Is Homeschooling the right choice?
Homeschool FAQs
You have choices when it comes to your child’s education, and homeschooling offers the opportunity for families to actively shape their learning experience. It can feel like a significant decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With over 30 years of experience in the homeschool community, Maria and Nicole are here to guide you on this new adventure. Learn from their years of experience with 10 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Homeschooling.
BTDT Homeschool was created with a heartfelt mission: to empower and give back to the secular homeschool community. We believe in equipping you with valuable resources to make your homeschooling experience successful and enjoyable.
Whether you’re just starting to explore homeschooling, have recently begun, or are looking to enhance your homeschooling knowledge, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. We understand that you have important questions, and our goal is to provide you with answers through our informative PODCASTS, BLOG, daily inspiration on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM, and our FREE RESOURCES!
Embracing Natural Curiosity
One of the joys of homeschooling is nurturing a lifelong love of learning in our children. Naturally curious, children are always eager to explore and understand the world around them. Fostering this curiosity is at the heart of our homeschooling philosophy.
In our homeschool, we strive to Create a Learning Lifestyle where curiosity thrives, where our children are encouraged to ask questions, explore their interests, and embrace the joy of learning. Lifelong learning extends beyond the classroom and a rigid curriculum. It’s about equipping our children with life skills to ask questions and seek out answers.
When our kids show interest in a particular topic, we dive into it together, exploring it from different angles and encouraging their curiosity to flourish. Unit Studies are one of our favorite ways to do this. Unstructured time is also crucial for their growth, allowing moments of quiet reflection and independent thinking. Are you ready for this incredible adventure of lifelong discovery and learning? We can help you create a vibrant homeschool lifestyle that nurtures and inspires! If you are feeling apprehensive about this exciting step, learn ways to Find Confidence to Homeschool.
Shifting the way we see education
What is a Homeschool Lifestyle?
Whether you are just starting or have been homeschooling for many years, there is so much value in reading books about homeschooling. Even as seasoned homeschoolers, we have our favorite books that we often reread every year to get re-inspired and motivated for the upcoming school year. Don’t miss our Top 10 Books Every Homeschooler Should Read.
Whatever your reason for choosing to homeschool and wherever you are on your journey, we’re here to support you. We have guidance for you:
Withdrawing Your Child from a School
You know your child better than anyone else—better than teachers, administrators, or experts. You have an incredible understanding of what makes them happy, what frustrates them, and what truly ignites their passion. Trust your instincts when making educational decisions for your child.
Instilling a Love for Reading
Reading opens doors to endless learning possibilities. By instilling a love of reading from an early age, we unlock so much knowledge and imagination. Reading aloud not only exposes our children to the joy of storytelling but also creates lasting memories of shared experiences. Check out our Top 50 Books for New Readers. Even if you have a middle schooler who doesn’t enjoy reading, we have some great Ways To Get Middler Schoolers to Love Reading. If you have a brand new reader and don’t know where to start, Episode 015, How Do You Teach Your Child How to Read walks you through reading readiness, lessons, and more.
We are here to support you every step of the way! Are you ready for this incredible adventure of lifelong discovery and learning? We can help you create a vibrant homeschool lifestyle that nurtures and inspires!
BTDT Homeschool Podcast
Latest Episode:
- 070. Redefining Normal: Embracing Homeschooling
Choosing to homeschool can make the future seem vastly different from what we had imagined. We’re sharing valuable tips on how to help redefine your family’s new “normal,” and fully embrace the rewarding journey of homeschooling. Freebies!
Quick Clickable Guide:
10 STEPS TO HOMESCHOOL:
Step 1:
Homeschooling is Legal in all 50 states. However, the rules governing how, what, and when to teach are set at the state level. In order to remain in compliance with homeschool laws, you need to understand the regulations in place for your state. Click HERE to Look Up Your State. Familiarize yourself with the specific homeschooling regulations in your state. No, you don’t need to join HSLDA!
Step 2:
Communicate with your child’s current school: If your child is already enrolled in a school, inform them of your decision to homeschool. Follow any necessary procedures for withdrawal by reaching out to their school administration (View Your State Requirements). Many require a withdrawal letter (Sample Withdrawal Letters).
Step 3:
If your child was previously in a traditional school setting, it is crucial to allow for an adjustment period known as De-Schooling. This time allows both you and your child to transition into the homeschooling lifestyle and set the stage for a successful outcome. Don’t Skip this crucial step after withdrawing your child!
Step 4:
Do not rush into buying curriculum—this is the most common mistake new homeschoolers make. Instead, take time to figure out your Homeschooling Philosophy, considering both your child’s learning style and your teaching style. This step is crucial and can be the difference between making learning fun or a stressful experience for both of you. Remember, homeschooling doesn’t have to look like government school.
Step 5:
Educate yourself! Start reading and learning. View the TOP 10 Books Every Homeschooler Should Read to help explore your family’s approach and get valuable insights and inspiration as you get started. Determine your Homeschool Style and Approach exploring different approaches like unschooling, classical education, Charlotte Mason, and Montessori.
Step 6:
Connect with Your Community: Building a community of like-minded homeschoolers is essential. Seek out local homeschooling groups or online communities to connect with and learn from others who have experience in homeschooling. Learn why Socialization is One of the Biggest Myths of Homeschooling.
Step 7:
Find curriculum and other resources: Research and select curriculum materials, supplies, lesson plans, Field Trips, and online courses that align with your educational goals, budget, and your child’s needs. Stay tuned as we will provide book reviews, curriculum unboxing. and more! View the Top 25 Homeschool Essentials List and peek inside our homeschool room over the years. You can also dowload Free Planner Templates.
Step 8:
Establish a Schedule, Routine, and Rhythm: Create a schedule that works for your family, considering each member’s priorities. Establishing a routine and rhythm can bring structure and consistency to your homeschooling experience.
Step 9:
A Family Affair: Recognize that homeschooling involves the entire family. Ensure that each family member’s needs are met and find ways to create harmony among multi-age children. It’s also important to learn how to balance all the demands on you and to avoid burnout. See more about this in Finding Balance in Your Home and Homeschool.
Step 10:
Learn and grow together: Embrace a Homeschooling Lifestyle to grow and learn together as a continuous evolving journey for both you and your children. Foster their curiosity, encourage lifelong learning, and be open to adapting your approach when necessary.
How To Get Started In Homeschooling:
Each page is full of FREE resources and podcast episode that details everything you need to know:
Advantages & Disadvantages
-Homeschool Advantages and Disadvantages
-Can I homeschool in my state?
-How do I withdraw my child from public school? What is “deschooling?”
Deschooling 101
If you are withdrawing your child from a school environment, do not skip this step!
-What is Deschooling?
-Should I Deschool?
-How Do I Deschool? List of 90 Deschool Ideas! to keep on learning during this time.
Download your FREE Complete List of 100 Ways to SOCIALIZE Your Homeschooler!
What is your Homeschool Style and Philosophy?
How To Find Your People and Make Homeschool Connections
7 Steps to Choosing Curriculum: There are a lot of things to consider when deciding what to use. Don’t waste time and money on curricula that doesn’t work for your family. By following the 7 STEPS that we lay out for you, you will be able to find exactly what works for you to set your homeschool up for success. Curriculum Guide>>
Are you feeling lost and scattered? Organize your day by finding the best Schedule, Routine & Rhythm for your family.
Are you Struggling With Family? Balancing multi-age kids or needing family support?
It’s finally your First Day of Homeschool! How do I start my first lesson? Find out how to begin and keep your kids excited!
Ages 3-10
Each page is full of FREE resources and podcast episode that details everything you need to know:
What Should Your Preschooler Know?
-When should I start homeschooling?
-What age should my child learn to read?
-What curriculum do I need?
How Do You Homeschool Kindergarten?
-How do you begin?
-What does my Kindergartener Need to Know?
-What does a day in the life of a homeschool Kindergartener look like?
-What curriculum should I use for my Kindergartener?
How Do You Teach Your Child To Read?
-When is my child ready to read?
-What curriculum should I use?
-Can I teach reading with games?
Special Needs
This page is full of FREE resources and podcast episode that details everything you need to know:
How Do You Homeschool a Child with a Learning Difference?
-What are the most common learning disabilities?
-How do I homeschool a child with a learning disability?
-Will having a special need hold my child back?
Ages 11-14
How Do You Prepare a Middle Schooler for High School?
What does your middle schooler need to know?
How do you deal with sibling growing pains?
How do you motivate your middle schooler?
How to teach Health and Sex Ed
Instilling a love for reading in your Middle Schooler
Ages 14-19
Our High School Series is full of FREE resources and podcast episodes that detail everything you need to know from making a 4-year plan to graduation and beyond:
You CAN do this!
Recent BLOG Posts
- Free Unit Study: The Fibonacci Sequence Lesson PlanExplore math’s beauty with our FREE Fibonacci Sequence Lesson. Hands-on activities that connect math to nature, art, music, and poetry!
- Homeschool Music: Free Virtual Sheet MusicIn episode .048, we talked about the Importance of Incorporating Art and Music into your Homeschool Curriculum. Today, we want to introduce you to an awesome resource for your music education: FREE Sheet Music
- Black History & Stories in Your Homeschool Pre-K-12thLearn about Achievements and History of Black Americans in your homeschool by snuggling up with some great books!
- Unit Study IdeasUnit Studies can open up a world of possibilities, allowing you to follow your child’s interests and curiosities wherever they may lead. See our extensive list of Unit Study Ideas
get your FREE Unit Study Template - The Ultimate Homeschool Museum Tours: 30 Virtual Museums to ExploreDiscover a world of wonders without leaving your home! Explore the 30 most captivating online museums and elevate your homeschooling experience to new heights.
