Inside: Homeschooling for real? This is what has helped me the most!
My kids were pretty young when I started mulling over the idea of homeschooling. So young, they weren’t even kindergarten age yet. So, I took the time to learn as much as I could.
My wheels started spinning with the idea when I witnessed other families pulling out of the regular school system years ago. Eventually, I noticed a teacher friend started to homeschool her children, and my interest was fully captured.
The desire to research something that sparks my curiosity was a serious itch to be scratched during that time. Every bit of spare time I had, I was Googling, Pinteresting, and eventually Facebook grouping. I didn’t even realize how far down the rabbit hole I was!
It’s no wonder the beginning of this wonderful homeschool life is so overwhelming. I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets too excited and way ahead of themselves!
Do you want to know what helped me the most in those beginning days? Keep reading!
I know I want to homeschool full time…now what?
1.)Remind yourself to slow down.
There is way too much information out there to overindulge on. Just like over eating. It sounds amazing but in the long haul, you’re left feeling tired and uncomfortable. Check out a few (a few – maybe three) homeschooling families on Facebook or Instagram, find a blog to follow if you’re not big into socials. Just observe for a little bit, take note of what inspires you, what you think will inspire your family. Remember you don’t have to do all the things. Just take some notes.
2.)Once your toes are a little wet, start reading more.
By now, you might have noticed homeschooling families can all do things a bit differently from each other. That’s kinda one of the more beneficial aspects of homeschooling. You can make it fit your life. This is when we read and get to know about the different homeschooling styles. One of my favorite articles to reference is from The Homeschool Mom: Homeschooling Styles. She breaks it all down!
Once, you’ve got an idea of what homeschooling style(s) you think are going to be the best fit or mix for your family, start checking out curriculum reviews. My favorite is Cathy Duffy Reviews. You can break down your search by subject, all in one curriculum, customer ratings, etc. It’s been a huge help in my search for curriculum!
3.) Connect with other homeschoolers online.
Now, once you have an idea of what direction you’re heading, particularly if you know what curriculum you’re going to be using or at least what homeschooling style you’re aiming for, you can look for groups to join online. Connecting with other homeschooling families from all around is encouraging, and you can even be connected more locally for questions pertaining to your regional area. The homeschooling family, in my experience, as a whole, is pretty awesome at helping each other along.
Overall, starting slow and easy will make it a bit easier to dip into the homeschooling world more.
Don’t rush yourself, give yourself and the kids plenty of time to adjust, set up some helpful daily routines, ease into it, and enjoy this time together the best that you can.
Have any more questions about getting started with homeschooling? Leave me a comment below!
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More posts I think you’ll like:
Why We Love a Later Start to the Homeschool Day
Homeschooling with a New Baby at Home
Tips for Creating a Homeschool Routine
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