This resource for parents draws upon research findings and the experience of home schooling parents to answer common questions about home schooling in the United States and Canada. Included is information on home schooling instructional approaches and curricula, record keeping, organizational tools, and practical tips. Chapter 1, "Initial Questions," addresses issues parents need to consider before starting home schooling, such as benefits to children, socialization opportunities, family support, and financial aspects. Chapter 2, "Organization," describes approaches to organizing the instructional day and gathering needed materials. Chapter 3, "Legal Requirements," discusses certification and recordkeeping requirements, notification/approval, and standardized testing. Chapter 4,"Curriculum and Instruction," delineates the basic concepts taught in language arts, math, social studies, and science for grades Kindergarten through 8; examines how to analyze a child's strengths and weaknesses to develop a better instructional program; discusses the textbook-driven, theme-driven, and interest-drive approaches to instruction; teaching several children simultaneously; and motivating children. Topics discussed in chapter 5, "Evaluation," include informal, diagnostic, and standardized tests; reading instruction, academic achievement of home schooled children, length of home schooling, transition to traditional school settings, common learning difficulties, and learning disabilities. Chapter 6, "Finding the Balance," discusses balancing the demands of home schooling with family life, avoiding burnout, and integrating values and beliefs in home schooling. Chapter 7, "Resources," contains reproducible forms and lists curriculum resources, government agencies, support groups, testing materials, commercial learning games, the 30-item annotated bibliography and a glossary. (KB)