A Beginner's Guide to Homeschooling
Homeschooling 101: Create a Homeschool You Love with TimeTrek Learning's Guide
Welcome! If you find yourself here, it’s probably because you’ve recently decided to homeschool, or are maybe on the fence.
Well hello, and welcome to the club!
It's an amazing journey, but I know that initial feeling of "Oh boy, where do I even start?" Believe me, I've been there. I remember staring at a stack of homeschooling books, feeling completely overwhelmed, and thinking, "I want to be that homeschool mom – you know, the one with the color-coded schedule and the perfectly curated nature table – but I'm pretty sure I'm going to mess this up." (Spoiler alert: We did mess things up, many times. And you probably will, too. It's part of the journey!)
I'm Anne, a homeschooling mom of [too many] and I've learned a thing or two along the way (mostly through trial and error with a fair amount of coffee!). I'm here to help you navigate those first - often overwhelming - steps. You don't have to have it all figured out right now. You don't need a Pinterest-perfect homeschool room or a PhD in education. You just need a willingness to learn, love and patience for your children, and a little bit of guidance.
That's what this series is all about. Instead of hitting you with everything at once, we're breaking down getting started with homeschooling into manageable steps. Think of this post as your roadmap – your central hub – with links to more detailed guides on each essential topic. Ready to get started? Let's go!
1: Defining Your "Why" with a Homeschool Family Mission Statement
Ever feel lost in the homeschooling maze? Your family’s mission statement is like your map (and your snack pack!). It'll keep you on track and remind you why you started this adventure. Let's create one ↓
And if you're curious about my personal Homeschool Mission Statement and the reasons my family chose this path, you can check out my post about our homeschool. It might give you some inspiration for your own! Check out my "why" post below ↓
2: Understand Your State's Laws
Don't be intimidated by the legal stuff! Just familiarize yourself with your state's specific homeschooling laws – it's a crucial first step, but usually quite straightforward. Two posts to point you in the right direction on homeschool law ↓
3: Consider Deschooling
(If you’re starting at pre-k or kindergarten, you can skip this step)
Deschooling is a homeschool term used to take a break from formal learning before you officially start homeschooling. I must admit, I was skeptical at first, too. Not to be confused with unschooling – it's a much-needed break to relax, adjust, and rediscover joyful learning, even if you decided to homeschool to catch up in learning. If you’re new to homeschool, this a good time for you to dive into planning and preparing. Learn more about deschooling to set your family up for long-term success ↓
4: Explore Education Philosophies
Now for the fun part! There are so many different ways to homeschool. You don't have to fit into a neat little box, but you can if you want to. You can mix and match, experiment, and find what works best for your family. Remember, the best approach is the one that ignites your children's love of learning and aligns with your family's values and resources. This is also a great time to consider the role of technology. Find your perfect approach here ↓
5: Build Your Support Network
Building a strong support network is just as important as choosing learning materials. Homeschooling can feel isolating at times and having a community of like-minded families to share the journey with is invaluable. It's about more than just playdates; it's about finding encouragement, practical advice, shared resources, and lasting friendships for both you and your children. You are absolutely not alone on this adventure! Find your homeschool tribe here ↓
6: Homeschooling with Littles
Juggling the needs of toddlers and older children simultaneously is a unique homeschool challenge. Here are some resources to help you integrate your littlest learners into your homeschool day. ↓
Making it Work for Your Family
This Homeschooling 101 post is your resource, your guide, your starting point. But you are the heart of your homeschool. Don't feel pressured to do everything at once or to follow someone else's blueprint. Trust your instincts, embrace the flexibility of homeschooling, and focus on creating a learning environment that nurtures your children's minds and spirits. You've got this – and we're here to support you!
Happy Homeschooling!
Welcome to TimeTrek Learning!
This is where I share general insights and strategies from my own family’s experience and from working with other homeschoolers. Every child’s journey looks different, but these principles can apply across the board. If you’d like to see more, follow along on 𝕏 TimeTrekFam for daily updates and general shenanigans and click below to subscribe for free on Substack for the real content!
I’ll be launching my own website soon, but until then you can check out my TimeTrek homeschool materials available for download on Gumroad.