The Doodlepad Blog
Practical guides for homeschooling families, from your first week to your tenth year.
How to Plan a Homeschool Year Without the Overwhelm
Learn a simple, step-by-step method to plan your homeschool year that builds in flexibility and helps you stay calm and focused.
- Group Subjects
- Separate Core Skills
- Use Block Scheduling
- Leverage Quiet Time
A Realistic Homeschool Schedule for Multiple Kids
Juggling different ages in your homeschool? Here are sample schedules and practical tips for creating a daily rhythm that works for your whole family.
How Many Hours a Day Should You Homeschool?
Find typical daily homeschool hours by age, from preschool to high school, and learn why quality learning time matters more than the clock.
How to Use Worksheets for Real Learning
Learn when to use worksheets, how to choose good ones, and ways to pair them with hands-on activities to avoid the busywork trap.
Spaced Practice: Helping Kids Remember What They Learn
Spaced practice is a simple, powerful habit that helps your child move information from short-term to long-term memory, and it's easy to build into your week.
How to Use Your State's Homeschool Curriculum Standards
A practical guide for homeschooling parents on finding, understanding, and applying your state or province's official curriculum standards to your lesson plans.
How to Homeschool Multiple Grades at the Same Time
Teaching children of different ages at once can feel daunting, but with the right strategies, it can create a rich and collaborative learning environment for your family.
- Preschool (3-5): Identify & Sort
- Ages 6-8: Make Choices
- Ages 9-11: Plan & Compare
- Ages 12-14: Grow & Earn
Teaching Kids About Money: An Age-by-Age Guide
A practical guide for parents on how to teach children about money, with age-appropriate concepts and activities from preschool through the teen years.
How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum
A practical guide to choosing a homeschool curriculum, from all-in-one boxed sets to building your own eclectic plan that fits your child and budget.
- Notify School (If Applicable)
- Choose a Written Curriculum
- Teach Required Subjects
- Keep Basic Records
Texas Homeschool Requirements: What Parents Need to Know
Learn the legal requirements for homeschooling in Texas, including what subjects you must teach, how to withdraw from school, and how to keep good records.
Homeschool Kindergarten: A Gentle Guide on What to Teach
Learn what to teach in homeschool kindergarten, including early reading, math, and fine motor skills, all within a gentle, play-based daily rhythm.
How to Track Your Child's Homeschool Progress
Learn simple and effective ways to document your child's learning journey without the stress of traditional grades, from portfolios to simple progress reports.
- Private School (PSA)
- Public Independent Study
- Credentialed Tutor
California Homeschooling: 3 Options Explained
Learn about the three legal ways to homeschool in California: filing a Private School Affidavit, using a public independent study program, or hiring a tutor.
- File Notice of Intent
- Withdraw from School (If Enrolled)
- Maintain a Portfolio
- Complete Annual Evaluation
Florida Homeschool Requirements: A Parent's Guide
Learn about Florida's Home Education Program, including the notice of intent, portfolio, and annual evaluation, to start your homeschool journey confidently.
What Your 4th Grader Learns: A Guide for Homeschoolers
Discover the key skills and subjects your 4th grader will explore in math, reading, science, and social studies, with practical tips for your homeschool.
- Ages 5-7: Eager Helpers
- Ages 8-10: Growing Independence
- Ages 11-12: Capable Apprentices
- Core Skill: Cooking
Life Skills for Kids to Learn by Age 12
A guide for parents on teaching essential life skills like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting, with age-appropriate tasks for children from preschool through age 12.
A New Chapter for Doodlepad
An update from our founder on the completely rebuilt Doodlepad, and an invitation to join our Founding Families program.
Screen-Free Coding for Kids: Where to Start
Learn how to teach your child the building blocks of coding—like sequencing, loops, and debugging—using simple, fun, unplugged activities at home.
- Classical
- Charlotte Mason
- Montessori
- Unschooling
Homeschooling Styles Explained: A Guide for New Parents
Learn about the most common homeschooling styles—from Classical and Charlotte Mason to Unschooling—to find the approach that best fits your family.
- 1. Research Laws
- 2. Explore Styles
- 3. Find Resources
- 4. Create a Rhythm
How to Start Homeschooling: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
A practical guide for new homeschooling parents covering legal requirements, curriculum choices, and how to ease into your first month of learning at home.