Why We Chose to Homeschool: Pt. 2
If you missed Pt. 1, read that here first.
Making the Transition
Deciding to homeschool was one thing, and actually making the transition was another. Even with my background in education, I’ve had moments of doubt. Would I be able to give my kids everything they needed? How would I balance teaching with the rest of life? What if they resisted learning from me?
The good news? Kids are incredibly adaptable. The transition was much smoother than I expected, but there was an adjustment period as we all figured out our new rhythm. The biggest shift is realizing that homeschooling isn’t about recreating a traditional classroom at home… it is about creating an entirely new approach to learning that fits our family.
What Our Homeschool Days Look Like
One of the biggest misconceptions about homeschooling is that kids sit at a desk for six hours a day, just like in school. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Our homeschool days are structured but flexible. Most days, my son starts with handwriting while I am making breakfast. Then we focus on core subjects like math and language arts, while our minds are fresh. We typically alternate between science and history every other day, and I always to incorporate hands-on learning experiences. Some days are full of bookwork, and others are spent outdoors, on field trips, or diving into creative projects. They best part is, if he is having an off day or is feeling extra active, we take a break. Littered throughout the core work we do its games of catch, lots of visits out to check on animals or just go pet the dogs, reading on the trampoline with some jumping in between, and trip to the park to play pickle ball or run around on the playground, lots and lots of games on Monopoly Deal, and whatever else we come up.
What I love most is the ability to tailor our schedule to what works best for each child and how we are feeling that day. While my daughter thrives with independent work, while my son learns best through movement and hands-on activities. Instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, we adjust to what helps them learn best.
What Is Required to Homeschool in Texas?
One of the reasons homeschooling is so popular in Texas is because the state has some of the most homeschool-friendly laws in the country. Texas legally recognizes homeschools as private schools, which means parents have the freedom to educate their children with minimal government oversight.
Here’s what’s required to homeschool in Texas:
Officially Withdraw from Public School (If Applicable)
If your child is already enrolled in a public school, you’ll need to submit a letter of withdrawal to the school district.
Teach the Required Subjects
Texas law requires homeschooling families to cover the following subjects:
Reading
Spelling
Grammar
Math
Good Citizenship (which can be incorporated through history and community involvement)
Use a Written Curriculum
The state requires that homeschooling be done in a “bona fide” manner using a written curriculum. This can be traditional textbooks, online programs, or parent-created lesson plans.
That’s it. No mandatory standardized testing, no required reporting to the state, and no strict oversight. This flexibility allows parents to tailor education to their child’s needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Obviously it is gong to be different depending on where you live, so definitely review your state requirements.
Choosing a Curriculum
One of the most overwhelming parts of homeschooling is choosing a curriculum. There are so many options. I quickly learned that there’s no “perfect” curriculum, but there is a perfect approach for each child.
Here’s what we use:
Math: We use a mix of traditional and online programs to keep it engaging.
Language Arts: A literature-based approach with plenty of reading and writing.
History & Science: Unit studies, hands-on projects, and lots of discussion-based learning.
Electives: The beauty of homeschooling is that we can incorporate subjects like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and life skills like cooking and crafting—things I wish had been part of my own education.
A Note About Curriculum: I used The Good and The Beautiful curriculum with my daughter during her elementary years, and it remains one of the best early education curriculums I’ve come across. Based on that experience, we chose to use it for our son as well.
This curriculum places a strong emphasis on writing, grammar, spelling, nature, God, and wholesome literature, while also fostering character development in a meaningful way. The math program is particularly well-designed, cycling through concepts in short, engaging lessons. This approach ensures plenty of practice without feeling rote or repetitive, making it both effective and enjoyable.
My daughter will use TGATB one more year and then it will be time to transition., I have a big task ahead this next year finding the right curriculum for her as a more advanced learner that will need curriculum geared towards a high school learner. I’ll definitely need to do a whole separate post just on that!
The Impact on Our Family
Learning at home hasn’t just changed how our kids learn, and it has changed our entire family dynamic. We’ve slowed down. We spend more time together. We have deeper conversations. Instead of rushing through life, we are intentional about the time we have with our kids.
That’s not to say every day is perfect. There are days when the kids don’t want to do their work, when I feel overwhelmed, or when I question if I’m doing enough. But even on the hardest days, I don’t regret this decision.
Tips for New Homeschool Parents
If you’re considering homeschooling, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to be an expert in every subject. There are incredible resources, online programs, and co-ops that can help fill in the gaps.
Find your homeschool style. There are many approaches: traditional, Montessori, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, etc. Experiment and see what works best for your child.
It’s okay to change curriculums. If something isn’t working, don’t force it. One of the best parts of homeschooling is the flexibility to adjust.
Join a support group. Whether it’s a local homeschool co-op or an online community, having a support system makes a huge difference.
Give yourself (and your kids) grace. Some days will be amazing. Some will be hard. Learning isn’t a race, and every child moves at their own pace.
Resources for Getting Started
If you’re just beginning your homeschool journey, these resources can be incredibly helpful:
Texas Home School Coalition (THSC) – www.thsc.org
(Great resource for Texas-specific homeschool laws, co-ops, and community support.)The Homeschool Mom – www.thehomeschoolmom.com
(Offers curriculum reviews, planning tools, and free resources.)HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) – www.hslda.org
(Legal support and guidance for homeschool families.)Read-Aloud Revival – www.readaloudrevival.com
(A fantastic resource for incorporating literature-based learning.)Outschool – www.outschool.com
(Live online classes for homeschoolers in every subject imaginable.)
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling isn’t for everyone, and I would never claim that it’s the only way. But for our family, it is the right way in this season. It has given us the freedom to prioritize what truly matters, to nurture our children’s strengths, and to create a learning environment that aligns with our values.
If homeschooling is something you’ve ever considered, my biggest piece of advice is this: You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start. Take it one step at a time, trust your instincts, and know that you are more than capable of giving your children an incredible education, one that goes beyond textbooks, worksheets on computer, and standardized tests and instead truly prepares them for life.
