If you are considering homeschooling your child, or children if you have more than one, there are some things you should consider before starting out. You must understand that you will be taking on an enormous responsibility – your child’s education will be in your hands. Your first obligation to yourself and to your children should be to learn the basic essential elements of Homeschooling. One thing you will need is good homeschool resources.

"One mom's homeschool"

First you might want to consider just why you have decided to homeschool your child. Consider the enormity of your decision. It should certainly not be taken lightly. Educating your child through home study will involve your staying at home and developing a regular classroom routine and class schedule. Of course, if you are going to be your child’s teacher this will become your full time job for months and possibly years. The alternate is to hire a qualified teacher as your child’s teacher. Not everyone can afford this luxury.

In most states in the United States, and provinces in Canada, you will be required to purchase your curriculum from the State Board of Education or other approved source. You will also have to purchase all of the necessary books and materials that are required in any classroom. Check some of our recommendations at homeschool resources

You may also need some training if you feel you are not fully qualified. A typical course of study might include Reading Writing, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Health, and the list goes on getting progressively more difficult with each grade. Many states and provinces also require periodic standardized testing for which you will have to prepare your children.

You may have decided to homeschool your child due to family needs and concerns such as traveling or employment. Your child may have a serious illness or disability that requires him or her to remain at home. Some computer based courses may be beneficial for gifted homeschoolers, who may view things differently These special courses can help to maintain their interest and increase their potential. Online homeschooling courses are also available.

The Internet can be a blessing by helping and assisting you to find needed educationsl materials online, many of which are free. The Internet will also helping you to maintain contact with other homeschooling parents through blogs and homeschooling associations, several of which are listed in the resource page at Homeschool Resoures