Is it too late?

It’s never too late to start homeschooling. In fact, many families choose to begin mid-year or even later. Whether your children are struggling academically and socially or you’re facing another cross-country move, homeschooling is a great option to give your children an education tailored to their needs. Most of all, home education will allow you to give your children the kind of Christian foundation they will never get from the public school. Here’s some practical advice for beginning homeschooling in Colorado.

Before you begin

It is critical that you review the Colorado homeschool laws so you know what options are available to you and your family. There is more to homeschooling than just filing a notice of intent. Find out more here.

How to begin

Pray, pray, pray! Only with God’s help can we accomplish anything! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of homeschooling, bring those concerns before the Lord. He is able to provide in amazing ways!

Is your family on board? The more your husband and children are excited about this new lifestyle, the smoother the transition with go. Although your children may be upset at first at the thought of leaving their familiar classroom and friends, assure them that you are doing this because you love them. Vicki Bentley once shared:

“One of our girls, at age 14, became unhappy with our decision. We told her we were sorry she wasn’t happy, but as parents, it is not our job to make our children happy—it is our job to do what God has called us to do with them. Her dad and I will stand before God and answer for how we raised our girls. She graduated as a homeschooler and sent us a thank-you note for sticking with homeschooling even through the tumultuous times. She now writes curriculum and homeschool blogs, and they homeschool their three little girls. What would she say was the greatest benefit? That her heart was drawn to God and to her family.”

Then, don’t miss getting your free New to Homeschooling Starter Course (with lots more great info on that page, too).

Plan ahead

Setting some basic goals for the rest of your school year will get you started on the right track. If your child has been struggling academically in school, Bentley suggests using this time to review basic skills to lay the foundation for moving on. At this point, it may be best just to focus on the core subjects as you settle into your routine.

Don’t try to recreate school at home

Although the desk and classroom method may be helpful as your child adjusts, remember part of the beauty of homeschooling is the flexibility it allows to do what’s best for your child. Maybe your child really does learn best doing flashcards while hanging upside down on the couch! Sometimes going on a nature walk will teach more science than a textbook. Be flexible and don’t feel like your homeschool has to fit into a classroom model. Homeschooling 101: Switching to Homeschool Mid-year has some great suggestions on adjusting to the homeschool lifestyle.

Connect!

Homeschooling can be a lonely journey without others walking beside you. Not only are other homeschooling families a key for your own sanity, they also provide like-minded friends for your children. Check out our list of Colorado homeschool groups to find one in your area and consider attending the Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference, held annually each June.

Can I actually teach?

Homeschooling is a lifestyle, not a classroom. If you feel like you have to present already digested material to your student, you’ll get burned out quickly. The reality is, we can’t know everything we teach. Instead, the joy of homeschooling lies in learning with your student. Together, you have the privilege of discovering the world together. So don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know. Let’s look it up together!”

It’s never too late to begin the type of education that’s best for your child. However difficult the mid-year adjustment might be, this sacrifice for your children will pay off. As you invest not only academically but also spiritually in your child, God will bless your efforts.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).