Homeschooling

Archive for October, 2007

Question: For parents who homeschooled their child from kindergarten, how did you get started?

My daughter is 13 months now, and my husband and I decided when she was a few months old that we would be Homeschooling her. I've done lots and lots of research, and we both feel competent (and excited) about our decision.

I have lots of ideas I've collected. I've a few made lesson plans already. I've even made a few Homeschooling friends who help with suggestion. But most Homeschooling people I've met began Homeschooling their child after they'd already been in public school.

For those who started Homeschooling from the start, what did you do to "formally" start their Homeschooling? I know everyday is a teaching opportunity... but when and how did you transition into a more structured schedule? What things did you find most helpful in starting your homeschool process? Did you prefer workbooks, charts, videos, etc? Any good ideas or tips?

Answer: I just posted my answer to your question on my blog because a friend asked me the very same thing this week. I'll let you read it (link below). In general we transitioned from only free play to sometimes sitting down for learning (if that's what you mean by a more structured schedule) when my daughter was 2 or 3. I'll let you read the rest on the blog rather than repeat it here because my friend's question was so similar to yours.

Kindergarten Sight Words Set 1

Question: Which curriculum(s) do you prefer?

I will be Homeschooling three of my children next year. They will be in 3rd, 1st, and Kindergarten. We just pulled our 2nd grader out of public schools, and are currently using A BEKA. I'm noticing minor problems, nothing serious, with Math and Language. Math is fast paced, with not much review or supplemental/practice work. My son understands and completes assignments, but soon forgets skills he seemed to have mastered. Language is very slow and not as advanced, and I'm doubling his load in this book just to give him 15 minutes of work on the subject. I need something with the lesson plan mapped out for me, and which doesn't cost a small fortune, as I will be buying for three next year. I'd also like something engaging, and not just based on memorizing, as my children are easily bored. The more I research various publishers, the more difficult the decision becomes. I can't afford to make the wrong choice here. Any recommendations and/or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Why not take advantage of the fact that they are young enough to reprogram them out of the typical "one size fits all cookie cutter" approach to learning? Have you looked into other methods along the home-schooling spectrum? I would pick up a few good books about Home Schooling elementary aged children and start getting creative instead of relying solely (if at all) on a packaged curriculum.

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