🏡 How to Start Homeschooling: A Christian Mom’s Step-by-Step Plan

By Aja McNair

If you’ve been thinking about homeschooling but feel overwhelmed, unsure, or even afraid you might mess it up…

You’re not alone.

One of the biggest questions moms ask is:

👉 “Where do I even start?”

Between curriculum choices, state laws, and trying to figure out if your child is “on track,” it can feel like too much.

But here’s the truth:

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be complicated.

You just need a clear plan.

In this guide, I’m walking you through the exact 7 steps to start homeschooling with confidence—without overwhelm.

✨ Step 1: Know Your State Laws

Before you buy anything, you need to understand your state’s homeschool requirements.

Some states require:

• A notice of intent

• Testing

• Record keeping

Others are more flexible.

👉 Start here: HSLDA.org

This step takes about 10 minutes—but it sets the foundation for everything else.

🧠 Step 2: Understand How Your Child Learns

Your child’s learning style matters more than the curriculum you choose.

Ask yourself:

• Do they learn best by seeing (visual)?

• Hearing (auditory)?

• Moving (kinesthetic)?

• Reading/writing?

Spend a week observing what makes your child engage and come alive.

👉 That’s your data.

🎯 Step 3: Assess Where Your Child Is

This is where most moms go wrong.

They choose curriculum based on grade level instead of actual ability.

Instead, ask:

• Can they identify letter sounds?

• Can they read simple words?

• Can they hear sounds in words?

👉 Don’t guess—assess.

I created a Phonics-to-Phase Assessment that helps you:

• Identify your child’s exact reading level

• Pinpoint gaps

• Know exactly what to teach next

And the best part? It takes about 10 minutes.

👉 You can grab it in the description below.

📚 Step 4: Choose a Curriculum Framework (Not Just a Curriculum)

Here’s the mistake most new homeschool moms make:

They buy random curriculum… and hope it works.

Instead, choose a framework.

Popular approaches include:

• Classical

• Charlotte Mason

• Eclectic

• Traditional

But more importantly…

👉 Your curriculum should follow a clear skill progression.

This is why I created Reading by Design.

It walks your child through:

• Letter sounds

• Blending

• Fluency

• Comprehension

Step-by-step.

So instead of guessing what to teach next—you have a roadmap.

👉 If you want something structured, simple, and effective, check that out below.

🗓️ Step 5: Create a Simple Schedule

You don’t need to recreate a full school day.

For elementary students, 2–3 hours is enough.

Start with:

• Morning Basket (Bible, read-alouds, memory work)

• Core Subjects (reading + math)

• Afternoon (projects, play, creativity)

👉 Keep it simple. Consistency matters more than perfection.

🤝 Step 6: Find Your Community (and Support!)

Homeschooling is not meant to be done alone.

Find:

• Co-ops

• Church groups

• Online homeschool communities

But also—don’t overlook this:

👉 Guidance matters.

If you don’t have a teaching background, it’s easy to second-guess everything.

That’s why having a coach or support system can make a huge difference.

I offer:

• 🎯 Free homeschool consulting calls

• 🤝 One-on-one coaching for parents

So you can:

• Get clarity

• Ask questions

• Build a plan that works for your child

👉 You’ll find all of that linked in the description.

💛 Step 7: Give Yourself a 90-Day Grace Period

Your first weeks will feel:

• Messy

• Unstructured

• A little chaotic

That’s normal.

👉 Give yourself 90 days to find your rhythm.

Homeschooling is not about perfection—it’s about progress and connection.

🌟 Final Encouragement

You are more equipped than you think.

Homeschooling isn’t about having all the answers.

It’s about:

• Being intentional

• Building your child’s confidence

• Creating a faith-centered foundation

And when you follow a clear plan…

👉 It becomes simple.
👉 It becomes joyful.
👉 It becomes sustainable.

🎁 Your Next Steps

✔️ Take the Phonics-to-Phase Assessment
✔️ Explore Reading by Design
✔️ Book your free homeschool consulting call