1. Know your approach or philosophy.
Why do you want to homeschool? You have to have a clear answer before you can design your own homeschool program. Many parents who pulled their child from a school did so because they felt the academics to be lacking in certain areas. This is when you may want to design a program that has a focus on those areas. For instance, if you child loves science and wasn't getting it in public school you can set aside time everyday for science and select curriculum more focused on science. You are not governed by a clock as to how much time is alloted for a specific subject.

2. Be organized, patient, and flexible.
When you are the teacher you will need to be organized, and having a designated area in your house to store homeschool materials will help. Also, patience and flexibility will come into play. It may take your child longer than you anticipated to comprehend specific concepts so you may need to back track to ensure they get it. On the other hand if they grasp what you are teaching quickly you need to be flexible and either expand on it or not spend too much time to prevent boredom.

3. Develop a working relationship with your child.
What works for others may not work for you. The two of you need to be a team, with teacher and student each dedicated to the goals you have worked out together. You may want to sit down with your child and work out a contract in which both of you are involved in the planning of the curriculum.

4. Find other homeschool parents.
The Internet or local community groups are a good way to find other parents and kids for field trips, science projects, advice, and support. Remember to expect that there will be many different homeschool aproaches and reasons why other parents homeschool from yours. Before you join forces you most likely will want to discover if your approaches mix.

5. Set aside place for academic work.
Try to find a comfortable work area in your home in a well lighted spot, free from distractions. If you have established rules with your child when the TV is allowed on, when they have a break and so forth it will be much easier on both of you.

6. Have a method of evaluation for your child.
Nevada doesn't require you to have your child assessed but you may still want to consider it. Many homeschool communities have educators who are qualified to do an assessment. Renohomeschooling.com has qualified teachers to administer tests. If you are interested email

7. Have a plan.
Some parents who are not trained educators often prefer a complete pre-packaged curriculum as the best way to teach their kids. Statistics have reported that 1 in 4 homeschool moms have a teaching degree. Moms with a background in teaching usually feel more free to use a variety of programs and not a packaged one. Having a homeschooling plan as to what will be taught gives both you and your child a sense of direction. When school is somewhat defined, the rest of life can fill in around it. Your homeschooling experience can be much less stressful if you are part of a support group.

8. Take advantage of the resources in your community. Your library is an excellent resource. Many universities have great resource centers for educators in their community. Home school parents only need to show their stamped letter of intent to receive a 20% discount at the local bookstores as an educator.

9. Don't forget the social realm.
Homeschoolers usually participate in extracurricular activities in which they have opportunities to make friends. Scouting, marital arts, swimming, tennis, soccer, skiing, religious events, or taking classes at local homeschool co-op's, the list is endless.