Homeschooling doesn't require much of anything most homes don't have access to. Children learn best by participating in the real world, and don't need expensive purchased curricula or special books, although a tremendous range of resources are available for those who choose to use them. Libraries and museums, going fun places, meeting interesting people, using the Internet, taking care of home, pets, garden, and attending homeschooling gatherings can fill the days with creative learning.

Parents wondering how they can teach something they don't know underestimate the ability of children to learn on their own, and their own ability to learn alongside their child. Parents can best serve if they see themselves as guides and resources rather than teachers for their child, supporting their innate interests and natural curiosities. Being able to respond to their unique temperament, and style and pace of learning, means more is learnt in less time, so lessons do not require the seven hours typical of a school day.

The main focus of our homeschooling has been real life, taking care of important matters like homemaking... loving and supporting one another by taking the time and personal energy to deal with personal crisis (large and small) in a direct, open, and honest manner. We've tried to attend to the real issues in life rather than the artificial ones. So challenges like growing up to be ourselves, becoming responsible for ourselves and our actions, finding our true work in our lives, and creating the kind of lives that nurture our spirits are at the fore. —S. Evans*

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* As quoted in Linda Dobson, The Homeschooling Book of Answers

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