Homeschooling  

At a glance

• If you’re looking to homeschool, each state has legal requirements.
• To homeschool your children, you need to learn how and when to provide support and guidance and how to assist with projects as needed.
• Important skills to have as a homeschool teacher include excellent communication, problem-solving and patience.

With 3.1 million students in grades K-12 (or approximately 6% of school-age children) homeschooled in the U.S. between 2021 and 2022, teaching kids at home has become an increasingly popular option for families. There are various reasons why homeschooling may feel like a better option for a family, and there is plenty of guidance available to those who wish to take this journey.

Before setting up a classroom at home, however, be sure you understand the resources and legal requirements of your state. You also need to determine whether you have enough time to teach your child or children at home.

It’s important to research your options thoroughly, in other words, before deciding if homeschooling is right for you and your family. 

Connect yourself and your student to other homeschoolers

Connecting is integral to any student’s education, especially for homeschoolers. (Kids want to be around other kids, even when learning from home.) Establishing a sense of community and connection between like-minded parents and students can enhance a homeschool environment.

Parents and guardians of homeschooled students can foster this interpersonal connection by:

• Connecting with local or online homeschool groups: These organizations allow parents to connect with other families and educators experiencing the same challenges. In addition to sharing best practices, these groups can provide a much-needed respite for those who feel isolated in their homeschooling experience.
• Organizing field trips and extracurricular activities: Homeschooled students can benefit from joining local sports teams or taking special interest classes outside of the home. This will allow them to meet new people and form meaningful connections.
• Partnering with other homeschool families: Consider partnering with another family to create a learning group. This can be a valuable resource for students and parents, as it allows them to get together and collaborate on projects or activities.

Other ways to get social can include local learning groups, online forums or social media groups. Participation benefits both the student (in terms of the learning experience) and the parents and guardians (in terms of support).

Build your curriculum

After familiarizing yourself with state regulations and laws, it’s time to build a curriculum for your homeschool setting. Get creative and incorporate elements of what you and your children enjoy, such as:

• Reading books that relate to their interests
• Using projects found online (or create your own!)
• Exploring different materials such as videos and podcasts

These ideas can help you build a unique curriculum for your homeschool setting that is flexible to your children’s needs but still meets all necessary regulations.