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Honestly, I think it's much easier to start simple and work things out as you go.
Some families prefer a structured curriculum that tells them exactly what to teach each day. Others piece together their own learning using books, worksheets, projects and everyday life. We've always leaned towards picking and choosing resources that suit our children rather than following one big programme.
What worked for us
In all honesty, when we first started out I had NO IDEA. It was very much trial and error for a long time, we would spend the majority of the day sitting at the table doing very full on work. I did purchase a Twinkl subscription though, and that helped a lot. I honestly have such high admiration for Twinkl, you can use it as much or as little as you want. It can provide with a full on curriculum, or the odd maths/english worksheet here and there. It's great, I've had a subscription for 6 years now. Saying that though, over the 6 years we regularly change up our routine. Some months are more writing focused, some months reading, some months are one big team project.I firmly believe that it's all trial and error, it's what works you for as a family. What works one month might not work for the next month. What works for one child might not work for their sibling. There is no rule that says you can't completely revamp what you are doing and how you are doing it every term! That's the fun of it!
Finding resources without spending a fortune
It's incredibly easy to fall down a rabbit hole of homeschool resources. There are so many lovely books, planners, printables and programmes that it's tempting to buy everything before you've even started! I'd recommend starting with what you already have at home, then looking for free resources to fill the gaps.Websites such as Twinkl, BBC Bitesize, Reading Eggs and Oak National Academy can be useful starting points, alongside your local library and second-hand books.
My advice? Don't buy a year's worth of resources until you've tried a few things and know what works for your family.
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Creating a homeschool routine
You don't have to copy a school timetable. One of the lovely things about home education is being able to organise your days around your family, rather than trying to fit family life around a school schedule. Think about when your children concentrate best, what else needs to happen during the day and how much structured learning feels realistic.We keep our main homeschool time to the mornings, generally working between 9:30 and midday. Fridays are usually reserved for nature, and we make room for hobbies and days off, too. Your routine might look completely different!
Putting your first few weeks together
Rather than planning an entire year, I'd start by planning just a couple weeks. Choose a handful of priorities for each child. English and maths might be your starting point, alongside a few topics they're interested in exploring. Then gather the resources you need and decide roughly when you'll use them. Keep your timetable simple. You don't need to schedule every minute, and it's worth leaving some breathing room for activities that take longer than expected, unexpected interests and days when nobody is particularly enthusiastic!At the end of each week, have a quick look at what worked and what didn't. Was there too much writing? Did you run out of activities? Was the timetable too ambitious? Make adjustments before planning the next week.
Give yourself time to figure it out
Your first few weeks probably won't look exactly how you imagined, and that's absolutely fine. You might change your resources, abandon a timetable or discover that something you thought your children would love really isn't for them. You don't need a perfect homeschool room, colour-coded planners or a cupboard full of expensive curriculum materials.You need a starting point, a little organisation and the flexibility to change things when they aren't working.
You're allowed to figure it out as you go.
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Where to go next -
I've broken the rest of this guide into smaller, practical posts so you can work through one question at a time.My Child Has Never Started School — How Do I Homeschool From the Beginning?
What to do if you're choosing home education instead of sending your child to school, including compulsory school age, Reception, early learning and getting started.
How to Deregister Your Child From School for Homeschooling
Exactly what to do if your child is already at school, including a copy-and-paste deregistration letter and what happens after you send it.
Does the Council Check Homeschoolers?
What happens after you start home educating, including council contact, informal enquiries, reports, home visits and the new legislation.
What Do You Actually Have to Teach When Homeschooling?
What "suitable education" means and how to make sure you're providing a genuine education without recreating school at home.
Do Homeschoolers Have to Follow the National Curriculum?
No — but what can you do instead?
How Many Hours a Day Do You Have to Homeschool?
What "full-time education" actually means and why home education doesn't need to look like the school day.
How to Plan Your Homeschool
Curriculums, resources, routines, timetables and actually putting your first few weeks together.
→ Read: How to Plan Your Homeschool
Or find the full 'Starting Homeschool' series here.
Welcome to home education!
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee! I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
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