The only 2 things you need to start homeschooling tomorrow

Are you pulling your kids out of school on short notice and need a simple homeschool plan?  Here is some good news:  it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You really can start homeschooling tomorrow!

Michael Farris from HSLDA took the pressure off homeschooling parents everywhere when he said this:

There are two aspects of home education that need to be mastered in K through 12:  language and numbers.  Those are the tools of learning.  You need to master words, and you need to master numbers.  Everything else is exposure.

This is one of the secrets to homeschool peace.  Your kids will never master everything, so stop putting that burden on yourself.

Deschooling

If you find yourself homeschooling quickly (like, tomorrow!), then embrace the flexibility homeschool gives you and plan to “deschool” for a bit.

Homeschool does not have to look like traditional school.  In fact, it probably shouldn’t.

And if your child is leaving traditional school, then he needs time to decompress and you both need time to find your personal homeschool groove.

Deschooling might look like:

• field trips
• visiting museums
• spending time at the library
• pursuing hobbies
• reading, lots of reading
• crafts
• board games
• time outside
• build and create together
• physical activity – team sports, hiking, swimming, backyard play
• cooking and baking
• watching documentaries
• visiting family and relatives

Don’t go out and purchase curriculum right away.  Spend a week or several weeks decompressing, then embrace this simple plan next.

Episode 199: What is deschooling?

Deschooling provides a valuable buffer between traditional schooling and homeschooling. It gives you the time and space to really get to know your kids, how they learn best, and to clarify why you’re bringing them home for school. Here’s what you need to know about deschooling. 

Listen to episode 199 of the Homeschool with Moxie Podcast below!

You need two things to homeschool:

LIBRARY CARD

With the library card, the world is your classroom.  Encourage your kids to read a lot.  Let them pick the books.  Do family read-alouds.  Get lost in a book for hours each day and encourage your kids to do the same.  You will never regret the time spent reading.  You can read here how our philosophy of homeschool reading changed over time.  I wish I had been encouraged along these lines back when we started homeschooling.

If you feel the need to assess if your child is learning, then consider using methods like narration and don’t fill their day with needless worksheets. Many times worksheets become busy work.

Instead of using piles of printables, check out the 10 strategies that work much better.

MATH PLAN

You can eventually choose to go with a traditional math curriculum, or you could download a scope and sequence (examples also HERE and HERE) for your child’s grade level, and find free resources to teach the concepts.

There are many different math programs to fit your homeschool style, your child’s learning style, your budget, and your comfortability with teaching math concepts.

Check into some of these options:

• Khan Academy
• Acellus
• Life of Fred
• Teaching Textbooks
• Abeka
• Saxon
• BJU Press
• Thinkwell Math
• CTC Math
• Math-U-See

Since we’ve only used a couple of math programs over the years, I asked my homeschool blogging friends for their Best Homeschool Math Curriculum recommendations.

This is just the tip of the iceberg!  If you’re not already familiar with Cathy Duffy Reviews, you should check out her extensive list of recommended math curriculum.

Other Subjects

Once you and your child are able to decompress from traditional school, add in the key tools of learning, and build a healthy routine and rhythm to your days, you can feel confident about adding in other subjects.

• Minimalist History for Homeschoolers with Multiple Grades
• Homeschool Science Help
• How to Teach a Foreign Language (even if you’re not fluent)
• Homeschool Art Ideas for the Non-Artsy Mom

Download a free homeschool styles guide with curriculum links HERE.  It’s in my free resource library.  

The key at the beginning is to realize that you are the parent.  No one cares about your child more than you do.  No one knows your child better than you do.  You are capable of teaching your child at home, forging great family bonds, encouraging their passions, and raising independent and lifelong learners.  You’ve got this!

Episode 204: The Only 2 Things You Need to Start Homeschooling Tomorrow

Are you pulling your kids out of school on short notice and need a simple homeschool plan?  Here is some good news:  it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You really can start homeschooling tomorrow! 

Listen to episode 204 of the Homeschool with Moxie Podcast below.

Resources

Are you always wondering “what should I be doing right now in my homeschool?” If you are overwhelmed as a new homeschooler, then here’s your invitation to join us in the Homeschool Mom Collective! Every month we tackle one key area and make a plan for success.

Related Posts:

• 88 Things Every First Time Homeschool Mom Needs To Know
• Homeschool Schedules & Routines
• Best Homeschool Math Curriculum
• Can You Really Homeschool High School?
• Homeschool Curriculum Reviews
• Want more encouragement and advice? Listen in on the Homeschool with Moxie Podcast!