The idea of homeschooling can be overwhelming to even the most self-confident parent. The best way to consider the choice to homeschool and to begin to make choices about curriculum is to look at the big picture first (including your state's legal requirements), then go on to examine the different aspects of homeschooling, including teaching philosophies, learning styles, and curriculum choices. Following some of the links below will guide you through the decision making process from whether homeschooling is right for your family through which homeschool curriculum to choose.
Helps for new homeschoolers
- Homeschooling - Making Priorities
- Home-School - A Family or a School?
- Choosing The Right Homeschooling Teaching Material
- “You Can’t Seriously be Thinking of Homeschooling!”
- Budget Home Schooling
- Record-Keeping & Organizing: 10 Reasons to Keep Records
- A Real Mom's Home School
- Time Management
Benefits of homeschooling
- Benefits of Home Education by Beverly McCord and Donna Harp
- Going Our Own Way by Ann Zeise
- Worldview excerpt from What Your Child Needs To Know When by Robin Sampson
- Considering Homeschooling
State regulations
Because education falls under the powers of the state, homeschooling is regulated at the state level. Each state has different homeschooling statutes, therefore the requirements in your area will be different from those of homeschoolers living in other locations. Because homeschooling statutes change as new laws are passed, I recommend reading the actual statutes for your state and then looking around the web for insight into the statute. NHEN's (National Home Education Network) legal page gives the best information on state regulations. Please remember that information found online is not considered legal advice and each homeschooler is responsible for complying with the legal requirements of her locality. After you have found out what the law says, local support groups can be quite helpful in helping you to understand what it means for you in a practical sense.
Some states require a curriculum description to be submitted. This New Hampshire homeschooler has a detailed example of a curriculum description. If you prefer to give less information, VaHomeschoolers.org has several sample Notices of Intent here that include very general curriculum descriptions. Keep in mind that less is more when submitting to your state or county. Submit only what your state requires.
State and local support groups
I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to get to know other homeschoolers in your area. Even if you do not participate in group activities, online and local support groups can keep you connected with people who are familiar with the legal climate for homeschooling in your state and city/county. Homeschool support groups are also helpful for finding out about local classes, field trips, and activities for homeschoolers. Above all, when things get rough (as they periodically will), knowing that you are not alone will go a long way in strengthening your commitment to your homeschool choice.
State Homeschool Conventions
Every year, most state homeschool associations sponsor state-wide conventions that include seminars, workshops, and hundreds of homeschooling resources on display. Many homeschoolers do the bulk of their shopping for the year at the state homeschool conventions because convention specials and no shipping add up to big savings.
Homeschool methods
Homeschoolers often classify themselves under different methods, and if you are new to the whole idea of homeschooling you might be confused by some of the terms you will hear. Below are some resources and articles that will familiarize you with some of the better known methods of homeschooling.
When I first began researching homeschooling years ago, there were few books written on the subject. Since that time, the homeschooling market has exploded and there are entire sections of bookstores devoted just to homeschool resources. Interspersed below with the explanations of some of the different homeschooling styles are some of the best homeschool resources I have encountered. If you are interested in seeing reviews of homeschool books and products, you will not want to miss our Homeschool Product Reviews page. The resources listed here are all books that are available through bookstores, homeschool catalogs, or through ChristianBook or Amazon. If you are looking for free resources, please visit the School Room.
Textbook Method
Many new homeschoolers feel most comfortable replicating school at home. The use of textbooks is most common the first year or two of homeschooling while the parent builds their confidence. Many homeschoolers continue to find the textbook method works for their family while others may continue to use textbooks for some subjects and branch into unit studies or unschooling for other subjects. Visit the Textbook Method page to learn more about homeschooling with textbooks.
Classical Homeschooling
Classical homeschooling involves teaching based on the three stages of learning: the Grammar stage, the Logic stage, and the Rhetoric stage. The Grammar stage involves learning facts, memorization, and knowledge gathering. The Logic stage is when reasoning and logic begin to be applied to the knowledge. The Rhetoric stage completes the Trivium and is when the student learns the skills of wisdom and judgment. Visit the Classical Homeschooling page to learn more about Classical Education.
Charlotte Mason Education
Charlotte Mason was a 19th century educator who believed "the souls of all children are waiting for the call of knowledge to awaken them to delightful living.” Some of the characteristics of a Charlotte Mason education are using living books, keeping a nature journal, and introducing music, art, poetry, and great literature among other resources. Visit the Charlotte Mason Homeschooling page to learn more about a Charlotte Mason education.
Unit Studies
Unit studies can be specific to a certain subject (Evan-Moor units or Teacher Created Materials units, for example), or can encompass all of the scholastic subjects through the study of one topic (Weaver units or KONOS character units, for example). For more information on unit studies, visit the Unit Study page.
Unschooling
Unschooling could easily be classified as the opposite of textbook learning. Unschoolers use life as a curriculum, providing opportunities for learning through everyday experiences and an environment rich in educational resources. Visit our Unschooling page to learn more about this style of homeschooling.
Computer-based Homeschooling
Computer-based homeschooling is really just an off-shoot of the textbook method. Instead of paper books, the child's curriculum is either through an online company or a home-based program that is purchased on CD-ROM. For more information about this method of homeschooling, visit the Computer-based homeschooling page.
Eclectic Homeschooling
If none of the above methods completely describes you, or if you find yourself nodding in agreement with several of them, you are probably an eclectic homeschooler. Eclectics tend to gather what works for them from multiple styles of homeschooling and leave what doesn't fit with their family. Learn more about Eclectic homeschooling.
Moore Formula
The Moore Formula is based on the philosophy of Raymond and Dorothy Moore, who are often considered the grandparents of the modern homeschooling movement. "The Moores advocate a balanced approach to education, which includes study, work, and service. Visit the Moore Formula page to learn more about the Moore Foundation and the Moore Formula.
General Homeschool Resources
- Complete Idiot's Guide to Homeschooling by Marsha Ransom, John Taylor Gatto
- Home Learning Year by Year : How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School by Rebecca Rupp
- The Complete Home Learning Source Book : The Essential Resource Guide for Homeschoolers, Parents, and Educators Covering Every Subject from Arithmetic by Rebecca Rupp
- The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook by Raymond and Dorothy Moore
- Beyond Survival: A Guide to Abundant-Life Homeschooling by Diana Waring, Cathy Duffy
Homeschooling Early Elementary
- Five in a Row, Volume 1 by Jane Claire Lambert
- Five in a Row Volume 2 by Jane Claire Lambert
- Five in a Row Volume 3 by Jane Claire Lambert
- Five in a Row: Christian Character Bible Study by Jane Claire Lambert
- The Three R's / Includes a Colored Wall Chart by Ruth Beechick
- Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelmann (I have used this to teach both of my children to read and love it.)
Homeschooling Older Elementary & Middle School
- Homeschoolers' College Admissions Handbook: Preparing Your 12- to 18-Year-Old for a Smooth Transition by Cafi Cohen, Linda Dobson (Editor)
- Simply Grammar: An Illustrated Primer by Karen Andreola
- Easy Grammar series by Wanda Phillips
- You Can Teach Your Child Successfully :Grades 4-8 by Ruth Beechick
Homeschooling High School
- You're Gonna Miss the Prom?: A True Life Account and Guide Book for Gifted Kids by Lauren C. Betancourt & Donna L. Betancourt
- Senior High: A Home-Designed Form+u+la by Barb Shelton
- And What About College? : How Homeschooling Can Lead to Admissions to the Best Colleges & Universities by Cafi Cohen, Patrick Farenga (Editor)
- Homeschooling : The Teen Years : Your Complete Guide to Successfully Homeschooling the 13- To 18-Year Old by Cafi Cohen