So, God has placed homeschooling on your heartâbut youâre staring at your child, your calendar, and a blank lesson planner thinking: Where do I even start?
Youâre not alone.
Thousands of parents begin homeschooling each year with zero formal teaching experience. The good news? Thatâs not a problem.
In fact, it might be your biggest strength.
This guide will walk you step-by-step through how to start homeschooling as a Christian parentâeven if youâve never taught a day in your life. With practical tools, biblical encouragement, and beginner homeschool tips, youâll see that your home can become a joyful, godly classroom for learning and growth.
đ What Homeschooling Really Is (and Isnât)
First, letâs clear up the biggest myth:
You donât need a teaching degree to homeschool successfully.
Homeschooling is:
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Discipleship through academics
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A parent-led journey, not a copy of public school
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Flexible, simple, and deeply personal
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A way to anchor learning in biblical values and life skills
It is NOT:
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An 8-hour school day at the kitchen table
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A Pinterest-perfect routine with zero interruptions
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Dependent on fancy supplies, certifications, or credentials
If you can love your child, pray for them, and read instructionsâyou can homeschool.
âď¸ A Biblical Foundation for Homeschooling
Remember, your authority to homeschool doesnât come from the governmentâit comes from God.
âThese commandments⌠you shall teach them diligently to your childrenâŚâ â Deuteronomy 6:6â7
âFathers⌠bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.â â Ephesians 6:4
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture affirms that parents are called to lead their children in truth. That includes spiritual and practical education.
You donât need to be a certified teacherâyou need to be a faithful one.
đ§ Step-by-Step: How to Start Homeschooling with No Experience
Step 1: Commit in Prayer
Before you buy a curriculum or browse YouTube, stop and pray.
Ask God:
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For wisdom and confidence
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To prepare your childâs heart
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To show you how to tailor this journey to your family
Christian homeschool startup begins with spiritual surrender, not shopping carts.
Step 2: Know Your Stateâs Homeschool Laws
Each U.S. state has its own homeschool requirements. Thankfully, most donât require a teaching certificate. Check your stateâs laws at:
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Your local Christian homeschool association
Most states require:
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A declaration of intent to homeschool
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Basic subject coverage (reading, math, etc.)
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Record-keeping or portfolio reviews
Donât be intimidatedâthousands of beginners follow these steps successfully every year.
Step 3: Define Your Why
Knowing your purpose will guide every decision. Ask:
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Why are we homeschooling?
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What do we want our child to learn about God, life, and the world?
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What do we value more: test scores or character?
Write your âwhyâ down. When tough days come (and they will), your reason will keep you grounded.
Step 4: Choose a Simple Christian Curriculum
This part stops most new homeschoolers in their tracks. But remember: Youâre not designing lessons from scratch. Youâre choosing from ready-made options.
For beginner homeschool tips, look for:
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Open-and-go curriculums (less prep)
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Biblical worldview across all subjects
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Character development and Scripture memory
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Easy lesson plans for non-teachers
Trusted Resources:
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Godly Learners â Christian character curriculum for grades Pre-Kâ5
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Master Books â Short, daily lessons with strong biblical content
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Abeka and BJU Press â Traditional Christian programs with workbooks and videos
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Notgrass History â Combines Bible, literature, and history beautifully
đ Start small: Bible, math, and reading are all you need for the first month.
Step 5: Set a Realistic Daily Routine
You do not need to mimic public school. Most homeschool families finish core work in:
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1â2 hours/day (Grades Kâ2)
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2â3 hours/day (Grades 3â5)
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3â4 hours/day (Grades 6+)
Break your day into:
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Morning Devotional (10â15 min)
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2â3 academic blocks (20â45 min each)
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Chores, breaks, lunch
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Creative time or fieldwork
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Family worship, journaling, or memory verse
đ Use a free homeschool planner template to create your own schedule.
Step 6: Keep Records (Simply)
Even as a beginner, itâs wise to track:
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What subjects youâre covering
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Your childâs completed work
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Attendance (optional in most states)
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Photos, samples, or a portfolio
Start with a 3-ring binder or digital folderâdonât overcomplicate it.
đŠâđ§ Common FearsâAnd Godâs Truth
âIâm not qualified.â
Youâre more qualified than anyone. No one knows your child like you do.
âI can do all things through ChristâŚâ â Philippians 4:13
âWhat if I mess up?â
You will. And thatâs okay. But Godâs grace covers your gaps.
Homeschooling is about progress, not perfection.
âIâm not patient enough.â
Homeschooling will grow your patience. But your job isnât to be perfectâyour job is to be present.
âWill they fall behind?â
Behind what? Public school pacing? Homeschooling allows your child to master subjects at their paceâand get ahead where theyâre gifted.
đ§ Beginner Homeschool Tips for a Smooth Start
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Start slow. Introduce one subject at a time during week one.
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Read aloud daily. Bible stories, novels, even science books count.
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Incorporate movement. Use songs, PE breaks, nature walks.
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Create a learning space. It can be a desk, corner, or kitchen table.
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Use real life for learning. Cooking = math. Gardening = science. Grocery shopping = budgeting.
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Take field trips. Visit museums, farms, zoosâeven the library.
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Pray together. Make prayer the center of your homeschool day.
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Donât compare. Your homeschool is custom-built by God for your family.
đĄ Realistic Homeschooling for Christian Parents
You will have days when:
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The math lesson gets skipped
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The baby cries during read-aloud
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You wonder if itâs working
Thatâs normal. What matters is:
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Youâre there
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Youâre faithful
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Youâre pointing your children to Jesus
đ Helpful Resources to Begin Today
âď¸ Final Encouragement: God Chose You
Still wondering how to start homeschooling without experience?
Start with what you have:
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A Bible
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A willing heart
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A desire to obey God
Then let Him build the rest.
âThe fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledgeâŚâ â Proverbs 1:7
You donât need to teach like a pro. You just need to teach with love, Scripture, and purpose.
đ â Mrs. Nita | HeroesMart Academy
Mrs. Nita is co-founder of HeroesMart Academy, co-creator of Godly Learners curriculum and lead instructor at https://www.youtube.com/@HeroesMartHomeschoolAcademy. When she’s not building homeschool content, you can find her enjoying time with her husband and four little ones.