You have choices when it comes to your child’s education. Is Homeschooling the right choice for your family?
Homeschool FAQs>>
Homeschooling is an excellent choice for families who want to actively shape their children’s education. While it may feel like a significant decision, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Every family is unique, and it’s important to make educational choices that align with your values and goals. Homeschooling offers a flexible and personalized approach to learning.
With our extensive experience of over 30 years in the secular homeschool community, Maria and Nicole are here to be your trusted guides on this new adventure. Learn from our years of experience, 10 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Homeschooling>>
Whether you’re just starting to explore homeschooling, have recently begun, or are seeking 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 primary objective is to provide you with the answers you need. Through our informative podcasts, blog posts, daily inspiration, and a wide range of free printable tools, we aim to empower and assist you on your homeschooling journey. We believe in equipping you with valuable resources to make your homeschooling experience successful and enjoyable.
GREAT NEWS!
Homeschooling is Legal in all 50 states
Click HERE to Look Up Your State Law
Nurture Curiosity and a Love for Reading in your Homeschool
One of the joys of homeschooling is nurturing a lifelong love of learning in our children. They are naturally curious beings, always eager to explore and understand the world around them. For us, fostering curiosity is at the heart of our homeschooling journey.
Lifelong learning goes beyond the classroom and following a rigid curriculum. It’s about equipping our children with the 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.
Shifting the way we see education
What is a Homeschool Lifestyle?
Unstructured time is also crucial for their growth. Allowing them moments of quiet reflection and independent thinking helps their ideas take shape. It’s during these times that their thoughts begin to form, waiting to be shared.
And let’s not forget the magic of reading! Reading opens doors to endless learning possibilities. By instilling a love of reading from an early age, we unlock a treasure trove of knowledge and imagination. Reading aloud not only exposes our children to the joy of storytelling but also creates lasting memories of shared experiences. See our early reader favorites and our favorite middle school books.
In our homeschool, we strive to create an environment where curiosity thrives, where our children are encouraged to ask questions, explore their interests, and embrace the joy of reading. 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
New Episode every Thursday!
Latest Episode:
- 048. Music and Art in Your Homeschool
The study of great works of art, the listening to uplifting pieces of music, and the freedom to be creative in any subject can enrich your children’s lives! Download 2 FREEBIES THIS WEEK:Songwriter Book and Music Note Lesson & Composition
Apple – Spotify – Google Play – Amazon – Others
It doesn’t matter where you are on your homeschooling path, we have guidance for you! Whether you are a:
NEW PRESCHOOLER
PULLING YOUR CHILD FROM A SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
PREPARING FOR COLLEGE, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, OR THE JOB MARKET
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. You’re familiar with their quirks, their unique talents, and their individual journey. You have an innate sense of what is best for your child.
So, when it comes to making educational decisions for your child, trust your instincts. You have the power to choose the path that suits them best, whether it’s full-time homeschooling, a combination of homeschooling and traditional school, or transitioning from homeschooling to formal education later on. Embrace this opportunity with confidence and know that your love and understanding will guide you to make the right choice for your child’s unique journey.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for daily tips and inspiration:
Whether you are just starting or thinking about starting to homeschool or you have been homeschooling for many years already, there is so much value in reading books about homeschooling. Even as old-hands, we have a couple favorite books that we often reread every year just to get re-inspired and motivated for the upcoming school year
Our Top 10 Books Every Homeschooler Should Read>>
BTDT Homeshool Lesson Planner & Ultimate Organizer is an essential tool for every homeschooling family! This 187-page planner is all about tailoring it to your unique needs and making your homeschooling journey a breeze. See A Video Walk Through>>
Quick Clickable Guide:
10 STEPS TO HOMESCHOOL:
- Understand your state’s homeschooling laws: Familiarize yourself with the specific homeschooling regulations in your state as they can vary.
- 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, and we can provide sample withdrawal letters to assist you.
- Begin a “De-Schooling” period: 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!
- Determine your family’s homeschooling philosophy: Take time to establish your homeschooling philosophy, considering your child’s learning style and your teaching style. This will help shape your approach to homeschooling.
- Choose your homeschooling approach: Explore different approaches like unschooling, classical education, or Montessori. We recommend reading the book “BRAVE LEARNER” by Julie Bogart for valuable insights.
- Connect with other homeschoolers: 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- Maintain balance within your family: Recognize that homeschooling involves the whole family. Ensure that each family member’s needs are met and find ways to create harmony among multi-age children.
- Learn and grow together: Embrace the homeschooling lifestyle as a continuous learning journey for both you and your children. Foster their curiosity, encourage lifelong learning, and be open to adapting your approach when necessary.
We have tons of FREE RESOURCES you can instantly download:
How To Get Started In Homeschooling:
Each page is full of FREE resources and podcast episode that details everything you need to know:
How To Get Started
-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? Be sure to download the FREE Deschool Ideas List!
Homeschool Styles and Philosophies
-How to identify your world view?
-What are the different homeschool philosophies?
-How to identify your child’s learning style?
How To Find Your People
-What are co-ops, university model and micro-schools?
-How to find support?
-How to start your own group?
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>>
Schedules, Routines & Rhythms
-What’s the difference between schedules, routines & rhythms?
-How do I organize the day?
-What are some different planning methods?
All About Family
-How do you balance multi-age students?
-How do you encourage strong sibling relationships?
-How do you encourage extended family support?
First Day of Homeschoo1!
-How do you celebrate your first day of homeschool?
-What are some “NOT Back to School” traditions?
-How do you start your first lesson?
YOUNGER CHILDREN
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 Disability?
-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?
MIDDLE YEARS
This page is full of FREE resources and podcast episode that details everything you need to know:
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?
HIGH SCHOOL
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
- Outschool: What is it and should I use it in my homeschool?Outschool is an education platform that connects teachers of any subject with students around the world for a variety of engaging small-group classes online. It can be a huge time saver and opportunity in your homeschool!
- Making a Jell-O CellFREE Cell Pack!
Create an edible cell model with your children to help them understand the structure of cells in a fun and hands-on way!
- The Bittersweet Beauty of Homeschooling: From Little Feet to Flying WingsAs I reflect on our homeschooling journey, I realize how profoundly it has shaped our lives and the special connection we share. I often find myself longing for the days when their little feet would patter down the hallway and they would jump into my bed for morning snuggles.
- Free Audiobooks for KidsTrying to prep dinner or working one on one with another child? A good audiobook for your kids can give you the space to get things done! Audiobooks are a fantastic way to entertain your kids with classic and modern stories, introduce them to historical periods and situations that are different from their own, and help them practice listening comprehension.
- Homeschooling FAQ GuideHomeschooling FAQ Guide
We answer some of the most common questions as you consider or are ready to homeschool your children. You’re not alone!
