How To Homeschool Kindergarten – The Ultimate Guide

If you’ve made the big decision to homeschool your child and you want to know how to homeschool kindergarten, you’re in the right place! I started homeschooling my oldest child even before he started kindergarten, and I have since homeschooled four out of seven kids through their kindergarten year. It’s such a wonderful and beautiful time, so I want to encourage you on your homeschooling journey!

How To Homeschool Kindergarten

How To Start Homeschooling Kindergarten

The first thing you need to do before you start homeschooling kindergarten is to learn your local state requirements. Each state is different. I suggest you go to the Department of Education’s website for your state to find out what you need to do.

I have homeschooled in two states and neither have actually required I report anything for a child under seven years old, but like I said, it totally depends on your state.

Benefits of Homeschooling Kindergarten

There are many benefits to consider when it comes to homeschooling kindergarten.

You’re giving your child space to develop on his or her own timeline.

You get to spend more time together.

Your child gets more one on one teaching time.

Your child can have an active role in the household and learn basic home skills.

Less time working and more time playing.

Your child has more time to explore personal interests.

Homeschool Kindergarten Curriculum

Next, you’ll need to figure out what curriculum you want to use. You don’t even have to use any curriculum if you have no problems covering math and basic phonics introduction on your own.

I use and recommend My Father’s World Kindergarten for those just starting out and want a solid Christian curriculum. It’s easy to follow and includes everything you need for your kindergarten year. You just add in some books and crafts!

When it comes to teaching kindergarten phonics, I really enjoy using Explode the Code alongside Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. I often use this system with my kids who tag along with older siblings in My Father’s World Kindergarten but are too young to learn to read.

I have found that using Horizons to teach kindergarten math is the simplest and easiest option for our large family.

We also use a mix of educational apps for kindergarten on the Kindle Fire and iPad.

Don’t forget to include some living books for kindergarten and a lot of time outside doing informal nature study.

Teaching the Alphabet to Kindergartners

We have lots of resources and alphabet activities and ideas for teaching your kindergartner the ABCs. My biggest piece of advice is to focus on teaching the alphabet in a fun way. Play lots of ABC games, talk about what sounds the letters make, and different words that begin with those letters.

Homeschool Kindergarten Schedule

Once you’ve chosen a curriculum, or a variety of curricula for your homeschool kindergartner, you’ll want to figure out a schedule.

I’ve homeschooled kindergarten through a mix of homeschooling other kids of varying ages. Here I describe my homeschool kindergarten daily schedule when I had two older children.

Here is another post about a simple homeschool kindergarten schedule that I used with my second child.

Homeschool Kindergarten Supplies

Of course, everyone wants to know what supplies they are going to need to homeschool kindergarten. You’ll definitely want to check out this list of must-have school supplies for homeschooling preschool and kindergarten.

If I had to break it down to just the essentials, I would say you need a Bible, some ABC flashcards, a library card to check out lots of fun books, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, a wall calendar, and lots of time bringing your child alongside you while you do life.

Homeschool Kindergarten Lesson Plans

If you like to make kindergarten lesson plans, you’ll definitely want to check out my lesson plans based on books. I’ve taken some of the best children’t literature and made easy to follow week-long lesson plans for homeschool moms like you.

If you’re more a DIY-er, my Homeschool Preschool Planner helps you create your own lesson plans with the same format.

What about socialization?

If you’re worried about socializing your kindergartner, make sure to join a local homeschool group and participate in the activities with them. Kindergartners can also participate in the same extracurricular activities that public school kids do like dance and scouts. The opportunities abound, you just need to seek them out.

More Kindergarten Resources

Here you'll find even more resources for homeschooling kindergarten. We have lots of printables and lesson plans available that will work for both preschool and kindergarten!