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So you have decided to homeschool (Hurrah! High five! Way to go, Mama!) But “helpful” advice on homeschool blogs abounds, and you do not know whose to take.
Some homeschool blogs are not all that helpful. Some will be helpful later in your journey. But here are the very best blogs for you right now, new homeschool mama!
Related: Homeschool Sports: 10 Ways Your Child Can Play!
HSLDA (Best of the Homeschool Blogs for Making Your Homeschool Legal)
The Homeschool Legal Defense Association should be your first stop once you decide to homeschool. This non-profit advocates for parents’ rights to educate and raise their own children.
Check them out for information about how to legally homeschool in your state. And join as an annual member family to enjoy legal protection. From legal advice and access to their 24/7 emergency legal hotline to experienced litigation teams, an HSLDA membership is a worthwhile investment for many families.
Every homeschool mama hopes that no one will ever challenge her right to educate her own children. But if someone does, the HSLDA will be ready to help.
Wildflowers & Marbles (Best of the Homeschool Blogs to Quickly Learn about Different Homeschool Methods)
Jennifer does an excellent job summarizing the major homeschool methods. She provides enough information to help you decide which you may want to explore further. But not so much information that you become overwhelmed to the point of inaction.
In truth, most homeschool mamas I know use a blend of at least two different methods. Or lean heavily towards one while incorporating others from time to time.
But there are some purists who will tell you that the method they use is the “best”. Do not believe these people. Instead, consider what sort of homeschool experience you want to create, and choose a homeschool method that speaks to that as a jumping off point.
Cathy Duffy Reviews (Best of the Homeschool Blogs for researching Curricula)
If you have an idea of which homeschool method you would like to begin with, then it is time to choose your curriculum. And Cathy Duffy makes it possible to read reliable in-depth reviews of many curricula in one place.
Cathy is a Christian mom with over three decades reviewing homeschool curricula. If you have heard of it, she has reviewed it. And her website is free to use.
Her site will even filter curricula by homeschool method. Just visit this page and click “Methodology” from the menu on the left. Then click “Educational Approaches” from the drop-down menu and select yours.
Do you prefer a physical book of recommendations to leaf through and take notes in (Like I do 🙂 ) ? Then check out the most recent version of her frequently updated book, 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum, which will also walk you through choosing the right curriculum for your students.
Read-Aloud Revival
If your kids love to read, they can learn anything. Sarah’s website (and book!) will help you raise kids who love to read and be read to. And she will equip you with incredible reading lists, on nearly any subject you can imagine, to supplement any homeschool curriculum you use.
As you will learn, reading aloud to your children can cover a multitude of homeschool sins that sometimes interfere with the best-laid plans. Bad attitudes (yours and your children’s), illness, busy schedules, holiday breaks, and on and on.
With Sarah’s help, you can always be prepared with a great book list. Her lists are free, but recently she has added a paid premium membership option to her site. If you want access to her family book club, author interviews, and even classes for your homeschoolers, be sure to check that out!
Not Consumed
Kim’s site, which to help families “…grow in faith so you are not consumed by life.” And she does that well.
Her laser-focused, open-and-go kids’ Bible studies take the intimidation and overwhelm out of bringing Bible study into your homeschool. And her personal homeschool mama testimony will remind you time and again that you can do this. Even (and especially) when it seems impossible, because of the awesome and marvelous grace of God!
Not Consumed also offers homeschool planners for mama and students, a reading curriculum, and even homeschool assessments for the elementary years.
You can begin your homeschool journey with clarity, and without overwhelm
Yes, there is a ton of information available to new homeschool mamas. But you do not have to wade through all of it. Or even most of it.
The five sites listed here will give you a great step-by-step start in the how-tos of beginning homeschooling.
Are you ready, Mama? Then take the first step on your homeschool journey. And head over to the HSLDA to find out how to dot your “i”s and cross your “t”s for Uncle Sam 😉
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