One piece of common advice given to homeschool families is to not attempt to create a replica of public school at home. Although it may be somewhat cliché, it is truly great advice.

Your goal is, no doubt, to provide your students with the best educational experience possible, so go ahead and shake it up! Go with your instincts and try new things. Adjust your schedule, make cross-curricular connections, and discover how your students’ learning styles affect the way they process and retain information. If what you are doing doesn’t work, change instructional strategies until you find a good balance.

Your students will learn how to be flexible, become confident in making choices, and will find a deeper meaning in their own education. How do you know if you are making the most out of your homeschool? Consider some of these pro-tips!

Scheduling Homeschool Time

“I’m not sure how to fill all the time we have. I feel guilty when we only spend a couple of hours each week on a subject.” -from Janie, Homeschooling Grandmother

It is likely that your homeschooled student will move through their curriculum at a significantly faster pace than those taught in the traditional school setting. You aren’t working with 30 students with 30 different learning styles and skill sets. You get to focus on YOUR students. Embrace the opportunity.

If you finish earlier than you had originally planned, take that extra time to explore deeper into the subject. Engage your students in conversations that ignite their curiosity and cause them to reflect on their own connection to the world. Perhaps your artistic student would gain insight by illustrating what they have learned. Your writer may enjoy penning a short story or poem about recent topics of study. It’s even ok to simply be done early and give your students a much-deserved break. Just know that in the world of instruction, quality is much more important than quantity.

When to Move On

“Just a minute, let me think.” -from the Feuerstein method of learning

Allow time for students to think and process information. If your student seems confused or isn’t “catching on,” they may not need you to reteach or teach the concept differently, but instead, they may simply need time to process the information that has been presented. Of course, it is perfectly fine to slow down and take more time with or reteach anything that is difficult for your student. Flexibility is a gift of homeschooling. Try not to set such a rigid schedule that makes you feel pressured to meet deadlines or overwhelmed when you miss them.

Remember, you really don’t have to complete every worksheet, read every story, and finish every lesson. Choose the best pieces and focus on specific skills. Once your student can demonstrate their understanding, there is no need to prove it over and over again. If they simply are not catching on or are getting frustrated, move on to something else and circle back around to the tougher subject later.

Make Cross-Curricular Connections Between Subjects Being Taught

“Why does this matter?” -from every student I have ever taught

Teach across your curriculum when possible. Cross-curricular activities reinforce learning by helping students make connections to see the relevance of their studies.

Begin looking for simple ways to bridge the skills and topics you are presenting. One simple way to accomplish this is to combine reading instruction with other subjects by looking for short passages that supplement your text. Another way to cross over skills from subject to subject is to point out text features and discuss the author’s purpose for using them within your history and science books – no need to teach this skill in isolation! Create themed word problems for your students’ math practice and teach graphs and charts during social studies or science class.

Students find this engaging and get excited when they see that their whole curriculum is connected. When choosing writing prompts, relate them to content recently taught or to upcoming content. This is a great way to reinforce and review, but it can also be an effective way to introduce new material.

Consider Student Learning Styles

“One’s learning style is the way he or she gathers, sifts through, interprets, organizes, comes to conclusions about, and stores information for further use.” -Nancy Chick, Center for Teaching, Vanderbilt University

Figuring out your students’ learning styles can make their school experience more meaningful. However, I would caution educators to not always cater to one (or even a couple of) learning preferences as our goal is always to make students into life-long learners, and we know that, in the “real world,” each of us needs to be able to adjust our learning to match how material is presented. For example, it isn’t likely for that college professor with 350 students to care if your student is a kinesthetic or auditory learner.

Typically, learning styles tend to relate to our senses. The four basic, commonly addressed learning modalities are auditory, visual, verbal, and kinesthetic; although, it is rare to find that any student is completely of one style or the other. Preferred learning style can vary by subject, age, development, and even time of day or year.

If your student is more of an auditory learner, consider allowing him or her to work through activities or worksheets through discussion instead of requiring all answers to be written. You can even adjust the time and place that your homeschool takes place based on students’ physical needs. Some students work better in the afternoon or evening. Some may like to have class outside from time to time.

Awareness of your students’ learning styles can help you vary activities and understand the learning process as it applies to different individuals. One quick learning style inventory that is readily available online is the VARK Learning Styles Questionnaire. The VARK can help teachers by suggesting instructional strategies one might use to address a variety of learning modalities.

Make Your Homeschool Your Own

In summary, trust yourself and give yourself permission to try new ideas. If you and your student don’t like the way things are going, be open to change. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find and join groups that provide homeschooling parents with peer support such as the “Essentials in Writing Group for Homeschooling Parents” group on Facebook (link below). You have made the decision to provide your student with a homeschool experience. Embrace your choice and make the most out of this great opportunity! 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/436492730066922

Tip 1: Keep Detailed Notes about Coursework for Students Who Plan on Applying to College

Colleges will want to see which subjects homeschooled students have studied. Homeschool parents should keep track of all the courses or subjects studied throughout high school so that they can create a detailed transcript for college applications. Applicants also will want to include documentation for any courses pursued outside a homeschool setting such as online classes, dual-enrollment college courses, or vocational classes. If the student attended any summer institutes or programs, those details should be presented as well. Providing a complete record of the student’s academic studies, especially those that highlight rigor, will help the college admissions officers to accurately assess the student’s academic background.

Tip 2: Take Standardized Tests

While traditional standardized tests, like the ACT and SAT, have become optional for many universities, it is still a good idea for homeschooled students to take them. Standardized test scores allow colleges to compare a student’s academic skills and college readiness to that of their peers. For best results, students may want to take a prep course and take the test more than once. It is also a good idea for students to do a little research about both tests in order to take the one that best matches their academic strengths. A good score on the ACT or SAT can go a long way toward convincing admissions officers of a homeschooled student’s solid academic skills.

Tip 3: Document Participation in Extracurricular and Service Activities

College admissions officers are interested in more than a student’s academic abilities. They want to build a community of well-rounded students who will add value to their university. For this reason, applicants should take care to document participation in extracurricular and service activities. By including information about their non-academic interests and activities, prospective students can provide a clearer picture about who they are as individuals, including their potential for leadership, and their capacity for hard work and dedication.

Candidates for admission should catalog their engagement in sports and fine arts, as well as any volunteering or entrepreneurial activities, as they fill out their applications. Colleges aren’t necessarily looking for a long list of activities but, instead, want to see the kinds of contributions students have made, as well as the important life lessons they’ve taken from their experiences in extracurricular activities.

Tip 4: Find a Recommender

Furnishing letters of recommendation can be a bit of a challenge for homeschooled students. Most universities frown on letters of recommendation penned by the student’s own parents. If possible, students should seek a recommendation from a teacher or tutor who has worked with them directly. It could be an instructor from a dual-enrollment college class or a summer program, or even a tutor or private lesson teacher. If that isn’t possible, a student can also turn to coaches, volunteer coordinators, youth group leaders, and even employers.

The purpose of these recommendations is to provide an evaluation of the student’s work ethic, character, and other important traits that may not be apparent in their transcript and resume. The student should request a recommendation letter from an adult who knows them well and can attest to the positive qualities they have to contribute to their community. Requests for recommendation letters should be made well in advance of the submission deadlines, so that the recommender has at least two – four weeks’ notice. Students should always follow up with a thank you note to express their appreciation to their recommenders.

Tip 5: Write a Thoughtful College Application Essay

The college application essay is an incredibly important component of college admissions, especially for homeschooled students. Through the essay, college admissions officers have the opportunity to hear the student’s voice through his or her writing. What are college admissions officers looking for in these essays?

First, they want to ensure that the student’s writing skills demonstrate their readiness for college. That means students should approach the essay thoughtfully, working through several revisions to create a polished, error-free final product. Students should put their best foot forward by incorporating vivid language and descriptive details to make the essay “pop.” It often helps to get an outside perspective, so if at all possible, students should work with a parent or other trusted advisor to help them revise for content and style.

Secondly, admissions officers want to understand the applicant on a personal level, especially in regard to character, personal ambitions, and interests. While it might be tempting to portray oneself as “perfect” in the essay, college applicants should avoid simply writing a summary of their high school achievements. That information should already be included in the application, so writing an essay of this type does little to further a student’s chances of getting into their college of choice.

In reality, admissions officers place more value on understanding how the student responds to challenges and adversity. They want to fill their freshman rosters with students who will dig deep to overcome obstacles and who will learn from their mistakes. By getting “real” in the essay, potential applicants can reveal their potential for growth and make a strong case proving their suitability for participation in higher education.

If you’re looking for a complete homeschool writing curriculum, consider giving Essentials in Writing a try! With EIW, you’ll get the complete package: engaging video lessons that show how to write many types of essays with step-by-step instructions and modeling, student-friendly text examples and explanations, practice activities, and expertly designed writing prompts with accompanying rubrics and checklists. Offering curricula for grades 1-12, EIW makes at-home writing instruction a breeze for parents and a pleasure for students. Check out our level wizard to find the curriculum that best fits your child’s needs.

Homeschool Requirements by State

Homeschooling rules can be broken down into 6 major areas of regulation.

Notification of Intent to Homeschool

Most states require homeschool parents to notify either the local or the state board of education of their intention to homeschool their children. This can usually be done by mailing written notification addressed to the proper authorities or by filling out an online form. Other states require no notification at all.

Parent Qualifications

While no state requires homeschooling parents to hold a college degree, some states do stipulate that a parent must have a high school diploma or a GED. Other states specify that homeschool parents must be “competent” or “capable” without defining what that means. Arkansas law prohibits homeschooling in households that include a sex offender. In Pennsylvania, homeschooling is not allowed if an adult with felony convictions less than five years old resides in the house or shares custody of the child.

Compulsory Attendance

States have widely varying requirements regarding attendance for homeschoolers. Some states require students to begin their education at age 5 while others don’t require it until age 7. Most states require students to continue their homeschool education until they reach their 16th birthday, although many stipulate that students be educated until they are 18. Most states require about 180 days of instruction. Some states require students to be engaged in homeschool for a certain number of hours rather than measuring it in days.

State-mandated Subjects

The majority of states mandate that parents teach certain subjects in their homeschools, but only a small portion have the means to enforce this. This leaves homeschool parents a lot of leeway in determining what they actually teach.

Assessment Requirements

While public school students are subject to frequent standardized testing throughout, homeschoolers in many states are able to avoid it. State laws determine whether or not homeschool students are required to take state assessments. Some states do not require standardized testing at all, and others require that homeschooled students take standardized tests periodically.

Vaccination requirements

Most states do not require homeschooled students to be vaccinated. In the few states that do call for students to be vaccinated, only a handful actually require that documentation of vaccination be submitted to the state.

Homeschool Laws FAQs

Is homeschool legal in all 50 states?

Yes, homeschool has been legal in all 50 states since 1993. State homeschool laws vary dramatically. It is vital that parents know the homeschooling rules of the state so that they will be in compliance with the law and avoid being audited.

Which states have the most lenient homeschool laws?

Texas, Oklahoma, Idaho, Indiana, and Illinois are among the states that grant the most leeway to homeschoolers. In these states, parents are not required to notify any officials of their intent to homeschool their children. Aside from a few state-mandated required areas of study, these states largely leave the details of homeschooling up to the parent and stipulate very few homeschooling requirements.

Which states have the strictest homeschool laws?

Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont are some of the states with the highest level of regulation. These states require that parents submit notification of intent to homeschool to a local or state authority. Most of these states also require homeschool students to participate in standardized testing. Some even require that homeschool parents have their curriculum approved for their homeschool to be considered valid.

Which state laws do road schoolers have to follow?

Luckily, parents who homeschool on the road do not have to adjust their rules of homeschooling every time they cross state lines. Instead, they just follow the homeschool laws of their state of residency.

Modifications change the content. They change what the student will be expected to learn. For example, a 4th grade student with a modified math curriculum may be expected to master addition and subtraction of 3-digit numbers, while his grade level peers are expected to master the times tables.

Accommodations simply change how the learning of the grade level skills will take place. Let’s look at some simple ways accommodations can be implemented to meet the needs of students with a variety of learning styles and specific disabilities so to create a truly differentiated curriculum.

What’s the Difference?

Learning Accommodations

Accommodations are meant to “level the playing field.” A very common example would be having a student with a learning disability in basic reading listen to an audio book while another student reads the same book silently. The outcome is the same (i.e., the students have both read the same text), but an accommodation has been made for the student with the special need. Similarly, a student with difficulty tending to task may need frequent breaks or a schedule that allows for flexible class time, but he or she may very well be able to excel at the course work.

When does the student need accommodations?

A student who struggles in math, for instance, may be required to complete only 50% of the problems assigned to other students, but that same student may need no accommodations for tasks related to reading if that is his or her area of academic strength. Likewise, you may find that a student struggles with her attention span more during the morning, so you may need to apply more accommodations during that time of day. It is not uncommon for children to outgrow the need for some accommodations as they mature as learners.
If possible, discuss accommodations with your student. Many educators allow the student to help choose the accommodations they think will be most helpful to them. Empowering students to have some control over their own educational decisions can give them a sense of ownership that often leads to stronger work habits and a real feeling of accomplishment as goals are achieved.
Below is a list of common accommodations that can be made for students exhibiting a variety of learning challenges.

Instructional Accommodations – Things the Instructor Can Do

• Provide written instructions to go along with verbal instructions.
• Model all lessons — ‘talk through’ the activities with the student.
• Create a plan for all writing/compositions using graphic organizers.
• Read instructions and/or text aloud to the student.
• Simplify the presentation of information by presenting it in outline form or bulleted lists.
• Frontload the lesson by pre-teaching vocabulary and general concepts to be presented.
• Allow the student to listen to audio recordings of text.

Output Accommodations: Differentiating How Students Complete Assignments

• Limit assignment length. Example: Write 5 sentences instead of 10.
• Allow the student to type lessons.
• Suggest the student use colored pens or pencils while composing text.
• Use speech-to-text software (often included with laptops or computers).
• Recommend the student use features such as spell check while composing.
• Have the student dictate answers to a scribe.
• Allow the student to answer verbally or record his/her answers to quiz/test questions.
• Have the student put new learning into his/her own words as soon as possible after class — talk about what they have learned.

Time-Management Accommodations

• Adjust the pace as needed. EIW offers an optional 34-week plan to help pace the school year, but it is really all about YOUR student and their journey. It is ok to stop if a child becomes frustrated. “Pushing through” a task rarely produces quality work and can reinforce a dislike for writing or feelings of insecurity.
• Allow the student to help create his/her schedule.
• Provide breaks as needed and some flexibility when possible.
• Set a timer if you feel your student has difficulty with time management.
• Limit anxiety by breaking down large assignments into smaller pieces.
• Use a planner or calendar to keep track of all assignments across your curriculum.

Setting Accommodations

• Adjust the lighting — brighter or more subdued — either can be good.
• Play quiet music. This can help some students concentrate and block out distractions.
• Take tests in the same setting where material was learned.
• Allow the student to choose (within acceptable boundaries) the location for instruction.
• Consider matching the educational setting to the lesson. Example: If you are writing Haiku poetry, go to a park or forest for inspiration. To encourage sensory details in writing, go to the market or a store and then write about all the sights, sounds, smells, emotions, tastes, etc.
• Enroll your student in virtual classes. For students with social anxiety, the virtual setting can eliminate many stressors. In the EIW virtual classroom, students see only the instructor on screen, not one another. Students feel more confident because their questions and comments are viewed only by the instructor.

Looking for a Writing Curriculum?

Essentials in Writing is proud to offer a curriculum that incorporates many common instructional strategies to differentiate instruction for students demonstrating a wide range of learning styles.
Here is what makes Essentials in Writing stand apart from other writing curriculums:
• Lessons are short and to-the-point and can be viewed as many times as needed.
• Students learn a step-by-step process to write well — Consistency is the key to success!
• The EIW writing model includes a plan prior to drafting, simplifying the writing process.
• Each composition is broken down into 5 steps — 5 separate lessons.
• Each lesson is taught on a separate day, so students do not become overwhelmed.
• You can try Essentials in Writing for FREE (no credit card required)! Just contact our customer services department.

Some families prefer a highly regimented approach that dictates each minute of the school day, while others prefer to operate based on a general outline for the day or week. Likewise, some families enjoy working through their school day in a leisurely manner, while others like to power through as quickly as possible. Whichever direction you decide to go, you will find that determining your schedule ahead of time allows for greater productivity, organization, and a more rewarding homeschool experience for you and your children.

What is a good homeschool schedule for your family?

When devising a daily homeschool schedule, you may want to begin by taking inventory of your family’s needs outside of learning. Things to consider in this category might be parent work schedules, nap times for younger children, extracurricular activities like sports or music, and natural sleep schedules. For instance, if you need time to answer work emails or conference with clients, plan your week to accommodate your needs.

If your children are early risers and wake up alert and ready to go, you might want to plan an early start time for your homeschool daily schedule. If your children struggle to wake up early, you may want to plan for a later start time or to embed warm up activities to get those neurons firing before tackling a difficult subject. By keeping your family’s needs in mind, you can create a schedule for homeschooling that works best for everyone.

How to Create Your Year-at-a-glance School Calendar

It’s a good idea to start with the big picture by lining out your homeschool year-at-a-glance calendar. It can feel a little intimidating, but you can cut down on the overwhelm by following these steps:

1. Start with a blank calendar

Block out the days you want to designate as “off” days including vacations, holidays, family projects, and mission trips. Some families enjoy a six weeks on, one week off approach while others prefer to take longer but fewer breaks. Consider the weather in your state and your family’s favorite activities as you plan your “off” time.

2. Schedule your days of instruction

Mark your days of instruction on your calendar. Check your state’s guidelines to be sure that your calendar meets the requirements. For most, this will be around 36 weeks or 180 days of learning. Pro-tip: Consider sprinkling in some “catch up” days. That way it will be easy to recover from unexpected events that might throw you off course. It’s there if you need it, and if you don’t – bonus day off! It’s a win-win strategy. You may find that you have more days “off” than you know what to do with, but with some front-end planning, you can plan your time in a way that makes the best sense for your family.

3. Make adjustments with your family’s routines in mind

At this point, you may have to adjust your time off in step one as you calibrate to balance the needs of your family and the mandates of your state. Plan a few field trips with your family’s interests in mind. Throw in some half days or long weekends to accommodate for soccer tournaments or community theater rehearsals and performances as needed. You can even schedule some family projects like overhauling the garden for spring or decluttering the basement.

Take advantage of the freedom that homeschooling provides. And if something about your schedule isn’t working for you at any point, you can make changes to make it work! You’re steering the ship! You’ve got this!

How to a plan a successful daily & weekly homeschool schedule

• *Which subjects you will teach each day of the week?
• *Do you want a four or five day homeschool week?
• *Which subjects require daily study?
• *Which subjects will you study once, twice, or three times a week?

Most curriculum allows for flexibility, so you have the freedom to choose what is right for your family. Once you have a good grasp of your weekly goals, you can craft your daily homeschool schedule.

What are the optimum start and end times for your homeschool day? Do you want to schedule some independent reading or study time to allow for some parent work time or perhaps line up your oldest child’s most difficult subject to coincide with your youngest child’s naptime to limit distractions during that time?

Your schedule is completely up to you as long as you make sure that you are in compliance with your state’s requirements regarding the number of hours required for your child to graduate. Once you get rolling, you may have to make minor adjustments depending on how things are going. That’s the beauty of homeschooling – you are in the driver’s seat and get to decide what works best for your family.

Included below are some sample daily homeschool schedules to help you get started. Of course, you will want to customize your daily and weekly schedules to fit the unique needs and habits of your family. Consider making family chores such as cleaning up after meals, caring for pets and livestock, and tending to plants/ garden part of your routine.

Sample Schedule #1 (Flexible)

7:30 – Wake up, get dressed

8:00 Family breakfast/ kitchen clean-up

8:30 School begins

11:45 Lunch break / clean up

12:30 Nature Walk/ Gardening/ Bike Ride

1 – Back to School

2:10 Reading for Pleasure

2:30 School ends

Sample Schedule #2 (Structured)

7:30 Morning Routine

8:30 Language Arts

9:15 Stretch Break

9:30 Math

10:15 Snack Break

10:30 Social Studies/ Science (alternating days)

11:15 Creative Time

11:45 Lunch / Breaktime

1:00 Journal/Educational Games/Puzzles

1:30 Independent Research/Project

2:10 Leisure Reading/ Weekly Trip to Library

2:30 End of School Day

Sample Schedule #3 (Intensive)

8:00 Math

8:45 Language Arts

9:30 Social Studies

10:15 Science

11:00 Foreign Language

11:45 End of School Day

Creating a Successful Homeschool Curriculum Map

Once you have your year-at-a-glance calendar and weekly/daily schedules mapped out, it’s time to choose curricula that meets your family’s needs. I prefer low-stress curricula that teaches a step-by-step approach and provides lots of modeling along the way.

You may want to read up on the many approaches to homeschool curriculum. There are lots of ways to homeschool, but it’s up to you to decide what you think will work best to meet your family’s needs. Some families prefer the classical model, which focuses heavily on reading the canon of Great Books. Others enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the Montessori model or the short, interactive lessons prescribed by the Charlotte Mason method. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by so many choices, but don’t forget that you can always change directions if you feel things aren’t going well.

For those “no right or wrong answer subjects” like writing, Essentials in Writing provides engaging homeschool writing curriculum that provides headache-free video lessons that students from 1st to 12th grade find enjoyable and easy to use. EIW uses a step-by-step approach that includes modeling of every skill so that your students will feel confident as they write their way to college readiness.

Many parents turn to homeschooling in order to have more choices about their children’s education, but they may not anticipate the overwhelm that comes with so much freedom. There are so many choices to be made. So. Many. Choices. Perhaps you’re ready to take the plunge, but you’re not sure how to start homeschooling. If you need a little help in this department, you’re not alone. Whether you plan to start homeschooling at the beginning of the year or need to shift to homeschooling mid-way through the year, there are many things to consider as you begin your journey.

Read on for a simple step-by-step guide to homeschooling for beginners followed by some commonly asked questions about homeschooling.

Getting Started in Homeschooling: 7 Key Steps

1. Decide if homeschooling is right for your family.

There are many considerations to weigh when making the decision to homeschool. Because it’s a choice that will affect every member of your family, you may want to call a family meeting to discuss pros and cons of homeschooling. Talk about how homeschooling could benefit your family, but also be sure to listen to any concerns your spouse or children may have about the process. Be realistic about the time commitment. Take into account your spouse’s and children’s feelings about homeschooling. Setting aside time to discuss and reflect with your family will help you to make the best possible decision.

2. Research homeschool laws in your state.

Every state has its own unique set of laws pertaining to homeschooling. Read up on the laws in your state to find out what is required. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but some states are more heavily regulated than others. You’ll need to know how and when to notify your state that you’ll be homeschooling your children as well as the requirements for homeschool teachers. Some states mandate certain subjects that must be taught and/or require students to take standardized assessments. You’ll want to be aware of how many days or hours of instruction are needed to be in compliance. It’s important to start with a strong working knowledge of your state laws before starting homeschooling.

3. Learn from other homeschool families.

Join a local homeschool co-op or an online support group to connect with like-minded families who have already begun the homeschooling process. These groups can provide both information and encouragement as you begin your journey. If you’re not a “joiner,” you can take advantage of blogs or videos created by other homeschoolers to find out what has worked (or not worked) for other families. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You can learn vicariously through other families’ experiences to get a good idea of what approach will work best for your family. At the same time, don’t feel pressured to conform to another family’s model of doing things. Many homeschool teachers will claim that their way is the right way, but their way may not work for your family. When it comes to homeschooling advice, feel free to take all suggestions with a grain of salt. You know your family’s goals and needs best. Ultimately, it’s up to you how you will run your homeschool.

4. Select the right homeschool curriculum.

When you’re weighing your options for curriculum, it is easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many choices out there! When choosing curriculum, some important considerations are strengths and weaknesses of both teacher and students, budget limitations, and student learning styles. For subjects that present questions or problems with no one “correct” answer, you might consider shopping for a curriculum that provides a little extra support.

For instance, Essentials in Writing ( EIW ) offers a comprehensive grammar and composition curriculum for grades 1 – 12 that takes the burden off the homeschool teacher with engaging video mini-lessons and a step-by-step approach that models each skill or concept followed by thoughtful practice in which the student applies his or her new knowledge. They even offer a scoring service for a very reasonable rate to add further ease for homeschool teachers. Like many curriculum companies, they allow a “try before you buy” option so that you can see if it fits your needs before you spend your hard-earned dollars. Taking your time is essential in finding curriculum that is the right fit.

5. Establish a homeschool routine and schedule.

With attention to what you learned in Step 2, create a homeschool schedule. Start by blocking out all the days you’ll homeschool on a calendar to create your year-at-a-glance. Then decide how many days per week you’ll teach each subject. Finally, create daily routines by outlining which hours are “school hours.” Don’t forget to include food and fun on the agenda! Some families like to schedule their school day by the minute, while others prefer to work from a daily agenda of events. Regardless of your approach, you will appreciate the fact that you have the freedom to schedule your day in a way that makes sense for you and your family.

6. Plan to learn alongside your children.

As your children learn and grow, you’ll learn and grow right along with them. If you have the time and money to invest, you might consider brushing up on your math skills by taking a college algebra course at a local community college. If that sounds too intimidating or time-consuming, there are many other options. Read books about homeschooling, attend a homeschool convention, participate in a webinar about learning styles, or just check out some of the great Youtube channels created by homeschoolers. There are so many resources available, and many of them are free.

7. Be flexible! You’re allowed to teach outside of a workbook.

Even the most experienced homeschoolers have to make adjustments along the way. If something about your homeschool experience isn’t serving your family well, you can change it to make it better. Whether it’s making tweaks to the schedule or exploring new options for curriculum, you are free to implement modifications at any point. If you need a break from your routine, you can declare an impromptu field trip. Maybe it’s the first warm day of spring and you’re itching to get outside – why not spread out a blanket and do your homeschooling in the backyard for the afternoon? By making little changes here and there, you can maximize the many benefits of homeschooling.

Frequently Asked Homeschool Questions

If you still have questions about homeschooling, we gathered some of our frequently asked questions and provided the answers below.

Are there homeschool laws?

Yes, each state has its own laws governing homeschool. Check the details for your specific state to discover requirements about the minimum number of days of instruction, certain subjects that must be included, and mandates concerning who is qualified to be a homeschool teacher. The level of regulation varies dramatically depending on your state.

What is unschooling?

A popular buzzword in the homeschool arena, “unschooling” refers to a process in which students learn at their own pace and according to their interests. With unschooling, structured curriculum and lessons are replaced by self-directed inquiry done in a setting that promotes natural curiosity. Students learn by reading, interacting with parents and mentors, visiting places that spark learning, and immersing themselves in nature.

Do I have to be a licensed teacher in order to homeschool my own children?

No, but some states do require that the homeschooling parent has a high school diploma or the equivalent. Check your state’s homeschool laws to make sure you qualify before you begin the homeschooling process.

What is a homeschool co-op?

A homeschool co-op is a group of families who coordinate together for the purpose of learning, socializing, and/or participating in some type of organized activity such as a sport or fine art. At the most basic level this may take the form of weekly meet-ups at a local park or library. Some co-ops split up the teaching tasks among parents by switching off days or subjects.

This form of co-op is especially helpful as children progress to the higher secondary grades in which students study more specialized forms of math or composition. In other cases, a licensed teacher is hired to teach a “pod” of students, and the parents split the cost. Homeschool co-ops take on many forms, but what they all have in common is that they are created to fill in gaps so that homeschool students have a more enriching educational experience.

Can homeschooled children attend college?

Yes, absolutely! During the admission process, homeschooled children may be asked to provide transcripts documenting their coursework, so parents should take care to keep detailed and accurate records. Homeschooled students usually have to take a standard entrance exam such as the SAT or ACT and, as a general rule, do very well on these exams. Most college-bound homeschool students find that their homeschooling is not an impediment to getting into college.

Which curriculum companies are known for ease of use for students and parents?

Essentials in Writing (EIW) is popular with both parents and students. It offers full grammar and composition courses for grades 1 -12 with video lessons, a step-by-step modeled approach, and lots of applied practice. For a reasonable additional charge, parents can add on a scoring service, which provides grading and detailed feedback incrementally throughout the course. Essentials in Writing is known for their top-notch customer support and is an excellent choice for families who are looking for curriculum that is easy to use for both teachers and students.

Do you have a homeschooling question for us? We’d be happy to feature your question here. Email us at customerservice@essentialsinwriting.com, or ask on our Facebook Page.

Find Homeschooling Support

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “It takes a village.” When it comes to homeschooling, nothing could be truer. Many parents find that joining a local homeschool support group or homeschool co-op is very helpful in the educational journey. These groups are a great resource for parents who want to swap teaching ideas, provide and receive encouragement, and share homeschool resources. Parents can even pool their intellectual resources and take turns teaching subjects according to their strengths and availability. In addition, being part of a homeschool group can also lead to group discounts on field trips and opportunities for socialization, both for parents and students.

Connecting with other homeschooling families can help to combat feelings of social isolation and get you through the inevitable challenges that come with homeschooling. When you’re ready to find your tribe, here’s how to get started:

1. Search the web for local homeschool meet-up and co-op groups.
2. Check Facebook for opportunities to connect virtually.
3. Research micro-schools and pods in your area for collaborative learning opportunities.
4. Look into groups that cater to your child’s extracurricular interests such as sports or performing arts.

Choose Curriculum to Help You Fill in the Gaps

Not everyone is a born writer or mathematician, and parents are no exception. The good news is that the parent doesn’t have to be a whiz in every subject in order for the child to succeed. Parents can take advantage of high-quality homeschool resources available for every subject and ability level. It is important for parents to consider their own strengths and weaknesses when purchasing homeschool curricula. Most homeschool curricula comes with a teacher’s guide and answer keys to take the burden off the parents.

Outsource Some of the Grading and/or Teaching

Some curriculum companies offer extra supports like video lessons and virtual classes. Parents who dread grading essays should look for a writing curriculum that can be paired with a scoring service, like the one offered by Essentials in Writing, to help with the heavy lifting of evaluating their child’s writing.

Co-op classes dual-enrollment courses offered through local community colleges present more options for parents who prefer to outsource the teaching of some subjects. Parents need not worry that their own academic lapses will hinder their child’s progress in any way. There are plenty of solutions available.

Setting up your Student’s Home Classroom is Essential

Whether you meet under the oak tree in the backyard, at the dining room table, or in a designated home classroom, you want to be prepared. Always consider variables such as your child’s age and which subjects you’ll be teaching as you plan your own personalized lists for your students and yourself.

Check out the sample supply lists for ideas on how to get started.

Homeschool Supply Checklist for Students

1. Lined notebook paper 
2. Graph paper 
3. Colored construction paper 
4. Folders for each subject 
5. Composition or spiral notebooks for each subject 
6. Index cards 
7. Pens 
8. Pencils 
9. Pencil box or bag 
10. Crayons or map pencils 
11. Erasers 
12. Glue 
13. Scissors 
14. Paint 
15. Paint brushes 
16. Mini dry-erase board 
17. Dry-erase markers 

Homeschool Supply Checklist for Parents

1. Grading Pens or Pencils
2. Large Dry Erase Board
3. Dry Erase Markers
4. Pencil Sharpener
5. Stapler/ Staples
6. Large 3 Ring Binders
7. Dividers
8. Hole Punch
9. File Folders
10. Computer
11. Printer/Ink
12. Calendar or Planner
13. Stickers/ Prize Box Items

Finalize your Plan, Goals and Curricula

Now that you have a plan, it’s time to order your curriculum and supplies so that you’ll be ready to go on the first day of school. Don’t forget to consider your own needs as a teacher. Choose curricula that will take some of the burden off of you.

You might consider trying Essentials in Writing for your family’s writing curriculum needs. Whether your child is a 1st grader learning to write a sentence or a senior getting ready for college-level research, EIW’s simple approach featuring short and engaging video lessons that model each skill and excellent customer support will make writing instruction a breeze.

Best of luck! Have a great school year!

Dyslexia is a common learning disability. About 3 million people in the United States are diagnosed with dyslexia every year, and anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of Americans have dyslexia. Having dyslexia makes it more challenging to learn to read and write and can even affect a student’s ability to do math problems.

Then there’s dysgraphia which is a neurological language disorder that can create reading and writing difficulties for students. These disorders make it harder to convert sounds (phonemes) into letters (graphemes). Luckily, there are many strategies and interventions that homeschool teachers can use to help students overcome both types of disorders, but we’re going to focus on dyslexia since it’s more common in children.

With homeschooling, the teacher can provide more flexibility of pacing and individualized support than in a traditional classroom. With the right strategies and accommodations, most children can overcome their learning disorders to become skilled readers and writers.

What are common signs of dyslexia in children?

Children can begin showing signs and symptoms of dyslexia in the preschool years. Early signs may include slow language acquisition and difficulty remembering the names of letters, colors, and numbers. By the time children with dyslexia get to elementary school, the symptoms are more noticeable and bothersome.

As a dyslexic child begins his or her first reading and writing assignments in school, parents and or teachers may observe that the child:

1. Works very slowly on assignments that involve reading and/or writing
2. Reads below the expected reading level for age group
3. Struggles to spell and sound out words
4. Has an aversion to written work and reading
5. Has trouble remembering a sequence
6. Has difficulty finding the right words to answer a question
7. Has a hard time processing what he or she hears

Strategies for Helping a Child with Dyslexia at Home

While there is no cure for the brain differences that cause dyslexia, there are many strategies for helping homeschool learners become good readers and writers.

1. Allow students with dyslexia to learn at a pace that is comfortable. It doesn’t help to rush them! Homeschooling makes it possible to create an individualized learning plan that cuts down on stress and feelings of shame that can occur when a dyslexic student can’t keep up with his or her peers.
2. Be supportive. Dyslexia can affect a children’s self-esteem. Take every opportunity to build them up.
3. Praise the child’s effort even when he or she seems to be progressing very slowly. It will take time to get results, but showing that you have faith in the process goes a long way in maintaining your child’s motivation.
4. Allow access to audio books, voice-to-text tools, and word processors. These tools allow a dyslexic child to become more autonomous in his or her learning, which builds confidence.
5. Teach according to the child’s preferred learning style whenever possible. There are many online quizzes available to help you determine how your student learns best. Use that information to create learning experiences that are tailored to his or her learning style.
6. Practice reading and learning strategies that involve multiple senses. For instance, a child might touch each word while listening to an audio book or trace spelling words in shaving cream to create a tactile learning experience.
7. Choose the right curriculum. Look for reading and writing curriculum that uses short and engaging lessons and provides modeling at every step. Graphic organizers are also a plus.
8. Be flexible when it comes to spelling and grammar, especially when it comes to informal writing or first drafts. Praise the child for getting his or her thoughts on paper, even if there are errors present.

Can a Child with Dyslexia Succeed?

Yes, absolutely! With the right interventions and patience, your child can overcome dyslexia. Dyslexia does not affect the child’s intelligence. Let your child know that many people who struggled with dyslexia went on to do great things in life.

For instance, Thomas Edison was kicked out of school by his teacher, who said his brain was “addled.” Edison’s dyslexia made it difficult for him to learn through lecture and reading. He asked a lot of questions, which irritated his teacher. Once his mother took over his education and allowed him to learn in a more hands on style, he flourished and eventually became a great inventor.

When your child is feeling discouraged, it may help for him or her to learn about important historical figures and pop culture icons who have dyslexia. Choose from this list to gather inspiration and to help reinforce your child’s motivation to strive to do great things in life.

1. Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist credited with developing the theory of relativity and winner of the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics
2. Nicoli Tesla, scientist famous for his discoveries in electromagnetism and radio
3. Steven Spielberg, great American film director
4. Agatha Christie, best-selling fiction writer of all time, best known for her detective novels
5. Leonardo da Vinci, the original “Renaissance Man,” known for his contributions in art, science, engineering, and literature
6. Pablo Picasso, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century
7. Richard Branson, highly successful entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Group, which currently controls 400 different companies representing a variety of fields
8. Whoopi Goldberg, American actress whose claim to fame includes achieving the “grand slam” or EGOT (winning a Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony)
9. Galileo Galilei, best known for his many important contributions to astronomy
10. Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone
11. Rex Ryan, NFL coach known for leading the Jets to back-to-back AFC championships
12. Jennifer Aniston, actress best known for her role on Friends
13. Tim Tebow, former Bronco’s quarterback famous for his fourth quarter comebacks

Homeschooling a Child with Dyslexia

Essentials in Writing is an excellent choice for students with dyslexia. EIW uses a systematic step-by-step approach that takes the stress out of writing. Mr. Stephens models each step of the writing process through engaging video lessons.

Writing activities are broken up over several days to avoid overwhelming the student. The workbook provides graphic organizers to help students with their planning and features large font that is helpful to students with dyslexia. And best of all, their customer service team is great about working with individual families to choose the level that corresponds to the child’s ability rather than his or her age.

If you try their level wizard and still aren’t sure which level is right for your child, give them a call. They’ll be glad to help!

Requirements surrounding homeschool grading vary from state to state and may also change depending on the age of the student. In highly regulated states, a homeschool teacher may be required to submit letter grades. Other states specify that the teacher share a narrative evaluation of their students’ learning each quarter. Some states don’t require that homeschool teachers report grades at all. Be sure you know your state’s regulations regarding tracking and reporting your students’ progress.

Regardless of your state laws, record keeping is about more than satisfying state mandates. Assessments and grades allow your students to recognize whether they are meeting their learning goals. In addition, keeping track of your students’ progress gives you, the homeschool teacher, vital information for planning future lessons. The beauty of homeschooling is that each student’s learning plan can be fully individualized to reflect his or her needs. Knowing where your student stands allows you to know whether you need to slow down and re-teach a concept or speed up and move on to the next unit. While homeschool grading may not be your favorite part of homeschooling, it is very important. The good news is that you don’t have to be a math genius to calculate homeschool grades. Start by developing a basic understanding of the three most common assessment tools: checklists, rubrics, and letter grades.

Checklists

Checklists are the simplest approach to assessing your homeschooled child. As the name suggests, you make a list of skills or learning goals and check each one off as the student demonstrates mastery. This method works best for elementary and middle school students, but checklists can also be adapted for high school students. Homeschool teachers love them because they are so easy to use and fully customizable. Using checklists makes it a breeze to keep track of your child’s academic progress and to encourage positive habits and character development.

The only downside is that checklists are not as useful for high school-aged children. As the teen years approach, the yes/no nature of the checklist is a bit too simplified because it doesn’t measure the extent or depth of the knowledge or skills. While checklists are a handy self-assessment tool for high school students, teachers at this level generally want to give more specific feedback on formal assignments. Luckily there are other tools a homeschool teacher can apply when a more exact evaluation is needed.

Rubrics

Rubrics allow for more nuanced appraisal of a student’s learning than checklists. This scoring tool lists criteria for assignments such as projects, essays, or presentations and describes various levels of quality for each of the criteria. These levels might be assigned a point value (4,3,2,1) or a description (excellent, good, fair, poor). They are more time consuming to use, but the extra information they provide makes it well worth it.

Rubrics are helpful for both teachers and students of all grade levels and can be used to improve drafts and to evaluate final products. They allow teachers to communicate the extent of the student’s success on each aspect of the assignment. For instance, a teacher might rate a student’s composition as “excellent” in grammar and spelling but only “fair” in organization. The ability to score each component or criterion separately helps both the teacher and student identify strengths and areas of improvement. The teacher can use that information to inform future lessons.

The student can use the rubric to self-assess his or her work before turning it in to the teacher. Because the rubric conveys exactly what the teacher will be evaluating, it makes it easier for the student to see the assignment through the teacher’s perspective. Checking his or her own work with the rubric allows the student to figure out what the teacher will focus on when grading the assignment and to make improvements or corrections accordingly. Once the assignment is graded by the teacher, the student can use the feedback from the rubric to create a new and improved draft of the assignment or simply to know what to focus on in future assignments.

Sample Rubric for Evaluating a Business Letter

Letter Grades

Homeschool teachers use letter grades for a variety of reasons. Some states require the use of letter grades, especially for high school. If your child is college bound, they will need letter grades for their transcript as part of the admissions process. Yes, you may have to get out your calculator, but don’t worry. Letter grades are not difficult to figure once you get the hang of it!

Percentage Grades

Letter grades are based on percentages . That means you will need to convert each assignment grade into a percentage. The easiest way to do it is by adding up all the correctly answered questions and then dividing that number by the total number of questions. Take the quotient, and multiply it by 100 to get the percentage grade.

For example, let’s say a student gets 18 questions correct on a 20 question assignment.

1. First divide the number of correct answers by the total number of questions (18/20=.90)
2. Then multiply the answer to the previous step by 100 or simply move the decimal two spaces to the right (.90 x 100=90)

Grading Scales

The next part is easy – you simply use a grading scale to convert the percentage to a letter grade. A grading scale sets a range of percentile scores for each letter grade. For instance, in the first sample grading scale below, 90% – 100% equals an A. Grading scales can vary. The teacher is free to create the grading scale as he or she sees fit. Check out the samples below to get ideas.

Sample Grading Scale
90 -100% = A
80 – 89% = B
70 -79% = C
60 – 69% = D
0 – 59% = F

Sample Grading Scale
90 -100% = A
80 – 89% = B
75 – 79% = C
70 – 74% = D
0 – 69% = F

Homeschool Grading Tips

Stay Organized

Both teacher and students should keep a daily planner or use a calendar app to keep track of learning goals and accomplishments. Keeping track of the students’ learning and assignments helps you stay on target and provides a record of your hard work. Have fun with it! Make it a tradition for each child to pick out or to make a planner at the beginning of each school year. Let them decorate it with stickers, drawings, favorite quotes, or anything that motivates them. Dream big as you set goals at the beginning of the year, and feel the sense of accomplishment as you reach each one.

Create a Rewards System

Whether you have younger students or older students, kids respond well to rewards. Younger students will do almost anything for the privilege of choosing something from the prize box. Fill a prize box with bouncy balls, fun erasers, small rubber duckies, or anything you think will appeal to your students. You don’t have to break the bank to find prizes your kids will love. Older kids need a different set of rewards. They are motivated by experiences. Extra video game time, a Youtube break (channels must be approved by you!), or a trip to the skate park tend to work well for ‘tweens and teens. Reward your students for their hard work and/or good behavior to keep them focused on their goals.

Grade as Teacher

When you’re wearing your “teacher hat,” it can be difficult to put aside your parental emotions. You must maintain objectivity when you are grading assignments. Students need your honesty in order to improve. Provide accurate assessments of their work so that they build the necessary academic skills. That doesn’t mean you can’t also praise their effort as you offer constructive criticism and maintain high standards.

Consider a Grading Service for Difficult Subjects

Just like students, homeschool teachers have their own strengths and weaknesses. If the thought of evaluating your students’ writing gives you anxiety, you might consider choosing a curriculum that offers a grading service. That way your child will get the detailed feedback he or she needs to improve, and you will get more time to focus on planning quality lessons. Some homeschool teachers find that their teens respond better to writing coaching that comes from an outside source instead of their parents.