I would like to start Homeschooling my kids..How do I start?

Start by locating some folks who are already doing it in your community or nearby. You might even find that there is a local group too.

I am also thinking about homeschooling..(I read what alot of people wrote and) I do NOT believe that children homeschooled lacks social skills (unless you shelter them)..there are TONS of things your kids can do to socialize..church, 4-H, cub scouts, boy/girl scouts.you can take them to the park, swimming..they can also play town sports: t-ball, little league, basketball, football..whatever your town offers..you have neighbors and friends that they can talk/hang out with..If I homeschool I am going to take them to do alot of things/travel/vacations...you can really learn alot about society by being out and exploring..homeschool kids in general are alot smarter... I am looking into sonlight....I am waiting for the booklets in the mail now to read about it...I havent chose any others to look at yet...good luck to you!

It cracks me up when people say that homeschooling will make you a misfit. So-called misfits are found in every part of society, educated in all different ways. It doesn't matter if you were homeschooled or not, if you are a social misfit, you were going to be one whether you attended an exclusive New England prep school, an inner-city public school, a wealthy suburban charter school, or were homeschooled. If, after all these years, you are still a misfit, don't blame homeschooling; either accept it as your lot in life or change it! I can see by my "2 thumbs down", a couple of misfits didn't like me telling them to "accept or change it"!!! Oh well, people like this will always have to find "someone or something" to throw the blame on!

A to Z is a good place to start with laws, links to groups, homeschool advice etc. http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/laws/blWI.htm My favorite discussion board for homeschooling is: http://www.mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?f=50 My best advice is: Homeschool rarely looks like a classroom. Sometimes it takes awhile to find the right method that works for both mom and kids. last but not least: Never underestimate the value in learning from the every day things in life.

The people answering questions here in an idiotic and very ignorant manner obviously have absolutely no education at all. Homeschooling is a wondering experience, it is THE very best thing you can do. How are your children getting social skills by dealing with the idiotic , jaded and poorly nurtured children that are in these public schools? Not to mention the teachers.

Hogwash! I know plenty of home schooled children & some now adults. It is the best thing you could do for a child if you have the skills to teach them. They are better students, have higher academic skills & grades. Have better manners & respect for authority. Learn faster with the one on one teaching. I could go on & on of the benefits of homeschooling. The only thing that I found to be a problem was the things like biology/science for the older grades. Having the needed equipment in a home can be expensive, but if you are imaginative you can substitute something else for the experiments & the dissecting of animals / frogs ect. Check with some of the private schools in your area & Churches that have an on campus schools, they should be able to give you curriculum available in your area & what the government requires for home schooling in your state. ADB

There are loads of home schooling web sites. I'll dig through my files and find the ones that helped me the most. I'll update this answer when I do, which won't be until tomorrow. I home schooled my daughter for a couple of years. I'd prepared for several but she really needed the social contact. Check out your local home school networks to find out what social/sports activities are organized in your community. Also check with your board of education for info on your rights as a home school teacher. There is often the right to assistance and/or access to school materials and lesson plans from your local school district. The more govt education sources you ask for help and materials the more you get. Remember you are saving the district big money by home schooling. Your kids are possibly eligible for funding, or you a tax exemption for some or all of the school supplies you buy. Check with the IRS about this for more details. I'm a Canadian, so I don't know how much govt assistance your kids are entitled to, so ask every agency you can think of.

make sure that's what they want too social skills are a big part of the real world and it's a value you learn in public schools talk to them about it but if you want to home-school them talk to home-schooled friends or go online and find an online way

I know you're not going to listen to me, but DO NOT HOME SCHOOL YOUR CHILDREN. I know the public school system has flaws, but dragging your kids out of society and couping them up inside their house will irreparably damage their social skills forever. Charisma and confidence will go a long way, and your children will not have them if they're inside, talking only to family members, and rarely meeting new people. Please, please, do not do that to your children. Instead, teach them to make and learn from their own mistakes, and let them live their lives. Also, ASK THEM if they want to be home schooled. If they don't want to be, please don't make them. I couldn't imagine if my mother decided to home school me.