July 23, 2025 – How to Begin Homeschooling (or Start Over!)

Mercy Every Minute

Deborah Wuehler, TOS Senior Editor

“I Pray and I Obey”

Dr. Cho, pastor of one of the largest churches in the world, was asked what his secret to success was, and his simple yet profound answer was, “I pray and I obey.” Great advice for all of us. In fact, after thirty years of homeschooling, I can attest to the fact that prayer and obedience go hand in hand. How do you begin to obey this call to homeschooling? Whether just beginning, or starting a new year, here are some tips to start you on the path to success.

1. Read and Pray

Spend time in prayer over this decision and study Scriptures related to education (for example: Deuteronomy 6, Psalm 1, Psalm 78, Colossians 2:8).

2. Discuss with Your Spouse

Do not begin unless you are in agreement about this decision. You will need the support of your spouse.

3. Research Your State’s Homeschool Laws

If you have any questions about the requirements for homeschooling in your state, visit Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA.org), and visit your state’s homeschool support organization listed at www.SchoolhouseConnect.com.

4. Research Styles of Home Education

There is no one right way to educate your child at home; however, there are many differing philosophies you may want to consider. Visit our digital magazine at www.TOSMagazine.com or the free app at www.TOSApps.com to search articles related to styles of education. Find answers to any homeschool question by visiting the Issue Library and using the search bar.

5. Support

Choose a support group that reflects that specific style or just a general homeschool support group in your area. Meeting with other home educators offers encouragement as well as knowledge and assistance with your homeschool questions. Often, organized classes or activities for your children are offered. 

6. Gather Resources

Some families start with a complete curriculum package, while others start with a notebook and a library card. Choosing your resources depends on your style or method of education and your own interests. 

You can do this! Parents around the world are taking back their God-given responsibility to educate their children at Home. Where They Belong.

Still need help? Contact us through the chat button at www.SchoolhouseTeachers.com.

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Natalie Mack

Is One Way the “Best”?

As homeschooling parents, we’re blessed with the freedom to shape our children’s education—yet that freedom can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. The first step? Know your state’s homeschooling laws. Every state is different, so I always recommend starting with three trustworthy resources: your state homeschool organization, the HSLDA website, and your state’s department of education. Don’t just comply—get connected. Joining a homeschool organization not only equips you with support but also helps protect our freedoms.

Next, understand your child’s learning style. Are they auditory, visual, or kinesthetic? Online quizzes can offer helpful insights. But keep in mind—learning styles aren’t fixed. Children often learn in more than one way. Be flexible and observant. And recognize that each of your children may have completely different learning styles.

When it comes to methods, there’s no single “best” way to homeschool. From classical to unschooling to eclectic, explore what works for your family. The beauty of homeschooling lies in its flexibility. Don’t be afraid to try, tweak, resell, or recycle curriculum. Create a space where learning is life and life is learning.

Most importantly, trust the process. That’s my number one tip. The comparison trap is real, and it’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough when you look at others. But remember: God called you to this journey, and He will equip you. Homeschooling isn’t about perfection, it’s about faithfulness, flexibility, and focusing on your family’s unique path.

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About the author

Natalie Mack is an author, TEDx speaker, and experienced twenty-three years military home educator. She is known for her words of encouragement and advocacy for homeschooling. She is known for her motto- “Let’s Get It Done” which encourages homeschoolers that you can homeschool to college successfully! Natalie is a retired Navy chaplain’s spouse and mom of five: four college graduates and a 12^th grader.

She owns Natalie Mack, LLC which provides homeschool educational consultations and speaking services. Natalie is also the founder of Military Homeschoolers Association which hosts the podcast: Base2Base Military Homeschooling. Additionally, Natalie is the Military Community Outreach Coordinator for HSLDA.

Natalie’s published works include the book 101 Tips for Homeschoolers available on Amazon and several magazine articles.

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Todd Wilson

Go For It! 

Ok, here are my thoughts for starting . . . or starting over in homeschooling:

1. Remember what matters—relationships always come first. If you’re kids are crying, take it as a sign from God that the relationship is out of whack. If you have to get less “school” done in order to keep the relationship good, do so.

2. Do what you believe—if you don’t believe it’s important to teach your children sentence diagramming, political science, or critical whatever stuff, then don’t do it. If you think it’s important to teach your children how to balance a checkbook, walk with God, or blow bubbles in their pudding, then teach that. Do what you believe no matter what you might feel from outside sources.

3. Find a friend who homeschools for the same reasons you do and stick to them like glue.

4. Be real with that friend you found—be real, honest, transparent and allow them to do so with you without judgment.

5. Get your husband involved. To do that, whenever he involves himself in any way, let him. Don’t correct, criticize, or ask for more. Just let him do it the way he wants and then thank him.

6. Get my book, Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe, because you believe those lies. All moms do.

Be real . . . I already said that,

Todd

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About the author

Todd Wilson is a dad, granddad, writer, conference speaker, and former pastor. Todd’s humor and down to earth realness have made him a favorite speaker at homeschool conventions, retreats, and churches across the country. As founder of Familyman Ministries and the Smiling Homeschooler, his passion and mission are to remind dads and moms of what’s most important through weekly e-mails, podcasts (The Familyman Show & The Smiling Homeschooler), seminars, and books and products that encourage parents. Todd, and his wife Debbie, still homeschool two of their eight children (six have graduated with four married) in northern Indiana. You can read more at www.familymanweb.com.

Kristen Heider

Starting Over with a New Homeschool Curriculum 

Sometimes you strike gold and find a curriculum that clicks with your child right away. Other times, it’s a winding road of trial and error as you search for the right fit. In our homeschool, we’ve had to restart with a new curriculum, especially with our daughter’s math. 

Switching isn’t as simple as picking up where you left off. One curriculum might focus on mastery, while another emphasizes spiraled learning or presents topics differently. Transitioning can feel like learning all over again—for both student and parent. 

What have I learned from starting over? 

1. Be prepared to review concepts repeatedly.  
Different curricula introduce and revisit topics differently. Your child might feel frustrated reviewing material they already “know.” Assure them it’s not just about relearning facts but learning how to work with the new program—and understanding their learning style, too.  

2. Be patient.  
Progress doesn’t always show up immediately. You may have found the right curriculum, but results take time. Even if your child isn’t thrilled about the new material, stay the course. Some of the resources our daughter disliked the most became the ones that helped her grow the most. 

3. Be willing to let go of your favorites.  
As a former teacher, I love curriculum—researching, writing, and collecting it. But just because I love a program doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for my child. If it’s not working, it’s okay to set it aside. Box it up or bless another homeschool family with it. 

Starting over doesn’t mean failure. We’ve done it many times, especially in math, and while we haven’t found the “perfect” fit yet, I’m seeing growth. My daughter’s speed and accuracy are improving, even if she’s not exactly enjoying the current curriculum. And in the end, that’s what matters—she’s learning. 

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About the author

Kristen is a housewife and mother to three, having worked at a national park site, a metropolitan zoo, and as a history teacher. Kristen blogs at A Mom’s Quest to Teach, where she relates her family’s learning experiences. Her site is a regular column, covering elements of teaching, crafting, and all the roller coaster rides that entail being a mom.

Starting from scratch—or just need a fresh start? With SchoolhouseTeachers.com, you’re never alone. Check out our New Homeschooler Pathway to help find what you need to start with confidence. Whether you’re brand new or rebooting, you’ll find support every step of the way.

Monthly Goals and Month-at-a-Glance Planner PDFs

This month we’ve gathered these free resources from SchoolhouseTeachers.com to help you get organized with the Monthly Goals and Month-at-a-Glance Planner PDFs. Download and make as many copies as you need for the upcoming year, and stay on track with ease. Grab yours today! Be sure to check out more FREE help charts available from SchoolhouseTeachers.com