Dear Homeschool Families of Children 5 yrs and Under
- rstinson10
- Jan 26
- 4 min read
Updated: May 13
Welcome to the homeschool community!
We are glad that you are here!
We have some tips for homeschooling during these early special years
that we'd like to share with you!
Familiarize yourself with the homeschool laws in your state.
The very first step for anyone considering or planning to homeschool is to be familiar with your states homeschool laws. Every state has their own laws that may include testing, communicating with the school district, or using specific curriculum. If your child is 5 or under, it's unlikely you will need to do anything at this time. However, by reading about homeschool laws early, you can be better prepared for when you have to begin formally communicating with your district etc.
ECE Curriculum
Early childhood education (ECE) is generally considered Pre-K and Kindergarten. Kindergarten is now more like first grade in public schools. Below, are some links of education professionals discussing this trend.
Many homeschoolers also recognize this trend and choose a play based model with their children. Homeschool ECE Curriculum is available for you if you want it. However, many homeschoolers, including us, the veteran homeschool writers for this blog, will tell you that you don't need it. All you need are some toys, blocks, good books, art supplies, sensory bins, healthy social interaction and play!
At some point, you will want to transition to using worksheets and other curriculum. Here are some things to know about curriculum before you shop.
Look for "used curriculum" and "daycare closing" sales.
Although you can buy new materials, it's much less expensive to buy them when they are practically being given away. Avoid used workbooks unless they are not filled in.
Consider Buying a Front Facing Bookcase
These bookcases make it much easier for your child to select and read books independently. They can see the book covers and pick them out before they learn how to read. There are many styles and sizes to chose from. This one is wall mounted.
Be Social
Sign up for "Mommy and Me" classes and arrange or host playdates with other families. Immerse yourself in the homeschool community. Go to events and keep in touch with friends. Join local homeschool groups on social media. You will be notified of local co-ops, micro-schools, friendship opportunities, events and activities.
Get your Finances and Your Calendar in Order.
A SAHM (Stay at Home Mom) or homeschool mom is a full time job.
Take it seriously and treat it like an actual job. Manage your home with your husband, as his partner. Think of your home like a company. Your husband is the CEO and you are the Vice President of Operations. Communicate and be organized.
Budget time for date nights, hobbies, errands, going to the dentist, meeting up with friends, self care, working out, etc. These are things that you need to do regularly and you need to prioritize them, or they won't happen. Homeschooling takes time and you need to organize your life well for it to work.
As homeschoolers, you might still need part time childcare for a dentist appointment, date night, or if you are sick and need a “substitute teacher”. Here is a list of reasons a nanny is a good solution.
Make a daily schedule for your family
We use a daily semi-flexible schedule which helps us stay organized, creates balance, helps avoid burn out, and helps our home run smoothly.
Familiarize yourself with your local school calendar.
It just helps to have that awareness when you are planning activities for your family. You don't want to be visiting places like the zoo or the beach when school is out on a holiday break. One of the benefits of homeschooling is that you go to places like these when school is in session and they are mostly empty with no crowds. Also, local businesses hosting child-enrichment activities may have events that are planned for when school is out. For example, an art school might have a painting class and the local Ice rink might have public skating scheduled.
Attend an “Introduction to Homeschool” class and/or a homeschool convention to get an idea of what other people are doing.
Do not engage in the "Bad Mom, Hot Mess" trend.
Take care of yourself and love your family by presenting them as an example to others: with integrity and beauty.
Take internet and device safety seriously
Take photos.
Make sure you are in them too.
Vote to protect homeschooling.
As homeschooling becomes more popular and has gotten the attention of legislators, there has been an increase of laws and regulations that restrict homeschooling, redirect tax dollars or create voucher programs: all of these are intended to restrict or limit our right to homeschool freely. We already have school choice. These laws are big government bureaucracy disguised as “help”. They are creating a huge legal mess for homeschool families and do NOT help our community. Click For more information about vouchers.
For true ways to help the homeschool world, click here. Share it to invite others to be a part of the homeschool "Booster Club".
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