A Primer for those new to or considering Homeschooling.

Introduction

"You're gonna do what?!"

Are these words ringing in your mind? Are you doubting your decision? Your very sanity?

Relax!

Be reassured that you've just made one of the best, though, perhaps most difficult decision of your life. You are going to homeschool. And you are in excellent company. In 1993 the U.S. governments estimated that there were some 360,000 homeschooled children in the U.S. By 1999 that number was up to 850,000. Other groups estimate that we number about 2 million as of 2000. And this growing trend has not slackened it's pace in the slightest.

So take a deep breath. We're going to help you gain some perspective and get off to a good start.

First things first

Make some decisions!

You will need to do make some decisions in order to set your homeschooling course. These initial decisions are not set in stone. No, instead they are your starting point along a sometimes changing road to success. You will and should take the pulse of your Homeschool periodically, to see how you are doing and what can be added, taken away or exchanged in order to make the experience enjoyable, efficient and sustainable. The following is intended to give you a general idea of what will be needed.

Is it legal? Yes! Texas is one of the most Homeschool friendly states in the country.
- Read the law! Visit our Legal and Political issues sections
- If your child is already enrolled in a public school then here are a few tips.
- Read about your legal requirements as a homeschooler.
What type of learning would you like to engage in?
How much can you afford?
- Budget: Money matters will no doubt be the number one impact on what you do in the day to day schooling.
- Time and Effort: How many hours a day will you take for school and related activities and how much are you willing to do yourself .

Next things next:

Get Connected!

Once you have some basic plans in mind you can begin to explore those areas. That means networking with other like minded individuals. Acquiring all information that you need to homeschool does not happen over night. It may take you a few weeks or months. Even then you will still be learning. As you teach your children, you will learn new skills and new ways of looking at the world. Take time to enjoy this process.

How do you meet other homeschoolers? If you are in Houston area, then click on one of the links below.

Don't be shy. Homeschool groups are very warm and welcoming. Every person in the group has been a 'new homeschooler' and understands your fears, struggles and anxiety.

Get Organized!

Organization is one of those on going challenges of homeschooling. Disorganization is like house work, you have to stay on top of it or it will skyrocket out of control. But don't fret. You don't have to be a neatnik to be successful at homeschooling. However, some organizational skills will be required, if only to save your sanity and prevent the papers from multiplying like bunnies Read more.

Find your stuff!

You've been chatting with others and you have an idea of what you'd like to use as a curriculum. Good! Here are some places that you can start browsing.

Other considerations!

Socialization
De-schooling
Scheduling

At the end of the page!

Here at the end of the page we put our tiny little announcement about a project in the works called

THE BOOKSHELF

The Bookshelf will be a comprehensive list of books covering all manner of Homeschooling and general educational topics. But beyond that it will have SIGHTINGS. In the Sightings section we will note where, when and how much we saw or found a particular book for in a bookstore in Houston.

Coming soon!

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A Primer for those new to or considering Homeschooling.

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