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Video Pick

Home Schooling 101 This video uses interviews with homeschooling families, examples, and evidence to answer many of the questions associated with homeschooling.

Related Reading

• The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child: Your Complete Guide to Getting Off to the Right Start

• And What About College?: How Homeschooling Can Lead to Admissions to the Best Colleges & Universities

• Homeschool Your Child for Free: More Than 1,200 Smart, Effective, and Practical Resources for Home Education on the Internet and Beyond

• Complete Idiot's Guide to Homeschooling

• Homeschooling Almanac, 2002-2003: How to Start, What to Do, Where to Go, Who to Call, Web Sites, Products, Catalogs, Teaching Supplies, Support Groups, Conferences, and More!

Homeschooling How-To's

School violence, poor funding, and questionable curricula. These are just a few of the realities that parents of school-aged children must face. And many have reacted to these disturbing trends by homeschooling their children. Also known as "parent-directed education," homeschooling is a viable alternative for parents who aren't pleased with other educational options.


• Is Homeschooling Right For You? The first step in deciding whether or not to homeschool is doing a self-evaluation to determine if you have the time, motivation, and resources necessary to give your child a valuable education. Some of the most common reasons for homeschooling children are to instill specific religious values, to develop a more family-centered life, and to allow children to learn independently.

• Is Homeschooling Right For Your Child? Consider your child's personality and learning style. Socialization can be a big concern for homeschooling parents. Be sure to offer your child plenty of opportunities to interact with other children.

• What Are Your Legal Obligations? Each state has their own laws and regulations regarding homeschooling. Some require that children pass yearly equivalence tests. Others may ask that you prepare a portfolio to demonstrate the quantity and quality of your child's education. Research your state's statutes and look for a state organization of homeschoolers for more help.

• What Is Your Educational Philosophy? Once the administrative aspects of homeschooling your child are taken care of, it is vital that you articulate your own educational philosophy. Using this "mission statement" to guide you as you plan activities and select curricula will help you stay true to the original goals you had for your homeschooled child.

• What Are Your Resources? If nothing else, a person could homeschool a child with a library card and some carefully selected field trips. However, if you prefer a more structured school day, there are plenty of lesson plans and workbooks available. Homeschooling parents may also find support in local homeschooling clubs, online chat groups, support groups, and regional organizations.

Written by Christina M. Locke

Questions or comments? E-mail us!

Learning Styles

Each child learns in his or her own distinct way. A distinct advantage of teaching children at home is the ability to tailor activities to individual learning styles. Generally, children learn in one of four basic ways:

Auditory Learner
• Learns best by listening or speaking

• Will benefit from speaking back the information as he is learning

• May enjoy listening to music during homework

• May need to verbally express what he is learning

• Probably will not enjoy long periods of silent reading or writing

Visual Learner
• Thinks in pictures or words

• May want to write down or draw information as he is receiving it

• Usually has an organized workspace and bedroom

• Will probably avoid listening or role-playing activities

Kinesthetic Learner
• Learns best with a combination of visual and auditory styles

• May be very energetic and need to work in short periods of time

• May be skilled in dancing or athletics

Tactile Learner
• Best understands if he can touch, play, and manipulate learning tools

• Enjoys computers, calculators, and typewriters

• Learns by experimenting and going on field trips