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7 Steps to Start Homeschooling in Arizona: A Guide for Parents


how to home school

Thinking about homeschooling in Arizona but not sure where to begin? It can be confusing to figure out the laws, choose the right curriculum, and create a learning plan for your child. You might be wondering if you need to be a certified teacher, what subjects you need to teach, and how to make sure your child is learning and growing.


This blog will guide you through everything you need to know to get started with homeschooling in Arizona. We'll explain the homeschooling laws in simple terms and help you choose a curriculum that fits your child's needs.


We will also offer tips for creating a successful and enjoyable homeschooling experience.


Firstly, it's important to understand Arizona's legal requirements. Knowing the law is the foundation of a successful homeschool journey.


Step 1: Understand Arizona’s Homeschool Laws


Before you start homeschooling in Arizona, it's important to understand the rules of the road. Luckily, Arizona has pretty relaxed homeschooling laws, which means you have a lot of freedom to choose how you want to teach your child. Here are the key things you need to know:


1. No Teaching Degree Needed

You don't need to be a certified teacher or have a college degree to homeschool your child. Anyone can homeschool in Arizona as long as they are the child's parent or legal guardian.


2. Affidavit of Intent

You'll need to fill out a form called an "Affidavit of Intent" and send it to your county school superintendent. This form basically says that you're going to homeschool your child and lets the state know you're taking responsibility for their education.


3. Proof of Birth

You'll also need to provide a copy of your child's birth certificate. This helps the state keep track of who is being homeschooled.


4. Core Subjects

You need to teach your child the main subjects, like reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. But you get to choose how you teach them and what materials you use. You can use textbooks, workbooks, online programs, or even create your own lessons.


5. Testing is Optional

You don't have to give your child standardized tests in Arizona, but you can if you want to. Some parents like to use standardized tests to see how their child is doing compared to other students, while others prefer to use different methods to assess their child's progress.


That's it! Once you understand these basic rules, you're ready to move on to the next step in your homeschooling journey.


To get a clearer picture of how homeschooling is growing and changing in the United States, check out this blog on Homeschooling Statistics: Facts and Trends in the US. It’s filled with valuable insights that can help you understand the bigger picture of home education.


Now that you understand the legal basics, it's time to think about what you want to achieve with homeschooling. 


Step 2: Set Homeschooling Goals


Setting goals is an important part of homeschooling. It helps you make a plan for your child's education and track their progress. When you set goals, you and your child have a clearer idea of what you want to achieve. This can help everyone stay focused and motivated.


1. Figure Out Your "Why"

  • What do you believe about education? Take some time to think about why you chose to homeschool. Do you want your child to have a more personalized education? Do you want them to learn at their own pace? Understanding your reasons for homeschooling will help you make decisions about your child's education.

  • Different homeschooling styles: There are many different ways to homeschool. Some families like to follow a traditional school-at-home approach, while others prefer more flexible methods like unschooling. Do some research and find a homeschooling style that fits your family.


2. Understand Your Child

  • How does your child learn best? Does your child learn best by seeing, hearing, or doing? Do they have any special needs or learning differences? Understanding your child's learning style and needs will help you choose the right curriculum and teaching methods.

  • What are your child's strengths and interests? What subjects does your child enjoy? What are they good at? Build on your child's strengths and interests to make learning more fun and engaging.


3. Set Clear Goals

  • Short-term and long-term goals: Set both short-term and long-term goals for your child's education. Short-term goals might be things like "learn multiplication facts" or "read a chapter book." Long-term goals might be things like "develop critical thinking skills" or "become an independent learner."

  • Be flexible: Your child's goals might change over time, and that's okay! Be flexible and willing to adjust your goals as needed.

  • Talk to your child: Talk to your child about their goals and how they feel about homeschooling. This helps them feel involved and motivated.


By setting clear goals and understanding your child's needs, you can create a homeschooling experience that is both successful and enjoyable.


With your goals in mind, the next step is finding a homeschooling style that fits your family's needs.


Step 3: Choose Your Homeschooling Style


Just like there are different ways to cook a meal, there are different ways to homeschool! Here are a few popular homeschooling methods you can choose from:


1. Charlotte Mason

  • Learning from Books and Nature: This method uses interesting books and nature study to help children learn. If your child loves stories and being outdoors, this might be a good fit.

  • Getting Started: You can start by reading good books together, going on nature walks, and exploring art and music.

  • Finding Resources: There are many books and websites that can help you learn more about the Charlotte Mason method.


2. Montessori

  • Hands-on Learning: This method focuses on hands-on activities and lets children learn at their own pace. It's great for children who like to explore and discover things on their own.

  • Creating a Learning Space: You can create a Montessori-inspired learning space in your home with different activity areas and materials that your child can choose from.

  • DIY Montessori: Montessori materials can be expensive, but you can find many DIY ideas and affordable alternatives online.


3. Unschooling

  • Child-Led Learning: This method lets children learn through their own interests and experiences. There's no set curriculum, and children are free to explore what they're curious about.

  • Deschooling: If your child is coming from a traditional school, it might take some time for them to adjust to unschooling. You can help them by creating a relaxed and supportive learning environment.

  • Finding Community: Connect with other unschooling families for support and social opportunities.


By exploring different homeschooling methods, you can find an approach that fits your child's learning style and your family's values.


If you're curious about how homeschooling laws and opportunities vary across the country, check out this guide to the Best States for Homeschooling in the US. It’s packed with useful insights to help you make informed decisions.


Once you’ve chosen your style, it’s time to discuss curriculum planning. A well-organized curriculum ensures your child gets a well-rounded education and stays on track.


Step 4: Plan and Organize Your Curriculum


Now it's time to get organized and plan what your child will be learning! This is an important step to make sure your child is learning all the necessary subjects and that you have all the materials you need.


1. What to Teach

  • Core Subjects: Even though Arizona doesn't have strict rules about what you have to teach, it's important to make sure your child is learning the basics. That includes reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

  • Make it Fun: You can also add other subjects that your child is interested in, like art, music, or sports. This makes learning more exciting and helps your child explore their passions.


2. Planning Your Year

  • Create a Schedule: Make a plan for the whole school year. Decide what subjects you'll teach each day and how much time you'll spend on each one.

  • Build on Skills: Make sure your lessons build on what your child already knows. Start with the basics and gradually introduce more challenging concepts.


3. Creating a Learning Space

  • Dedicated Space: Create a special space in your home for learning. This could be a desk in their bedroom, a corner of the living room, or even the kitchen table.

  • Organized and Clutter-Free: Make sure the space is organized and has everything your child needs, like books, pencils, and paper.

  • Age-Appropriate Materials: If your child is younger, you might want to include things like art supplies, building blocks, and puzzles. Older children might need a computer and access to online resources.

  • Comfortable and Inviting: Make sure the space is comfortable and well-lit, with minimal distractions.


4. Choosing a Curriculum

  • Pre-designed or DIY: You can choose to use a pre-designed curriculum, create your own, or even mix and match different approaches.

  • Include Other Activities: Don't forget to include other important things in your homeschool, like physical education, art, music, and character development.


Want a homeschool curriculum that's flexible, engaging, and adaptable to your child's interests?


The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a unique curriculum that combines the best of traditional and child-led learning so you can create a learning experience that's perfect for your child.


Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is packed with hands-on activities, creative projects, and engaging lessons that will spark your child's curiosity and love of learning. It's designed to help your child develop a love of learning and make their education an adventure!


Learn More About The School House Anywhere!


5. Staying Organized

  • Keep it Fresh: Change up your learning materials and activities regularly to keep your child engaged.

  • Label Everything: Label your child's books, folders, and other materials to help them stay organized.


By planning your curriculum and creating a dedicated learning space, you can set your child up for success in their homeschooling journey.


Now that you have your curriculum, it’s important to set a schedule that works for your family.


Step 5: Create a Flexible Homeschool Schedule


Now it's time to create a schedule for your homeschool! This will help you stay organized and make sure your child is learning everything they need to know. But remember, homeschooling is all about flexibility, so don't be afraid to change things up if needed.


1. Make a Weekly Plan

  • Consistent Routine: It's helpful to have a regular routine for your homeschool, but it doesn't have to be super strict. You can decide which days you'll focus on which subjects, but it's okay to change things up if needed.

  • Core Subjects: Make sure your schedule includes time for the main subjects, like reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

  • Family Time: You get to decide how much time you spend on schoolwork each day. This means you can create a schedule that works for your family and allows for plenty of family time.


2. Add Fun Activities

  • Extracurricular Activities: Include time for extracurricular activities that your child enjoys, like sports, music, or art classes.

  • Community Resources: Check out your local community center or library for programs and activities that your child might like.


3. Explore and Learn

  • Field Trips: Plan fun and educational field trips to places like museums, parks, and historical sites.

  • Co-ops: Join a homeschool co-op to connect with other homeschooling families and give your child a chance to learn and socialize with other kids.

  • Outdoor Activities: Spend time outdoors! Go for nature walks, plant a garden, or just play in the backyard.


This is just a basic framework, and you can adjust it to fit your family's needs and interests. The most important thing is to create a schedule that is balanced, flexible, and allows your child to learn and grow in a fun and engaging way.


With your schedule in place, focus on becoming the best teacher you can be.


Step 6: Become a Teaching Superstar


Teaching your child at home might feel different from what a teacher does in a classroom, but you can be an amazing teacher too! Here are some tips to help you teach your child in a fun and effective way:


1. Understand How Kids Learn

  • Learning is Active: Kids learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process. This means doing things like asking questions, exploring, and experimenting.

  • Learning is Social: Kids also learn by interacting with others. You can help your child learn by talking to them about what they are learning, encouraging them to share their ideas and asking them questions.


2. Use Different Tools

  • Mix It Up: Use a variety of resources to make learning more interesting. This could include books, websites, games, videos, and even field trips.

  • Technology Can Help: Educational apps and websites can make learning more interactive and fun.

  • See and Do: Use visual aids like pictures and diagrams, and let your child do hands-on activities and experiments.


3. Make Learning Fun

  • Game On!: Make learning more like a game! You can use points, badges, and rewards to motivate your child and make learning more enjoyable.


4. Give Helpful Feedback

  • Let Them Know How They're Doing: Give your child regular feedback on their work. This helps them understand what they are doing well and where they need to improve.

  • Mistakes Are Okay: Encourage your child to see mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.

5. Learn Together

  • Teamwork: Plan group activities and projects where your child can learn with other homeschoolers or family members. This helps them develop their social and communication skills.

6. Connect Learning to Real Life

  • Make it Real: Help your child see how the things they are learning connect to the real world. For example, you can use cooking to teach math or go on a nature walk to learn about science.

7. Explore Your Community

  • Field Trips: Take your child on field trips to museums, libraries, and other interesting places in your community. This makes learning enjoyable and keeps them engaged.


These teaching techniques can help you design a homeschooling experience that is engaging and effective for your child.


Finally, keeping records of your child’s progress is essential for monitoring their growth and meeting legal requirements.


Step 7: Keep Track of Your Child's Progress


Even though Arizona doesn't require you to keep detailed records of your homeschooling, it's still a good idea to do so. It's like keeping a journal of your child's learning journey - it helps you see how far they've come and where they might need extra support.


1. Keep Track of What You're Doing

  • Daily Log: Keep a simple record of what your child is learning each day. This could be as simple as marking the days you do schoolwork on a calendar or writing a few notes about what your child learned.

  • Be Prepared: Keeping a record of your homeschooling activities can be helpful if you ever need to show proof that your child is receiving a proper education.


Tired of messy homeschool records?


Transparent Classroom, a tool by The School House Anywhere (TSHA), can help you stay organized and keep track of your child's learning journey without the stress of messy files and binders.


Here's how Transparent Classroom can help:


  • Effortless Record-Keeping: Keep all your important homeschooling documents in one secure and easy-to-access place. Upload assignments, track grades, and add notes about your child's progress with just a few clicks.

  • Showcase Your Child's Learning: Create a beautiful online portfolio to showcase your child's work and celebrate their achievements. You can easily add photos, videos, and work samples to create a visual record of their learning journey.

  • Simplify Reporting: Need to generate reports for your state's homeschooling requirements? Transparent Classroom creates reports with just a few clicks, saving you time and stress.


Ready to simplify your homeschooling and focus on what matters most - teaching your child?


2. Check Your Child's Progress

  • Different Types of Assessments: Use different ways to check how your child is doing. This could include having them take quizzes or tests, asking them to explain what they've learned, or even just observing them as they work.

  • Personalized Learning: Regular assessments help you see if your child is understanding the material and if they need extra help in any areas.


3. Remember the Fun Stuff!

  • Beyond the Books: Don't forget to keep track of all the fun learning activities you do, like field trips, museum visits, and extracurricular activities. These experiences are an important part of your child's education.


4. Use Technology to Help

  • Online Tools: There are many online tools and programs that can help you keep track of your child's progress. These tools can often create reports and charts to help you see how your child is doing.

  • Back Up Your Work: Make sure to back up your records regularly, either by printing them out or saving them to a computer or online storage service.


By keeping good records, you can track your child's progress, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and make sure they are getting the best possible education.


Wrapping Up


You've now learned about the eight key steps to starting homeschooling in Arizona. You've learned about the laws, how to choose a curriculum, and how to create a learning environment that works for your child.


Remember that homeschooling is a journey, and it's okay to make adjustments along the way as you and your child learn and grow together.


The most important thing is to find what works best for your family and to develop an encouraging and nurturing learning environment for your child. We wish you all the best in your homeschooling adventure!


Want to homeschool with confidence and joy?


The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a variety of resources and support to help you create a fulfilling homeschooling experience.

Here's how TSHA can help:


  • Understanding the law: We provide resources and guidance on homeschooling laws and regulations in different states, including Arizona, so you can be sure you're meeting all the requirements.

  • Curriculum and lesson plans: Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your child's needs and interests.

  • Expert support: Our knowledgeable educators are here to help, ready to answer your questions and provide support throughout your homeschooling journey.

  • Supportive community: Join our vast online community of homeschooling families. Exchange experiences, seek advice, and discover support from like-minded parents.

  • Affordable and accessible: We’re committed to making high-quality education accessible to all. To support this, we provide scholarships and flexible payment options.


Want to see your child get excited about learning?


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