I Need To Homeschool Now!

If you’ve found yourself saying, “I need to homeschool now!”-especially in the middle of the school year, take a deep breath. You are not alone, and you have come to the right place. My name is Tasha Moore, and I’m a homeschool mom, educator, and the director of 5 Arrow Homeschool Academy. Through our Private Satellite School, we strive to serve and equip you, the primary educator, to confidently and successfully instruct your child as you take charge of your student’s education.
If you’re feeling apprehensive, worried your child might fall behind, or simply overwhelmed about where to begin, keep reading! I’m here to give you the encouragement and practical steps you need to start homeschooling today and to assure you that you can do this.

Where Do You Start?

Many parents step into homeschooling mid-year worried their child will somehow “fall behind.” But homeschool time is not wasted time; you can begin exactly where you are. First, check with your state’s homeschooling laws and requirements. Visit Randomnestfamily.org for resources, links, and articles on how to navigate legalities, gather curriculum ideas, and set up a plan for your homeschool.
Once you understand what your state requires (like submission forms, vaccination forms, or proof of progress), you can confidently move forward, knowing you’re homeschooling within the law.

In this article, I walk you through the early process of starting homeschool. You will know how to obtain your students records, and you have the option to use our homeschool letters to file for your records or to send the letter to start homeschooling.

What Subjects Do I Teach?

Every state has its own core subject requirements, but most homeschooling families choose to focus on:

1. Math – This typically follows a grade-level textbook or an online program.
2. Reading/Language Arts – Includes grammar, spelling, and writing.
3. Science – Incorporate experiments, nature studies, and hands-on activities.
4. History/Social Studies – Explore history in a chronological or topical approach; geography and civics often fall here.

Beyond these, you’re free to incorporate any enriching subjects like foreign language, music, art, home economics, or coding. Our Homeschool 101 page has everything you need to know about what to teach your students. No matter which stage or level your student is in, my guides encourage and empower you to own your homeschool.

Check out “The Complete Guide To Homeschool Elementary School,” “The Complete Guide To Homeschool Middle School,” and “Homeschool High School: The Complete Guide.”

How Do I Set Up a Daily Schedule?

A daily schedule can be as flexible or as structured as you need. Here’s a sample outline many families find helpful:

• Morning Routine (8:00–9:00 AM)
  • Breakfast
  • Devotional, journaling, or simple chores
• Core Subjects (9:00–11:00 AM)
  • Math and Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Spelling)
• Break/Free Play (11:00–11:30 AM)
  • Snack and outdoor time
• Project Time (11:30–12:30 PM)
  • Science experiments, history projects, or art
• Lunch/Family Time (12:30–1:30 PM)
• Afternoon Learning (1:30–3:00 PM)
  • Social Studies, electives, or extracurricular activities
• Wrap-up (3:00–3:30 PM)
  • Reading aloud, quiet reading, or journaling

Feel free to tweak this schedule to suit your family’s unique rhythm. Some families do well with more breaks, while others prefer to get all the work done by noon. For more information and resources on how to make your perfect homeschool schedule, check out this article and you will have the perfect schedule in no time!

Merging Homeschool Life with Everyday Life

Homeschooling can seamlessly blend with your everyday schedule. Do you have errands to run? Involve your child in reading shopping lists, calculating costs, or exploring local geography. If you have younger kids, use car rides for educational podcasts or audiobooks. Learning can happen anywhere, and homeschooling encourages you to make the world your classroom.

At Randomnestfamily.org, you’ll find articles on family discipleship, daily routines, and even meal-planning that can help you balance housework, extracurriculars, and lesson time without feeling overwhelmed.

Where to Find What You Need to Get Started

• 5 Arrow Homeschool Academy – Our Private Satellite School Program is there to guide you through the necessary steps, state compliance, record-keeping, and academic support.
• Online Curriculum Providers – We share a list of recommended providers on our Homeschool curriculum Resource page.
• Homeschool Conventions & Groups – Local homeschool groups on social media or meetups can provide support, curriculum swaps, and maybe new friends.
• Library – Don’t underestimate the power of a library card! Libraries often have homeschool programs, book clubs, and events just for kids.

What Does a Typical Homeschool Day Look Like?

One of the beautiful aspects of homeschooling is that no two days (or families) look exactly alike. Some families follow a “school-at-home” model with a set timeframe and desks, while others prefer a more relaxed approach, weaving lessons into everyday life.

For a snapshot of what it might look like in my home on any given day and more, check out these articles below:

How Do I Keep Track of Grades and Academic Progress?

Record-keeping can be as simple or as detailed as you prefer, but most states require some form of documentation. Methods include:

• Gradebook: Traditional grade sheets for subjects. You can store these digitally or in a binder.
• Portfolios: Keep samples of work, tests, and projects to show improvement.
• Online Tools: Websites like Google Classroom, spreadsheets, or homeschool tracking apps can help you stay organized.

At 5 Arrow Homeschool Academy, we assist parents with documentation and annual or semester reviews. We also help streamline the process, so you’re not overwhelmed by paperwork.

Here are some of our top helpful articles with practical tips for managing homeschool records and academic progress to help you GET and STAY organized!

How to handle IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) now that we’re homeschooling mid?

How to handle IEPs now that we’re homeschooling mid-yearIf your child has an IEP or special learning needs, transitioning to homeschooling can actually bring more flexibility and individualized support. You can continue to utilize therapies and strategies recommended by your child’s service providers.

Find out where you can get free resources and what will be covered by your insurance, so you have what you need WHEN you need it!

• Create Your Own Plan: You may adapt your child’s public school IEP to a homeschool environment.
• Consult Local Professionals: Speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists often work with homeschoolers privately.
• Keep Communication Open: If needed, stay in contact with your local district’s special education department to ensure you’re up-to-date on resources or services they might still provide.

Transitioning Your High Schooler from Public School to Homeschool

High school can feel the scariest, but it can also be the most rewarding season for homeschooling:

1. Review Credits – Look at your teen’s current transcript or report card. Identify what requirements they need to graduate according to state law.
2. Set Academic Goals – Discuss your teen’s future plans: college, trade school, workforce, etc. Tailor courses to meet those goals.
3. Choose Appropriate Curriculum – Many curricula offer high school–level courses and standard credit hours. You can also explore dual-enrollment with local community colleges.
4. Documentation – Keep detailed records of courses, grades, projects, and extracurricular activities.

My ultimate homeschool high school guide will help you find free resources, including tips on how to teach teens, manage credit hours, and prepare them for their next steps in life.

What About My Student’s Transcript?

If you are looking for a step-by-step guide to creating a homeschool transcript for high school, I got you covered!

Your teen’s transcript should reflect:

• Course Title and Description
• Credits Earned (Typically, a full-year course is 1 credit, a semester is 0.5 credits, etc.)
• Grades or Pass/Fail indicators
• GPA (if you’re using letter grades)

Don’t forget to include extracurriculars, volunteer work, or internships that might boost your child’s overall profile. Many homeschoolers also craft a personalized “Résumé of Achievements.” If you join 5 Arrow Homeschool Academy, we help guide you through building a proper transcript that meets the requirements for college admissions.

Also don’t forget to Backup Digital Copies. Scan important papers and store them on your computer or cloud storage.

Here are some great resources to get you started!

You CAN Do This!

Homeschooling mid-year can feel daunting but take it from me: you can do this. It’s not just about transferring school to home it’s about creating a nurturing environment that supports your child’s growth academically, emotionally, and spiritually.

At 5 Arrow Homeschool Academy, we strive to serve and equip you, the primary educator, to confidently and successfully instruct your child as you take charge of your student’s education. Whether you need help choosing curriculum, setting a schedule, or navigating high school transcripts, we’re here to walk this journey with you.

If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to explore our Homeschool 101 for articles, resources, printables, and direct support options. You’re embarking on a unique, rewarding adventure take one step at a time, and remember:

You’ve got this, mom (and dad)! Your passion for your child’s education is the best tool you have, and together, we can make this homeschool season the best one yet.

Ready to take the next step? Head over to Homeschool 101 for more homeschool resources or consider enrolling in 5 Arrow Homeschool Academy to make your homeschool transition seamless and supported.

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