Whether your child is homeschooled or state schooled, he or she must be taught the same general curriculum. Although in the case of home schooling one can go into more detail in certain subjects if one wishes.

The major difference between homeschooling and private or public schools is that in a home school environment the teaching is going to be carried out one to one by the parents or a paid tutor, where as in a private or public school teaching is carried out in a social environment and in large groups.

Providing a safe environment and making sure that the values and beliefs of a parent are passed on to their children in very important for parents.

Nuts And Bolts

Currently 4 different mediums exist to employ with homeschooling. They are: the Internet, software, video and audio and the good old textbook.

All of these mediums can work well, but as all children are different you will need to see which one works best with your child.

For example, some children are very visual in their learning process. Therefore, you may wish to consider the videotape instruction. If your child enjoys working at the computer then possibly the best home school course program to enroll in is through the Internet.

As home schooling has gained popularity over the years the laws and guidelines in each state have slowly got stricter. You must make sure when starting up a home school that you abide by all regulations.

Length Of Study

Because any home school course is facilitated by a parent or legal guardian of the child, the pace at which the child learns is completely up to the parent. However, there must be steady progress in the child’s educational process.

Also quite often you will find that when you obtain classroom materials your provider will issue you a license, normally something like 365 days in which you must complete all of the materials provided.

Testing

Most governments or states will require that your homeschooled children be tested to reassure all the authorities that your child is in fact learning with a reasonable progression.

Some of this testing is required to be done on a yearly basis while some states require that testing be done every other year. Often, the test is administered by the parent teacher and can be submitted in accordance with the rules and regulations surrounding home schooling.

Even if this is not a requirement in the area where you reside, it is often a good idea to have your child tested on a yearly basis. This will help you to evaluate the curriculum as well as the progress you and your child are making.