Recommended Resources & Support for Deschooling

This post is the third in Rock Your Homeschool’s deschooling series.  Find out more about how to make deschooling work for you in Deschooling: A Powerful Way That New Homeschoolers Can Thrive.  Get 8 helpful deschooling tips to help new homeschool families.

I hope this deschooling series has provided you with information that will help you in your decision-making process as a new homeschool family.  If you’re considering homeschooling, I pray that you’ve learned some tips and been encouraged to know that you can do this!

Got more questions about the deschooling process?  Wonder how to plan for a positive transition from public school?

That’s good!  Your questions indicate that you’re truly thinking about your transition from public school to homeschooling and its potential to help your family.  Let’s see if some of those questions can be answered here before I share amazing resources and support for families interested in making a positive transition from school.

1.  When should I start deschooling?  The process can begin whenever you’re ready.  If you pull your kids out in the middle of a public school year, I encourage you to begin immediately.  If you made your decision at the end of a school year and do not plan on starting homeschool until late summer/early fall, consider using the summer to just chill.
2. Do I have to deschool my kids?  Absolutely not!  If your kids are begging to do lessons, go for it! If your children want to work on math facts and do science experiments, have at it! You may possibly want to take it slowly to avoid burnout.  You know your kids best and I have full faith that you’ll proceed according to what is best for them.
3. My kids are fine but I need time to deschool!  Is that okay?  Yes!  If you are not used to having your kids at home with you all day, you may need a period of time for adjustment.  You don’t have to be supermom.  If your kids want to start homeschool but you need more time to prepare, provide your kids with a few structured activities, games, and crafts.  Your kids can listen to audiobooks while you take the time to do what is necessary for you to be ready to rock as a homeschool mom!
4. How long should we deschool?  Tough question!  Like I said, you know your kids and yourself best.  I am a huge fan of plenty of free time for your kids to explore, imagine, and create.  If your kids are getting antsy and starting to ask when homeschool will start, there’s your sign that it’s time to officially start homeschooling.  Test the waters a bit.  Bring up starting homeschool and get your kids feedback  Have an open discussion about where everyone is and suggestions for a start date.

If I missed a question that you have about deschooling, please ask it in the comments below 🙂

Recommended Deschooling Resources & Support

Here are some amazing sites with articles and resources that can help you learn even more about deschooling:

Deschooling 101: For a Peaceful Transition from Public School to Homeschool >>> Resource straight from Rock Your Homeschool! Get our guide, videos, & printables that contains our story + leads you through creating a custom deschooling plan that will work for your family.

How to Know If You Can Benefit From Deschooling:  Another RYHS resource! Use this free instant download checklist (click & print) to see if deschooling could help your family.

Brave Writer Lifestyle:  We are a Brave Writer family.  Oh, how I wish that I would have known about these fabulous resources and lifestyle prior to our deschooling experience!  Julie Bogart and her Brave Writer Language Arts and Writing curriculum encourage a gentle homeschool approach that emphasizes connection with your kids.  One of my favorite aspects of the Brave Writer Lifestyle is meeting your child where there are-not where you or society thinks they should be.

Brave Writer Facebook communities:  If you want a nonjudgmental and encouraging place to ask questions about deschooling and homeschooling, you will find it in the Brave Writer Facebook communities.  Brave Writer Lifestyle Group for Homeschoolers is one of my favorites!

Rock Your Homeschool Facebook group:  Another awesome Facebook group!  Come over and join my Rock Your Homeschool! Facebook group where you’ll find a lovely group of homeschool moms who love to share encouragement, support, and resources.

The Homeschool Mom:  Amazing series on deschooling, with tips for kids and parents.

AtoZHomeschooling:  Shares helpful deschooling resources and tips.

Homeschooling Ideas:  Includes great ideas for activities and resources to help your transition from public school.

The Truth About Deschooling That Will Blow Your Mind (Educated Adventures):  Helpful article that differentiates unschooling from deschooling, as well as provides tips for a successful deschooling process.

Deschooling:  What Is It And Do I Need To Do It? (Hip Homeschool Moms):  Great encouragement for your transition from public school to homeschooling!

What deschooling resources and support would you add to this list?  Don’t forget to leave any questions that you have in the comments below, too!

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