Homeschooling Curriculum Question?

Question

I have a 5-year old son who is currently in Kindergarten at a public school. It has always been my intention to begin homeschooling by the 3rd grade. I hope to do so sooner but don't know yet when I will be able to.

I have already begun to do some research on different curricula available, and much of it seems to be Christian-based. I'm not trying to offend anyone or start a Theological discussion, Im just hoping that someone can recommend a few good programs that are NOT religiously oriented?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Like Darcy34, we use K12, but not as part of a virtual academy (OK has none, CA has CAVA).  We purchase the curriculum ourselves as independent (from the school system) homeschoolers.

K12 is amazing!  If you look over their scope and sequences you'll see just a tiny part of the depth and breadth.  Also, it's developed for all different types of learners, which is a huge plus.  The parent/teacher planning and progress tools are great to have and keep me on track.  There is very little planning involved and the materials are top notch.

K12 is secular, based on the Core Knowledge Foundation (What Your X Grader Needs to Know...), and has coverage of all the major world beliefs and the history behind them.  There are a lot of fables and moral stories, and lots of classics.

You can attend a virtual online seminar about the curriculum.  At the end, you'll receive a demonstration account to look over the "heart" of the curriculum - the Online School System (not a school, but sounds like it).

http://www.k12.com

We've used K12 for over five years.  I think that says a lot.  I know so many HS'ers who switch curricula every year or two.

Answer 2

We are in Ca and homeschool using the California Virtual Academy.  We have homeschooled dd since kinder, didn't go with CAVA until 3rd grade. The curric utilizes the computer similar to a distance learning experience (accessing daily lessons via the net) as well as text books and worksheets.  Seven courses (math, language arts, literature, science, history, art, music) and most all materials provided incl. art supplies, science experiement supplies, most literature books, tactile math manipulatives, and so on.  The curric is from k12, the school is a public charter.  Check out www.k12.com or www.caliva.org for more info.

Answer 3

Calvert is an excellent secular curriculum. It's a bit pricey, but it is very good.

Answer 4

I don't think internet based programs are appropriate for little people like your son, though you might want to use something like that later. Little kids, especially boys, need to move around a lot.

I intend to use The Well Trained Mind (easily found on Amazon, and they have their own webpage) and balance that with some ideas I've picked up from reading Steiner focused books. Obviously there will be parts I'll need to change from The Well Trained Mind, but that's the case with anything. I think the important part is to pick one method as a foundation. Once you have your foundation, you can do whatever "redecorating" you please.

Religion is important to address. It can be "we believe this, and other people believe these things" or it can be discussed from a more philosophical point of view eg "Why do you think religion is important to people, nations etc?" You can't expect kids to grow up to be open minded if they aren't educated about religion, other cultures and sexuality.

Answer 5

There are tons of secular resources, they are just not all advertised to homeschoolers and definitely not as heavily advertised as the christian outlets.

K12, is a very good secular curriculum.  There are many other sources as well, but you have to search by subject.

For math and science, www.singaporemath.com, for math, Right Start math, www.alabacus.com, for free online science, search msnucleus.  The critical thinking company has many workbooks for various subjects.  www.rfwp.com and prufrock press offer some good curricula as well. You can look through the offerrings at www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.com.  They have some great secular offers like CyberEd science and United Streaming.  They also have christian products so you have to look through them.  The same can be said about Rainbow Resource catalog.  It has primarily christian materials but tons of secular products as well.  Various publishers for schools offer products for homeschoolers, so you can search companies like McGraw-Hill or Pearson, etc.  

Don't worry, it is out there.  It is just the christian stuff pops up first.  Good luck and happy hunting!

Answer 6

I'm not sure what state you live in, but here in Ohio they have a computer based learning that the state provides (I hear they even pay for your computer and/or your internet).

Answer 7

I think California offers a site based off public school and the call it something different too. I don't know what Oklahoma laws are, but I just went to the local Sam's and picked up the complete curriculum there it cost about $15 and is very well done Books-A-Million also has some complete curriculum. I am on my 2nd first grade workbook for my 5-year old. These books have no religious content whatsoever there are also wed sites like:

www.schoolspecialtypublishing.com

and

www.brightermindsmedia.com

also if you want to check on homes school laws go to

www.hslda.org

This will help I hope :)

Answer 8

We are not a christian or religious family, yet we use Sonlight and love it!  We drop some of the books, discuss some of the opinions offered (i.e. New Earth vs. Old Earth) and go on from there. We love this curriculum and have used it as our "spine" for 5 years with outstanding results.

We use Saxon for math, and Real Science 4 Real Kids for our science. Find a homeschool curriculum fair near you and check out what there is to use -  you will be amazed!! So much cool stuff!

have fun

Answer 9

K12 has a great curriculum that is secular.  It does touch on religion in history a bit, but not very in depth...and it also covers morals and values to a certain degree.  You can go to k12.com and look at what they have to offer.  You can either buy the curriculum as a direct consumer, or you can see if they offer a virtual academy in your state.  I'm not sure about Oklahoma, but I know they do in California.  The nice thing about going that route is that you don't have to buy the materials and they also supply a computer and printer for your use.  However, you are then enrolled in a public school and are still required to take part in achievement or diagnostic testing required by the state.  We are involved with the virtual academy here in Ohio, and we are very pleased with the program.  You can still take things at a pace that is suitable for your child, and it's still mostly book and paperwork when they are younger.  They start to use the computer more for lessons as they get older, but you don't see a big jump until about 6th or 7th grade I believe.  Anyway, I hope this info has helped.

Answer 10

Saxon Math and Reading have terrific homeschool curriculum's.

For Writing, Spelling, Social Studies and Science, I rec commend buying a separate Manual and workbook with activities for each one.

Social Studies and History : Story of the World is great.

Go to Rainbow Resources.com for more curriculum options.

Go to Saxon's website for their math programs.