How to Start Homeschooling: 5 Simple Steps for New Homeschool Moms
Are you wondering how to start homeschooling, but feeling overwhelmed by all the information online? Many moms feel the same way when they first begin researching homeschooling. With so many curriculum options, teaching methods, and state requirements, it can be hard to know where to start.
The good news is that starting homeschool doesn’t have to be complicated. Thousands of families successfully begin homeschooling every year by taking a few simple, intentional steps.
As a homeschool mom, I’ve learned that building a strong foundation from the beginning makes the journey much smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your child.
In this post, I’ll walk you through five simple steps to start homeschooling with confidence, including:
Understanding your state’s homeschool laws
Clarifying your goals and your “why”
Choosing the homeschooling method that fits your family
Finding a curriculum that works for your child
Planning your homeschool year
Whether you're brand new to homeschooling or just need a little direction to get started, these steps will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Step 1: Know Your State’s Homeschool Laws
Before you dive into lesson planning or curriculum shopping, research your state’s homeschool laws. Each state has different requirements for homeschooling families, such as notice of intent, record-keeping, and testing. Knowing the legal steps to start homeschooling ensures you’re compliant from day one.
You can find your state laws and regulations by going to HSLDA.org.
TIP: Even if it’s not a requirement, I strongly recommend creating a portfolio or scrapbook of your child’s school work. Not only can this be a fun activity, it’s also nice to see the progress they have made.
Here’s a great video from Katie from Life of the Mundane. This is where I got my inspiration to create ours.
Step 2: Define Your Homeschool Goals and Why
Before choosing curriculum or planning lessons, take a little time to define why you want to homeschool. Your “why” becomes the foundation for the decisions you’ll make throughout your homeschool journey and helps keep you grounded when challenges arise.
Every family’s reasons for homeschooling are different. Some parents want a faith-based education that reflects their family’s values. Others want more time together as a family or the flexibility to travel and learn outside a traditional classroom. Some families begin homeschooling because their child needs more individualized instruction, a different learning pace, or extra support for a learning challenge.
Take a few minutes to write down your reasons for homeschooling and the goals you hope to achieve. Ask yourself questions like:
What do I want my child to gain from homeschooling?
What values or subjects are most important for our family?
What kind of learning environment do I want to create at home?
What skills or character traits do I want to nurture in my child?
Your answers don’t have to be perfect or final. In fact, many homeschool families find that their goals evolve over time. But having a clear starting point will help guide your decisions about curriculum, schedule, and teaching style.
When difficult days come, as they sometimes do, coming back to your “why” can remind you why you started this journey in the first place and give you the encouragement to keep going.
Curious why so many families are making the switch to homeschooling?
Grab my free guide that explains the biggest benefits of homeschooling and what parents love most about it.
Step 3: Choose the Right Homeschooling Method
There are five popular homeschooling styles: Charlotte Mason, Classical, Unit Studies, Unschooling, and Eclectic. Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis! Here is a brief explanation of each style, their key features, and examples so you can choose the one that best fits your child’s learning style and your teaching strengths.
Charlotte Mason Method:
Developed by 19th-century educator Charlotte Mason, this method emphasizes living books, nature study, short lessons, and the formation of good habits. It encourages children to connect deeply with what they learn through narration and hands-on experiences.
Key Features:
Rich literature (living books, not textbooks)
Nature walks and journaling
Picture study, composer study
Short, focused lessons
Emphasis on character and habit training
Examples of Charlotte Mason Curriculum: Simply Charlotte Mason, Ambleside Online (free, literature-based schedule), A Gentle Feast
Classical Method
Rooted in ancient education, the Classical method is based on the Trivium: grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages of learning. It teaches children how to think critically and argue persuasively through memorization, analysis, and expression.
Key Features:
Structured and rigorous approach
Focus on Latin, logic, and classic literature
Memorization in early years, critical thinking in later years
Socratic discussion and debate
Examples of Classical Curriculum:
Classical Conversations (community-based)
Unit Studies Method
Unit studies integrate multiple subjects around one central theme or topic. For example, while studying oceans, you might read ocean-themed books (language arts), learn marine biology (science), and explore maps (geography).
Key Features:
Hands-on, project-based learning
Thematic, cross-subject integration
Great for teaching multiple ages at once
Ideal for creative, kinesthetic learners
Examples of Unit Study Curriculum: The Good and the Beautiful Unit Studies,
Earth Cake
This was one of my daughter’s favorite activities. When she was learning about the different landforms in the Earth Science Unit Study, we made this cake to enhance what she was learning.
More fun Earth Science Activities
Unschooling
Unschooling is a child-led, interest-driven approach where learning happens naturally through life experiences, curiosity, and play rather than structured lessons or curriculum.
Key Features:
No formal lessons or tests
Learning flows from the child’s interests
Encourages independence and self-direction
Often includes lots of real-world experiences
Examples of Unschooling in Action:
Learning math through cooking and budgeting
Reading based on a child’s favorite topic (e.g., dinosaurs)
Science through gardening or nature exploration
Eclectic Homeschooling
Eclectic homeschooling blends several styles and resources to create a customized learning experience based on a child’s needs and family preferences. It's one of the most flexible and popular approaches today.
Key Features:
Mix-and-match of curriculum styles
Tailored to each child's learning style
Freedom to adjust as needed
Often combines structure with creativity
Examples of Eclectic Use:
Using The Good and the Beautiful for language arts,
MasterBooks for science, and a Charlotte Mason nature journalIncorporating online learning platforms like Outschool or Khan Academy
TIP: We originally started with a strong focus on unit studies, which we absolutely loved. Especially since my daughter has a big interest in science and history. Over time, we felt drawn to the Charlotte Mason approach, and it’s been a wonderful fit for our family. So don’t be afraid to pivot or try something new if what you’re doing isn’t working. One of the greatest freedoms of homeschooling is being able to adjust to what works best for your child and your family.
Step 4: Pick a Curriculum That Works for You
Now that you have set your goals and the style of schooling, it’s time to choose a curriculum. Choosing a curriculum doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by identifying your child’s learning level and subjects. Many beginner homeschool curriculums are designed to guide new parents step-by-step. Don’t forget to factor in your budget, how hands-on you want to be, and whether you want a faith-based or secular program.
Our favorite Charlotte Mason curricula is: A Gentle Feast. We love this curriculum because it’s truly open-and-go. Yet still gives you the flexibility to customize your own schedule and book choices. Each cycle focuses on a specific time period, and your morning time, science, history, and language arts are all beautifully integrated to flow together.
Our favorite Unit Studies is: Gather Round Homeschool. We love Gather Round Homeschool because it’s perfect for families with multiple children of different ages. Everyone learns together through one main lesson, and then each child works through their own age-appropriate workbook that reinforces the topic. It keeps us connected as a family while meeting each child right where they are."
Tip: Try to be flexible. Don’t be married to your curriculum. It’s created to guide you and be a resource. If you start with it and you or your kids are struggling or not liking it, IT’S OKAY to try something else. Sometimes it takes a little trial and error to find what works or your family or each child.
No curricula needed!
You don’t need a formal curriculum to homeschool your child. All you need are books! Whether they’re from the library or your own shelves. Here’s a great resource to help you get started: Homeschool Your Child for Free.
Step 5: Planning Your Homeschool Year
Now that you’ve checked your state’s homeschool requirements and chosen your curriculum, it’s time to plan your school year! Here’s how I personally break it down to meet our state’s requirements and keep things simple. Our state requires 875 hours of instruction per year. We aim for 5 hours of school per day, which adds up to 175 school days annually. That breaks down to 35 weeks of school if you're doing a 5-day week.
Once you know how many weeks you need, you can plug in your start date, plan your holiday breaks, and pick your last day of school. This gives you a flexible but structured plan to confidently pace your year without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Now that you know how many weeks you'll be homeschooling, you can start breaking down your curriculum into manageable weekly lessons. Look at how many lessons or units are in each subject and divide them by the number of school weeks you’ve planned. This helps you create a realistic pace and ensures you finish your curriculum on time—without the end-of-year scramble!
You’re Ready to Start Homeschooling with Confidence
Homeschooling doesn’t have to be overwhelming, it just takes a little planning and a whole lot of heart. By understanding your state’s requirements, choosing a curriculum that fits your family, and mapping out your school year, you’ve laid a solid foundation for homeschool success. Whether you follow a Charlotte Mason approach, lean toward unit studies like Gather 'Round, or build your own eclectic blend, remember: you get to create an education that fits your family’s values, rhythm, and goals.
Take it one step at a time, give yourself grace, and know that confidence grows with consistency. You’ve got this, mama.
Homeschooling FAQ for Beginners
1. How do I start homeschooling for the first time?
The first step to starting homeschooling is understanding your state’s homeschool laws and requirements. After that, decide why you want to homeschool, choose a homeschooling style that fits your family, select a curriculum, and create a simple plan for your homeschool year. Taking these steps one at a time makes beginning homeschool much less overwhelming.
2. What is the best curriculum for new homeschoolers?
The best homeschool curriculum depends on your child’s learning style and your teaching preferences. Many new homeschool families start with structured programs for subjects like math and reading, then add flexible resources for science and history. It often takes time and experimentation to find what works best for your family.
3. Do you need teaching experience to homeschool your child?
No teaching experience is required to homeschool your child. Many parents successfully homeschool without formal training because modern homeschool curriculum provides clear lesson plans and guidance. Parents also learn alongside their children and adjust their teaching approach as they gain experience.
4. How many hours a day does homeschooling take?
Homeschooling usually takes less time than a traditional school day. Many families spend about 2–4 hours per day on formal lessons, especially in elementary years. Because homeschooling allows one-on-one instruction without classroom distractions, learning can often happen more efficiently.
5. Is homeschooling expensive?
Homeschooling can be very affordable depending on the curriculum and resources you choose. Many families homeschool successfully on a small budget using library books, free online resources, and simple curriculum. Others choose more comprehensive programs. The flexibility of homeschooling allows families to adjust spending based on their needs.
