Catholic Homeschooling: The Basics & Beyond
Whether you are exploring the idea of homeschooling, have made your decision to start, or are looking for some fresh ideas to implement in your Catholic homeschool, these homeschool basics can make things easier. After you’ve learned about the homeschool laws and procedures in your state, it’s up to you to create the Catholic homeschool environment, rhythm, and learning in your home.
Favorite Resources for Catholic Homeschoolers
-
We and Our Children: How to Make a Catholic Home
-
Catholic Home Schooling: A Handbook for Parents
-
Catholic Education: Homeward Bound - Useful Guide to Catholic Home Schooling
-
Catholic Homeschool Copywork - Print handwriting practice workbook for kids - ha...
-
The Case for Catholic Education: Why Parents, Teachers, and Politicians Should R...
-
77 Fairly Safe Science Activities for Illustrating Bible Lessons
-
Prayer Journal for Catholic Homeschooling Moms: A 52-week Guided Devotional with...
-
A Little Way of Homeschooling: Thirteen Families Discover Catholic Unschooling
-
A Plan for Joy in the Home: A Workbook on Organizing Your Day for Homeschooling ...
-
Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum: A Guide to Catholic Home Education
Why Homeschool?
How do you know if Catholic homeschooling is right for your family? When making your decision, you should think about more than just math and spelling. Catholic parents are concerned about passing on the Catholic faith, creating a Catholic home culture, and helping their children know, love, and serve God. Catholic homeschooling recognizes the eternal nature of raising children and the primacy of the family unit.
How to Start Homeschooling
Embarking on your Catholic homeschooling journey may seem daunting. But don’t worry—you can do it! You know your children best and can offer them the opportunity to learn in the best way possible for them. If you’re wondering how to start homeschooling your Catholic family, you’ve come to the right place!
Tips for Beginners
Are you new to Catholic homeschooling? Feeling a bit overwhelmed? We’ve got you covered! From how to start homeschooling in your state to where to find Catholic curriculum to connecting with a support group near you, these tips for beginner homeschoolers will get you off on the right foot and help you navigate the path to successful homeschooling. You have lots of options for homeschooling. Let us help you navigate it all with these tips for beginner homeschoolers.
Homeschooling Methods
There is no one perfect way of homeschooling that fits every family. Discovering your child’s learning style can lead you to choosing a homeschool method that works best for you. Take a look at the different ways of Catholic homeschooling, from a classical education model, to Montessori homeschooling, the Charlotte Mason Method, online school, and the more relaxed eclectic homeschooling and unschooling.
Homeschool Teaching Tips & Ideas
Every homeschool looks different, but there is no denying that each of us can benefit from new teaching ideas. Catholic homeschooling moms love to share what works (and what doesn’t)! Explore these tips and ideas to get over some of the challenges of homeschooling, from teaching teens to teaching math.
Testing for Homeschoolers
The homeschool laws in many states require some sort of standardized testing to abide by home education statutes in the state. In general, most states that require testing will accept most nationally standardized tests. Even if testing and submission of scores is not required, many parents may want to know how their children compare to standardized scores or whether there are area of deficiency. Standardized tests can give a general overall picture, but parents should remember that standardized testing doesn’t capture much of a child’s abilities in non-academic skills such as the arts, music, public speaking, etc.
Homeschool Organization
Your days will go more smoothly when you have everything organized. Getting (and staying) organized is often very challenging, even more so if you have a baby, toddler, or even a messy teen! Many of us have tried and failed at getting organized and have spent spending way too much money on organizing supplies. These tips will help you get each part of your school supply and curriculum collection finally organized. Plus, we look at household organizing and cleaning tips. So, not only will you be able to find what you need when you need it, you’ll also reduce the stress in your day-to-day life and get more done.
Socialization for Homeschoolers
The big boogey man in the argument against homeschooling is the question, “But what about socialization?” Ask any long-time homeschooler this question and she’ll probably laugh at you. Catholic homeschooling families typically have so many social activities and events that the mom-chauffeur of the family can be plum worn out. From sports to acting classes to ballet to teen dances to jobs and community college, your average homeschooler is probably all booked up. Learn more about finding social activities in your area through homeschool co-ops, hybrid schools, field trips, and other social events.
Homeschooling Unique Situations
Every homeschool looks and works differently. That is one of the wonderful things about homeschooling! There are lots of variations in environments, circumstances, personalities, family size, abilities, financial situations, and more. Learning about new strategies and ideas for handling all these unique homeschool situations will help you and your children succeed. We cover it all: large families, only child homeschooling, babies and preschoolers, multiple grades, working parents, children with special needs, gifted children, homeschooling on the road, and what to do when homeschooling doesn’t go well.
Homeschooling High School
Catholic homeschooling through high school is a wild, joyful, challenging, and wonderful adventure! As a Catholic homeschooler, you can continue to integrate learning about the Catholic faith while preparing your teen for college or the workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every homeschooler, new or veteran, has lots of questions. While there is no “one size fits all” solution for lots of situations, the collective wisdom of Catholic homeschoolers can help you navigate how to homeschool. Read through these FAQs to get inspiration, motivation, and solutions.
Get Catholic Homeschool Curriculum
Whether you’re looking for a full Catholic homeschooling curriculum or just some great resources, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our Catholic curriculum resource pages. Find science curriculum, faith formation materials, online classes, homeschool planners, Catholic literature book lists, and teaching videos.
Find Catholic Homeschooling Support Near You
A key to success in homeschooling is find support near you. This can be a mentors’ group, online forum, email group, Facebook group, homeschool co-op, support group, or parish group. These organizations not only enhance your homeschool experience. They provide a lifeline and a connection to a community ready to support you. You can ask questions, sign up for field trips, find classes near you, and enjoy social opportunities for both you and your children.