Homeschooling in Canada: What I’ve Learned and What You Need to Know

Homeschooling in Canada has been an incredible journey for our family. When we made the leap, I felt incredibly overwhelmed by all the decisions and questions: Where do I begin? How do I balance everything? Over time, through trial and error, I discovered what works best for us. In this blog, I’ll share the lessons we’ve learned—about navigating regulations, building routines, and finding resources—so you can feel more confident as you start your own homeschooling journey.

Understanding Homeschooling Regulations in Canada

When starting your homeschooling journey, understanding the regulations in your province or territory is crucial. In Canada, homeschooling laws vary significantly, so it’s important to research the requirements in your area.
For example, in Ontario, parents must notify their local school board by submitting a letter of intent to homeschool. This can typically be done by email or phone. Most school boards in Ontario have an open and supportive approach to homeschooling, and there are no mandatory reporting or assessment requirements. Additionally, many boards provide access to free educational resources, making the transition easier for families. I even received a personal email from the school board chairperson to contact him if there are other resources we require and assured they can help.
Wherever you are, ensure you’re familiar with:

• Registration processes: How to officially notify authorities of your homeschooling decision. I used a template from ontariohomeschool.org to write my letter of intent.
• Reporting requirements: Whether you need to submit progress reports or meet specific benchmarks.
• Available resources: Some regions offer free materials or programs to homeschooling families.

Knowing the regulations will give you confidence and help you create a foundation for a successful homeschooling experience. You can refer to ontariohomeschool.org for the resources regarding the regulations and policies for homeschooling your child in Ontario. HSLDA Canada offers a comprehensive overview of homeschooling laws, resources, and support for Canadian families.

Available Resources for Homeschooling

Finding the right resources is key to making homeschooling both effective and enjoyable. Plus it save you a lot of headache re-inventing the wheel. There are numerous platforms that offer quality educational materials, many of which are free or affordable. Here are some of the resources that have been incredibly helpful in our homeschooling journey:

• IXL.com: This comprehensive online learning platform covers a wide range of subjects, from math to language arts. It provides interactive practice exercises and personalized learning plans, which are perfect for reinforcing skills at your child’s own pace.
• Twinkl.ca: Twinkl is a fantastic resource for worksheets, lesson plans, and activity ideas, all aligned with the Canadian curriculum. The platform offers a mix of free and premium content, making it easy to find resources that fit your teaching style and your child’s learning needs.
• Teachers Pay Teachers: This marketplace is a goldmine for homeschooling parents. It offers a wide variety of lesson plans, worksheets, and teaching materials created by educators for all subjects and age groups. While most resources are paid, there are plenty of free ones as well.

In addition to these platforms, there are several more resources tailored specifically for Canadian homeschoolers:

• The Canadian Homeschooler: This site offers great articles, curriculum suggestions, and online resources that are tailored to Canadian homeschooling needs.
• The Canadian Homeschooler provides a wealth of educational tools, printable resources, and information tailored for Canadian homeschooling families.
• Khan Academy: Though not Canada-specific, Khan Academy is a fantastic free resource for math, science, history, and more. It’s structured in a way that allows students to work at their own pace, which is a great way to supplement your child’s education.

Of course don't forget your local libraries, parks, and museums. By tapping into these resources, you’ll find a wealth of materials to help with every subject you need to teach. Whether you prefer digital content or hands-on activities, there’s something out there for every homeschooling family.

Assessing Your Child’s Current Learning Level

Before diving into lesson plans and resources, it’s essential to understand where your child currently stands academically. Knowing their strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences will help you tailor your homeschooling approach and set realistic goals. I will go through this in detail in future blogs but briefly, here are the steps.

Steps to Assess Your Child’s Learning Level:

1. Review Previous Schoolwork

• If your child has attended school before, look through past report cards, assignments, or teacher comments to identify areas they excelled in and where they struggled.

1. Use Online Diagnostic Tools

• Platforms like IXL.com and Khan Academy offer diagnostic tests to gauge proficiency in subjects like math and language arts.

1. Observe During Informal Activities

• Activities like reading aloud, solving puzzles, or completing simple worksheets can provide insights into your child’s comprehension and critical thinking skills.

1. Ask Questions

• Engage your child in discussions about their favorite and least favorite subjects. Understanding their interests can guide you toward creating a more enjoyable learning experience.

1. Consider Standardized Assessments

• If needed, you can use formal assessment tools like Canadian Achievement Tests (CAT) to get a clearer picture of their academic level.

Why This Step Matters

Starting with an understanding of your child’s current learning level helps you:

• Set realistic expectations.
• Choose resources that match their abilities.
• Avoid frustration by meeting them where they are academically.

By assessing first, you’ll create a solid foundation for a personalized and effective homeschooling experience.

What if your little one is just starting to learn?

The steps above assumes that your child or children have some learning gained from school or daycare centers. However, if your child is a "fresh" learner, skip the step above and focus on READING. Reading is a very essential skill that not only will help you "automate" your child's learning, but also will greatly boost your child's brain development. (Check out this article here for more details.) It will also be the most crucial stage of your or your little one's homeschooling adventure.

Building a Homeschool Routine

Establishing a routine early on is one of the most important steps in homeschooling. A consistent routine not only helps your child develop discipline and structure but also makes your role as the learning provider far more manageable.

Why a Routine is Essential

1. For Your Child:

• Children thrive on predictability. A clear routine gives them a sense of stability and helps them stay focused on their learning goals.
• It encourages good habits, like starting and finishing tasks on time.

1. For You:

• A routine reduces decision fatigue by creating a clear structure for your day.
• It allows you to allocate time for teaching, planning, and even breaks for yourself, making homeschooling less overwhelming.

Tips for Building a Routine

• Start Simple: Begin with a basic schedule and adjust as you learn what works best for your family.
• Be Consistent: Stick to regular start and end times for learning sessions. This builds a habit for both you and your child.
• Incorporate Breaks: Plan short breaks between lessons to keep energy and focus levels high.
• Balance Academics and Life Skills: Include time for non-academic activities like chores, cooking, or outdoor play, which are also valuable for development.
• Stay Flexible: Life happens—don’t stress if you need to adapt the routine occasionally.

Sample Daily Routine

• 8:30 AM - Morning Routine: Breakfast, chores, and preparing for the day.
• 9:00 AM - Academic Block 1: Focus on core subjects like math or language arts.
• 10:30 AM - Break: Snack and some free play.
• 11:00 AM - Academic Block 2: Work on science, history, or projects.
• 12:30 PM - Lunch and Free Time: A longer break to relax and recharge.
• 2:00 PM - Life Skills/Creative Time: Hands-on activities, art, or outdoor exploration.
• 3:00 PM - Wrap Up: Review the day’s work and tidy up.

By establishing a routine from the beginning, you’ll create a productive learning environment and set a positive tone for your homeschooling journey.

Conclusion

Homeschooling in Canada has been a journey of discovery, growth, and learning—not just for my child but for me as well. Understanding the regulations, finding the right resources, assessing my child’s learning level, and building a structured routine have been the foundation of our success. While each family’s experience is unique, these steps can make the process smoother and more rewarding.
Homeschooling is not just about academics; it’s about nurturing a love for learning, developing life skills, and fostering a strong bond with your child. It may feel overwhelming at first, but with patience and a willingness to adapt, you’ll find what works best for your family. Remember, homeschooling isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress and creating an environment where your child can thrive.