I'm new at homeshooling. Help!!?

Question

I just got my 15 year old daughter into homeshooling but I dont know how to start. Can anyone give me some advice on how to make a curriculum? I've gone to a bunch of web sites but I'm just confused.

Answer 1

The best thing to do to start with is to *simplify*!

Set aside most of what you have heard is "curriculum" and focus on the basics.

Find out where her strengths are in math and have her do one lesson per day out of a text book.  I personally like Saxon Math -- they have a placement test that can help you know where she needs to be working in the books.

She can write a one page essay every day --- the page should be about anything of her own choosing.  Help her to check it for grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.

Provide a library of the very best books available -- good classic literature is a great place to begin.  Original writings and autobiographies by the makers of history are also great reading.  You should be able to access a great set of encyclopedias -- she can find tons of information about everything in science and other academic pursuits.  She can learn economics, social studies, etc. from reading and interacting with you about the material.  Many students use the reading for ideas in their own writing.

The best thing in the world is for her to read.  She should be able to easily read for a minimum of 2 hours every day.  It is good to have a dictionary handy and a list of vocabulary words to study every day.

We use the Robinson Curriculum as our foundation -- and the children become "self-taught" students.

At 15 she will need to solidify her understanding of the basics -- math, writing and reading are the base and the backbone of every other academic study.  Learning how to study for a lifetime and how to strive for accuracy in everything will be the result of this method of education.

Many students that follow a self-teaching plan become capable of naturally following their interests and strengthening their skills in all areas.  You won't need to be the one to plan her day -- she will already know what to do -- 1. math, 2. write, 3. read..... then her day is open to learn anything else that her heart desires.

Answer 2

hmm. try talking to a teacher she once had or her current grade teacher. maybe start with the basics. math+english+science wow thats alot more to come!

Answer 3

Hi Evie!

I'm sure you've heard the phrase "begin with the end in mind," and I think that's what you should do.  Start by examining your goals.  Where does your daughter see herself at the end of her high school education?  Does she want to go to college?  Is she interested in a particular career?  What is required for the path she has in mind?

Having a goal in mind will help you decide WHAT you need to teach.  The next step is HOW to teach, what materials to use.  

Think about your daughters strengths.  How does she learn best?  Here is some information on learning styles:

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

You are not limited to teaching the same way teachers do in a traditional classroom.  Here is some information on the different ways to homeschool:

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

HS Mom has given you some great links for specific curriculum.  You can find reviews at http://www.homeschoolreviews.com

Involve your daughter in this process as much as possible.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!

Answer 4

All of the curriculum choices *are* confusing.

First of all, if you just pulled her out of a B&M schooll, she needs time to "deschool".  She can do that while you research HS'ing methods and curricula.

Next, find out her learning style.  There are many great 'net sites and books about this.  Once you know her learning style (auditory, visual, kinethetic, global, etc.) then you can look at various curriculua.  However, there's another step...

You also need to figure out what "type" of HS'ing you're going to do.  Will you used a boxed curriculum, an eclectic style (a mix of curricula), an online high school (public or private), HS co-op classes, unschooling...etc.

Do you want secular or "religious" curriculum?

Do you want to be her teacher, or more of a mentor?  She could use online schools (public or private) and have teachers, or you could use a curriculum where she self-teaches with some direct input from you.

Here are *some* middle/high school private/public online schools.

===========

Apex (secular):

http://www.apexlearning.com/

K12 (secular - uses some Apex courses and some of their own):

http://www.k12.com/hsc/flash/

Florida Virtual School (secular):

http://www.flvs.net/

NorthStar Academy (Christian):

http://www.northstar-academy.org/......

UNL Independent Study High School (secular):

http://nebraskahs.unl.edu/index.shtml......

Center for Distance and Independent Study (secular):

http://cdis.missouri.edu/

Keystone High School (secular):

http://www.keystonehighschool.com/

The Potter's School (Christian):

http://www.pottersschool.com/

============

Here are *some* curricula providers:

K12 (you can use it as a virtual school or as an independent HS'er - we've done the latter for over 5 yrs):

http://www.k12.com

Teaching Textbooks (we're using it for math):

http://www.teachingtextbooks.com

Apologia (we're using it in fall - Christian, Creation-Based):

http://www.apologia.com

Sonlight (Christian, literature based):

http://www.sonlight.com

Free online courses (we're using a college course):

http://www.free-ed.net

... And on and on and on...others will answer with more.\

EDITED To add:

I forgot about the legal issues.  You need to find out the laws on HS'ing in your state.  Here's a start:

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

I also forgot to say you need to connect with other HS'ers (especially those w/ teens) in your area.  Contact your local or state HS'ing association.  Check Yahoo Groups for groups in your area, etc.

Answer 5

I to am new at this.  I have reviewed the programs and have chosen to go with the K12.com program.  Simply because they are the best that I have reviewed on scores, they provide you everything for free and at the end your child receives a diploma and not a GED.  That was very important to me. I hope it is in your state.  If it is not 1) It probably will be very soon. They are blowing our state (OH) scores away and at 60% of the cost and 2) You can buy the corses from K12 so that you have a course to follow even if they are not in your state.

Good Luck and God Bless,

-Lee

Answer 6

Why don't you buy a curriculum? There are several legit websites that offer them, you just have to Google it. Good luck!