Steps to Start Homeschooling Your Children

Starting to homeschool can feel like quite a confusing and difficult process to follow. Many parents wrestle with questions about legalities, curriculum, and routines. Yet, you're far from alone. In the past few years, an estimated 3.1  million U.S. students were homeschooled. That’s nearly triple the pre-pandemic count. 

This shows a shift toward personalized and flexible education. Ready to start this journey? In this blog, you will learn about a detailed step-by-step guide to start homeschooling your children. These steps will help you confidently set the stage for your child’s home-based learning adventure.

What is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling is exactly what it sounds like: teaching your kids at home instead of sending them to a traditional school. But it’s far more than just books at the kitchen table. It’s an educational approach where parents take charge of what, how, and when their children learn. This could mean following a structured curriculum similar to public schools, mixing different learning styles, or even building a fully customized plan around your child’s interests and pace.

Some families stick to daily schedules with textbooks and tests, while others lean into hands-on learning, real-world experiences, or even online programs. The beauty? There's no one-size-fits-all. Homeschooling gives families the freedom to shape learning around values, goals, and lifestyles.

In the next section, we’ll look at the real benefits of homeschooling that have families rethinking the school run.

Benefits of Homeschooling 

Homeschooling is about gaining the freedom to create an education that truly fits your child. Here are some of the most meaningful advantages families experience:

• Personalized Learning Pace: Whether your child grasps concepts quickly or needs extra time, homeschooling allows you to tailor the pace without the pressure of keeping up with a classroom full of students.

• Deeper Family Bonds: Spending more time together means more opportunities for connection. Many families report stronger relationships, better communication, and a deeper understanding of their child’s emotional and academic needs.

• Flexible Scheduling: Learning can occur at any time, including mornings, evenings, or even during travel. This flexibility is a game-changer for families juggling work, hobbies, or unique lifestyles.

• Safe and Supportive Environment: Homeschooling eliminates exposure to school-based bullying, peer pressure, and anxiety triggers, offering a more emotionally secure learning space tailored to your child’s comfort.

• Real-World Learning Opportunities: From cooking and budgeting to field trips and volunteering, homeschooling enables kids to engage in life skills and hands-on experiences that often extend beyond textbook learning.

• Focus on Passions and Strengths: Whether it’s science, music, or coding, homeschooling allows children to delve deeply into subjects they love, without being held back or rushed through a rigid curriculum.

As you can see, homeschooling opens doors that traditional setups often can’t. If you’re feeling ready to begin this journey, the next section will walk you through a clear step-by-step guide to start homeschooling. 

Step-By-Step Guide to Start Homeschooling

Starting homeschooling may feel overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into clear, manageable steps makes the process much easier. This guide walks you through everything from legal basics to daily routines.

Here are the steps to follow: 

Step 1: Research State Laws and Legal Requirements

Before you buy books or plan lessons, it’s crucial to understand your state’s homeschooling laws. In the U.S., homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but requirements vary widely, especially for grades Pre-K through 6.

What to Do:

• Check Your State’s Department of Education Website: Each state outlines its homeschooling rules, including registration, recordkeeping, and required subjects.

• Know if You Need to File a Notice of Intent: Some states require parents to officially inform the local school district before starting homeschooling.

• Understand Testing and Assessment Rules: A few states mandate annual assessments or standardized tests even for early grades.

• Keep Attendance and Curriculum Records: Some states require documentation showing instructional hours and subjects taught.

Example:

In Florida, parents must file a notice of intent to homeschool and submit an annual evaluation for children ages 6 and up. In contrast, Texas allows homeschooling without notification, but you must still teach reading, spelling, grammar, math, and good citizenship.

Step 2: Set Your Educational Goals

Once the legal part is sorted, it’s time to define what you want your child to achieve. This step ensures you're building a foundation that supports both academic and personal growth.

What to Do:

• Identify Core Learning Areas: Focus on literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, and life skills appropriate to your child’s age and grade.

• Include Personal Development Goals: Think about building confidence, curiosity, responsibility, and creative thinking skills that matter just as much as academics.

• Consider Long-Term Vision: Are you preparing for a smooth transition to middle school or planning to homeschool long-term? Let that guide your choices.

• Customize to Your Child’s Interests and Needs: If your child is more visual or hands-on, adjust your teaching methods accordingly.

Example:

For a 2nd grader, your goals might include mastering two-digit addition, reading beginner chapter books, understanding basic plant life cycles, and improving focus during independent activities.

Step 3: Involve Your Children in the Transition

Homeschooling isn’t just a parent decision; it’s a family journey. Even young kids in Pre-K to 6th grade benefit from feeling included and heard as they shift away from a traditional classroom environment.

What to Do:

• Talk About the Change Positively: Use simple language to explain why you’re homeschooling and what it will look like daily.

• Ask for Their Input: Let your child help pick subjects, books, or even decorate their learning space; it gives them ownership and excitement.

• Set Routines Together: Kids thrive on structure, so involve them in setting a daily or weekly routine that balances learning and play.

• Acknowledge Their Feelings: Change can be emotional. Create space for them to express worries, especially if they're leaving behind friends or a familiar setting.

Example:

If your 5-year-old loves animals, include books and activities about zoo creatures. Ask if they’d like to start mornings with storytime or puzzles. This builds comfort and makes learning feel familiar, not forced.

Step 4: Choose a Homeschool Curriculum

With your goals set and your child on board, it’s time to pick a curriculum that fits your family’s style. The right mix of structure and creativity makes all the difference.

What to Do:

• Explore Different Styles: Research popular methods like Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Classical, or Unit Studies to see what aligns with your values and your child’s learning needs.

• Start with Core Subjects: Focus first on reading, writing, and math, then build in science, social studies, and enrichment subjects like art or music.

• Balance Online and Offline Tools: Younger children benefit from hands-on activities, but tech-based learning can be useful in moderation.

• Check for Flexibility: Choose a curriculum that allows you to adjust the pace, skip repetitive topics, and cater to your child's interests.

Example:

For Pre-K to 6th graders, you can choose The School House Anywhere (TSHA). TSHA offers a comprehensive, developmentally aligned curriculum grounded in the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC). You will also get access to educational resources (films, printables, worksheets) and 24/7 live support and community for guidance.

Step 5: Join a Local Homeschool Community

Homeschooling doesn’t mean doing it all alone. Especially for Pre-K to 6th grade families, local communities offer support, resources, and much-needed social time for both kids and parents.

What to Do:

• Search for Local Co-Ops or Meetup Groups: These often offer group classes, field trips, and social activities tailored to different age groups.

• Attend Events or Park Days: Informal gatherings help your child make friends and give you a chance to connect with experienced homeschoolers.

• Join Online Local Groups: Facebook, Meetup, and even local library boards often have listings for homeschool families in your area.

• Ask Questions and Share Resources: Communities are great for curriculum swaps, advice, and moral support, especially when you're just getting started.

Example:

A homeschool co-op in your area might meet twice a week at a nearby church where your 3rd grader can attend science labs and art sessions with other kids, while you swap ideas with fellow parents over coffee.

Step 6: Incorporate Extracurricular Activities and Real-World Learning

Homeschooling gives you the freedom to take learning beyond books. Blending academics with real-life experiences keeps education exciting, memorable, and practical.

What to Do:

• Explore Local Classes and Clubs: Enroll your child in music lessons, sports, dance, theater, or coding camps offered in your community.

• Use Everyday Moments as Lessons: Cooking becomes math, gardening becomes science, and grocery shopping becomes a lesson in budgeting or nutrition.

• Schedule Field Trips Often: Visit museums, nature trails, farms, and historical sites to make learning immersive and hands-on.

• Volunteer Together: Help your child develop empathy and responsibility by participating in age-appropriate community service or family charity events.

Example:

Your 2nd grader might join a beginner’s soccer team, help you plant a small vegetable garden at home, and take weekly trips to the local science museum. These activities not only build skills but also boost confidence and curiosity.

Step 7: Keep Records and Track Progress

Even in the early grades, keeping track of what your child learns helps you stay organized, and in many states, it’s legally required. Plus, it’s rewarding to see how far they’ve come.

What to Do:

• Create a Simple Portfolio: Use a binder or digital folder to store worksheets, drawings, reading logs, and photos of projects or activities.

• Maintain a Weekly Log: Jot down what subjects you covered, key concepts learned, and any special outings or achievements.

• Track Skill Growth, Not Just Grades: For young learners, focus on progress in reading levels, math fluency, and personal development.

• Use Progress Checklists: Many curriculum providers include evaluation tools to help you monitor milestones.

Example:

You might keep a monthly checklist for your kindergartener showing their improvement in recognizing sight words, writing their name, or counting to 100. Include snapshots of their artwork and photos from your library visits or science experiments.

Step 8: Prioritize Self-Care and Ongoing Learning as a Parent

Homeschooling isn’t just a learning journey for your child; it’s one for you too. To show up as your best self, you need to give yourself some time.

What to Do:

• Schedule Breaks and “Me Time”: Whether it’s 20 quiet minutes with coffee or a walk alone, carve out small windows to recharge regularly.

• Connect with Other Homeschool Parents: Sharing your ups and downs helps you feel supported and less isolated.

• Keep Learning Yourself: Read books on education, child psychology, or even take a short course that sparks your interest.

• Adjust Expectations: Not every day will be perfect, and that’s okay. Give yourself the same grace you give your child.

Example:

You might block out Saturday mornings for yoga while your partner takes over playtime, or join an online homeschool parent book club that meets once a month. These little touches keep burnout at bay and passion alive.

Step 9: Be Aware of Common Homeschooling Challenges 

Homeschooling can be deeply rewarding, but it’s not without bumps, especially in the early years. Being prepared for common challenges can help you stay confident and responsive when things don’t go as planned.

What to Do:

• Tackle Burnout Early: Teaching, parenting, and managing a home can blur together. Rotate activities, take mental health breaks, and don’t be afraid to slow down.

• Handle Resistance with Empathy: Kids may refuse to focus or complain about “school” at home. Shift gears, try new approaches, or add play-based learning to reset the mood.

• Balance Multiple Ages: Juggling a toddler and a 3rd grader? Use nap time or independent work periods strategically and prepare shared learning activities.

• Avoid the Comparison Trap: Every homeschooling family does things differently. Focus on your child’s growth, not what others are doing.

Example:

When your 6-year-old pushes back on writing practice, take a break and switch to a hands-on activity like writing in sand or drawing stories. You’ll still meet your goal, just in a different way.

Homeschooling isn’t about having it all figured out on day one; it’s about growing alongside your child, step by step. With these foundations in place, you're ready to build a joyful and effective homeschooling experience.

Also read: How AI is Transforming Homeschooling Education

Homeschooling with The School House Anywhere (TSHA)

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) is an educational program designed to provide high-quality, flexible, and portable learning experiences for homeschooling families, micro-schools, and education entrepreneurs. 

TSHA offers a comprehensive, developmentally aligned curriculum grounded in the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC). The AEC, developed by TSHA, is a hands-on educational framework for Pre-K to 6th grade. It connects subjects in real-world ways, encouraging children to explore, think creatively, and solve problems.

With us, you will get: 

• TSHA Educator Film Library:  300 How-to Teaching & Informational films.

• Custom AEC printable materials & worksheets.

• Access to our Online Progress, Organizing & Portfolio Management Tool: Transparent Classroom.

• TSHA Materials Boxes* (optional to purchase)

• Digital TSHA Welcome Box to get you started!

• Access to TSHA Member Site

• LIVE Educator & Founder Online Gatherings weekly with Q&A session (Recorded & posted for future reference!)

• Live scheduled office hours

• Parent / Educator online social media network & support

And so much more!  And we do not support AI for students, but we believe in the power of AI. So, we offer AI-supported services only for parents and teachers to make their teaching process smooth and time-efficient! 

Conclusion

Starting homeschooling may feel like a big leap, but once you take that first step, everything begins to fall into place. From understanding legal requirements to setting goals and creating a rhythm, each piece builds a learning journey that fits your family. The beauty of homeschooling is that it grows with you with flexibility, personalization, and full of possibilities. Trust your instincts, stay curious, and remember: it’s okay to learn alongside your child. You’ve got this, one step at a time.

Start your homeschooling journey with TSHA today! We offer AI-supported services for parents and educators, enabling them to focus on quality teaching and efficiently handle day-to-day, time-consuming tasks. Register today and start your journey! 

FAQs

1. When is the best time of year to start homeschooling?

You can begin homeschooling at any time of the year. Many parents choose to start in the fall to align with the traditional school calendar, but starting mid-year is also completely legal and often helpful if a child is struggling in their current school.

2. Do I need to follow the same daily schedule as public schools?

No, homeschool schedules are flexible. You can create a routine that fits your family’s rhythm, whether that’s four-day weeks, evening study sessions, or seasonal breaks. What matters is consistency and covering the required subjects over the year.

3. How much time should homeschooling take each day?

Middle school homeschooling typically takes 3–5 hours a day, depending on the child’s pace and the subjects covered. The key is quality over quantity; focused, personalized learning often takes less time than traditional classrooms.

4. Can both parents share homeschooling responsibilities?

Absolutely. Many families divide teaching roles based on work schedules or subject strengths. Some parents also involve grandparents or hire tutors for specific subjects. What’s important is maintaining consistency and open communication.