home ed 101

Home Ed 101: Your Guide to Starting A Successful Homeschooling Journey

July 28, 2025 /

✨ Welcome fellow homeschoolers

So you’re thinking about homeschooling—or maybe you’re already doing it but feeling a little wobbly. First of all, I’m so glad you’re here.

When we started our home education journey, I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervous energy. I googled everything, read too much, doubted myself often… and then slowly, gently, we found our rhythm.

If that’s where you are, I’d love to walk with you for a bit and share what I’ve learned along the way.

So here is a Home Ed 101, hope to help with, guide you to starting a successful homeschooling journey!

📌 Step 1: Get Clear on the Legal Stuff (It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds)

Depending on where you live, the rules vary. But in most places, you absolutely can homeschool, and the process is simpler than it seems. We are based in Ireland but I have made a few searches to help everyone

Here’s a quick peek:

  • In the UK: If your child is enrolled in school, you’ll need to write a deregistration letter. There’s a helpful guide on Education Otherwise.
  • In Ireland: Families must register with Tusla. The process takes a bit of time but is very doable.
  • In the U.S.: It depends on your state. I’ve found HSLDA’s Legal Map really helpful to navigate requirements.

Don’t be afraid to ask in local Facebook groups too—people are usually kind and willing to share their experience.

🌿 Step 2: Know There’s No One Right Way

There are so many different ways to homeschool, and honestly, the beauty is that you can mix and match what works for your family.

Some common approaches:

  • Unschooling – learning naturally through curiosity
  • Charlotte Mason – literature-rich, nature-loving
  • Montessori – hands-on, child-led, beautifully structured
  • Eclectic – a blend of all the above!

When we started, we leaned into child-led learning and nature walks—and slowly added structure when it felt right. It’s okay to figure it out as you go.

📚 Step 3: What About Curriculum?

This one tripped me up at first. I thought I needed a big shiny box full of textbooks. Turns out… not really.

Here are a few gentle starting points:

  • Twinkl: Great for printables and themed units (UK-based)
  • Outschool: Live online classes on every topic imaginable—we love their drawing and coding classes!
  • Oak National Academy: Free UK online lessons

But honestly? Some of our best days have come from following a rabbit trail sparked by a library book or a curious question at breakfast.

🏡 Step 4: Your Home Is Already Enough

You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy classroom.

We have a table, a sofa, a shelf of books, and baskets of supplies. Learning happens all over the place—in the garden, in the kitchen, in the car.

Create little “zones” if you like—a reading nook, an art corner, a space for quiet time. Let your kids help decorate. Let it grow with you.

📅 Step 5: Find Your Rhythm (Not a Rigid Schedule)

We tried strict timetables. They didn’t work. What did? Rhythms.

Something like this:

  • Morning: books, tea, a walk
  • Late morning: maths or a project
  • Afternoon: quiet play, documentaries, baking

Some days we follow this. Other days we abandon it entirely and spend the day gardening or building with LEGO. And both are okay.

🤝 Step 6: Find Community

I can’t stress this enough: find your people. Homeschooling can feel lonely if you let it—but it doesn’t have to be.

  • Local Facebook groups are gold (search “home ed + your town”)
  • Check your library for events
  • Visit local museums on quiet weekday mornings
  • Try an online community like Home Education Network Ireland

And say hello! Most people are looking for connection, too.

🌈 Step 7: Let Go of Perfection, Lean into Joy

I want you to know—it’s okay not to have it all figured out.

You will change your plans. You’ll wonder if you’re doing enough. You’ll have magical days and messy ones.

But you’ll also get to watch your children learn in their own way. You’ll laugh together. You’ll learn things you didn’t know you loved. You’ll create a life that feels more like you.

That’s the real gift of homeschooling.

💌 Final Thoughts

Starting homeschooling might feel huge right now—but it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just start. Be curious. Be kind to yourself.

And know you’re not alone.

I’ll be here, cheering you on.