DIY Homeschooler

New to homeschooling? Let our guide walk you through the world of homeschooling — step by step! Our Step-by-Step Guide to Homeschooling will provide food for thought — along with practical tips to get you on the path of success:

Step 1. Basics to address upfront.

It starts with educating yourself and learning from those who have been there done that. A great way to avoid the obstacles and begin your homeschool journey on the path to success!

Step 2. Reconsidering education.

Sure. We know education. We know how we went through the process. Typically, that is where we start — with what is most familiar. Unfortunately, replicating our own educational experiences may not be the best place to start!

Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity to begin at the beginning by redefining education. What does it mean to be educated? How do children learn best?

We have an opportunity to start over, developing a new framework that will provide a strong foundation to support us along our journey!

Step 3. Establishing an environment conducive to learning.

Let your home be a place where your children are free to experiment, discover, and learn in a nurturing atmosphere.

Step 4. Developing your own style.

So many times, a new homeschool mom will grab a complete package of curriculum and go. Sounds easy, right?

Wrong. It may initially save you time, but the long-term consequences are doubtful. How do you know where you will end up unless you already know where you are headed?

By developing your own method of educating your children, you’ll be able to provide each child with an individualized education that also fits your own style of tutoring. The long-term benefits for parents, children, and home-life are definitely worth the investment!

Step 5. Charting your course.

Once you know how you want to tutor, it is time to decide what course you will take. Time to set goals for each child and milestones on your path, developing your own personalized learning road map.

Step 6. Choosing your materials.

With such a variety of homeschooling materials to choose from, how do you know what will work for you? Now that you have a style and direction, you will find it much easier to locate materials that will meet your needs.

Step 7. Setting up a schedule.

With a road map in hand, and a path laid out, a schedule will guide you in your efforts to meet your goals. A workable schedule does take planning, perseverance, and flexibility; but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Step 8. Evaluating progress.

By setting goals for each child based on his or her needs, you’ll already know if those specific targets have been reached. With the child as the focus instead of performance, assessing progress is a low-stress perpetual event that can occur in an atmosphere of love and acceptance.