How to Start Homeschooling: A Step-by-Step Guide
To start homeschooling, first check the legal requirements where you live, then decide on your approach, plan the core subjects (especially reading and math), set a gentle routine and keep simple records from day one. You do not need to recreate school at your kitchen table. Most families find their rhythm within a term, and the first few weeks are about settling in, not getting everything perfect.
Step 1: Check the rules where you live
Home education is legal in many countries, but the rules vary a lot. Some places ask you to register or apply for an exemption before you start, others ask for a yearly notice, and some have very few formal steps. Our homeschool hub summarises the rules by country, with links to the official government pages. Always read the official source, because requirements change and this guide is not legal advice.
If your child is currently at school, find out the correct way to withdraw them. Starting home education before approval comes through, where approval is needed, can cause problems.
Step 2: Think about why you are homeschooling
Write down your main reasons in a sentence or two. Maybe your child needs more challenge, more support, more flexibility for sport or travel, or a calmer environment. Your reasons will guide almost every decision that follows, from how structured your days are to which subjects you prioritise.
Step 3: Choose a starting approach
There are many homeschool styles, and most families end up mixing them. Common approaches include:
- Structured: a set timetable and a curriculum that follows a school-like sequence.
- Literature-rich: lots of quality books, narration and nature study.
- Project-based: learning through longer projects that combine several subjects.
- Interest-led: following your child's curiosity, with math and literacy woven in.
Pick one to start with. You can change course once you see what suits your child.
Step 4: Plan the core subjects first
Reading, writing and math are the foundation of everything else, so plan these carefully and keep the rest flexible. Our guides to math by age and reading and English outline what to cover at each stage. Science, history, geography, art, music and physical activity can be taught through topics, outings and books.
Step 5: Gather a few good resources
You do not need to buy a whole curriculum on day one. A library card, some exercise books, a few reference books and good free online practice go a long way. Our free games are ready to use for short daily practice, for example the Times Tables Challenge, the Spelling Bee and Read & Answer. See our list of free homeschool resources for more ideas.
Step 6: Set a gentle routine
A predictable rhythm helps children settle. Many families do focused work in the morning and lighter, hands-on learning in the afternoon. Younger children may only need one to two hours of focused learning a day; older children need more. See our sample homeschool schedules for ideas by age.
Step 7: Keep simple records from the start
Even if your local rules do not require it, a basic record of what you covered, plus a few work samples each month, makes it easy to see progress and answer any questions from authorities later. Our guide to record keeping and assessment explains a simple system.
Step 8: Build in friends, activity and rest
Homeschooling works best when children have regular time with other kids and plenty of movement. Look for local home education groups, clubs and sport. Our guide to socialisation and wellbeing has practical ideas.
Your first week: a simple plan
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| Monday | Short math and reading sessions, then a library visit. |
| Tuesday | Math and writing, plus a science experiment from a library book. |
| Wednesday | Math and reading, then a nature walk or park outing. |
| Thursday | Math and spelling, then an art or building project. |
| Friday | The Daily Math Challenge, reading aloud and a look back at the week. |
Keep the first week light. Notice when your child is most focused, what they enjoy and where they need more help, then adjust.
Common worries
“I am not a teacher.” You do not need to be. You know your child well, and one-to-one learning is very efficient. You can learn alongside them, use good resources and get help with tricky subjects when needed.
“What if we fall behind?” Short, regular practice in reading and math keeps children moving forward. Check progress every few months and adjust your plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need permission to homeschool?
It depends on where you live. Some countries and states require registration, an exemption or a yearly notice, while others have few formal steps. Check the official government page for your area before you start.
How many hours a day should homeschooling take?
Much less than a school day. Younger children often need one to two hours of focused learning, and older primary children around two to four hours, plus reading, play and activities.
Do I need to buy a curriculum to start homeschooling?
No. Many families begin with library books, exercise books and free online practice, then buy resources once they know what suits their child.
Can I start homeschooling in the middle of the year?
Yes, in most places you can begin at any time, but follow the official process for withdrawing from school and any registration steps first.