Whether you’re pulling your child out of public school or just starting your homeschool journey from scratch, I want you to know this: you’re not alone. When I first started homeschooling, I was excited, but I also had no idea what I was doing. I knew I wanted to give my kids a more meaningful, flexible, and family-centered education, but I was overwhelmed by all the information out there.
If you’re feeling the same way—confused, nervous, and asking yourself, “Can I really do this?”—then this post is for you. I’m going to walk you through the exact steps I wish I had known when I got started. No fluff, just clear, honest guidance.
Step 1: Get Clear on Why You’re Homeschooling
Before diving into curriculum or planners, take a moment to really reflect on why you want to homeschool. Your “why” is what will carry you through the tough days and help guide your decisions along the way.
Is it because your child wasn’t thriving in traditional school? Are you craving more family time? Is faith, flexibility, or freedom a priority?
Write your reasons down and keep them somewhere visible—this will become your anchor.
Step 2: Know Your State’s Homeschool Laws
This is the not-so-fun but very important part: every U.S. state has different homeschooling laws. Some states are super relaxed, while others require more documentation or standardized testing.
The best way to check your local requirements is to visit hslda.org/legal and look up your state. You’ll find exactly what’s expected of you—from filing intent to homeschool to recordkeeping and assessments.
Tip: Don’t overthink this part. Once you read your state’s rules a few times, it’ll start to make sense!
Step 3: Choose Your Homeschooling Method (Don’t Panic!)
This is where many new homeschoolers get stuck, but I promise—you don’t have to have it all figured out right now.
There are several popular homeschooling styles, including:
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Traditional (textbooks and structured schedule)
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Charlotte Mason (literature-based and gentle)
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Classical (logic and memorization heavy)
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Unit Studies (thematic, hands-on learning)
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Unschooling (child-led and relaxed)
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Eclectic (a little of everything)
If you’re not sure, start with what feels natural to your family and be open to adjusting. Most of us evolve our style over time.
Step 4: Pick a Curriculum or Create Your Own
Once you understand your style, you can either buy a complete curriculum or piece one together yourself. Here’s a simple way to think about it:
You don’t have to buy everything at once either. Start with core subjects:
🟢 Reading
🟢 Math
🟢 Writing
🟢 Science
🟢 History
There are free and paid options depending on your budget. I actually wrote a whole post on Free Homeschool Curriculum Options for Every Grade that you can check out if you need ideas.
Step 5: Set a Routine That Works for Your Family
The beauty of homeschooling is that it doesn’t have to look like public school. You can homeschool in the morning, afternoon, or even in the evening—whatever fits your family’s rhythm.
Some families love a set daily schedule, while others follow a more flexible weekly routine. You’ll figure out what works as you go. It’s okay to experiment!
Start simple. Aim for a few focused hours a day and build from there.
Step 6: Prepare Your Space (It Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy)
You don’t need a homeschool room or Pinterest-perfect setup. A dining table, a bookshelf, a bin of supplies, and a comfy couch can be more than enough.
That said, it helps to have:
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A basket for daily books and materials
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A calendar or wall chart
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Storage for craft or science supplies
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A quiet corner for reading
Make it feel inviting, not overwhelming.
Step 7: Gather Support & Stay Encouraged
Homeschooling can feel lonely at first, so it’s important to find support—whether online or in-person.
Some places to look:
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Facebook homeschool groups
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Local homeschool co-ops or meetups
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YouTube channels or blogs (like mine!)
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Pinterest for ideas and inspiration
You don’t have to do this alone. I’ve found so much encouragement just talking to other homeschool moms.
Step 8: Avoid Burnout by Starting Simple
When I started, I wanted to do everything. I over planned. I bought too much. And I nearly burned out in the first month.
Take my advice: start small.
Begin with the basics. You can always add more later. Your child doesn’t need 8 subjects and 12 workbooks right now. They need connection, curiosity, and confidence.
Bonus: My Secret Weapon When I Was Starting Out
I created something I wish I had when I first started—an all-in-one kit that walks you through the beginning steps and helps you stay organized as a new homeschooler.
The Ultimate Homeschool Starter Kit is packed with everything I used to get clear, organized, and confident.
It includes:
✅ Homeschool vision board (for parents + kids)
✅ Weekly lesson planners
✅ Curriculum overview + planning sheets
✅ Co-op & field trip logs
✅ Homeschool budget tracker
✅ Charlotte’s Web unit study
✅ Inspirational bookmarks
✅ Seasonal learning pack
✅ Printable wall art
… and so much more!
It’s everything you need to kickstart your journey in one easy download.
👉 Grab the kit here and start homeschooling with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Starting homeschooling when you have no idea where to begin can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Take one step at a time. Trust your instincts. And remember that the best part of homeschooling is the freedom to grow alongside your kids.
You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to start.
If you found this post helpful, please share it with another mama who needs encouragement. 💛 And don’t forget to check out the Homeschool Starter Kit—it really does make all the difference when you’re starting fresh.
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.~With love,
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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