When I was growing up, home schooling wasn't that popular. There were some families that home schooled their kids, but for the most part, homeschooling was limited to the ultra-conservative.

Today, in my little town of 5,000 people, there are about 200 kids being home schooled.  I suspect that it has something to do with the state of our schooling system, whatever it is, lots of families have decided to take their children home to teach them. 

If you are considering teaching your children at home, you've got to decide on a homeschooling curriculum. There are enough different programs out there to make your head spin. If you are confused, you aren't alone.  

I wouldn't presume to tell you what program to choose, I will give you a few tips as you look at everything that's available. 

• Take the time to look at everything that's available. Talk to people who homeschool to see what curriculum has been working for them.
  
• If you live in an area where they have homeschooling fairs, attend one. There will be lots of reps there with homeschooling curriculums that you can look through. 
  
• If you are new at homeschooling, consider purchasing a full curriculum. As you get comfortable with your new role as a teacher, you can begin to create your very own curriculum.
  
• Consider buying used. Homeschooling materials can be expensive - but you can get good deals by buying used, or by trading materials with other homeschooling families in your family
• Make sure anything you purcahse new has a return policy in case it doesn't work out for you or you aren't pleased with the material.
  
• Don't think that you have to have the very best of everything - many books for reading can be checked out free from the library or bought very cheap used - online, at yard sales, etc.