First-Time homeschooling: Everything you need to know to get started

First Time Homeschooling? A Real Mom’s Guide to Getting Started with Confidence

Homeschooling for the first time can feel completely overwhelming. When I started with my oldest four years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. I thought I had prepared — I had always planned to homeschool — but I felt totally lost.

If that’s you, take a breath. This post is your starting point. From one mom to another: you can do this, and I’m here to walk you through it.

What is Homeschooling? A Beginner’s Overview

Homeschooling simply means that you — the parent — are providing the opportunity for your child to learn at home instead of through a traditional school system.

What that looks like? Completely up to you. Every family’s homeschool journey is different.
Please don’t compare yours to anyone else’s — even mine. The beauty of homeschooling is that it’s as unique as your child’s fingerprint.

Structured vs. Flexible Homeschooling

There are two major types of homeschooling styles:

  • Structured: A set curriculum, scheduled subjects, and a predictable flow.
  • Flexible: Learning based on interest, life rhythm, and spontaneity.

Neither is better. Neither is wrong. And both are legal in Canada. Do what works best for your family.

Why Choose Homeschooling? Top Benefits

  • Flexibility to design your day around your family’s needs
  • Personalized learning based on your child’s pace and style
  • Fewer distractions and reduced risk of bullying
  • Often more cost-effective than private school
  • Ability to focus on life skills and faith
  • Stronger family connections
  • Time for real-world learning and exploring interests

Homeschooling Laws and Regulations

One of the biggest stressors for new homeschoolers is legality.

Here’s the truth: Homeschooling is legal in both Canada and the U.S.

However, each province or state has its own rules. In Canada, I’ve compiled a guide that breaks down each province and territory’s laws, requirements, and support systems.

👉 [Link to your homeschool laws post or checklist]

How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum

Start with Flexibility

It’s OK to change curriculum as your child grows. You might love a certain approach in kindergarten but discover it doesn’t work by grade 2. That’s normal.

The beauty of homeschooling is flexibility. You can change your approach anytime to fit your child’s learning style and your season of life.

Popular Homeschooling Methods (with Examples)

Traditional Textbook / School-at-Home

Mimics public/private school using textbooks, workbooks, and tests.

  • Examples: Abeka, Bob Jones University Press (BJU)

Charlotte Mason

Focuses on living books, nature study, narration, and short lessons.

  • Examples: Ambleside Online, Simply Charlotte Mason

Unit Studies

Subjects are integrated around a single theme or topic.

  • Examples: Konos Curriculum, Five in a Row

Unschooling

Learner-led, curiosity-driven approach with no set curriculum.

  • Examples: Sandra Dodd’s Unschooling, John Holt’s Growing Without Schooling

Montessori

Hands-on, self-directed learning in a prepared environment.

  • Examples: Montessori Homeschool Program, Montessori for Everyone

Budget-Friendly Homeschooling: Free Curriculums That Work

Your budget might be the deciding factor. Thankfully, the internet offers plenty of high-quality, free homeschool curriculums to help you get started:

Each of these resources offers a strong starting point without the price tag.

Pre-Packaged vs. DIY Curriculum: Pros and Cons

Pre-Packaged Curriculum

Pros:

  • Time-saving and ready to use
  • Structured and guided
  • Comprehensive and accredited
  • Designed by educators
  • Often includes tools for record-keeping

Cons:

  • Can be expensive
  • Less flexible and creative
  • May not suit your child’s learning style
  • Less parental customization

Creating Your Own Curriculum

Pros:

  • Completely customized
  • Flexible pace and interest-based
  • Budget-friendly
  • Encourages creative, hands-on learning
  • Increases parental involvement

Cons:

  • Time-consuming to plan
  • Risk of learning gaps
  • Overwhelming for beginners
  • May lack consistency or structure

How to Create a Homeschool Schedule That Works

Homeschooling brings the joy of flexibility. For our family, that means homeschooling from our camper during the spring and summer due to my husband’s work.

But with that flexibility comes the challenge of consistency. We do year-round homeschooling so we can take breaks when needed — especially during our busy gardening seasons.

Popular Homeschool Scheduling Methods

Loop Scheduling

Rotate through subjects in a loop instead of assigning them to fixed days.
Watch: Loop Scheduling Video

Block Scheduling

Focus on fewer subjects per day in larger chunks of time.
Watch: Block Scheduling Video

Year-Round Homeschool

Spread school days out across the full year, allowing breaks whenever needed.
Watch: Year-Round Homeschool Video

A Word of Warning: Don’t Over-Schedule

It’s tempting to fill every day with activities and extracurriculars, especially to avoid the “socialization” question. But too much can lead to burnout.

Focus on core subjects. Add extras slowly. And most importantly: give yourself grace.

Socialization in Homeschooling

Ahhh, the elephant in the room.

When I said we were homeschooling, people asked, “But what about socialization?”

Here’s what I’ve seen:

  • My kids talk comfortably with people of all ages
  • They engage with toddlers, teens, and seniors alike
  • They adapt quickly to new social settings

Intentionality is the key. Join local homeschool groups. Follow Facebook pages. Sign up for community activities. Just don’t overdo it.

“Real socialization is about connection across all age groups — not just a room full of same-age peers.”

Tracking Progress and Assessing Learning

Still figuring this one out? Me too.

Here are helpful videos to get started:

Use what works for you: journals, portfolios, checklists, or even simple conversation.

Common Homeschool Challenges (and How to Handle Them)

Time Management

Find the time that works best for your family. For us, it’s right after breakfast. It helps me stay patient and productive.

Figure out your “must-do” chores and don’t try to do everything. Do what matters most.

Doubt & Burnout

You’ll wonder if this is right. You’ll get tired. Take a break. Regroup. Come back with a fresh approach.

Parental Confidence

Think you’re not qualified? Think again.
You taught your child to walk, talk, and go potty. You’re already teaching.

Children naturally learn. Even when you’re not instructing, they are observing and absorbing.

You’ve got this.

Ready to Start Homeschooling?

You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a willing heart and a curious child.

Start small:

  • Download a few fun printables from Teachers Pay Teachers
  • Teach your child to recognize and spell their name
  • Read together every day

Above all… have fun.

💌 Want help getting started? Grab my free Homeschool Starter Checklist here: [link to opt-in]

You got this!

Hi, I’m Bri — the heart behind Hesitant Root. I wasn’t raised on a farm or homeschooled in the woods. I grew up with a city mindset and a fast-paced lifestyle. But after marrying my very country husband, things slowly began to shift. Over time, I traded drive-thrus for homemade meals and school drop-offs for homeschooling rhythms. Now, years later and with four kids in tow, I’m a newish homesteader, a homeschooling mama, and a firm believer in starting where you are. Here at Hesitant Root, I share our journey of growing food, learning at home, managing a small space, and trying to live simply, self-reliantly, and faithfully—even when it’s messy and loud. If you’re navigating motherhood, home education, or a slow shift toward a simpler life, I hope you’ll feel at home here. This space is for the hesitant, the hopeful, and everyone learning as they grow.