Homeschooling question....?

Question

I just started homeschooling my son and we're kind of 'floating around'... his school held him back in pre-k and I don't know where he last left off... can someone tell me how to get started with teaching him... like what curriculum? ... (he's 6 yrs old)... how long should I teach him for a day? ...

Answer 1

Here are some different homeschooling methods that you may want to look over:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

For your son's age, I would focus on math and phonics, and teach for about an hour per day.

We used Abeka and it worked out well for us.  You can find the names of other products and reviews at

http://www.homeschoolreviews.com

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

He needs to be having fun, and you should as well.  Don't let the school define for you what your child should be learning.  Check out this link for more information: http://www.homefires.com/

Answer 3

First, try and find a homeschool group in your area.  They will be an excellent resource for you, and most of the members would probably be glad to give you advice about what curriculum worked best for them or what they did not like, and let you look over the materials they have so that you could make a decision.

Consult the curriculum publishers (Abeka, ACE, Saxon to name a few) and request catalogs and any free samples.  See if they are having a curriculum showcase in your area, and attend-you do not have to purchase anything but they display their materials for you to peruse.

While you are trying to find the curriculum that will work best for your son (and know that what works best for others will not necessarily suit him), you could use the books such as What Your ____________ Grader Needs To Know as a foundation (they are available in Kindergarten through Sixth) as a base.  Read a lot of books, play a lot of educational games, go on a lot of field trips, etc. etc.

I wish you the best!

Answer 4

Don't listen to harchickgirl1.  She has no clue what she is talking about.

If you want to use a curriculum, I suggest you first find out what his learning style is.  Then choose a curriculum that uses that method.  It's time for homeschool conventions, so attend one to see the vendor hall and sit in on sessions such as how to get started.

If you just pulled him from a brick & mortar school, then he needs time to "deschool".  Just have FUN for about a month as you research curricula and methods of HS'ing.  Go on a nature walk, go to museums (and ask for teacher's materials), play some fun, educational games online, etc.

At that age, 1-2 hours is plenty of time to teach in one day.  That's all the instruction time he'd have in a B&M school anyway - and certainly not 1:1 attention.

You need to know your state's HS'ing laws.  Go here to start:

http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/default.as...

After you click on your state, click the "Laws" link in the upper right of the page.

I would check out every available book on HS'ing at your library.  Connect with local HS'ers so you can do activities and your son can meet other HS'ed kids.  A search on Yahoo Groups for "homeschooling + your state/region/town" should help you find some groups.  Also, your state's HS'ing association is a great place for info.

Have fun and enjoy the ride!  Kudos to you for doing this for your son!

Answer 5

Don't worry about where they left off start at the beginning. If  he flies through it because he knows it GREAT!! Look into Core 1+2 from Sonlight. Its designed for kids 5-9 so he should fit right in with it. We tried ACE and didn't like it. My daughter who is in 3rd grade was using it and all she did was read and answer questions. It offered very little challenge for her. We changed to Sonlight in February and she is excited to start school everyday.

Sites to check out for curriculum  www.sonlight.com  www.mathusee.com   www.aceministries.com

www.pennywiselearning.com

Answer 6

Don't worry about where he "left off".  He is only 6. Start from scratch.   You are now going to embark on the great curriculum search.  There are many, many, curricula available and even many more philosophies regarding homeschool.    First off, don't panic.   Check with your area to find the legal rules of homeschooling.   Get some materials, even though  you may have to go to Wal Mart.   Keep his reading up, work on math facts.   At that age children learn like little sponges you just have to bring on the opportunities.   Go to your library, get appropriate reading material.   Research Sonlight curriculum, (look them up and ask for a catalogue)  Robinson curriculum, Abeka, Ace.  There are just scads and scads of materials for you to use.   And some people just make up there own and don't bother about using a packaged curriculum.  Let your budget guide you.   The people at Sonlight will send you a catalogue and give you ideas.  Connect with other homeschoolers in your area to find support from them.   They will be glad to help you through this stressful and confusing time when you make the transition.   It is a huge decision you are making to HS your child.  Don't panic.  You can do it.

Answer 7

I would check with your local school district office and speak to someone. I am in Independent Study, and usually you can check through them and they can tell you. I'm pretty sure he's going to have to take some assessment tests.

Answer 8

This is a very excellent example of why people should not homeschool their children.  Most have no clue what they're doing.

May I suggest that his former teachers held him back because they, in their professional wisdom, vast experience, and concern for your son, judged that he would do better repeating a grade?

Get over yourself.  You do NOT have the credentials to educate him.  Raise him, yes.  Guide him, yes.  Educate him, absolutely not.