Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool

Transitioning from public school to homeschool does not need to be scary. Take it from a former fearful newbie.

When I first started toying with the idea of homeschooling, I gave myself a little eye roll. Having only attended public and private school in my youth, I had no point of reference.

I really pictured awkward children with even more awkward parents based on whatever stereotype that I had allowed into my mind. Is that what you pictured?

If you’re interested in transitioning from public school to homeschool, now is such a great time! Not only are there more resources, reserach, and information than ever before, we see a transformation of more positive stereotypes of homeschooling based on reality.

This post is all about how to transition from public school to homeschool.

Transitioning From Public School

A lot of the battle for me was mental. A decade ago, homeschooling was gaining in momentum and popularity. However, the perception was still very much that homeschooled kids (and maybe moms, too!) were weird. They maybe looked disheveled, lived in a bubble, or were socially awkward.

The fact is there is just no guarantee you or your children will or won’t be any of those things, no matter your school choice! There is also a public school mentality or image in your mind. I attended a mix of private and public school myself, so the picture was a room full of children, organized rows of desks, and educational posters on every inch of wall space.

However, as I cautiously walked forward into homeschooling, I was able to slowly find our rhythm. It was far from what I imagined and from what I experienced in public school. It is really the best decision we made as a family. If you need reasons, check out my Instagram for weekly affirmation of our why.

How to Transition to Homeschooing

It is important to check your state laws and requirements for legitimizing your homeschool. These two sites are great references for transition assistance and legal guidance.

• HSLDA: Homeschool Laws By State
• School Choice Week: The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling

Before You Begin Homeschooling

Research Homeschool Curriculum

The research was actually an enjoyable step for me, however, I know it isn’t for everyone. Once you’re set up with your state requirements, you’ll want to research educational philosophies and homeschool curriculum.

Some people are adament that you need to decide on your educational philosophy and preferences before you even think about curriculum. However, I have found that curriculum helps me understand and learn what my children and I gravitate towards. So, I give you full permission to operate in whatever order works best for you!

A great starting point for discovering what homeschool curriculum is out there is Cathy Duffy Reviews. They do a nice job of presenting facts and giving you an idea of the different resources available. Another helpful idea if you can swing it is attending a homeschool convention where their vendor hall will be full of curriculum creators, and you can see physical samples up close.

Relationship Building

A big perk of homeschooling for us is opportunity for relationship building. Parents and children and sibling relationships can really flourish in this environment, if you’re intentional.

We like to make time for a morning meeting where we complete family time studies together. This can include Bible study, beauty subjects like learning hymns or poetry, history, science, and character and habit training. It is a perfect time for connection together.

[RELATED VIDEO: WHAT’S IN OUR MORNING BASKET?]

Homeschool and Meal Planning

Homeschool planning is really a joy for me. A main reason is just knowing what a difference I can make in our days. Meal planning takes a close second as something that can make or break me! One of my favorite planners is the Home Planner as it helps me organize life, home management, meals, finances, and acts as an overall manager.

[RELATED VIDEO: HOMESCHOOL PLAN WITH ME!]

Faithfulness and Diligence

Along the same lines, I treat homeschooling like a full-time job. Even though I create content for brands and freelance on the side, I see my primary responsibility as homeschooling my children. It can be very tempting to treat it like an afterthought full of flexibility. While there is a flexibility worth embracing, you want to show up prepared, equipped, and ahead of the game if you have expectations for your children to learn these traits.

This often looks like planning ahead. Waking up earlier than usual to prep your coffee and materials. Having a few minutes of quiet time to sit with the Lord and move your body before getting down and dirty. It is not easy, and it might not be for every season, but it definitely helps smooth our homeschool days.

Rest and Reassess

If you’re not careful, rest can escape you quickly. There is just always one more thing you can do. Laying down my priorities for the week in my planner really helps me to rest. Once a task is set on paper, I can forget about it until it’s time for action.

A perk of homeschooling is the freedom to reassess how things are going. You can even reassess after a couple of months if it is really challenging (or not challenging enough). The periodic assessments and check ins with your children are so helpful to make sure you are heading in the right direction. Especially in the early years, you’re going to make changes, and that is totally normal.

Don’t Quit

One of the most costly mistakes new homeschoolers make is quitting too soon. You may feel like they are not getting through to their children in math. Or the attitudes are convincing you that they would be better off giving the attitude to a school teacher.

As a long time homeschool mom, I have to share that I have been there. IN IT. Fed up. Exhausted, and wanting an easy out. If it’s not for reasons out of your control, I encourage you to stay the course. There is the other side of all of these challenges that are to be, and will be seen. It is the most rewarding and connecting feeling to see things through with your children. I want you to see and feel these things too!

This post was all about transitioning from public school to homeschool.

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