The purpose of this section is to answer a few common beginner questions. See Start Homeschooling and our 10-Step Plan for much more information, help and ideas.

Am I qualified to teach my child?

If you are willing, you are able. If you get stumped, there's plenty of help out there. There are other homeschoolers, great teaching aids, video instruction, classes, tutors, and the list could go on. You may feel intimidated at first, because you've grown up thinking that there's a special secret to teaching that only trained people know, but as you homeschool, you'll gain confidence and your fears will subside.

How much will it cost?

Big question. Pretty much any amount you wish to spend. If you're on a tight budget, you can find used books, use the library, find free resources on-line, etc. (see our section on choosing curriculum). But keep in mind that this is one of the most important investments you'll make. It's more important than your car, your home decor, eating out, entertainment.

How about some actual numbers? Okay. Elementary years: You could probably get away with as little as $100 a year (that's $1.92 a week or 27 cents a day). That would buy you used textbooks and answer keys for every subject and a few extras like art supplies. If you prefer a non-textbook approach, you'll be able to draw on your local library quite a bit (though you'll probably want a textbook for math). The price goes up the more you want in the way of curriculum and/or materials. A full correspondence course will run from several hundred dollars to a thousand or more. High school: Textbooks at this level cost more and are more useful (especially in science and math), so plan to set aside at least $200-$300 a year for materials.

But do you get what you pay for? Will my child get an inferior education if I can't afford a lot of materials? If you are diligent about your child's education and willing to seek out community resources where you cannot afford to buy your own, your child can receive as good an education as any other child. Just be sure you're skimping out of necessity and not out of mixed-up priorities.

Do I need a computer to homeschool?

No. If you want your child to get some computer experience, find a friend who has one or use the public library. Books and experience will provide your child with a far deeper education than anything a computer can offer. Computers can be an asset if you know how to use them as tools; otherwise, they are often more distractions than aids. For those of you out there who are enthusiastic about computer and web use -- we're not saying you shouldn't use them, only that it's not necessary and that your child can become fully and highly educated without ever setting his or her eyes on one. When the time comes to learn the basic computer skills and programs necessary for many workplaces, you can find someone who knows it and pay for a little crash course -- a few weeks or a couple of months should do the job. There are also colleges and tech schools that offer basic courses in computer use. IF your child loves computers or has a knack for them and will probably want to pursue computer-related work as a career, a computer will be an important investment. If that's not possible, seek out someplace your child will be able to gain experience and skills on computers (the same way you would seek out opportunities in music or sports).

How much time will it take?

Have you heard that you can buy a course on video or do an on-line course and traipse off to work while your child happily learns alone? Not likely. People learn best when they interact with others about the things they're reading and learning. Your time will be the most important investment you make in your children. It says you care and it enhances their lives and their education.

Further, most children need supervision, someone to answer a question, someone to help them "stay on task." Sometimes what they need is just a warm, caring parent nearby -- it's reassuring and motivating -- and it says that you take their education seriously.

If for some reason you absolutely cannot block off several hours a day to devote to your child, try to find another adult who can -- a relative or a neighbor, someone who cares about your child as you do.

Now, how much time should it take your child to actually finish his or her work? There are many factors to consider, of course, but here's a very general guideline:

K-2: Written work: no more than 1 hour total. Other work (practice reading, reciting math facts, whatever): no more than 1 hour. On top of that, you should spend time reading to and talking with your child and playing some educational games. When my children were in first grade (I didn't do anything formal I'd call kindergarten -- just had fun playing and learning at play -- letters, counting, colors, etc., lots of being read to), we did about 20 minutes of phonics and 30 minutes of math in a math book. Throughout the day, I reinforced phonics lessons by suddenly saying, "Name three things that begin with "ch," or whatever. We played games and I read to my children most days. We spent a lot of time talking about things we saw and heard. We used everyday experiences to learn all sorts of things (imagine what you can learn in the produce department). Grades 3-4: Increase formal work time, but two to three hours should cover everything except reading. Grades 5-6: Anything more than four hours is probably overkill. Grades 7 and up: three to five hours, depending on your approach to homeschooling. Remember, you're not dealing with all the things a classroom teacher does -- taking attendance, passing out and collecting papers, endless instructions, discipline problems, interruptions, fluff courses and requirements, etc. Homeschooling is far more intense and efficient.

What if I need help?

Call on other home schoolers, relatives, friends, neighbors, classes, tutors, learning centers. Be creative and be serious about seeking whatever help you feel you need. See Step Six in our 10-Step Plan. 

What about graduation?

When the time comes, you'll want to explore our Graduation: Doing it and Documenting it page (feel free to explore now, of course).

What if I have a special needs child?

See our Special Needs Page.