Ok, so now I am a home-school Mom, and I am confused as heck...

[dogday]

Where do I purchase my materials? Which ones are the right curriculum for my child? Can I get some advice, help? Please in advance... Thanks.....

[GoddessOfGuinness]

1. You might start by talking with your local school system home education department...

Each state has its own rules and regs, so talking with someone in the system can help you narrow things down. Find out if there's a local homeschool fair, where you can look at some of the programs that are available, and decide whether you want to stick with one core curriculum or mix and match from all the available alternatives. Don't neglect "unschooling", which many people dismiss as undisciplined without taking the time to actually find out what is involved.

We chose the Calvert School program for our son, though there are some elements of the curriculum we don't use. We also supplement with material that is not part of any program. You can learn more about Calvert School here: http://www.calvertschool.org/home-school/

[dogday]

2. I have been doing my homework.. Texas does not regulate private schools

and home-schooling is considered a private school.. I have registered with the Texas home-schoolers association and have even spoke to someone over the phone. Texas has a required curriculum and as long as we follow that, we are ok... Bought the books and workbooks and have found some great places online.

Thanks for your advice... I think this is going to work out...

[GoddessOfGuinness]

3. Have a blast!

We love it!

[funflower]

4. Go to you local library and check out books on homeschooling that appeal to you.

There are a WIDE variety of approaches, and only you know which is right for your family. Also, you might check out Home Education Magazine, which is non-fundy in its perspective (there are others also, but I can't remember their names). On the web, I like nhen.org and unschooling.org, although the latter doesn't get updated very often these days. I'm sure you can find a lot more resources by googling

Be careful not to be taken in by every vendor who wants to sell you curriculum. You really don't need much, and a great deal of it can be purchased used or obtained for free or cheap at local homeschool materials swaps.