When looking into homeschooling for the first time it can be VERY overwhelming. It's a whole new world of curriculum options, supplies to buy, schedules to put together, major home life adjustments, books to read, learning/teaching philosophies, new discipline techniques and on top of it all...having to explain yourself to everyone. Here’s a secret- if you’re interested in testing the waters or if you’re just getting started with homeschooling, you don't have to read any books, you don’t have to do hours upon hours of research, you don't have to buy any supplies other than a couple workbooks, you don’t need a schedule and you certainly don’t need to spend any time setting up a fancy bulletin board.  (However if you're doing more than just testing the waters, having a plan is highly recommended- see "Is homeschooling difficult" on the Q&A page here). Seriously, with just a workbook, a pencil and a place for your child to sit, you’re ready to start homeschooling.  And if you consider yourself an unschooler even the workbook won’t be necessary.

The decision to homeschool is a big one. It works really well for many families, but it certainly involves lots of hard work, dedication and rethinking of parenting skills (to say most homeschoolers have evolved as parents would be an understatement!). However, the benefits to the family dynamic and your children’s education will be huge and well worth the effort.