How to Start Homeschooling Your Kindergartner

Back in 2012, I asked myself, "Can I really homeschool a kindergartner?" before I started homeschooling my daughter Bailey. This is my second time teaching kindergarten now, and I've picked up a few bits of information along the way that I hope will help you on your own kindergarten homeschool journey.

So — can you homeschool your kindergartner? Yes, you can. In most states you are qualified to teach your own child. Most children start kindergarten between the ages of 5 and 6, depending on their birthday. And at this age, kindergarten is taught through hands-on activities, playing, listening to you read books aloud, field trips, and doing things over and over. I know it can feel overwhelming at first, so take a deep breath and read on.

What qualifications do you need to homeschool your kindergartner?

According to the Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE), most states do not require parent qualifications to homeschool. But there are 11 states that require a high school diploma, GED, college credits, or the completion of a homeschool study course. Those 11 states are:

• Georgia
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia

Be sure to check what your own state's qualifications are before you begin.

How do I start homeschooling my kindergartner?

Here's the order I'd suggest:

1. Check your state's laws and regulations for homeschool. I recommend the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), and check every year in case anything has changed. (More on this in Do You Live in a Homeschool-Friendly State?)
2. Figure out where to start. If your child hasn't done any preschool work — like writing their name, knowing some colors, some shapes, and some of their ABCs — that's the perfect place to start.
3. Look at kindergarten curriculums once your child has mastered some of those preschool skills. This can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be: most kindergarten curriculums contain the same basic information.
4. Have fun! Take it slow at first until you and your child get the hang of homeschooling. There will be some bumps in the road, but you know a lot about your child, and that will help you along the way.

What subjects are required for kindergarten homeschool?

Some states require you to teach certain subjects in kindergarten, so check your state's laws. If your state doesn't require specific subjects, here is the list of subjects I taught both of my children:

• Bible
• Handwriting
• Phonics
• Social Studies
• Science
• Math
• Reading
• Arts

Consider that a suggested starting point for new homeschoolers. And if you buy a curriculum, it will provide or suggest the subjects you need for kindergarten anyway.

How long should I homeschool a kindergartner?

It usually takes us about an hour a day to homeschool at the kindergarten level, and we homeschool four days a week. Some days it doesn't take the entire hour, and some days we go a little over. During that homeschool hour we work on Bible, handwriting, phonics, history, science, math, and reading.

At this level you can often work on several subjects at the same time — for example, phonics, reading, and writing can be combined into one lesson. It may sound like a lot for a kindergartner, but so far it has worked for us. Just remember every state has its own requirements for homeschool days and hours, so check yours. (My state doesn't require a certain number of days or hours.)

What your child should know by the end of kindergarten

Here's a general list of what your child should know by the end of kindergarten:

• Cut along a line with scissors
• Follow directions agreeably and easily
• Hold a crayon and pencil correctly
• Know the eight basic colors: red, yellow, blue, green, orange, black, white, and pink
• Recognize and write the letters of the alphabet in upper- and lowercase forms
• Know the relationship between letters and the sounds they make
• Recognize sight words such as "the" and read simple sentences
• Spell his or her first and last name
• Identify numbers up to 20
• Count by ones, fives, and tens to 100
• Know basic shapes such as a square, triangle, rectangle, and circle
• Know his or her address and phone number
• Read very simple stories and count objects
• Write numerals
• Prepare and understand charts and graphs
• Comparing, classifying, and sequencing (understanding ordinal numbers)
• Fractions (whole and half), clocks, and money
• An introduction to addition and subtraction

Take it slow, keep it playful, and remember: you know your child better than any curriculum does. That knowledge is your biggest advantage.

Frequently asked questions

Can I homeschool my kindergartner myself?

Yes. In most states you're qualified to teach your own child, though 11 states require a diploma, GED, college credits, or a homeschool study course — so check your state first.

How long is a kindergarten homeschool day?

For us it's about an hour a day, four days a week, covering subjects like Bible, handwriting, phonics, math, and reading — sometimes combining several into one lesson.

Where should I begin if my child hasn't done preschool?

Start with the basics: writing their name, learning some colors and shapes, and some of their ABCs. Once those are underway, you can look at a kindergarten curriculum.

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You can absolutely do this

Kindergarten is meant to be gentle and hands-on. Check your state's laws, start where your child is, keep the day short and fun, and lean on a good curriculum to guide the subjects. If you'd like the reading foundation and program recommendations I trust, they're on my resources page — and grab the free starter checklist below.