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Starting Homeschooling in January – Tips for Success
Homeschooling is a journey that many parents feel called to at different times of the year. If you’ve decided to pull your child from traditional school after the holiday break, you’re not alone. January often brings a fresh start, and while diving into homeschooling mid-year can feel overwhelming, it’s also an exciting opportunity to reset and tailor your child’s education to fit their unique needs.
This post will walk you through practical steps to start homeschooling after the holidays, provide encouragement, and share helpful tips to set the stage for long-term success.
Why Starting Homeschooling in January Can Be a Great Decision
January is often seen as a “restart” button for many families. The holiday break provides a natural pause, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on your child’s academic progress, mental wellbeing, and family goals. If traditional schooling wasn’t working for your child, transitioning to homeschooling now can offer:
- A Fresh Academic Start – New year, new routines, new goals!
- Tailored Learning Pace – Adjust the curriculum to match your child’s needs.
- Stronger Family Bonding – More time spent together can strengthen relationships.
- Flexibility – You control the schedule, breaks, and subjects covered.
First Steps to Start Homeschooling in January
Feeling ready but not sure where to begin? Here’s a simple roadmap to get started:
1. Understand Homeschooling Laws in Your State
Each state has different regulations for homeschooling. Some require specific documentation, while others are more lenient. Check with the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) or your local education office for guidance.
2. Choose a Homeschooling Method or Style
Homeschooling isn’t one-size-fits-all. Take some time to explore different approaches like:
- Classical Education – Focuses on history, literature, and rigorous studies.
- Unschooling – Child-led learning that emphasizes exploration.
- Charlotte Mason – Nature studies, literature, and art-centered.
- Eclectic – Mix and match from different styles.
You can take a homeschool styles quiz to get a better idea idea of which style you gravitate towards. Keep in mind that what you are drawn to might be different than how your child learns best. Be flexible and willing to try out different methods until you figure out what works.
3. Select Your Curriculum
The great thing about homeschooling? There are endless resources! Choose a curriculum that aligns with your child’s learning style and interests. Popular choices include:
- Time4Learning – an online learning platform for children K-12
- Khan Academy – free online learning platform that allows you to fill in gaps and tailor lessons to your child
- The Good and the Beautiful – open-and-go curriculum for all subjects
- Abeka – christian curriculum for all grades and subjects
4. Create a Flexible Schedule
January homeschooling doesn’t have to start with an all-day, rigorous schedule. Ease into it with a flexible, adaptable routine. Remember, homeschooling can happen anywhere – kitchen table, backyard, or even during errands!
Popular schedule types that may work for your homeschool is loop scheduling and block scheduling. I’ve had a lot of success with block scheduling for my first and second grader. You can see how I do this daily on my IG stories.
5. Set Realistic Goals
Since you’re starting mid-year, don’t pressure yourself to “catch up” right away. Focus on progress over perfection. Small, consistent steps will lead to big improvements over time.
Tips to Thrive as a Homeschool Parent
Let’s be real – homeschooling can be challenging. But here are some ways to stay on track:
- Give Yourself Grace – It’s okay to have tough days. Learning curves are normal.
- Connect with Other Homeschooling Parents – Join local co-ops or online groups for support.
- Celebrate Small Wins – Did your child finish a project or master a new concept? Celebrate it!
- Take Breaks When Needed – You don’t have to follow a traditional school calendar. Rest is part of the process.
Creating a Positive Learning Environment at Home
Your home doesn’t need to resemble a classroom. Create a cozy, engaging space that fosters creativity and learning. Consider:
- Bookshelves with a Variety of Books
- Hands-on Learning Materials
- Art Supplies and Science Kits
- Comfortable Seating
Remember, less is more, especially when you’re just starting out. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself or your children. Focus on the basics and add as you go and figure out what works. Pro Tip: Make everything accessible to your kids so they can get used to your supplies, books, manipulatives, etc.
Words of Encouragement for New Homeschool Parents
It’s easy to feel doubt creep in – “Am I doing this right?” or “Can I really teach my child?” Even as a certified teacher with years of experience, I still have these thoughts daily. Take a deep breath and remember:
- You Know Your Child Best – No one understands their needs better than you do.
- Homeschooling is Flexible – There’s room for trial and error.
- Mistakes Are Learning Moments – For both you and your child.
By starting homeschooling in January, you’re giving your child the gift of personalized learning and the space to thrive. You’ve got this!
Helpful Resources to Kickstart Your Homeschool Journey
Read-Aloud Revival – Great for literature and reading tips.
Outschool – Unique, live online classes for all ages.
Ambleside Online – Free, Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum.
Local Libraries – An often overlooked gem full of free resources. Befriend your librarian and ask for help. They are unsung heroes in the homeschool world!
You can find all of my homeschool supplies, games, learning resources, and so much more on my Amazon Storefront. You can shop by category for your specific needs. On Instagram, I share our daily homeschool life, lesson ideas, teaching tips, discount codes, favorite products, etc. I’m always available to chat in my DMs if you need a friend.
Starting homeschooling in January is a bold, empowering choice. While the journey may seem daunting at first, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Trust the process, lean into the community, and enjoy the unique learning experience that homeschooling provides.
Remember, you don’t have to go into this alone. I’m here to be your online homeschool friend and mentor. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your decision and want some personalized one-on-one guidance, book a call and lets chat!
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