"How are my children going to learn?" This is one of the first questions families who homeschool must answer. Should they choose one of the pre-packaged curricula sold by companies that provide supplies for homeschoolers? People who have an academic background in education usually put these curricula together. Homeschool families who go this route have a set course of study for their child to follow.

However, many families decide not to use any set course of study at all. These families choose to create unique learning experiences based on the child's interests and personality. This creates an environment where the child has great freedom, and the parents have almost complete responsibility for what and how their child learns.

There are some great reasons for creating unique learning experiences for your child, without the benefit of a pre-arranged curriculum. Some of those reasons are:

-There's great freedom in what the child studies. Parents can build learning experiences around the things that interest the child. That means the child is more likely to be an engaged, active learner. Engaged, active listeners learn more!

-It's cheaper than buying a pre-packaged curriculum. The initial expense of purchasing a prepared curriculum can be considerable. Homeschool families who create their own learning experiences save that expense, although they are likely to spend money on books and supplies as the school year continues.

-You control and create the learning experiences. Parents can personalize learning to fit the temperament and learning style of the child. Plus, parents learn quickly that they are charge of the child's education. Many parents mistakenly feel that their child's education is the responsibility of "experts" in the educational system.

-You have flexibility in planning learning experiences. A child can learn anytime. With some forethought, parents can use a trip to the store, a park visit, or a library outing to teach math, science, and history.

There are also drawbacks to this approach to educating your child. Some of these are:

-The fear your child might not be learning enough. Many parents fear that if they don't follow a pre-packaged curriculum, their child won't learn the right skills at the right time. That is a possibility, but there are resources, in print and online, that help parents know their child is on the right track.

-Some kids (and parents) need a more structured environment for learning. That isn't a bad thing; it's the way some people are made. For some, a pre-packaged curriculum offers the structure and guidance they need to thrive in a homeschool environment.

-There's more preparation time for parents. Parents who choose not to use a set curriculum need to spend more time and effort planning what their kids learn. Some parents might find this type of learning requires more time than they can give.

Generally, families that choose to teach their children without following a set curriculum experience great freedom in choosing learning experiences. The drawbacks include the lack of an outside authority "approving" the child's education, and the increase in preparation time needed for parents.

Each family must decide if they are ready to homeschool their kids without following a set course of study. Whatever choice they make, the children benefit from the commitment the family makes to home-based education.

Richard and Jennifer Jarman are parents of 3 great kids and avid homeschoolers. They publish Wholehearted Parents, a free e-mail newsletter for parents. The newsletter features short articles on subjects that parents care about, and news about toy safety and other parental concerns. Subscribe today and receive a FREE report, "The Right Way to Discipline a Child," by going to