The Homeschool Wiz

How to Start Homeschooling: A Step-by-Step Guide By The Home School Wiz Homeschooling has grown tremendously in popularity over the last decade. Whether it's due to concerns about school quality, a desire for more family time, religious or moral reasons, or the flexibility it offers, more and more families are choosing to educate their children at home. If you're considering homeschooling but feel overwhelmed, you're not alone. The good news is that starting doesn't have to be confusing. With the right guidance and resources, you can build a thriving home education experience that works for your unique family. In this post from The Home School Wiz , we’ll walk you through a clear, step-by-step guide on how to start homeschooling , from understanding your local laws to creating a daily routine. Each step includes exactly what you need to do so that you can begin your homeschooling journey with confidence and clarity. Step 1: Research Your State’s Homeschool Laws ...

Minimalist Homeschooling: How Less Can Be More By The Homeschool Wiz In a world where more often feels like better—more curriculum, more extracurriculars, more resources—it’s easy for homeschool parents to get swept up in the hustle of doing all the things . But what if the secret to a thriving homeschool wasn’t found in adding, but subtracting? What if scaling back could actually create a richer, more peaceful, and more effective learning environment? Welcome to the world of Minimalist Homeschooling , where less truly can be more . What Is Minimalist Homeschooling? Minimalist homeschooling is an intentional approach to home education that strips away the unnecessary and focuses on what truly matters: connection, curiosity, and core learning. It doesn’t mean doing the bare minimum or lacking structure—it means thoughtfully curating your homeschool to align with your family’s values, your children’s needs, and your overall lifestyle. Rather than being curriculum-heavy or overly ...

Morning Routines That Set the Tone for a Great Homeschool Day By The Homeschool Wiz As homeschoolers, we’re blessed with the freedom to create a lifestyle of learning that reflects our values and our children’s unique needs. But even within that freedom, structure plays a vital role—especially in the mornings. A strong morning routine can transform a chaotic, sluggish start into a peaceful and productive day. In this post, we’ll explore the power of intentional morning routines and how they can set the tone for a successful homeschool day—for both parent and child. Whether you’re a morning person or not, these strategies are adaptable to every kind of homeschool family, from early risers to slow starters. Let’s dive into the habits and practices that make mornings smoother and more meaningful. Why Morning Routines Matter in Homeschooling In a traditional school setting, the morning routine is dictated by bells, buses, and rigid schedules. In homeschooling, however, the rhythm is...

DIY Homeschool Curriculum on a Budget By The Homeschool Wiz In today’s world, homeschooling doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, with a little creativity, resourcefulness, and a sprinkle of determination, you can craft an engaging, high-quality curriculum tailored to your child’s unique needs—all without spending a fortune. Welcome to “ DIY Homeschool Curriculum on a Budget ,” where we explore how to build your own customized homeschooling program using free and low-cost resources. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro looking to cut costs, this guide will walk you through the essentials of designing a curriculum that fits both your educational goals and your wallet. Why Create a DIY Homeschool Curriculum? Homeschool curriculum packages can be expensive, with boxed sets sometimes costing upwards of $1,000 per student per year. That’s not practical—or necessary—for every family. By building your own curriculum, you not only save money but also: Customize you...

Planning High School Courses for College and Career Readiness Blog: The Homeschool Wiz Homeschooling through the high school years can feel like navigating a maze with no map. With the pressure of college admissions, career preparation, and transcripts looming, it’s easy for even seasoned homeschool parents to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: planning high school courses for college and career readiness is entirely manageable—and even enjoyable—when approached with clarity, strategy, and purpose. In this post, we’ll walk through how to create a flexible, comprehensive, and personalized high school plan that sets your student up for success, whether their future lies in college, trade school, entrepreneurship, the military, or a creative profession. The goal isn’t just checking boxes—it’s cultivating knowledge, skills, and experiences that truly prepare your teen for life after graduation. Why Planning Matters More in High School High school is where the academic rubbe...

Creating a Portfolio to Track Progress and Meet State Requirements Welcome to The Homeschool Wiz — your trusted resource for all things homeschooling! Whether you're brand-new to homeschooling or have been educating your children at home for years, one thing remains constant: the need to document and demonstrate your child’s educational progress . One of the most effective and widely accepted ways to do this is by creating a homeschool portfolio . But with each of the 50 U.S. states having its own laws and requirements, how do you build a portfolio that’s not only legally compliant but also functional, meaningful, and easy to maintain? In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to create an organized, customized, and legally sound homeschool portfolio that tracks progress and helps you meet your state's regulations. Why Homeschool Portfolios Matter A homeschool portfolio is a curated collection of your child’s work that documents...