How to Start Homeschooling Research: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Embarking on the homeschooling journey can feel like stepping into a new world full of possibilities—and a few unknowns. If you’re just starting, the research phase is one of the most exciting yet overwhelming parts of the process. The good news is that you don’t have to have everything figured out right away. In fact, learning about homeschooling is part of the adventure! So, how do you begin?

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to researching homeschooling in a way that’s manageable, fun, and—yes—actually enjoyable.

Step 1: Start with the Basics

Before diving into specific methods, styles, or resources, get familiar with the core concepts of homeschooling. At its heart, homeschooling is simply educating your child outside of the traditional school setting. But what does that actually look like?

• What laws apply in your state or country?
• What is required for homeschooling in your area?
• What are the benefits of homeschooling, and what challenges might you face?

Pro Tip: Check out your state or country’s homeschooling legal guidelines before diving in. Laws can vary, so understanding the legal requirements for your area can save you time and stress later.

Reading books, articles, or blogs like this one can help you start to get the lay of the land. A few great starting points include websites like the HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) and local homeschooling groups or co-ops. These places will give you the lowdown on legal requirements and practical tips for getting started.

Step 2: Understand the Different Homeschooling Methods

One of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of homeschooling is choosing a method that suits your family. Here are some of the most popular homeschooling methods to consider:

• Classical Education – Focuses on the Trivium (Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric) and emphasizes a structured, academic approach.
• Charlotte Mason – Emphasizes nature, literature, and hands-on learning with a focus on character building.
• Montessori – Focuses on self-directed learning, with an emphasis on hands-on activities and sensory exploration.
• Unschooling – Encourages learning through life experiences and child-directed activities, focusing on organic exploration rather than structured curriculum.
• Eclectic/Relaxed Homeschooling – A mix of different methods based on your child’s needs and your family’s lifestyle.

Pro Tip: Don’t feel like you have to choose one method right away! Many families mix methods, and that’s okay. Keep it flexible and adapt as you discover what works best for you and your child or children.

Step 3: Explore Homeschooling Resources

Once you have a better understanding of the basics and methods, it’s time to explore the resources available to you. Here are some key resources to consider:

• Curriculum Providers: There are endless options for homeschooling curricula. Some popular ones include Explode the Code, The Good and the Beautiful, and and Time4Learning.
• Books: Many homeschooling parents recommend books like The Well-Trained Mind, The Unhurried Homeschooler, or Homeschooling Bravely (religous), or Teaching from Rest (religious) to help you build a solid foundation.
• Online Courses: Websites like Khan Academy and Outschool offer online classes that can supplement your homeschool plan.
• Homeschool Co-ops and Groups: Local and online groups can offer advice, resources, and community support.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of free resources before committing to a paid curriculum. Websites like Khan Academy and YouTube offer excellent content at no cost, so you can test out different subjects and methods before investing.

Step 4: Connect with Other Homeschoolers

One of the most valuable resources during your research phase will be other homeschooling families. Find local groups, online forums, or Facebook communities where you can ask questions, share experiences, and get advice. Connecting with others who are already on the homeschooling path will provide you with practical insights that can’t be found in books or articles alone.

You can also look for YouTube channels and podcasts where experienced homeschoolers share tips and stories about their journeys. YouTube videos in particular can give you a window into real homeschool days and help you see what homeschooling looks like in practice.

Pro Tip: Be sure to join a Facebook or local homeschool group that focuses on beginner homeschooling tips. Many seasoned homeschoolers are eager to share advice, and the community support will be invaluable as you get started.

Step 5: Make a Plan

After gathering all your information, it’s time to make a plan. Set some realistic expectations about how homeschooling will work in your home. Consider factors like:

• Daily schedule: How many hours will you devote to homeschooling each day?
• Subjects: What subjects will you cover? Do you want a broad, well-rounded curriculum or a more focused approach?
• Goals: What do you hope to achieve with homeschooling? Are you focused on academic success, life skills, or both?

Once you’ve thought through your plan, it’s time to begin laying out the specifics.

Pro Tip: Start with a flexible schedule. Things don’t always go as planned, and homeschooling is no exception. Having a plan is great, but being willing to adjust will help reduce stress and keep things running smoothly.

Step 6: Choose Your First Year Curriculum

Curriculum selection can be one of the most daunting parts of homeschooling, especially for beginners. Here’s how to break it down:

1. Research a few options: Read reviews, watch curriculum walkthroughs, and talk to other homeschoolers.
2. Test it out: Many companies offer free samples or trial versions of their curricula.
3. Choose what works for you: Choose a curriculum that fits your child’s learning style, your teaching style, and your family’s lifestyle. Don’t worry about getting it perfect—this is a trial and error process.

Pro Tip: Start with core subjects like math, language arts, and science, then add in enrichment subjects (like art, music, or foreign languages) later. This keeps things manageable for your first year.

Step 7: Start Small and Don’t Overwhelm Yourself

When you first start homeschooling, it’s easy to try to do everything at once, especially with all the resources and possibilities available. But keep it simple at first. Don’t feel like you need to have an elaborate schedule or be on top of every subject right from the get-go.

Start with a few core subjects, like math and language arts, and add in a fun activity like art, nature walks, or read-aloud time. Ease into it and give yourself the grace to learn as you go.

Pro Tip: Focus on building routines instead of worrying about doing everything perfectly. Routines will help you and your child settle into a rhythm that works for your family.

Step 8: Give Yourself Permission to Grow and Make Mistakes Along the Way

Homeschooling isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly from the start. Give yourself permission to grow as a homeschooling parent and to make mistakes along the way.

Every homeschooler, whether they’re in their first year or their tenth, learns and adjusts as they go. It’s all part of the process! If something doesn’t work out, don’t beat yourself up — just take note of what didn’t work and try something else. Growth happens through trial, error, and reflection.

By giving yourself space to grow, you’ll set a positive example for your kids, too, showing them that mistakes are opportunities for learning, not something to be feared. Homeschooling is a journey, not a race. Be kind to yourself and trust the process.

Pro Tip: Embrace trial and error. The first few months will be about figuring out what works for your family. Don’t worry about doing it perfectly!

Step 9: Reflect and Adjust

After a few weeks or months, reflect on how things are going. Is the curriculum working for your family? Is your daily schedule sustainable? Are your kids enjoying the learning process?

Don’t be afraid to adjust your approach. Homeschooling is flexible, and you can always change things if they’re not working. Keep what works, and let go of what doesn’t.

Step 10: Keep Growing and Connecting

As you continue your homeschool journey, keep learning and growing. The beauty of homeschooling is that you can always adapt and adjust to meet the needs of your family.

Continue to connect with other homeschoolers, stay up-to-date with the latest resources, and keep expanding your knowledge base. Over time, you’ll feel more confident in your role as a homeschool teacher—and you’ll see your kids thriving in the process!

Final Thoughts

Researching homeschooling can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking things one step at a time, connecting with others, and allowing yourself the grace to grow, you’ll create a homeschool experience that works for your family.

Remember, you’ve got this! Take a deep breath, enjoy the journey, and trust yourself. You’re already on the right path.