Homeschool curriculum starting at preschool? (preferably non-religious)?

Question

I am interested in trying to homeschool my toddler, and if it works out possibly continuing to homeschool him later. Does anyone know of any good homeschooling curriculum that starts with toddler/preschool and continues on. Also, I would prefer something non-religious (especially in the sciences), since I want him to learn about evolution and not creationism. Thanks.

Answer 1

This is what I think you should do with preschoolers:

Cuddle them, talk to them, answer their questions, play games, and read picture books. Let them help bake bread, sort socks, and plant a garden. Make play dough. Sing silly songs. Feed the birds. Scribble with crayons and sidewalk chalks. Experiment with finger paint.

Just watch, and pretty soon they'll learn to count to ten, absorb the names of shapes and colors, memorize nursery rhymes, the words to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and the alphabet, and figure out how to pedal a tricycle, and turn a somersault. And then of course they'll go on to learn how to disassemble the toilet, crib, and clock radio, operate the telephone, answering machine, coffee grinder, and computer, write their names (both backwards and forwards) on the wallpaper, and drop the entire contents of the silverware drawer down the radiator, lol.

They need the freedom to explore (to the limits of safety and sanity, of course.) They'll learn more in an afternoon spent making mud pies in the sand than they will from the best-designed curriculum.

By the time they are four, they should know the alphabet, how to share with friends and siblings, get dressed by themselves, recite simple rhymes, songs and fingerplays, follow one or two step directions, and have enough hand-eye coordination to build block towers and string big beads. They should learn the names of the colors, and shapes and be able to catch and bounce a big ball. They should also know their birthday, parents names, phone number, etc. It should come naturally. Don't rush anything. It will come with time.

Just point out the letters on stop signs, count the spoons on the breakfast table and let him learn on his own accord. Hold hands and giggle, and feed the ducks some bread. Cherish him while he's still innocent and young. He'll grow up fast enough.

Answer 2

I started homeschooling my oldest daughter when she was 18 months. (simple things: alphabet, colors, numbers, etc.) When she was 2, I started getting books from a local bookstore that are for preschool with some characters in them (Micky, Pooh, etc.). Something else that really helped is a V Smile game system. You can sit and play games with your child that teach them as they play. My daughter was counting to 200, not only knew her alphabet but also could spell 3 and 4 letter words, and basic addition before she started kindergarten. I knew I would home school her when I was pregnant. However, I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to teach her as she needed. Now, she attends a virtual school that provides the computer and pays for the Internet. She's in first grade, but takes second grade classes in math and reading. So, there are a lot of options out there!

Answer 3

If you want to just try out home schooling, you can go to a place like Sam's club or Books-a-million and get a comprehensive curriculum book this will give you all you need to see if you like it, and it is not religious at all. I am home schooling my 5 year old using 1st grade material. I got the first book from Sam's and we went through it in about 3 months so I got another book from Books-A-Million to start on next week. Also you can go to www.schoolspecialtypublishing.com

they have some good resources :)

Answer 4

I don't know, however I think you should teach your child ALL the theories, and not "want him to learn about one thing and not the other". Children should be able to learn ABOUT both, as they are both theories

Answer 5

Especially at the younger stages, a literature based education works wonders. Try "Five in a Row". We actually went to the library and got the 'manual' and used it to get the reading list, borrowed those books from the library too. The idea behind it is to read the same story 5 days in a row. Then you do until studies, per se, and learn from the repition and discussion. Of course you would need to add math to the program, or anything else you want to add really.

I have other ideas, but they are all christian based. I don't think Calvert is christian based(might be wrong) I saw the price and ran, so I don't know much about it.

Good luck