Top 10 Posts and Resources for Learning About Homeschooling

I have been homeschooling for close to 17 years now. I guess I am what you would call a veteran homeschooler, though I don’t feel like it. I feel like I am learning new things and changing up methods, styles and using different curricula and books every couple of years or so. I remember when I was a young mom and decided to homeschool. I was so nervous and there weren’t a lot of blog posts and resources available on the topic. 

I was fortunate to have a few friends who homeschooled their children and they were able to mentor me and help me decide what would work best for us. Unfortunately, 17 years ago there were only a few curriculum companies that had box sets so we trucked through those and did a lot of our own hands-on activities, field trips and fun crafts to accompany our homeschooling. We did lots of library trips and read lots and lots of books. We also watched a lot of Veggie Tales!

Fast forward to today, I have graduated one child, have another entering high school, one in middle school and an 8 year old. I am blown away by all of the choices and opportunities that are now available. I have spent weeks scouring for information and researching new curricula for my youngest. It’s so exciting to see how things are continuing to change, and content is being created to make our jobs as homeschool moms so much easier. 

If you are brand new to homeschooling CONGRATULATIONS! You are homeschooling in such a wonderful day and age with so many resources right at your fingertips. I have compiled some Top Ten posts and resources to help you get started on your homeschooling journey.

Here are the Top 10 Posts and Resources we have found to help you learn about homeschooling:

1. HSLDA – Home School Legal Defense Association

The HSLDA is an association created by two homeschool dad attorneys who wanted to make sure that homeschooling families were protected and that they could obtain legal advice and legal defense at an affordable rate. They have many articles that can help you begin homeschooling. Here are some of great ones to start with:

Homeschooling: Getting Started

Homeschool Laws By State – click your state on the map for the detailed laws.

2. 6 Steps to Get Started with Homeschooling – The Homeschool Mom

Read about the 6 different steps to help you to get started with your homeschooling.

You can also get a Quick Start Guide to Homeschooling HERE.

3. How to Start Homeschooling in 4 Easy Steps – Smart Mom at Home

This is another complete guide to everything you need to know for the beginner homeschooler.

4. Homeschooling the Middle Years – The Modest Mom Blog

Homeschooling upper grades can be really scary, but they don’t have to be. In this article, Caroline discusses how to homeschoole the middle school years, and how it can help you prepare for the high school years.

5. Homeschool Basics – Tips and Helps for Homeschool Families  – Homeschool Creations

How to get started homeschooling, how to choose homeschool curriculum, how to do homeschool testing and homeschool planning and organization tips.

6. Homeschool 101 – Raising Royalty

If you are getting ready to pull your children out of school to homeschool them for the first time here are the Laws, Rules, and Requirements you need to know to begin homeschooling. There are lots of tips for Canada, and the UK too!

7. 20 Things You Need to Homeschool Your Child of Any Age – Homeschool Game School

Homeschooling is fun and uplifting, and also stressful and exhausting. What exactly do you need to homeschool your child no matter their age? Find out more from a veteran homeschooler.

8. Getting Started in Homeschooling – Life as Mom

This is a series that covers how to get started in homeschooling, what you need to do to prepare and what you need to get started. There are also posts on different curriculum choices and what books worked best for her family. She also covers challenges and thoughts on homeschooling.

9. Where to Start Homeschooling – Homeschool How To

Homeschool How To walks you through the steps that you need to know to start homeschooling. They also include easy tips on how to homeschool as well as a free downloadable guide with everything you need to know to homeschool from a veteran homeschool mom.

10. Cathy Duffy Reviews

Cathy Duffy is the most well know curriculum specialist around. She researches curriculum and homeschool methods for all grade levels. Her website has curriculum reviews for every subject and she has articles on homeschool how to’s, parent helps, different approaches to education and so much more. She has narrowed all of her recommendations down to 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum that has been very helpful for new homeschoolers:

102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum

 

Here are some of our own How to Homeschool posts you will find very helpful:

How to Homeschool in a Tiny Space Without a Designated Homeschool Room

How to Homeschool and Work from Home

How to Homeschool High Energy Boys Who Can’t Sit Still

How to Homeschool With Online Classes for Teens

Curriculum Buying and Planning Checklists and Resources