Common questions and concerns answered for anyone asking about the homeschool basics…

Can my children learn without me present?

Yes and no. While you can’t completely automate parenting and homeschooling, you can definitely set up parameters that allows you flexibility in time.

• Do online schooling for most subjects.
• Do all in one curriculum like Sonlight or other all in one programs.
• Do school 3 or 4 days a week or just weekends when you are available to check in.
• Use checklists to have regular check-ins and accountability.

Do I need to use a specific textbook or curriculum?

No, you do not need one specific textbook or curriculum to teach. However, you do need to research your state requirements so you know what subjects that you MUST teach at some point.

• You can use any curriculum that fits your needs.
• Decide what your child’s interests are and what your goals are and then decide.
• Decide what homeschool method you want to pursue – do you want structured or flexible etc.
• Top Curriculum picks
• Top free curriculum resources

Can I homeschool on a different schedule?

Yes. You can homeschool everywhere and anywhere. Homeschooling is learning at home. Anything can become a lesson in learning and this provides families with any schedule a chance to learn together.

• You can do block learning (certain subjects each unit for 6-8 weeks – like Charlotte Mason)
• You can homeschool on weekends.
• You can alternate weeks (maybe a divorced or single parent family)
• You can learn 3 or 4 days a week (you have busy weekends)
• You can homeschool during nights not days (you work 9-5 or work from home)
• You can homeschool in the car or RV
• You can homeschool year round.

How much time does my child need for school?

Your child will have certain requirements per state. It differs from state to state but the goal is to know the basics of requirements and to keep organized and track of the subjects and time.

• Check out requirements on HSLDA.
• Research your local state school standards and main subjects taught.
• Find programs and organizers to keep track of your school grades.
• Find out graduation requirements for your highschooler.

How do you organize and keep track of school?

• Decide how to keep track of hours, subjects and grades.
• Organize the texts and worksheets with binders, shelving and more.
• Decide pacing and necessity of materials both texts, worksheets, experiments, craft materials and more.
• Get a system going – whether it’s a room, the kitchen table or just a floor. Have a space to work and spread out, where to put books away and how to get teaching accomplished.

Whether you are a family just starting to homeschool or a grandparent trying to help…these are fair questions to ask and concerns to have. It’s important to get informed, research and ask questions. I was happy to answer a co-worker’s questions about her granddaughter.

My co-worker just wanted to know what was happening and where to start. If you aren’t familiar with homeschooling, it’s okay to ask others for ideas and help. Any homeschool family will tell you – they LOVE to talk shop on homeschooling. So dive in and ask. Anyone can homeschool.