeschool and spend the time with your child and their studies. Pay attention to any cues or clues to what works best and find a good pace for your child.

Keep in mind that you have made a very big change and it will take time to adapt. It will not be comfortable at first but you will fall into a good routine. Take it easy on yourself too, as the administrator of your child’s education you need room to make mistakes. Making mistakes is how we all learn. Homeschooling is not a search for perfection but a choice in educating differently. It will feel different until you become accustomed to it.

Always remember why you chose to homeschool, whatever the reason may be, and keep this in mind to help you get through rough days. It beats the alternative – that is why you chose to do it! Smile, have fun with it! Keep things light, creative and enjoyable. Your child naturally wants to learn, don’t get in their way.

One of the best things you can do as a newcomer to homeschooling is to befriend other homeschooling families. They will be a lasting resource for support and encouragement. Homeschooling together as a community can be a very successful approach. So get on the internet – you will find homeschoolers everywhere!

Homeschooling is a big decision, one that each family has to consider thoroughly. But once you have made the decision, what about your extended families’ opinions? It is common for homeschoolers to have family members who do not approve, support or care for their choice to homeschool.

How do you handle this? Well, most of us handle it very carefully. There are probably many choices you make in life that your in-laws or own parents do not agree with, but you are the parents now, and it is your choice how to educate your children.

Actually public education is relatively new to this country. Most of our founding fathers were homeschooled, and they created this wonderful country called the United States. Today homeschooling is perfectly legal in every state of the US, and you simply are exercising your right to do so. But, it is best not to get into a defensive mode, especially when your children are around. You do not owe anyone an explanation for what you are doing, they are your children. Stick to your decision, be firm, kind and straight to the point. You may kindly remind people that this is your choice and you are doing what you see as best for your child.

Having family members, friends or associates who do not support your decision to homeschool just underlines the importance of befriending other homeschooling families. Be diligent about creating a network of homeschoolers that you feel comfortable spending time with. You want to give your children a feeling of belonging and a sense of community – this is very important to your success in homeschooling.

You have decided to homeschool, now what do you do? The first thing to do is figure out how to comply with the laws in your state. If you live in AK, CT, ID, IL, IN, NJ, MI, MO, OK or TX you are lucky, because there are NO notification requirements for homeschooling! If you live in MA, ND, NY, PA, RI or VT, get ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work, your requirements are a bit more involved. And for all of you in states not mentioned, it will be pretty easy to comply. Trust me, complying with the laws is much easier than hiding and wondering if you will get caught! To get started, you should read the homeschooling laws for your state. You can find these at www.hslda.org, along with summaries to help explain the laws. I always suggest that you print off the laws to have them on hand if anyone questions you (I have been homeschooling for ten years and not had to show the laws to anyone yet).

The next thing to do is find support groups, associations and resources in your state. You will want to talk with local veteran homeschoolers who can explain how to comply with the laws in your state. Also, it is best to have others who support your decision to homeschool and you will find that locally in groups. For many of us, our extended families are not that supportive. You can find the support you need at www.homeschool.com.

And finally, determine what homeschooling style best fits your family. For my blog post on styles, click here. Deciding what style best suits you will help you discover what kind of curriculum, method or path you would like to take in educating your child at home. There are only three styles to choose from which will make your job easy. Keep in mind that you may change your style over the years, so pick a style that will be best to start with for your family.

Here is a recap on how to get started:

1. Read the laws in your state, www.hslda.org
2. Locate local support groups, www.homeschool.com
3. Determine your homeschooling style