hi we have decided to start homeschooling our two kids starting this next school yr, but I am lost. There are so many options for curriculums that I have no idea what to choose. In the fall I will have a 5th grader and a kindergartener. I need some help in choosing textbooks and what other resources to use. Any advice would be appreciated!
http://cathyduffyreviews.com/ Here's one place to start. You'll need to decide whether you want Christian or secular, textbooks, workbooks, unit studies, living books, or no books. You'll need an idea of each child's learning style/preferences and your teaching style/preferences. Many people find it easier to start with a "boxed curriculum" (one grade level from one publisher), and then branch out from there as they get their feet under them. Some find that one thing works for math, while something different works best for history, some find that one child needs something different from another, and others stay with "boxed" their whole journey. Here's the thing: you don't have to have it ALL figured out at the beginning, down to the last pencil and sticker. You'll do as most of us did, learning as you go. If you happen to prefer Christian, I'll suggest my two favorites: Christian Light www.clp.org and Rod & Staff www.milestonebooks.com. Welcome to the Spot! Go through as many of past posts as you have access to!
Welcome There are lots of great curriculums out there. Here are some of my favorites: History: Mystery of History (Christian) Science: Apologia (Christian) Phonics: Horizons (Christian) or Explode the Code Vocabulary: Wordly Wise 3000 Grammar: Easy Grammar Math: k-3rd Horizons (Christian) 4th and up Saxon Homeschool Geography: Maps, Charts and Graphs I have also used various things from the Critical Thinking Company to supplement. As for reading we use actual books instead of reading program. We started with Sonlight which is an excellent program for History and Reading (it also comes with Bible, LA). We continue to use many of the books suggested by Sonlight to go along with our History.
Welcome! That's wonderful that you're starting to homeschool. I felt a little overwhelmed in my first year, and as some have stated, picked a box curriculum to shepherd me through everything step by step. Now that I've been homeschooling a few years, I've branched out to selecting some items from one publisher and other subjects from alternate publishers. If you're looking for Christian materials, I second the recommendation for Christian Light (often referred to as "CLE" in posts). Good luck finding what works for you. And welcome to the community!
Lindlina, Great overview! I had to learn what you said the long, hard way--should have just asked.. Enjoyed everyone's comments!
Hi! That’s great to know you are starting homeschooling. My youngest was in 8th grade and the eldest was in 10th. I preferred online learning by iLearn DL in British Columbia as suggested by my friend. There are many other sites you could refer through. It takes little time to get adjusted with everything. All the best.
Oh, and if Common Core is of concern to you, a fabulous reference is www.hsroadmap.com. It lists just about every curriculum and subject you can think of. Scroll down to Common Core Project link on that page.
