Try our catalog for suggestions of books and materials to use instead. Think of adults you know who can share a skill, answer a question, let your children observe or help them at work. These are some of the ways that homeschoolers learn writing, math, science, and history. Talking with other homeschoolers will give you further ideas. Some families like to have an idea of what is expected of kids in school at various ages.
Some families also find that they prefer to start out using a packaged curriculum.
Our The Beginners Guide to Homeschooling gives name of correspondence schools and curriculum supply houses, and you can investigate which one best fits your family's needs. Generally, a correspondence school's assignments can be completed in a few hours a day, leaving time for other activities as well. No more than you would ordinarily spend on a child's interests and activities. Homeschoolers often use the library and other free or low-cost community resources. They share or barter materials and skills with one another or with other people in the community.