Homeschooling soon and would like input from experienced hmschlers on subjects for 5th grade level?

Question

Curious as to what those who have tried found out, would you have done things differently, is there something you'd swear by...

Answer 1

Do not enroll in your state's home study program. If you are already then wean yourself off from it. Then follow your child's lead. Relax, be creative and provide the resources your child asks for or you think he/she might find useful. Don't try to recreate the school in the home...that spells disaster for all. Live, love and laugh. Work toward a future goal such as getting your child into community college at age 15 or 16. Your child will take it from there.

Answer 2

We don't go by grade level.  We follow our child's interests and provide learning opportunities.

The big mistake we made when starting out was relying too much on workbooks, state standards, and what was considered "grade level."

As soon as we backed off, our child's life exploded with interests and activities, including reading, science, math, social sciences, sports, art, you name it.

I would swear by whatever works for your child.  Some kids like a more structured approach.  Some do better leading the way.  

find out what works for your child.  What is his/her learning style?  That is what you want to build on.

Be well and have fun.

Answer 3

When my son was in grade 5 we used the Knex educational kits.   All we did that year was build an amusement park. :)  It includes math, social studies, science, health and language arts.  It was a blast.

Answer 4

I suggest taking a bit of a break time before jumping in to school again, this way your child gets out of the public school mentality and both of you can learn a bit about how eachother works and what your child's learning style is. You can work together to search for curricula so that your child has some input on what subjects they learn outside the core, and how the materials will be presented to them. Be sure to work at their level as well. If you expect them to finish a lesson a day, but they're a bit slow in math, slow down with them and help them. If they're fast, don't force them to wait to move on. Let them go at their own pace, and above all, BE CREATIVE! There is more to life than just sit-down book work. Do projects, experiments, field trips, role-playing activities, hands-on exploration, and join a homeschool support group for extra advice and resources like clubs, group classes, activities, etc.

Answer 5

I don't use a set curriculum, I buy an eclectic assortment.  

But, I do buy the Spectrum Series test books (I get them at http://www.schoolspecialtypublishing.com... ) because they are aligned to your state's education standards.  It's a good guide for me to see that all the expected subjects are covered.

Answer 6

I "swear by" the K12 curriculum.  I've used it for over 5 years.  In the coming school year (we school year-round), we'll be doing a bit more of an eclectic mix, but that's because my son is "all over the map" with levels.  He's 10.

In some states, K12 has virtual public schools, which are free.  If your state doesn't have one, or you don't want to be part of a public school, you can purchase K12 to use on your own.  There's a 10% off sale this month.  (I don't work for them - just trying to spread the word b/c I'm frugal!)

http://www.k12.com