Hey everyone, My name is Cynthia and My daughter, Audrey, will be 5 in three days, I have decided to homeschool her myself, starting this school year. The only thing I was wondering at this time is Exactly what subjects do state laws require her to take in Kindergarden.
Welcome Cynthia! I'm Jackie from Ohio. My kids are DD12, DD10 (soon to be 13 and 11!), and DS7. We're finishing up Year 8! Most states don't require a child to attend school until they are 6. I think Jen mentioned HSLDA on the thread where you introduced yourself. Go there, and they will tell you the laws specific to your state. Usually for kindergarten, there are no hard and fast rules. Partly because you'll have some kids that are still learning their numbers/letters, and others that are reading complete books and/or have their math facts memorized. You just see where they're at, and start from there. You will probably want some kind of math book, and perhaps a phonics book. As far as science/history/geography, etc., do LOTS of reading. What topics is she interested in? Pick a topic...butterflies...and read all you can about it. READ, READ, and READ!!! And ENJOY learning with her!
Hi, Cynthia! Jackie's right! Reading, letter-recognition, reading, numbers, reading, counting, reading, math facts, oh! and did we say reading?! It won't take you long to discover a wonderfully overwhelming amount of educational materials, fabulously designed for homeschoolers! Most of all, enjoy these tender, loving years!
Welcome Cynthia! You have found a great site full of encouragement and wisdom (note the 2 ladies that posted above-they are awesome!!!) I've been hs'ing my 3 dd's (12,10,9) for 3 years and every year is better than the previous one. Glad you are here.
Hi and WELCOME! I agree with what the ladies above said. Walks are also a good way to learn "science". Talk about nature---find bus, leaves, plants and birds and try to identify them. Have him get a leaf, put it under a piece of paper and color with a crayon over it, use measuring cups, or differents sized containers in sand or rice or dry beans. That gets the idea of volume and sizes without even teaching it! Let him explore and discover! I feel that is the way children of that age learn the best! It's not on paper, but they're absorbing lots of information that their brain will process and apply. You'll be surprised sometimes at what he'll come up with by putting ideas together! Sometimes it's shocking how right-on they can be, and other times it's hilarious how they put two and two together and come up with 6---but it's good use of deduction skills anyway! (sometimes I feel almost envious that I didn't think of that first! :lol: ) Hope you stick around, homeschool Spot is a great place for friendships and answers!
Hey Cynthia. I am in North Georgia too. I agree with what mos have said here so far. In GA kindergarten is not actually required until 6 yrs. But the subjects I am required to teach my 2 in 4th and 7th grade are L.A., Science, Math, and S.S. At 5 there are so many options. You can use a specific curriculum, but I would have fun using life experiences right now.
Hey Cynthia. I am in North Georgia too. I agree with what mos have said here so far. In GA kindergarten is not actually required until 6 yrs. But the subjects I am required to teach my 2 in 4th and 7th grade are L.A., Science, Math, and S.S. At 5 there are so many options. You can use a specific curriculum, but I would have fun using life experiences right now. Deena has some great ideas. Explore nature, use things you have at home. Encourage fun learning. Right now I would begin with writing, letter recognition, beginning reading, numbers, colors if she doesn't already know them. Welcome and we're here to help.
Hi Cynthia, welcome to hs spot. I hope you have a wonderful year. My name is Kris I am from MN right now. what will tomorrow bring, I don't know..
wow! I can't believe that you have so few required subject areas......you should see the list I have! You're so lucky
Hi Cynthia I am Leah from GA. We are south of Atlanta. This is our first year of hs. I have a 8 yr old son and a 7 year daughter. We love hs! We all have learned so much from the whole experience and the best part is there is no stress over the demands of public school and fitting your child into the mold. I hope that you enjoy the forum. I love it and there is so much great advice and links and great people.
Do you have large requirements for Kindergarten? Washington State has no requirements until age 8. I LIKE that!
you don't have to start school until age 6, but when you do, you must start with kinder. You have to teach english, maths, science & technoloy, creative arts (art, music, dance, drama), human society & it's envirnoment (history, geography, culture, civic, evnironments), PDHPE(personla development, health and physical education). We are compelled to provide a program including all of these subjects from kinder to year 6, although actual content and level changes each year, of course. When we get to high school, it's even more!!!
