.png)
Homeschool
Where to Begin
Take time if you can. I suggest trying to plan ahead if possible, like the spring or summer before to spend time doing the following:
-
Breathe. Snuggle. Toast a cup of tea.
-
Embrace your freedom as a homeschooler! to do "school" a million different ways - you are free to find YOUR way!
-
Hang out with other homeschool families that are enjoying their experience to get inspired. BUT, also remind yourself that your journey does not need to look any which way, look like anyone else's or produce the same results as anyone else. Homeschooling is truly choosing the path you see fit for your child, adapting and flowing as you feel your way through it, and having fun learning with your child! Don't judge others' journeys. Pictured to the right are my two youngest girls. One is eclectically homeschooling and one is in a full-time classical school. They couldn't be more opposite of learning experiences, but they are both very happy in their chosen environments. I happily support them both!
-
Come visit one of our events to meet other homeschool parents, go "shopping" in the resource fair to see all of the local education resources, and get excited... together!
-
We also have a big library of homeschool resources (huge actually, so narrow your search by things that matter to you like location, approach, or grade levels)
-
Investigate different style of homeschooling and imagine yourself using any of them to see it they fit. Here is a FANTASTIC video on homeschooling approaches.
-
Investigate options for curriculum. There are a million (literally) options and it can be overwhelming. Skip to our Curriculum page for some guidance on this topic.
-
Test out your ideas and educational tools on your kiddo. Give them the opportunity to choose for themselves what they like! Have fun getting to know your child in this new way and if something feels like you are pulling teeth to get them to do it, throw it out! There are plenty of other ways. Here is a great article on learning styles in homeschooling.
(stepping off my soap box now, LOL). I have blogged about my personal homeschool journey this year (see below).
We don't always have time to plan ahead. Life happens and sometimes we are shoved into homeschooling by unforeseen circumstances. Don't worry, friend. We are here for you. Fill out a contact form or give us a call anytime. We will do our best to support you.
I couldn't have said it better myself!
(So, I didn't - here is a great video intro to homeschooling. Her journey is faith-based, but a great intro for secular as well.)
My Homeschool Journey Blog
Khan Academy
Kahn Academy is the trailblazer of online education and it is COMPLETELY FREE! Now AI powered and including nearly all subjects from math and science (their OG programming) to Language Arts, history, Life Skills and more! We�re a nonprofit with the mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Learn with millions of people worldwide by exploring videos, and tackling practice problems.
Liberty University Online Academy
Online high school. From reading reviews, there seems to be a lot of people saying that it is primarily a feeder school for Liberty University, which could be good if you want to go to Liberty University! From reading reviews, there seems to be a lot of people saying that it is primarily a feeder school for Liberty University, which could be good if you want to go to Liberty University!
Life of Fred Mathematics
Life of Fred (LOF) is an unconventional series of math texts that seem accessible and friendly, especially for students who dislike traditional programs. According to Dr. Schmidt, the author, this series is designed to teach you the math you need to know without repetition, redundancy, and a multitude of problems to work. LOF follows the storyline of Fred's life while incorporating solid math concepts and skills. Motivated or independent students will appreciate this series, as well as gifted math students who might need a challenge. Written to the student and intended to be self-teaching, the author prefers that students use these with very little help from you, so they can learn to study and understand on their own. Even the solutions (found in the text) are addressed to the student. In fact, there's a lot of actual instruction in the solutions, which students should read after trying to solve problems on their own. Math in a story context can sometimes make more sense to students than stand-alone math concepts - especially if it's an entertaining story! Students do two books per year up through pre-algebra; beginning with algebra, one book per year.
See the Cathy Duffy review here: https://cathyduffyreviews.com/homeschool-reviews-core-curricula/math/grades-k-6/life-of-fred-math-elementary#
Lessonface
Lessonface has connected over 30,000 students with over 2,000 great teachers for online lessons since 2012. Through our longstanding commitment to treat teachers equitably, we work with phenomenal instructors, including many members of the MET Orchestra, alumni of Juilliard, Berklee, & many other conservatories, GRAMMY® winners and nominees, professional artists and educators.
