How to Start Homeschooling Checklist for Military Families

Episode #9- How to Start Homeschooling Checklist for Military Families

If you’re a military parent considering homeschooling your child, you’re not alone. But, sometimes, the hardest part of the homeschooling journey is taking the first step. Crystal Niehoff goes over six easy steps to help you get started in the right direction.

If you’re a parent thinking about homeschooling your military child, you’re not alone. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, there are an estimated 3.7 million homeschooled students in the United States. This represents 6-7% of the general population of school-age children.

This number then rises dramatically among military families. The Blue Star Families 2021 Military Family Lifestyle Survey reports, “Continuing a trend . . . there are elevated numbers of active-duty family respondents (13%) who choose to homeschool their children; nearly 2-4 times the proportion of children ages 5-17 homeschooled in the general U.S. population.”

So, you’ve decided that homeschooling is right for your family, but taking the plunge feels overwhelming and even a bit scary. When tackling a task that feels overwhelming, I ask myself this- “How do you eat an elephant?” One bite at a time, right?! So let’s break it down into manageable chunks. Here’s your . . .

How to Start Homeschooling Checklist:

Step #1) Talk with your spouse to make they are on board with homeschooling first. Homeschooling is a big decision, so you’ll want to be sure you and your spouse are on the same page.

Step #2) Find out the legal requirements for homeschooling in your area. Laws vary from state to state and even from school district to school district, so it’s important that you do your research. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is an excellent resource

Step #3) Research your options.

Determine your homeschool style

1. Traditional
2. Student-Led/ Delight Directed/ Self-Study Learning
3. The Classical Approach
4. Charlotte Mason Method

Choose Curriculum

So, how do you decide?

Ask yourself these questions . . .
- Does this program/curriculum fit with what . . .
- Our family can afford?
- The homeschooling style/ method we’ve chosen?
- Our family values?
- Will it fit into our family schedule and lifestyle?
Also, consider the learning needs of your child.
Don’t forget to consider what YOUR teaching style or preference is.

Step #4) Devise a flexible homeschool schedule. The key word here is flexible.

Step #5) Find a support system.

1. Talk to other homeschooling families.
2. Join a homeschool group or co-op
3. Connect with other homeschooling families on social media.

Step #6) Check out homeschool curriculum fairs and attend a homeschool conference.

This How to Start Homeschooling Checklist will help you get off to a great start!

“We learn to do something by doing it. There is no other way.” -John Holt, educational theorist and supporter of school reform

Remember- the hardest part is getting started, and the ONLY way to start your homeschooling journey is to take the first step!

Resources:

Join Crystal and her guests each week as they bring relevant information to equip you, stories to encourage you, and content to inspire you. You don’t have to go it alone, tune in to the Military Homeschool Podcast, and be energized in your military homeschooling journey!

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Got questions, comments, or have show topic ideas? Contact Crystal via email at militaryhomeschoolpodcast@gmail.com or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Please subscribe, follow, and share with all of your military homeschooling friends!