Back to School Series: What Parents Should Know About Teaching Early Elementary at Home

Back-to-school season doesn’t just mean new backpacks or school drop-offs – for some families, it means diving into homeschooling for the first time. If you’re considering teaching your early elementary child at home, you probably have a lot of questions. 

As a part of our Back to School Series spotlight, we’re starting by walking through the basics of Homeschooling 101 – comparing it with public or private school and even unschooling, exploring curriculum options, crafting daily routines, understanding legal requirements, and tackling the big topic of homeschool socialization. As parents explore school alternatives post-COVID-19, school shootings, legislative changes, and more, it pays to learn more about the pros and cons of these choices. 

Let’s dive in! 

Homeschool vs. Public, Private, and Unschooling: How Does It Compare?

Before jumping into the details of teaching early elementary at home, it helps to understand how homeschooling stacks up against other education options. 

Here’s a quick comparison:

• Public School: This is the traditional path most of us know. Public schools offer a structured schedule (typically around 8am–3pm), a curriculum set by state standards, and certified teachers. Socialization is built in – kids automatically interact daily with peers and have access to extracurricular activities. Public schools are, of course, free (funded by taxes), and students receive official transcripts or diplomas upon completion. Public school classrooms also have larger student-to-teacher ratios, less curriculum flexibility, and a one-size-fits-all approach in many cases.
• Private School: Private schools are similar in structure to public schools (fixed schedule, classroom setting) but are independently run. Because of this, they often have smaller class sizes and may offer specialized teaching philosophies or religious education. Curriculum might be more rigorous or alternative (e.g., Montessori or Waldorf methods), but it’s still structured and teacher-led. Private schools charge tuition, which can be costly. Like public schools, social opportunities and extracurriculars are built into the school day. 
• Homeschooling: Homeschool means the parent (or guardian) directs the child’s education at home. Homeschooling offers complete control over a child’s education – you can tailor the curriculum to your child’s learning style, progress at their own pace, and dive into topics that interest them. The schedule is highly flexible; learning can happen any time of day that works for your family, rather than a strict 8-to-3 routine. You’re not bound to state-mandated textbooks or pacing. However, because homeschool vs public school differs in structure, homeschool parents must be intentional about providing social interaction and extracurricular outlets (since those aren’t automatically part of the home environment). Homeschool costs can vary – some families spend a few hundred dollars a year on curriculum and supplies, others more – but it’s often less expensive than private school tuition. 
• Unschooling: Unschooling is actually a subset of homeschooling, but it’s a unique philosophy worth mentioning. In unschooling, learning is entirely child-led – there is no set curriculum or traditional lesson plan. Unschoolers trust that kids are naturally curious and learn through life experiences and interests, without being “taught” in a conventional way. There’s no separation between learning time and normal life – a day might be guided by the child’s questions or pursuits, whether that’s baking (and learning math by measuring) or spending an afternoon observing bugs in the yard. In contrast, more traditional homeschoolers might still follow a structured curriculum or schedule (just at home). (Legally, unschoolers are usually considered homeschoolers and must meet the same state requirements, though how they meet them can differ.)

In short, homeschooling provides flexibility and personalization that public and private schools typically cannot. Public and private schools, on the other hand, offer a pre-set structure, resources, and instant peer groups that homeschool families have to create on their own. The “best” option depends on your child’s personality, your family’s lifestyle, and educational goals – and it’s okay if that evolves over time. Many parents mix and match approaches or switch paths as needed.

Curriculum Options and Flexibility in Homeschooling

One of the first questions parents have is: What curriculum will I use for homeschooling? The good news is you have countless options. Unlike public schools (which must follow state-approved curriculum and standards), homeschoolers can choose what to teach and how to teach it, as long as basic subjects are covered. This freedom is both exciting and a little overwhelming – there’s a whole world of homeschool curriculum out there, from packaged programs to DIY approaches. Key points about curriculum and flexibility include:

• You’re in charge (with a few guidelines): In the U.S., some states require certain subjects to be taught. But how you cover those subjects is up to you. If your state lists required subjects, you can weave them into any curriculum or learning style that fits your child. For instance, if science is required, you might fulfill that with nature walks, kitchen experiments, or a structured science workbook – it’s your choice.
• Pre-made curricula vs. eclectic approach: There are complete curriculum packages designed for homeschoolers. These packages often include textbooks, workbooks, lesson plans, and sometimes online components. Popular examples include programs from companies like Saxon, The Good and The Beautiful, or programs like Muzzy. Using a pre-made curriculum can simplify planning, especially for new homeschoolers, because it tells you what to do each day. On the other hand, some families take an eclectic approach – picking and choosing different resources for each subject. You might use one publisher’s materials for math, a different reading program, and a hands-on unit study approach for science and history. Homeschooling lets you mix and match until you find what clicks. 
• Adjusting to your child’s needs: Early elementary is a time when kids learn at different paces. Homeschooling’s flexibility really shines here. If your 6-year-old finds a math concept challenging, you can slow down and review it tomorrow – no one is “behind” or holding up a full classroom. Conversely, if they zoom through a reading lesson because they found it fascinating, you’re free to move ahead or dive deeper. This individualized pacing is a major advantage of homeschooling.
• Different homeschooling styles: You’ll encounter various homeschooling philosophies – for example, Montessori at home (child-directed, hands-on learning), Charlotte Mason (literature-based, gentle learning with rich books), classical education (focus on memorization and logic stages), unit studies, project-based learning, and more. Early elementary is a great time to experiment with these styles. Many parents start with a structured approach and gradually become more relaxed, or vice versa, as they discover what works. Remember, curriculum is a tool, not your master – you can change course if something isn’t working. 

Daily Routines and Structure in a Homeschool Day

Homeschooling means freedom from the strict bells and schedules of traditional school – but kids (and parents!) still benefit from some routine. Finding the right balance between structure and flexibility is key to a happy homeschool, especially for young children. Here’s what to consider when building your daily routine:

• Create a gentle routine (not a rigid schedule): You do not need to imitate a 6-hour school day at home. In fact, early elementary homeschoolers often finish their formal academics in just 1–2 hours a day. A study by the Illinois Board of Education suggests kindergarteners might only need 30–90 minutes of academic activities daily, and first or second graders about 45–90 minutes a day. This is much shorter than a typical school day because one-on-one instruction is so efficient. That said, young kids thrive on consistency. Try to have a regular flow to the day. You don’t need to timetable every minute, but having a predictable rhythm (e.g., “we do schoolwork in the morning and play in the afternoon”) helps children know what to expect. It also helps you stay on track. Without any structure, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or let the day slip by without accomplishing your goals.
• Be flexible and responsive: One of the beauties of homeschooling is that if something isn’t working, you can change it. If your child is having an off day – maybe they’re full of energy and can’t sit still for math – you can switch gears. Take learning outside, do a movement game, or save the worksheet for later. Your routine can flex with your family’s needs. Some homeschoolers use a checklist for the week rather than a strict daily schedule, allowing them to decide each morning what to tackle. Others follow a “loop schedule” (rotating through subjects in order) rather than assigning subjects to specific days. Find a system that reduces stress for you and your kids.
• Sample homeschool day: To illustrate, here’s an example daily routine for a first-grader at home:
  
  8:00 am: Breakfast together, then have the child help tidy up (teaching responsibility).
  8:30 am: Cozy “morning time” – read aloud from a favorite storybook or do a quick calendar/weather chat.
  9:00 am: Focused learning block – maybe 20 minutes of phonics/reading practice, a short movement break (dance to a song or do jumping jacks), then 20 minutes of math with manipulatives or a workbook.
  10:00 am: Snack time and free play. (Play is learning, too! Kids might build with blocks – hello, geometry – or play pretend, which boosts language skills.)
  11:00 am: Another short learning activity – perhaps a science experiment or an art project related to a theme (e.g., fall leaves craft, observing how paint colors mix). If weather permits, this could be outdoors, like a nature walk to collect leaves.
  12:00 pm: Lunch break. Involve your child in making lunch to build life skills.
  Afternoon: This could be quiet time (for reading or a nap), and later an outing or social activity. Many homeschooling families use afternoons for extracurriculars: a trip to the library, a park playdate with other kids, or a homeschool co-op class once a week. Even running errands can be educational (“let’s find the letters of the alphabet on signs while we drive”).
  Evening: Family time, which might include educational games or storytime before bed.
  
  
• Include breaks and movement: Early elementary kids have short attention spans. Plan on frequent breaks and movement. You might do a “brain break” between activities – put on a silly song and dance for three minutes, do a quick stretch, or let your child run a lap around the yard. This helps them burn off energy and refocus. Also, take advantage of homeschooling’s efficiency – if lessons go smoothly and you finish early, you’re done for the day! Let them play or relax. Resist the urge to keep “doing school” for hours just because traditional schools last until mid-afternoon. The flip side is, if your morning was full of meltdowns and nothing got done, it’s okay to pause and try again later in the day or tomorrow. 
• Chores and life skills as part of routine: At home, “school” isn’t just academics. Involve your young child in daily chores and tasks – this teaches responsibility and practical skills. They can sort laundry by colors (early math classification skill), help measure ingredients for dinner (math and following instructions), or feed a pet (science – learning about animals!). Homeschooling in the early years naturally blends learning and life. 

Remember, the best homeschool schedule is one that works for your family and keeps your child engaged. It may take some trial and error, but you’ll soon discover whether a highly organized timetable or a go-with-the-flow routine (or something in between) makes everyone happiest.

Legal Requirements for Homeschooling in the U.S.

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states of the U.S.. However, each state sets its own homeschooling laws and regulations, so you’ll need to learn your state’s requirements. This sounds daunting, but don’t worry – in many states, the rules are quite straightforward. Here are the key things parents should know:

• Every state is different: Some states have very few regulations for homeschoolers, while others have more detailed rules. For example, a state like Alaska requires no notification – parents don’t have to inform anyone that they’re homeschooling, nor file any paperwork or test scores. On the other hand, a state like New York has high regulations – parents must submit a notice of intent, quarterly progress reports, and annual assessment results to the school district. Most states fall somewhere in between these extremes.
• Typical requirements: Depending on your state, you might need to do one or more of the following:
  
  • Notification: Some states require you to notify the local school district or state education department that you are homeschooling (often via a letter of intent). In a few states, you must renew this notification each year, while others only require a one-time notice.
  • Enrollment or attendance records: A few states ask homeschoolers to keep attendance records or teach for a certain number of days or hours per year. For instance, one state might say you need to cover 180 days of instruction, similar to public school, but how you schedule those days is up to you.)
  • Subject requirements: Some states list specific subjects that must be taught. Commonly required subjects include language arts (reading, writing), math, science, and social studies. A state like Colorado, for example, specifies subjects like reading, writing, math, history, civics, literature, science, etc., that must be part of the curriculum. Other states, like Utah, have no required subject list.
  • Assessments or evaluations: Around half of U.S. states require some form of annual assessment to ensure homeschooled children are progressing. This could be standardized testing (you may be able to choose a nationally normed test) or a portfolio review by a certified teacher. If tests are required, often parents submit the scores or keep them on file. Many states with testing just require you to administer it and keep the results, unless requested.
  • Parental qualifications: A minority of states require the teaching parent to have certain qualifications (e.g., a high school diploma or GED). For example, a handful of states require the homeschooling parent to have at least a high school diploma. The vast majority of states do not have this requirement.
  • Other rules: A few states have unique rules, such as needing to teach for a set number of hours per day, or allowing homeschoolers to participate in public school classes/extracurriculars like sports or theatre (sometimes called “partial enrollment” or Tim Tebow laws). These vary widely.
• Complying with the law: Once you know what’s needed, be diligent about following those rules. If you need to send a notification letter or form, do it on time (usually before you start or by a certain date each year). If you need to keep a portfolio or administer a test, mark your calendar to do so. Compliance ensures your homeschool is recognized as legal and helps avoid any truancy misunderstandings with school officials. 
• Beyond state laws – consider future needs: While not a legal requirement, think ahead about record-keeping. It might seem early when your child is only 6, but establishing good habits now is wise. Keep a simple file of what you cover each year (curriculum used, a few samples of work, etc.). If you ever transition your child back to public/private school, you’ll have evidence of what they learned. For early elementary, this could be as simple as a notebook of weekly summaries or a portfolio of their artwork and writing. 

Socialization and Community-Building for Homeschoolers

Socialization is a common concern when homeschooling: if children aren’t in a classroom with peers all day, will they struggle socially? How will they make friends or learn to work with others? The truth is that homeschool socialization simply looks different, but it does happen – often very successfully. In fact, the National Home Education Research Institute shows that homeschooled children generally develop social skills on par with (or even above) their traditionally schooled peers. 

Let’s unpack how socialization works in homeschooling and how you can ensure your young child has a rich social life:

• Join or build a homeschool community: One of the best things you can do, especially for a young child, is connect with other homeschooling families. Chances are, there’s a homeschool group or co-op in your area. Homeschool co-ops are typically groups of families that meet regularly (perhaps weekly or biweekly) so that kids can learn and play together. In a co-op, parents might take turns teaching a fun group class (like simple science experiments, art, or a music circle for little ones), or the group might organize field trips and park days. If you don’t know of any local groups, try searching Facebook or Yahoo for homeschool groups in your town or region, or ask at the local library – homeschoolers often organize events there.
• Extracurricular activities: Homeschoolers can take advantage of all the same extracurricular options as other kids – just through community channels rather than school. Sign your child up for a local sports league (soccer for 6-year-olds, t-ball, gymnastics, swimming lessons – whatever they enjoy). Consider classes at community centers or libraries (art classes, kids’ yoga, music classes, etc.). Many areas have youth programs like 4-H, dance studios, or martial arts that welcome homeschoolers with daytime classes as well. These activities provide regular interaction with peers and mentors. 
• Playdates and park days: Sometimes keeping socialization simple is best: meet up with friends! If you know other families with kids around the same age (homeschooling or not), arrange playdates at the park or each other’s homes. You can also frequent places where other kids are likely to be during the day – a local playground, children’s museum, or library story time. Homeschool families often informally gather at parks on a weekday morning as part of their routine. These unstructured play times are fantastic for kids’ social development (and it’s a chance for you to chat with other parents, too).
• Community involvement: Homeschooling opens up time for your child to engage with a broader age range of people, not just same-age classmates. Take advantage of that. Maybe you have an elderly neighbor your child can help by walking their dog occasionally (learning empathy and communication across generations). Or you visit a nursing home periodically to sing or do crafts with residents. Young homeschoolers often accompany their parents on errands and volunteering, naturally learning how to converse with store clerks, librarians, and people in all walks of life. 
• Ideas for social activities: If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few socialization opportunities popular in the homeschool community:
  
  • Attend homeschool days at local museums, zoos, or science centers (many offer special classes or discounts for homeschoolers).
  • Join a homeschool field trip group – parents take turns organizing outings to fire stations, farms, factories, etc., which often allow homeschool groups tours during school hours.
  • Sign up your child for Cub Scouts/Girl Scouts or other youth clubs.
  • Enroll in group swim lessons or community sports leagues.
  • Take an art class at a local studio or community college that offers kids’ programs.
  • Consider faith-based groups if that’s part of your life.
  • Host a weekly playgroup with a few other families – even rotating houses and activities (one week could be baking together, another week a craft, etc.).
  • When they get a bit older, your child can also join academic teams or competitions open to homeschoolers (like homeschooling chess clubs, or the Scripps spelling bee, which allows homeschool entrants, etc.).
• Family is a social unit too: Lastly, remember that one advantage of homeschooling is strong family bonding. Your child is spending their day in a low student-to-teacher ratio environment – often just them and you, or siblings. Early elementary kids get a lot of one-on-one interaction, which can boost their communication skills and confidence. They learn to relate to adults very well because they’re around engaged adults more. While you do want peers for them, don’t discount the social learning happening as they interact with parents and older siblings throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

Homeschooling an early elementary student is an adventure filled with discovery, flexibility, and personal growth – for your child and for you as a parent. 

As you embark on (or continue) this journey, remember that you’re not alone. There is a vast and welcoming community of homeschool families out there. Homeschooling, especially in the early years, doesn’t require you to have all the answers or a teaching degree – it requires love, patience, and a willingness to learn alongside your child. You’ll celebrate little wins and find creative solutions to challenges.

Homeschooling isn’t “one size fits all,” and it’s not a straight line journey. But with the information and resources at your fingertips, you are well-equipped to create an enriching early elementary homeschool experience. Here’s to a school year (and beyond) of growth, bonding, and discovery at home!