A Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling: Getting Started

Last Updated on13 Dec, 2024
Min Reading5 min read

When we talk about education, we often picture it with a backpack and a classroom door. Learning, however, is not limited to these traditional symbols, so why should our conception of education be confined to such images?

Homeschooling was started in 1970 but has gained significant popularity in recent years. Naturally, a lot of questions and queries have arisen regarding this topic.

If you are a parent exploring this method of learning for your child and have questions, then this blog is for you. Learn everything you need to know about homeschooling, how it works,  how to get started, and more. 

What is Homeschooling? 

Homeschool is a method of education where a child is taught outside the setting of traditional schooling.

A parent or an assigned guardian takes control of what the child learns, how he or she learns, and the pace at which they learn.

This method of learning is more child-centric, following the best practices intended to provide what the child needs the best. In other words, it is exactly what it sounds like – Homeschooling is a school at home. 

A good homeschooling program involves careful planning and commitment from the parent and the child.

How Does Homeschooling Work?

Homeschooling can vary from family to family. As mentioned before, the parent has complete control over the mechanics of the schooling process. Typically, here’s how homeschooling works:

1. Legal Requirements of the State

Every state has its own set of legal requirements that families opting for homeschooling should comply with. These laws provide guidelines for the curriculum, subject list, hours of instruction, minimum reading hours for the child, and so on. 

2. Curriculum Selection

Once parents decide to homeschool their child, they have the flexibility to choose what curriculum they want to teach. Several factors weigh in to make this decision such as the child’s interests, passion, learning styles, and preferences. 

Read How To Choose The Right Curriculum to know precisely about what you need to take care of while choosing the right curriculum.

3. Teaching and Learning Methodology

In a homeschooling setup, either the parents can take the role of a teacher or hire a private tutor. Many schools like 21K School offer online classes for children.

These schools are aligned with the teaching practice of homeschooling like personalised learning, one-on-one interaction, virtual learning at home, and having the best interest of the child. 

Apart from these, there are also many homeschool co-ops that allow parents to share teaching responsibilities with the teacher. 

4. Socialisation for Homeschoolers

One of the major concerns about homeschooling among parents is the lack of interaction or socialisation for their child. However, this is not true.

There are many activities that can be included as a part of the curriculum that involves socialisation.

Sports teams, field trips, community activities, hobby clubs and so on can offer opportunities for children to learn while having fun with their peers. 

For all your queries regarding online/homeschooling, visit online schooling FAQ and get answers to all your questions.

5. Assessment and Evaluation

Assessments in the form of pop quizzes and practical projects are one of the best methods to understand a child’s learning progress.

Homeschooling parents keep a detailed record of these tests to assess the child’s learning over time.

There are also many standardised tests available that help to determine a child’s academic strengths and weaknesses.

How can I Start Homeschooling?

When you start something it is always a nervousness but once you do it you overcome it.

Similarly, when it comes to homeschooling you don’t need to be so baffled about how to do it, just keep reading the pointers below and get your answer easily.

Also, read Tips for First-time Online Homeschoolers for more details about it.

1. Do Some Research

Educating yourself before deciding to teach your kids at home is important as a parent.

You should learn about different methods, understand your state’s laws, and then conclude whether you have the time and resources to commit to homeschooling.

Further, you can talk to other parents and learn how they are doing it and ask for their suggestions. This will help you to gain more relevant insights. 

2. Create a Budget

It is just a myth that homeschooling will cross your budget.

You need to first make your budget and while making it take important factors into account like the cost of curriculum, money spent on extracurricular activities, supplies, materials, and all the relevant stuff.

Further, consider the cost of hiring a tutor. By creating a proper budget, you can give your child a quality education and that too without hampering your pocket. 

Visit Homeschooling on a budget:cost saving tips to make education of your child effective and efficient as well.

3. Design a Curriculum

When it comes to homeschooling, the best part is that it allows you to design your curriculum.

As per your child’s preference and understanding, you can choose books, materials, the method you find effective for your child, and more.

Make a long-term plan in case you want to continue homeschooling and in that, you make sure the child gets a well-rounded education.

Final Words

Homeschooling can be quite rewarding for both the child and the parent. As a parent, you are more deeply involved in your child’s learning progress while providing a safe and protected environment.

With learning tailored to your child’s needs, they can make the most of their education, forever instilled with the love of learning. 

About 21K School

21K School is Asia’s leading online school. Their borderless institution follows an adaptive learning methodology that is based on cutting-edge technology, which allows students to learn at their own pace. After all, when you learn at your pace, you ace!

21K School is a formal, recognised K-12 school curricula Indian and British Curriculum online for students aged 3 to 18 Starting in India and abroad.

Started in June 2020, today the community includes over 7500 students and 300 teachers from 500 cities and 78+ countries representing 72+ nationalities.

They are pioneers in offering personalised, transparent, affordable high-quality education at students fingertips online learning platforms engaging students a repository of audio, video and animated curriculum content from the best in the world.

Visit to learn more about 21K School.

Sutripti Sourabh

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I’m the Content Marketing Manager at 21K School, with over five years of experience in content writing. My passion lies in creating impactful content that resonates with parents and educators alike. When I’m not crafting stories or strategies, I love to read and try new things.

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