Realize that you care about your child's future more than anyone else does. Therefore, you are uniquely qualified for the role of homeschooling parent. Homeschooling is a big responsibility, but if you mold it to your family lifestyle it can work well -- regardless of your education or expertise. It does not require you to give up the rest of your interests; you can still have a life outside of homeschool. While it's pretty easy to get a child through grade school, you may find it's harder to be confident in yourself when it comes to putting them through high school. But it is doable and people have done it. Just know that you'll be learning, too! Different styles abound and can be learned from and used as resources. The schools of thought vary widely when it comes to this topic, so it's best to sit down and find where you fall on the spectrum of belief yourself. Unschooling: This is an anarchic approach where the student is self-directed. It's based on the idea that a student is likely to learn quickly and easily when they study things they are interested in. Diane Lockman offers an approach geared towards reading, thinking, and communicating, with a heavy Christian emphasis. She even offers online high school courses. Unit studies -- where each unit is dedicated to a different topic. You can often find units (and other varied curricula) online. Charlotte Mason's methodology is a little less conventional and focuses on "atmosphere, discipline, and life. Montessori or Waldorf methods, where the child is more independent and "discovers" rather than is told. An eclectic blend of different styles A complete online curriculum package like Global Student Network A private online school like International Virtual Learning Academy Examine your own intentions and motivations. Why do you want to home educate? What do you consider a 'good' education? What do you believe about children, teaching, and learning? How do your children seem to learn best? These questions can help you determine what approach to take and help you create a learning environment that will be best for your family and your children. Consider, too, that an approach that works for one child may not be best for another. In addition, what you may prefer may not be best for them. Talk to your child about their expectations before you go about outlining the year. The enormous volume of material and methods that are available can be overwhelming for a new homeschooling parent. It's easy to forget how useful it all is! Identifying your approach will be the first step in narrowing things down. There are many resources to help you navigate through the maze of ideas. Research, read, and plan what you want to teach and how. Libraries and bookstores have books on home education methods, experiences, and proven curricula. The internet offers a never-ending source of information as well: basic information on various subjects, online purchase of curricula and supplies, articles about methodologies, support groups, and public school curricula. It even has free lessons on most subjects from teachers, other home educators, and even television stations. Authentic classical education involves teaching reading, thinking, and speaking to substantial mastery. However, Unschoolers, while agreeing with the classical education system, usually have a wide variety of resources for their children to experience, but no formal curriculum. It's all up to you. You'll want to touch on art, the sciences (Biology, Physics, Chemistry), languages, music, mathematics, history, and geography, for starters. You can find local groups that meet regularly, organizations that put on periodic seminars or conventions, or even online groups that swap ideas and resources. Many groups set up co-op classes--taught by other parents--in a variety of subjects. If you start to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or all alone in your family's educational pursuits, a support group can offer advice or just a reassuring acknowledgment from other parents that you are not alone. They are also an invaluable resource for tips on how to comply with the home education laws in your area. If you have any questions at all, a local support group should be your place to turn. And your child could meet other homeschoolers! Home education supplies vary greatly according to teaching method. You can order textbooks, boxed curricula, and learning tools online or at home-educating curriculum and supply sales. For cheaper alternatives, many home educators use libraries, used book stores, curriculum swaps, thrift stores, and garage sales. Back-to-school-sales at local discount stores or office supply stores are the perfect place to get some of the basic supplies like pens, notebooks and glue. Stock up in August and you'll last throughout the year.

Summary: Be confident in your teaching abilities. Learn about different home education methods. Determine your own style of home education. Plan your curriculum. Look for local support. Gather supplies.

The modern signs as listed here are further complicated when their boundaries are those of the current constellations. A neater way of dividing the signs would be to divide the ecliptic into 30-degree slices, as Ptolemy did, but to keep the slices centered on the star patterns. This would make the time interval for the signs more nearly 30 days each and eliminate the [13th] sign of Ophiuchus, but your modern sign would still differ by one sign from the tradition designations. This was named after psychologist Bertram R. Forer, who demonstrated the propensity of people to believe that vaguely worded personality "profiles" (which could apply to anybody) were accurate, custom-tailored profiles. They both operate on the principle that a person's behavior is based on how they were born instead of who they are. Though most astrology readings are parlor tricks pointing out the most general positive qualities in a person, it does follow that if you believe that a person is introspective because they were born in December, then you can also buy into the foolish idea that a person is lazy because of the color of their skin. In a similar way, astrology tries to pawn itself off as science by its inherent vague methods.

Summary: Notice the paradoxes. Do a bit of research into the Forer effect. Think about the similarities between astrology and racism. Realize that it was only in the turn of the century that phrenology (studying the physical features of one's skull) was well accepted, in that the lumps and defaults of one's cranium could be interpreted analogously to your personality.

The things some people throw away could be free construction material for you. Watch for carpeting or area rugs, large pieces of furniture to use as lumber for other projects and paint.
Summary: Check the dumpster area of large apartment buildings periodically, especially when it's close to pick-up day.