Ready to start homeschooling mid-year? Grab a drink, a notebook, and a pen, and we will work together to get you started in no time.
Starting to Homeschool
Everyone who decides to start homeschooling feels overwhelmed and a bit uncertain that they can pull off homeschooling.
But there is good news! There are so many excellent resources to hold your hand and help you decide what you want for your homeschool.
We have you covered, from learning about different styles to creating a homeschool schedule.
Check out the tips below to help you start homeschooling mid-year.
This article may contain affiliate links to products that may help you when homeschooling preschool.
Things to Do to Start Homeschooling Mid-Year
Assess Your Child’s Skills
You need a starting point as to where your little one is currently.
This will help you decide goals for your little one and what to include in your homeschool.
Don’t let this step intimidate you.
This doesn’t have to be a sit-down test (thankfully— who could get a preschooler to sit still anyhow?).
Have him count out chocolate chips. How high can he count when using these as a tool?
How high can he count from memory?
Does he know his ABCs? What letters does he know?
Can he identify shapes and colors?
If this seems too much, assume he knows none of it and start from the beginning when teaching letters and numbers.
Decide on What to Include (… but remember this can be changed).
Do you want to start slow by including a story, an activity, and lots of play?
No two homeschools will look the same, especially when you choose to start homeschooling mid-year.
New routines may go into place (or you may add to your existing ones).
Think about if (and how) you want to include:
- busy bags
- morning basket
- a curriculum
- science activities (and how often)
- morning circle time
- weather time
- books
- math concepts
- art
Create a Flexible Schedule
The key to homeschooling is to be flexible. Kids (and parents) need change.
Some days, you may need your schedule to be more mellow than other days.
That’s the beauty of homeschooling. You are in control.
If you are looking for a way to make a schedule, we have a post all about that.
Gather Materials
Gather the necessary items once you have decided what to include in your preschooler’s day.
If you choose to use a curriculum, see what items it needs too.
Having counters (small toys, blocks, etc.) in a separate container where only an adult can reach may be beneficial so little hands don’t lose the items before you can use them. 😉
Consider starting an arts and crafts box with odds and ends that your little one could use for various things.
Construction paper, chenille stems, googly eyes, and toilet paper tubes are a great start to such a box.
Give Notice to Daycare or Preschool (if applicable)
If you decide you are ready to start homeschooling mid-year, notify the people currently caring for your little one.
Some of these institutions may have a notice policy that you have to give a notice so many days in advance.
Check into this if you send your little one to a facility.
Even if you are already home with your littles, you may want to talk with them about the changes you will make to your routine.
Set Goals
Having end goals is a great way to start homeschooling mid-year.
Once you have goals, you can work backward to find ways to get your preschooler to meet these goals.
If you want him to be able to write his name, you need to introduce the letters into his name first.
Then, practice writing each letter.
Putting the letters in the correct order is the next thing to practice.
Finally, after lots of hard work, he can write his name.
Get Ready for an Amazing Ride
Whenever kids are involved, it’s sure to be an exciting time.
Let your little one take the lead.
Following her interests will make her more interested in what you teach and may help her remember things better.
Say she is interested in horses. Wonderful!
Learn about horses, how to care for horses, where horses live, and what doctors help horses.
Read informational books about horses and enjoy stories about horses.
Let Her Play!
Play is vital when teaching preschool!
The wonder and awe that comes through play is simply mindblowing.
Kids are naturally curious. Embrace this!
Scientific concepts naturally come up through play.
What will happen if I push a ball down a slide?
If I put a ball in the water, will it sink?
What do baby butterflies look like ;)?
Decision-making, problem-solving, and imagination are, of course, going to be readily used (and strengthened) during play.
Starting to Homeschool in the Middle of the Year
When you choose to start homeschooling mid-year, it can seem overwhelming.
Hopefully, you were able to gather some insight into what to do to start your fantastic adventure.