1)  I'm interested in homeschooling.  Where do I start?

Read and research.  There are many different types of homeschooling philosophies and approaches.  Only you can decide what is the best method for your family.  There are many general books on homeschooling available at bookstores and the library.  We've provided links below to articles for further information.
 
 

NHEN's Info for New Homeschoolers

Beginning Homeschooling

A to Z's Help Getting Started

Kaleidoscapes Newbie Board

2)  How do I know we're covering the appropriate material or that my child is learning at grade level?

There are several sites, including the public schools standards, available on line.  Most homeschoolers can easily meet or exceed these standards.  It may be helpful to keep in mind that these are guidelines.  An eight year old child may read at a seventh grade level, do math at a second grade level, fourth grade science and third grade history. Many parents consider the beauty of homeschooling to be that you can individualize instruction according to the needs of the child.
 

World Book Standards

The Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education

Standards by Subject Area and State

Sample Curriculum for Ridgeway Elementary School

3)  What about socialization?

For some interesting commentary on the question of homeschooling and socialization, see these links.
 

How to Answer the Socialization Question	Social Development or Socialization?	The "S" Word	A Great Reason Not To Go To School
The Myth of Socialization	Chuck Siska's Homeschooling Socialization Page	Socialization and Homeschooling	A Canadian's Answer to the "S" Question

4) Why does the Columbia Homeschooling Resource Group call itself "inclusive?"

CHRG's purpose and focus is educational and social in nature. What brings us together is the common goal of providing the best homeschooling experience possible for our children.  We welcome families from all walks of life, our membership is diverse and out of respect for that diversity, our programs do not promote or reflect any particular religious, denominational or political beliefs. 

If you are interested strictly in religious based homeschooling, Columbia has several Christian homeschooling groups and there are e-mail lists representing a wide variety of spiritual orientations available on the Internet.

5)  How do I find out about CHRG's meetings and activities?

CHRG has an e-mail list serve that announces meeting and activities and provides a venue for discussion.  You are welcome to post any questions concerning homeschooling to the list.  To join the list and view list guidelines, click on the link at the bottom of this page.

6)  Where can I find out more about resources and curriculum?

Try the CHRG links pages or post your question to the CHRG e-mail list.

7) What about Missouri law and homeschooling?

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states.  Here is a summary from the NHEN on Missouri homeschooling laws   Missouri Revised Statutes are available on line here.