I'm not a teacher! Can I still homeschool?

Thinking about homeschooling your children but worried about not having teaching credentials or experience? You're not alone! Many parents successfully educate their children at home, leveraging a variety of resources and flexible approaches. It's less about having a formal teaching degree and more about dedication, adaptability, and understanding your child's unique needs.

Focus on facilitation, not formal instruction

You don't need to be a certified teacher to effectively guide your child's education. Do learn more about your state's laws to ensure your homeschool is compliant, but you'll likely find there aren't many (if any at all) formal requirements to be homeschool teacher.

Instead, homeschool parents often become facilitators of learning, a role that focuses on directing resources and supporting their child's independent study. The amount of direct teaching time can be surprisingly less than you might imagine. For younger children, such as those in kindergarten, about 1.5 hours per day is often plenty, extending to approximately 3 hours daily for children up to fifth grade. This focused, one-on-one time can be more efficient than a traditional classroom setting, allowing children to learn at their own pace and potentially grasp concepts quicker. This daily time can also be broken into smaller, more manageable sessions throughout the day. As children get older, particularly from middle school age and up, they often develop the ability to study independently, seeking help or clarification from parents only when needed.

Leverage a wealth of resources

The homeschooling community offers a vast ecosystem of educational tools designed to support parents, regardless of their teaching background. Tools we often hear parents lean on are:

• Online programs and textbooks: Many homeschooling families utilize online curricula and textbooks that provide structured lessons and independent work for students. Online resources also have the added benefit of being ready-to-go, wherever your learning takes place.

• Real-world learning: Everyday experiences can become rich learning opportunities. Taking your child to work (if feasible), involving them in household tasks, or using discussions during drives can help hands-on learning and connecting with them. More learning opportunities can include volunteering, community service, or cultural learning. You’ll find that rich learning in homeschooling doesn’t have to be formally structured.

• Groups and co-ops: Local homeschool groups and co-ops often offer drop-off programs, classes, or shared activities, sometimes with paid teachers. Parents often find it’s a great way to get advice, share resources, and connect with other homeschoolers.

Build your essential support system

You don't have to shoulder the entire responsibility alone. A strong support system is key to progress and maintaining a healthy balance. A supportive partner who can share the teaching load, handle childcare, or manage household tasks is incredibly beneficial and often crucial for working parents who homeschool. Some families split subjects, or one parent takes on schooling during evenings or weekends. Many parents reported that a reluctant spouse was put at ease as they learned more about how homeschooling works and as they talked through their concerns to create an action plan.

There’s also a plethora of other people to look to for support:

• Other family members and friends: Create “grandparent days" where grandparents handle less strenuous lessons such as art, cooking, or cultural lessons once a week. Chat with your child’s aunts, uncles, family friends, or other extended family members to find other out-of-the-box opportunities to learn.

• Community connections: Connecting with local homeschooling groups, church communities, or other homeschooling families provides a network for advice, shared resources, and social activities for children. These communities can offer valuable social opportunities through sports, clubs, and field trips. Some families even trade childcare or schooling hours with other homeschooling parents.

• Hired help: For working parents, hiring babysitters, nannies, or "mothers' helpers" can provide crucial childcare or supervision during work hours. Some parents utilize this support to cover focused work blocks or client meetings. There may even be older homeschool students in your local homeschooling group who can babysit for a reduced cost as part of their own life skills training.

Homeschooling, even without a formal teaching background, is a viable and rewarding option for many families. It often means being creative with your schedule, utilizing diverse resources, and prioritizing what truly works best for your child's learning and well-being. It can be a demanding journey, but many parents find the profound benefits of a personalized education and a happier, thriving child makes the effort profoundly worthwhile.