How To Start Homeschooling.

When you are new to homeschooling it is often hard to filter through all the different options you have for homeschooling.

Where should I begin?
What home school curriculum should I use?
What home school philosophy is right for me?

There is so much (too much) to absorb!

I used to think the best option was to present new homeschooler with all their options so they could make an informed choice.

Now my views have changed slightly. I still believe in giving choice but I also believe that new homeschoolers benefit when you give them a guideline to work from. They can then get "the show on the road". After their confidence builds then they can start to tweak it to suit them.

So as a help to you I have put together some graded homeschooling scope and sequences to help you get started.

Ten Tips For New Homeschoolers

1. Determine your motives for homeschooling. This will affect so many of your choices.

2. Read, read and read some more. You have hundreds of options available with home schooling. Look for good overviews and try not to get bogged down in the curriculum, just yet. Getting Started Homeschooling

3. Network with other homeschoolers. Get to know real life homeschoolers. Go to advertised events, if you're Australian join aussiehomeschool.com. Try inviting another homeschool family over you might connect with and find out what they do.

4. Make a simple start. Follow a basic scope and sequence at first. As you get a feel for homeschooling you will become more comfortable with what you are doing and you can make changes along the way.

5. Get to know your children’s learning style. This will help you choose a curriculum.

6. Don't worry about socialisation. Your children will be well socialized without the negative aspect of peer pressure and group think.

7. Don’t rush off and buy everything recommended. Get samples when possible. Resist the temptation to purchase your curriculum from the newsagent or book store. There are many homeschooling resources that will suit your needs better.

8. Be prepared to make some sacrifices. Homeschooling takes a considerable commitment for it to work, especially in the early days.

9. Try to take your focus off academics and on to establishing good habits and close family relationships. Academics will fall into place. Homeschooling is not school at home -it is a lifestyle.

10. Pray for wisdom.


Eleven of My Favourite Homeschooling Books For your convenience I have linked these books to an online seller. Most of the books have free postage, however the ones marked with an * are only available for purchase in the US but it's worth paying for the postage.
The Three R's by Ruth Beechick This is a set of three books that instruct you on how to get the basics right. It is perfect for a homeschooler with 4-8 year olds.
You Can Teach Your Child Successfully: Grades 4-8 by Ruth Beechick I think I've read this book about 5 times. I often pick it up as a reference for tackling cetain subjects. It is so sensible, I highly recommend it.
A Biblical Home Education: Building Your Homeschool on the Foundation of God's Word by Ruth Beechick Another great book from Ruth Beechick. She exposes some of the curriculum traps and helps homeschoolers see things from a biblical worldview.
A Charlotte Mason Education: A Home Schooling How-to Manual by Catherine Levinson This book helped me so much in my early years. It showed me how I could actually achieve the education that I wanted for my children. This is an excellent introduction to homeschooling. A must buy in my opinion.
Seasons of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson Encouragement for homeschool mums is what this book is all about. If I'm feeling overwhelmed I know I'll find some solace here. It is also excellent to use for group Bible studies. Another must buy!
The Ministry of Motherhood: Following Christ's Example in Reaching the Hearts of Our Children It inspires us to see the true value of motherhood and discipleship of our children. Excellent for a devotional and group study. This is not just for homeschool mums it's for all mothers.
Successful Homeschool Family Handbook by Dr Raymond & Dorothy Moore This is the first book I read on homeschooling. It converted me instantly. It is an old book but still has many gems. If you are tempted to launch into a rigorous homeschooling program this book is for you. If you have a teaching background you might find these authors will challenge your paradigm and help you to see the difference between school and home education. Other Moore books are equally as helpful.
I Saw the Angel in the Marble by Chris and Ellen Davis I heard Chris Davis speak in Australia and he helped me to understand what I was trying to achieve through home education.
Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Gatto I've not actually read this book but I have heard John Gatto speak and he has some excellent thoughts on the education system. Challenging read.
The Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling by Mary Pride. This book is the size of a thisck telephone book. It has so much information about styles, curriculum, and options for homeschooling. Although there are a lot things mentioned only relevant to America it still has oodles for new homeschoolers.
Things We Wish We'd Known - 50 Veteran Homeschoolers Share by Diana Waring. The wisdom of hindsight is what this book is all about. Excellent read.