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cprice0129
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| Posted: Jan 23 2009 at 10:56am | IP Logged
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Looking at all the information on homeschooling is a bit overwhelming. We'd really like to start homeschooling our oldest who is 8 1/2 after we let him finish out 3rd grade in PS. There are so many options for curriculum that my head is swimming. I'm really lost as to how to find something that fits his needs and covers all the necessary legal requirements. If someone could post their favorite curriculum sites or just an idea of how to get started doing research on how to choose something I'd very much appreciate it. We have an almost 4 year old and a 2 year old as well and really would like to be able to homeschool them from day one of Kindergarten on so any and all info on grades 4 and under would be much appreciated.
I am looking at abeka, the charlotte mason information, five in a row as well as a few others but still it just seems like there's tons of info and I want to make sure I pick the best I can.
Thank you all.
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Sarah M
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I highly recommend you read 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy. You may be able to find it at your library- but it's worth owning anyway, if you can't. The book covers learning styles of children, teaching styles of parents, and helps you discern which "method" or "philosophy" most matches your preferences. Then she recommends curriculum based on that. Cathy Duffy is Catholic, and on her website, she gives reviews of specifically Catholic curriculum. I think her resources are invaluable.
Blessings on your journey, and welcome to 4Real!
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Mackfam
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I'm finding it hard to recommend anything because I fear that any recommendations would just be *more* overwhelming. There is just sooooooo much out there now. So much great stuff!
Sarah's recommendation of Cathy Duffy's book is a good start for you and I'd second it.
Let me ask you a couple of questions....
So, you're not homeschooling now and you've got the rest of this year and the summer to make some decisions and plans, right?
And, you're looking at 4th grade, a 4yo and a 2yo, right?
Ok, I think I'd first suggest that *you* do some reading just to get your homeschooling feet under you. See what you think of this whole idea and ask yourself honestly how comfortable you feel implementing what can range from complete plan-it-yourself curricula to complete pre-packaged curricula. There is a place for both in the homeschool world.
I guess I'm asking you where your comfort zone is? Where do you most identify in terms of homeschooling philosophy? (and there are a dizzying array of those as well!)
I want you to get the support here that you need and some ideas for you to start fleshing out as you plan. So, let's talk a bit more in this thread about your philosophy. If you're certain of it, let's move from there with ideas. If you're uncertain, let's move this question over to Philosophy of Education in order to help you discern. How does that sound? 
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Willa
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Mackfam wrote:
So, you're not homeschooling now and you've got the rest of this year and the summer to make some decisions and plans, right?
And, you're looking at 4th grade, a 4yo and a 2yo, right?
Ok, I think I'd first suggest that *you* do some reading just to get your homeschooling feet under you. |
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That's what I did, when I first was considering hsing (my kids were 2nd grade, kindergarten and pre-K). I read and read and got an idea of what my ideas were.
It's easier nowadays -- you can just hang out here and on the web. There's so much information out there and you can ask questions, which was difficult before the internet when I started.
Honestly, I don't think it matters precisely HOW you start .... you'll learn on the road, but getting a general sense of it ahead of time will be helpful. At least, it was for me.
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Willa
hsing boys ages 11, 14, almost 18 (+ 4 homeschool grads ages 20 to 27)
Take Up and Read
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mooreboyz
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I agree with what has been said here...do some reading and try to decide at least for your older child if you want to create your own curriculum based on following his interests and capabilities or if you want to buy a packaged curriculum or something in between (workbooks for math, unit studies for science and history, etc.). Then you can go from there.
I would suggest starting a little scheduled preschool with your 3 year old just to get your feet wet and to feelout a natural rhythm for your day. This will help you find out what times of the day are best for you to teach and what times are not so good. Then next year when your oldest is home he can just fall into your schedule. I recommend taking a look at Montessori for yor little ones. They are at the perfect age to start and I can't say enough about it. I wish I would of heard of it when my olders were younger. I just began my 4th with it when he was 3. It's just great.
Good luck and keep reading here. There are some amazing women here with invaluable advice.
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Jackie
7 boys - 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17 years
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cprice0129
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Thank you so much for all the input so far. I ran out to Barnes and Noble tonight and got a copy of the book suggested by Sarah M. I also got Homeschooling for Dummies as well.
Mackfam- you're correct. My eldest attends a public school right now (literally across the street from our home) and we have the rest of the school year, which ends in June, and the summer to make big decisions and put plans in place. That being said the more research I do into what he's learning in his school and what he's not the more I see the need as well as the desire to homeschool. We've pretty much made that decision already as a family we just have to decide how best to go about it. I think, for the beginning at least, I personally would do best with a combo of the prepared materials and the make it yourself plans. I'm great with science and language arts and we have a friend who is an art teacher that we can ask to come over and teach him art history once a week. I think since I really have no clue about how it would work out the best thing would be that combination. Some workbooks and texts and some adventures. If that makes sense. I do have the 4yo and 2yo to consider as well and that's why I feel, time wise, it would be best to make sure we have some set up curriculum on hand. We're very lucky to live in a historically rich area. History, at least local history and some American History, can really come alive for B. We can go visit Fort Sumter and the Citadel and see the HL Hunley and study the Civil War in ways that would engage him.
I'm going to go through the books tonight and tomorrow and then I'll be more able to share what "styles" we fit into. But just skimming the book B is definitely a Wiggly Willy. :)
If you feel this thread would be best in another area feel free to move it.
Thank you all so much and I'll post again once I've filled out some of those charts and better understand my philosophy myself.
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cprice0129
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After reading through the philosophy sections and the description of learning styles I've discovered I'm sort of everything. I am eclectic with strong Charlotte Mason and Unit Studies, some independent study, some classical and nearly no unschooling and traditional. My son is a Wiggly Willy and I'm a combo of that, the Perfect Paula and the Competent Carl so I can mold to fit what he needs fairly well it seems. I'm working my way through her curricula charts but for my son's particular styles there doesn't seem to be much Christian curricula that would fit well, Catholic or Protestant. I'm going to check her website and do more research but now that I know the basics maybe you can put your two cents into what you've found that works best.
Thanks
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Sarah M
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Okay... off the top of my head, let's see.... you said you rated high for Charlotte Mason and Unit Studies... have you seen Five in a Row? That is an excellent (gentle, flexible, but laid out) curriculum that many here use. You may find the Beyond Five in a Row book more suitable for your 8.5 year old. The other little ones would really enjoy the regular series (or even Before Five in a Row). With FIAR, you really just need to add in math and reading, and you're set.
Just an idea. I'll post again if I think of something else. Hope that helps!
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MarilynW
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Dear Casey - so great to see you here!
I feel for you - I think there are way too many options out there! I think the main thing for you is to do your research and reading and then just get started. You will change through the years anyway. The main thing is not to feel overwhelmed and keep changing.
Here is an article: Keep it Simple that will help you simplify.
What you mainly want to decide on for B. is a plan for Math, Language Arts and Reading - the main things. Then add in your unit studies and the rest. There are a handful of Math programs that most people use - I can talk to you about the main ones and you can research and see which fits B. For language arts -again you can choose the "natural approach" , CM style of narration/dictation or you can opt for more formal workbook approaches for spelling/grammar/writing. You can tie history in with your reading and writing. I think I mentioned Sonlight to you which has great reading lists etc. I think Sonlight is also quite a nice way to start on a literature based curriculum - and you have a plan if you need it.
I think you need to decide whether you want to write all your own plans or for the first year use something like Sonlight/Abeka/Seton/MODG which holds your hand a little and gives you guidance.
You also need to check with HSLDA (or someone from SC on this list) about your state requirements - I am not sure what you have to report or anything.
For your littler ones - lots of ideas on these boards too. Again I can give you pointers - we will have to plan a telephone conversation - I just have so little energy to type right now!
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Marilyn
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Barbara C.
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That's a great article Marilyn offered about keeping it simple. That's exactly what I was going to say. Homeschooling can be extremely overwhelming at first. And there is a tendency to think that we can/have to teach our children EVERYTHING. But that's really impossible. We can schedule them in every subject under the sun but we can't make them learn it or learn it well, and we're more likely to drive them and ourselves crazy.
Like many books suggest you need to figure out what your top two or three homeschooling goals are: customized education? freedom to explore? college preparation? Ivy League preparation? character preparation? That will very much shape your home school.
And I would keep it very simple for the first year to give you and your kids time to find your right groove. Your oldest may be de-schooling for a bit. You don't want to overwhelm you or your kids by expecting too much out of the gate...that can really lead to burn out.
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Barbara
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Stephanie_Q
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Sarah M wrote:
| The book covers learning styles of children, teaching styles of parents, and helps you discern which "method" or "philosophy" most matches your preferences. Then she recommends curriculum based on that. |
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This sounds like exactly what I've been looking for! Thanks!
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Stephaniedh 6.01
dd 6.02, dd 8.03, ds 3.05, ds 12.06 at Catholic school.
dd 12.09 at home.
Baby boy due 10.13
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Vanna
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I think that what ever you decide to use you need to be open to changing it. LOL You will find that the first year (at least it has been for me) is a lot of reconnecting, figuring out your child's learning style, understanding what they want and need, and things like that.
We started out on this hs journey with the thought of being very rigid and ultra-scholastic using the Classical Education approach. Then it we decided it was just too overwhelming for all of us, so we went to using LifePac. My son thought these were too boring so we unschooled for a while...now we are on to Sonlight...which my son and I LOVE!!!
Take some time to research (which it sounds like you are doing) and ask your child what they would like to learn about. You might be surprised at the great info you get from them. Then pray about it...a lot. I feel I would have saved our household quite a bit of money by praying about my purchases more beforehand. Sigh...live and learn.
Good luck. It's a fantastic journey. Enjoy it all. :)
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Wife to K  Mommy to B (ds18) and G (ds8)
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Mackfam
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I've been mulling this over...and pondering...
Based on your identification as a CM/Unit Studies girl...here's my 2 cents:
*** For the littles...I love SarahM's recommendation of Five in a Row. I'd get the program, check out the books from the library and use it almost exclusively with the littler two. It's gentle, and perfect for springing lovely unit studies that you can sort of feel your way through during the year. And, truly, if you do nothing more than read great picture books with the 2 and 4 yo you have offered a treasure of a year. I might suggest one other resource to you to help bolster reading lists and ideas with the littles - A Picture Perfect Childhood by Cay Gibson.
You might also check out Serendipity...more about this wonderful resource below...
Vanna's right as well, the way you approach homeschooling, the way you implement, evolves throughout the homeschooling journey as you answer new needs of the children and become comfortable in your own shoes. It's nothing to be scared of, but it's a good caution to not sink mega-loads of $$$ into anything except the most gentle and sure ideas.
*** For the 4th grader...again keep it very simple and gentle. Here's a couple of reasons why:
1) This journey will be new to you, and you'll need to give yourself wide margins to write in during this year. Does that make sense? This is going to be a transition year. Don't judge harshly from this first year - give yourself time to get your feet wet.
2) This journey will be new to your 4th grader - he's used to public school settings and expectations...and...the fourth grade is a time when a lot of books/workbooks/texts seem to be expecting more abstract reasoning from a child. Not all children are ready or able to make those connections yet (each child matures differently)...just a heads-up for that one. If you're asking some reading comprehension qu. and your son starts melting down, back off and just ask for some simple narrations as you prepare lunch.
3) You won't harm your 4th graders college entrance abilities by going really slow for one year! I promise. Time offers a great leveling field. All of us have years/seasons of life when homeschooling really slows and academics aren't front and center of...anything. Another year may offer great focus on academics. Children have been gifted by the Creator with an inherent resiliency and a natural reservoir for learning. Their own individual talents propel them somewhat. What I'm trying to say is, your son will not be *broken* if you spend a very relaxed year feeling your way through 4th grade. Don't be neglectful, but don't try to "check every single box" either. Does that make any sense?
So, having said that and really encouraging a gentle, simple year focused on enjoying each other and feeling out more of your teaching philosophy, learning environment and your children's own learning needs...
You might check out the following (my suggestion would be to request catalogs and just start flipping pages and adding post it notes as you go...then start whittling with an eye towards simplicity and beauty. Remember! Don't fall into the trap of seeing all the great products out there and trying to fit them all in this year! Just choose those that will address the basics in a gentle way):
***Catholic Heritage Curricula - one of my favorite sources! You'll find beautiful, gentle products offered that all have a very sincere Catholic thread woven throughout. Many of them are exclusive to CHC, and we enjoy them. You can build a nice program from CHC alone if you choose.
***Emmanuel Books - they supply all of the books listed in the syllabi of Mother of Divine Grace School. I really enjoy Emmanuel and you can find a lot in their catalogs to build a unit study around.
you might also check out these online sources to help you form a spine or plan of action:
***Serendipity is a favorite of mine as it blends all of the things I find beautiful into a curriculum and it's put together by some fabulous ladies!!! I draw great inspiration and many ideas from Serendipity! Another GREAT feature of Serendipity is that it is *built* to work with multiple ages at once...truly a help!
***Mater Amabilis is a free Catholic Charlotte Mason Curriculum that offers suggestions of when and what...
***Mater et Magistra is my favorite Catholic homeschooling magazines! Each magazine contains a lovely (and very lengthy) middle insert focusing on an entire unit study listing all of the resources and tons of great info. This last one was "Discovering the Netherlands through Children's Books". The support and articles in Mater et Magistra are very valuable on their own - add in the unit studies feature and this is a *must have* in my opinion for any Catholic homeschooler!
***Rabbit Trails is perhaps your very best source of unit study resources/ideas and brainstorming! Just use the search feature and search within the "rabbit trails" forum to see if there are already resources and ideas listed for the unit study you'd like to pursue. And please, share with us any that you accomplish that are fun!
I hope I haven't dis-regarded my own advice and overwhelmed you with ideas!!! Good luck and have fun planning! There is absolutely NOTHING as lovely and exciting to me as the promise of a fresh, new year. It is a beautiful thing!
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Sarah M
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Mackfam wrote:
| Time offers a great leveling field. All of us have years/seasons of life when homeschooling really slows and academics aren't front and center of...anything. Another year may offer great focus on academics. Children have been gifted by the Creator with an inherent resiliency and a natural reservoir for learning. Their own individual talents propel them somewhat. |
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Jennifer- you are brilliant and inspiring and I just love love love this. Thank you!
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Bookswithtea
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I just wanted to second the recommendation someone else made for FIAR...even for the 4th grader. There is always time to change up to more intensive programs in the future, if you decide its not enough for you. But in the meantime, my recommendations for new homeschoolers with children in the elem. years who are open to CM methods or unit studies:
Five in a Row (visit their boards for encouragement)
Math U See and flash cards for math facts (flashmaster will do this for you)
CHC's Spelling workbooks and Explode the Code with emerging readers (your 4th grader may already be beyond this)
Choose a set of readers for the 4th grader to read to himself. I like Sonlight's rather than a Faith and Freedom style reader. Don't get overwhelmed with their catalogue . Choose a set of "readers" that matches the child's reading level and don't order anything else from them (waaaaaaaaaay overwhelming!  )
Catholic Mosaic for religion
I personally would not recommend doing a separate grammar or English program in the first year of homeschooling. I would add it in next year after you have your feet wet.
Then I would recommend finding a local homeschool group and getting involved in a small way.
.02 This is what I *wish* had done with my oldest and now do with my youngers, no matter the gender or academic level.
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mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and due 9/10
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Mama Mia 4
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Another resource I recommend for new homeschoolers is the Mercy Academy's teaching-style test. Not only is it free, but it was designed by Dr. Andrea Chen, a Catholic homeschooling mom of 6.
http://24.24.88.93/mercyacademy/teachingTest.jsp
On the same site, Dr. Chen also has a student learning-style test that costs $25 per student. I used this for my most difficult student and it really helped narrow down the subjects by recommending specific texts.
HTH
Joanna
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