Thinking About Homeschooling? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Hello, I’m Keri! I’m a secular homeschool mom of two amazing boys, and while I’m not an expert, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel when you’re starting out. With so many curriculum options, teaching styles, and legal requirements, it’s easy to feel lost. But take a deep breath—you’ve got this! Let’s walk through the key steps to starting your homeschool journey with confidence.

Youtube coming soon!

youtube coming soon!

Step 1: Know Your State’s Homeschool Laws

Each state has its own homeschooling regulations, from record-keeping to testing requirements. Some states require you to submit an intent-to-homeschool letter, while others have strict assessment or portfolio review policies.

Before you do anything else, check out HSLDA or your state’s Department of Education website to understand what’s required where you live. Knowing the rules upfront will help you start on the right foot and avoid unnecessary stress later.

 I remember feeling intimidated by the legal side of things when I started, but once I sat down and read through my state’s requirements, I realized it was much simpler than I had feared. I actually overcomplicated it in my head! Just take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to reach out to local homeschool groups for guidance.

Homeschooling in Texas: What You Need to Know

If you’re homeschooling in Texas, here’s a quick breakdown of what’s required: 

✅ Bona Fide Instruction – Must be genuine, not a sham.
✅ Visual Curriculum – Must include books, workbooks, or online programs.
✅ Required Subjects – Reading, Spelling, Grammar, Mathematics, Good Citizenship (similar to civics).
✅ No Mandatory Testing or Record Keeping – Texas does not require standardized tests or record-keeping.
✅ No Required Days of Instruction – There is no minimum number of days required for homeschooling.

(If you live in another state, be sure to check your local requirements!)

Step 2: Define Your "Why"

Why do you want to homeschool? Is it for a flexible schedule? A tailored education? A better fit for your child’s learning style? Your "why" will be your motivation on tough days, so take a moment to reflect and even write it down.

Tip: Write down your "why" and put it somewhere visible. On those hard days (and trust me, they’ll come), a simple reminder of why you started can make all the difference!

For my family, homeschooling allows us to create a relaxed, interest-led learning environment that fits my kids’ needs. It’s given us more time together, and I love watching them learn in a way that excites them!

Step 3: Choose a Homeschooling Style

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach! Some families thrive with structure, while others prefer a relaxed, child-led approach. Here are a few popular homeschooling methods:

✅ Traditional (School-at-Home) – Structured, textbook-based learning similar to public school. 

✅ Charlotte Mason – Literature-rich, nature-focused, and hands-on learning. 

✅ Unschooling – Child-led learning with no set curriculum. 

✅ Unit Studies – Integrates multiple subjects into a single theme or topic. 

✅ Eclectic – A mix of different styles tailored to your child’s needs (what I personally use!).

💡 Tip: You can change methods anytime! Many families start structured and adjust over time.

Step 4: Pick a Curriculum (or Build Your Own!)

Once you have an idea of your preferred approach, it’s time to choose a curriculum. Consider: 

✔️ Your child’s learning style (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, reading/writing).
✔️ Your budget (some options are free, while others can be costly).
✔️ Your desired level of involvement (parent-led vs. independent learning).
✔️ Secular vs. Non-Secular Curriculum

Great Secular Curriculum Options

✅ Structured Programs: BookShark, Oak Meadow, Time4Learning
✅ Charlotte Mason: Build Your Library, Blossom & Root
✅ Unit Studies: Harbor and Sprout, Moving Beyond the Page
✅ Free Resources: Khan Academy, PBS Learning Media

💡 Personal Note: I started out with a structured curriculum but quickly realized that a mix of different styles (eclectic homeschooling) worked best for us. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to switch things up (even mid-year)!

Step 5: Create a Homeschool Routine & Learning Space

Your homeschool day can be as structured or flexible as you want. Some families follow a strict time-based schedule, while others use a flow schedule or checklist approach.

Our Daily Homeschool Rhythm:

☀️ Morning: Breakfast & movement (walk, yoga, or workout video).
📚 Mid-Morning: All subjects (math, reading, writing, spelling, etc.), then lunch.
🌿 Afternoon: Quiet time & outdoor play.
🏡 Late Afternoon: Free play, projects, or outings, dinner.

💡 Tip: Some families have a dedicated homeschool room, while others do lessons at the kitchen table (like us!). The key is to keep materials organized and easily accessible.

Step 6: Find a Homeschool Community

You don’t have to do this alone! Connecting with other homeschool families can make a huge difference.

Common Socialization Worries (and Why You Can Relax!): 

❓ Will my child make friends? – Absolutely! Join co-ops, library groups, park days, and online homeschool groups.
❓ What about teamwork and group activities? – Many homeschool groups organize science fairs, drama clubs, and sports teams.
❓ Will my child be prepared for the real world? – Homeschoolers often interact with a wide range of ages, preparing them for real-world socialization.

💡 Personal Note: I was nervous about socialization at first, but joining local homeschool groups helped my kids make friends and gave me a support system of other moms who "get it."

Step 7: Start Small & Give Yourself Grace

Homeschooling is a learning process for both you and your kids. You don’t need an elaborate curriculum or an 8-hour school day to be successful!

✅ Homeschooling younger kids? School often takes just 1.5-2 hours a day, four days a week.
✅ Feeling overwhelmed? Take breaks when needed—your relationship with your child is more important than any lesson plan.
✅ Worried about messing up? You won’t! Some days will be amazing, others messy and frustrating. That’s okay!

Popular & Upcoming Blog Posts

Not sure where to start? Here are some posts you won’t want to miss:

📌 The Best Secular Homeschool Curriculum (coming soon!)

📌 How I Structure Our Flexible Daily Homeschool Rhythm (coming soon!)

📌 First Grade Secular Curriculum (coming soon!)

📌 Kindergarten Secular Curriculum (coming soon!)

📌 Using a Flow Schedule in Our Homeschool (coming soon!)

💡 New content drops every Thursday—so be sure to check back!

YOU CAN DO THIS!

Starting homeschooling may feel overwhelming, but take it one step at a time. You are not alone! There are so many resources and communities to support you.

💬 What’s your biggest homeschooling concern? Drop it in the comments!

📩 Want more homeschool tips?

Subscribe to my email list! 📌 Let’s connect!

📷 Instagram: @littlebluehouse.homeschool
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🎥 YouTube: Little Blue House Homeschool

Let’s navigate this homeschool adventure together! 💙