Beginner’s Hub

How to Start Homeschooling (A Simple Beginner’s Guide)

If you’re thinking about homeschooling, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement… and overwhelm.

Questions like:

• Where do I even start?
• Am I qualified to teach my child?
• What if I mess this up?

Take a breath—you’re not alone. Every homeschooling parent starts right where you are.

The good news? Getting started is much simpler than it feels.

Step 1: Understand Your State Requirements

Before anything else, you’ll need to know what’s required where you live.

Every state is a little different, but most require:

• Notifying the state or local school district
• Keeping basic records
• Occasionally testing or evaluations

Don’t let this intimidate you. Many states are more flexible than you’d expect.

Step 2: Choose a Starting Point

One of the biggest mistakes new homeschoolers make is trying to figure out everything upfront.

Instead, start with:

• Math
• Reading/language arts

You can build a dream curriculum from there.

Step 3: Keep Your Schedule Simple

Homeschooling doesn’t have to look like traditional school. In fact, one of the reasons why you want to homeschool might be because you don’t want it to look like traditional school, and that’s okay!

In fact, most families:

• Focus on core subjects in the morning
• Spend afternoons on projects or free learning

Many complete their day in just a few hours.

Step 4: Expect a Learning Curve (For You and Your Child)

Your first few weeks might feel:

• Messy
• Unstructured
• Uncertain

That’s completely normal.

Homeschooling is something you grow into, not something you master on day one.

Step 5: Don’t Try to Do Everything at Once

You don’t need:

• A perfect schedule
• A full curriculum for every subject
• A Pinterest-worthy setup

You just need a willingness to start.

Bonus

The hardest part of homeschooling isn’t the curriculum.

It’s:

• Knowing what to do first
• Feeling confident in your choices
• Having a clear plan to follow

If you’re considering homeschooling, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: “Is this actually legal?”

The short answer is:
Yes—homeschooling is legal in all 50 states.

However, requirements vary depending on where you live.

Why It Feels So Confusing

Many parents assume homeschooling must be complicated or heavily restricted.

In reality:

• Some states have very few requirements
• Others require a bit more structure

But in most cases, the process is much simpler than people expect.

What the Law Typically Requires

While every state is different, most homeschooling laws fall into a few basic categories:

✔️Notification

You may need to:

• Notify your local school district
• File a simple form or letter

✔️ Record Keeping

Some states ask you to keep:

• Attendance records
• Samples of your child’s work

✔️ Assessments or Testing

In certain states:

• Annual testing or evaluations may be required

For most families, homeschooling is far more flexible than traditional schooling.

The legal side of homeschooling often sounds intimidating, but once you understand your state’s requirements, it becomes very manageable.

If you want to look up the particular laws of your state, please go to the Home School Legal Defense Association website. They have an interactive map where you can gather more information.

Don’t Let Legal Concerns Stop You

For many families, the fear of “doing something wrong” is what holds them back.

But the reality is:
Homeschooling is legal
It’s accessible
And thousands of families successfully do it every year

One of the biggest questions new homeschool parents have is“What do I need to buy before we start?”

It’s easy to feel like you need an entire classroom worth of supplies—but the truth is: You only need a few basics to begin.

This simple checklist will help you get started without overspending or overcomplicating things.

Start Simple

Before we dive into the list, here’s something important:

You do not need:

• A fully stocked classroom
• Expensive curriculum bundles
• A perfect setup

You just need the essentials.

Just a note that I will be using affiliate links in this list. It’s just a way to help keep this site up and running. You don’t have to do anything, just click the links available in this list, and you will help support this site!

1. Basic School Supplies

These are your everyday essentials.

Must-haves:

• Pencils
• Erasers
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Notebooks
• Loose-leaf paper

A simple starter kit like the Crayola Ultimate Crayon Collection 152 Colors can make learning more fun and engaging for younger kids.

2. Core Subject Materials

You don’t need a full curriculum for every subject right away.

Start with:

• Math workbook or program
• Language arts

Many parents begin with simple workbooks like the School Zone Big Workbook Series to ease into a routine.

3. Organization Tools

Staying organized will make your life much easier.

Helpful items:

• Folders
• Binders
• Storage bins

A basic organizer like the Amazon Basics Expanding File Folder Organizer helps keep everything in one place.

4. A Comfortable Learning Space

You don’t need a dedicated classroom.

Most families use:

• Dining room table
• Kitchen table

Optional upgrades:

• Child-sized desk
• Comfortable chair

Something simple like the Melissa & Doug Wooden Child’s Desk & Chair Set can make learning feel special without overdoing it.

5. Hands-On Learning Tools

These make learning more engaging—especially for younger kids.

Examples:

• Counting
• Flashcards
• Educational games

Tools like the Learning Resources MathLink Cubes Set are great for visual learners.

6. A Simple Planner or Schedule

This helps you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.

You can use:

• A notebook
• A printable planner
• A simple wall calendar

A visual option like this Homeschool Planner can help you stay on track.

What You Don’t Need In the Beginning

This is just as important as what you do need.

You can skip:

• Full curriculum for every subject
• Expensive classroom décor
• Overly complicated systems

Start small and adjust as you go.

Bonus

The most important “supply” isn’t something you can buy.

It’s:

• Flexibility
• Patience
• Willingness to learn alongside your child

Everything else can be added over time.

Starting homeschooling can be intimidating.

You might be wondering:

• Am I doing enough?
• What should I focus on first?
• How do I know if we’re on track?

The truth is: Your first year isn’t about perfection. It’s about building a foundation.

This roadmap will walk you through what to focus on (and when) so you can move forward with confidence.

Month 1: Settle In & Keep It Simple

Your only goal this month is to start!

Focus on:

• Establishing a basic routine
• Introducing math and reading
• Getting comfortable with your materials

Expect:

• Trial and error
• Adjustments
• Some messy days

Months 2–3: Find Your Rhythm

Now that you’ve started, it’s time to build consistency.

Focus on:

• Creating a predictable daily flow
• Figuring out what works for your child
• Adjusting your schedule as needed

You may:

• Change curriculum
• Shorten your day
• Try new approaches

Flexibility is truly part of the process.

Months 4–6: Add More Structure

At this stage, things usually start to feel easier.

Focus on:

• Adding additional subjects (science, history, etc.)
• Strengthening your routine
• Tracking progress informally

You’ll likely notice:

• More confidence (for you and your child)
• Less second-guessing

Months 7–9: Adjust & Refine

This is where many parents start to make homeschooling their own.

Focus on:

• Tweaking what isn’t working
• Leaning into your child’s strengths
• Letting go of unnecessary pressure

You might:

• Simplify your schedule
• Drop things that feel forced
• Add more hands-on learning

Months 10–12: Build Confidence

By now, you’ve come a long way.

Focus on:

• Recognizing your progress
• Strengthening your routine
• Planning for the next year

You’ll likely feel:

• More confident
• More relaxed
• More in control

This is where homeschooling starts to feel natural!

What Matters Most in Your First Year of Homeschooling

It’s not:

• Having the perfect curriculum
• Sticking to a rigid schedule
• Covering every subject

It’s:

• Building consistency
• Creating a positive learning environment
• Gaining confidence as a parent

Please click here to find more information, including an easy-to-follow chart.

If you’re working and considering homeschooling, you might be wondering: Is this even possible?

The answer is yes—many working parents successfully homeschool. It just looks a little different than a traditional school day.

How It Works

Homeschooling doesn’t have to happen from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Many families use:

• Mornings or evenings for core subjects
• Flexible or split schedules
• Independent work for older kids

Most homeschool days only require a few focused hours, not a full school day.

What to Expect

Homeschooling while working may require:

• Flexibility
• Simplicity
• Adjustments along the way

But you don’t need a perfect schedule—you just need one that works for your family.

Final Thought

Working and homeschooling is not only possible, it’s more common than you might think.

You can build a routine that fits your life, not the other way around.

One of the most common questions new homeschool parents have is:“What subjects am I required to teach?”

The answer depends on where you live—but the good news is: Most states require only a basic set of subjects, not a strict curriculum.

The Big Picture

Across the United States, homeschool laws generally focus on:

• What subjects are taught
• Not how they are taught

This means you have a lot of flexibility in:

• Curriculum choices
• Teaching methods
• Daily structure

If you would like to find out what your curriculum requirements are for your state, please click here!