| Top Ten Benefits of Homeschooling | p. x |
| Introduction | p. xi |
1 | Homeschool Expectations | p. 1 |
| Preparing to Homeschool | p. 2 |
| A Brief History Lesson | p. 2 |
| Parents as Teachers | p. 4 |
| The Student-Teacher Connection | p. 5 |
| Time Required for Homeschooling | p. 8 |
| Scheduling Strategies | p. 9 |
| Cost of Homeschooling | p. 11 |
| Benefits of Homeschooling | p. 14 |
2 | Learning Styles and Teaching Methods | p. 17 |
| Educational Theorists | p. 18 |
| Popular Learning Styles | p. 20 |
| Your Child's Learning Style | p. 23 |
| Your Child's Strengths and Weaknesses | p. 24 |
| Individualized Patterns | p. 25 |
| Finding Your Teaching Style | p. 27 |
| Help for You, the Teacher | p. 29 |
| Resources on Learning Styles | p. 30 |
3 | Getting Started Homeschooling | p. 31 |
| Legal Requirements | p. 32 |
| State Departments of Education | p. 33 |
| Homeschool Groups | p. 34 |
| Withdrawing Your Child from School | p. 36 |
| Registering for Homeschooling | p. 36 |
| Determining Educational Philosophies and Goals | p. 37 |
| School Support for Homeschoolers | p. 39 |
| Resources for Getting Started | p. 41 |
4 | Types of Homeschooling | p. 42 |
| Structured Learning | p. 43 |
| Eclectic Learning | p. 43 |
| Unschooling and Deschooling | p. 44 |
| Secular Homeschooling | p. 46 |
| Faith-Based Homeschooling | p. 47 |
| Umbrella and Satellite Schools | p. 49 |
| Charter Schools, Vouchers, and Cooperatives | p. 50 |
| Independent Study Programs and Virtual Learning | p. 52 |
| Year-Round Homeschooling | p. 55 |
| Resources for Eclectic Learning and Unschooiing | p. 57 |
5 | Answering the Socialization Question | p. 58 |
| Social Skills and Child Development | p. 59 |
| Socialization Opportunities for Homeschoolers | p. 61 |
| Socializing in the Real World | p. 64 |
| Maturity Levels of Homeschooled Children | p. 65 |
| Studies on Socialization | p. 66 |
| Family Values, Morals, and Etiquette | p. 67 |
| Preparing for the Future | p. 69 |
| Resources for the "S" Question | p. 69 |
6 | Understanding Unschooling and Unit Studies | p. 70 |
| Unschooling: A Way of Life | p. 71 |
| Deschooting Each Day | p. 75 |
| Children as Teachers | p. 76 |
| Unit Studies Year-Round | p. 78 |
| Theme Studies and the Core Curriculum | p. 79 |
| Combining Methods: Eclectic Schooling | p. 80 |
| Resources for Unschooiing and Unit Studies | p. 81 |
7 | Fun Learning Activities | p. 82 |
| Language Arts Activities | p. 83 |
| Math and Reasoning Activities | p. 85 |
| Science Projects and Experiments | p. 87 |
| History, Geography, and Social Studies | p. 88 |
| Arts, Music, and Crafts | p. 91 |
| Life Skills and Social Skills | p. 93 |
| Resources for Weekly Lessons | p. 95 |
8 | Frugal Homeschooling Hints | p. 96 |
| Libraries as Classrooms | p. 97 |
| Free Books and Educational DVDs | p. 99 |
| Learning Through TV and Movies | p. 100 |
| Field Trips and Expeditions | p. 101 |
| Sharing Lab Equipment | p. 102 |
| Online Education and Workshops | p. 103 |
| Lessons Through Everyday Events | p. 105 |
| Resources Around the Home | p. 106 |
9 | Choosing a Curriculum | p. 110 |
| Curriculum Guidelines | p. 111 |
| Packaged Curricula | p. 111 |
| Designing Your Own Curriculum | p. 112 |
| Creating Your Own Lesson Plans | p. 115 |
| Free Educational Resources | p. 117 |
| The Student's Input | p. 118 |
| Handling Advanced Subjects | p. 119 |
| Resources for Creating a Curriculum | p. 120 |
10 | Homeschooling Schedules | p. 121 |
| A Plan That Works | p. 122 |
| Flexibility in the Homeschool | p. 123 |
| Learning Naturally Every Day | p. 125 |
| Scheduling Suggestions | p. 127 |
| Time Management Tips | p. 130 |
| Time for Rest and Relaxation | p. 133 |
| Resources for Organizing Your Homeschool | p. 133 |
11 | Homeschooling One or Several | p. 134 |
| Homeschooling the Only Child | p. 135 |
| Homeschooling Multiple Children | p. 136 |
| Assistance from Siblings | p. 137 |
| Keeping the Schedule on Track | p. 138 |
| Time Off for the Teacher | p. 139 |
12 | Typical Homeschool Days | p. 142 |
| What Is a Typical Day? | p. 143 |
| Recording Your Typical Day | p. 143 |
| Breaking the Monotony | p. 145 |
| Attaining a Well-Rounded Education | p. 147 |
| Examples of Typical Homeschool Days | p. 147 |
| Keeping Faith Each Day | p. 152 |
| Tips from Homeschool Families | p. 152 |
| Resources for Typical Homeschool Days | p. 153 |
13 | Record Keeping | p. 154 |
| Planning Ahead | p. 155 |
| Your Lesson Plan Book | p. 156 |
| Keeping a Daily Logbook | p. 158 |
| Maintaining a Homeschool Portfolio | p. 160 |
| Assessment Alternatives | p. 162 |
| Recording Grades and Credits Earned | p. 163 |
| Resources for Homeschool Records | p. 165 |
14 | Organizing Your Homeschool | p. 166 |
| A Place for Everything | p. 167 |
| Storing Homeschool Supplies | p. 167 |
| Creating an Idea File | p. 170 |
| Activity Centers and Lab Stations | p. 171 |
| Quiet Corners and Libraries | p. 172 |
| Keeping Home and School Separate | p. 174 |
| Resources for Organization Help | p. 175 |
15 | Homeschooling and the Single Parent | p. 176 |
| Single-Parent Homeschools | p. 177 |
| Educational Options and Alternatives | p. 178 |
| Special One-on-One Time | p. 181 |
| Weekend and Evening Homeschooling | p. 181 |
| Flexible Work Options | p. 182 |
| Single-Parent Support Groups | p. 185 |
| Help from Family and Friends | p. 185 |
| Child-Care Options | p. 186 |
| Resources for Single Parents | p. 187 |
16 | Homeschooling and the Two-Career Family | p. 188 |
| Balancing Work and Family | p. 189 |
| Flexible Work Schedules | p. 191 |
| Homeschooling Dads | p. 191 |
| Involving Relatives | p. 192 |
| Dividing and Organizing Responsibilities | p. 193 |
| Homework by Day, Homeschooling by Night | p. 195 |
| Weekend Learning Activities | p. 196 |
| Family Field Trips | p. 197 |
| Resources for Working Couples | p. 198 |
17 | Homeschooling in the Early Years | p. 199 |
| Toddlers and Preschoolers | p. 200 |
| Learning Through Play | p. 202 |
| Creating a Stimulating Environment | p. 203 |
| Socializing with Others | p. 204 |
| Ready for Kindergarten | p. 205 |
| Daily Educational Activities | p. 207 |
| Length of Homeschool Day | p. 209 |
| Resources for Early Learning | p. 209 |
18 | Homeschooling in the Elementary Years | p. 210 |
| Teaching Children to Read | p. 211 |
| Ready for Math | p. 212 |
| Living History | p. 214 |
| Scientific Explorations | p. 216 |
| Art and Music | p. 217 |
| Testing and Test Results | p. 219 |
| Socialization Opportunities | p. 219 |
| Resources for Lessons and Activities | p. 220 |
19 | Homeschooling in the Middle Years | p. 221 |
| Moving at Your Child's Pace | p. 222 |
| Overcoming Weaknesses | p. 222 |
| Enhancing Comprehension Skills | p. 223 |
| Exploring and Learning Together | p. 225 |
| Time for Educational Interests | p. 225 |
| Self-Directed Learning | p. 227 |
| Socialization Skills | p. 227 |
| Volunteering in the Community | p. 229 |
| Resources for Weekly Learning | p. 229 |
20 | Homeschooling in the Teen Years | p. 230 |
| Living with Teens | p. 231 |
| Teaching High-School Courses | p. 231 |
| Subjects Required for College | p. 233 |
| Driver Education | p. 235 |
| The Social Life | p. 235 |
| Volunteering and Apprenticeships | p. 237 |
| Working Part Time | p. 238 |
| College Preparations | p. 239 |
| High-School Graduation | p. 241 |
| Resources for Teen Education and Graduation | p. 241 |
21 | Homeschooling Special-Needs Children | p. 242 |
| Learning Disabilities | p. 243 |
| Helping Learning-Challenged Children | p. 245 |
| Support and Resources | p. 248 |
| ADD and ADHD Information | p. 249 |
| Dyslexia Support | p. 250 |
| Autism Assistance | p. 250 |
| Down Syndrome | p. 250 |
| Vision-Impaired and Hearing-Impaired Help | p. 251 |
| Gifted Children | p. 251 |
| Resources for Special-Needs Children | p. 252 |
22 | Veteran Homeschoolers and Burnout | p. 253 |
| Encouragement for Your Homeschool Journey | p. 254 |
| Rekindling the Fire | p. 255 |
| Staying Motivated and Inspired | p. 257 |
| Reconsidering Curriculum Choices | p. 258 |
| New and Refreshing Ideas | p. 260 |
| Handling Unexpected Challenges | p. 261 |
| Explaining Goals | p. 262 |
| Taking Time Off | p. 263 |
| Happy and Successful Homeschooling | p. 263 |
| Resources to Keep Home Education Fun | p. 264 |
23 | College and Beyond | p. 265 |
| Colleges Welcome Homeschoolers | p. 266 |
| College Considerations and Preparations | p. 267 |
| Transcripts and Documentation | p. 268 |
| Entrance Exams and Interviews | p. 269 |
| Online and Distance Learning | p. 271 |
| Resources for Continuing Education | p. 271 |
| Life after Homeschool | p. 272 |
| Options for Homeschooled Graduates | p. 272 |
| Travel Adventures | p. 273 |
| Continuing Education | p. 275 |
| Life after the Nest Is Empty | p. 277 |
Appendix A | Resources and Websites | p. 279 |
Appendix B | Curriculum Providers and Programs for Homeschoolers | p. 285 |
Appendix C | National Homeschool Organizations | p. 286 |
| Index | p. 287 |