I am going to homeschool my children. They are still 3 and under but I want to start really researching.?

Question

I don't know much about homeschool philosophy, teaching methods and curriculum choices. Can you tell me of a good resource to read either on the internet or a book to read. We are Christians and want a christian Curriculum for sure.

Answer 1

I've heard a lot of good things about Sonlight.

I would give your kids a learning styles test to see what fits them best.

When you're looking at curricula, remember that each curriculum is like a pair of shoes. One of your kids might need tap shoes while another will need hiking boots. You can't really compromise and use running shoes.

Whatever you do, make sure the curriculum fits the kids, not the other way around.

Answer 2

This could be my daughter 8 years ago. Her oldest is now 12 and she has 4 younger. They are Christians and do a relaxed learning. She is what you might call "unschooling". If you want to learn more about this, check these links. She uses the library, buys lots of all kinds of great books and doesn't have a set curriculum. They also use the internet. Sometimes these kids are learning and they don't even know it! She makes it all so much fun. I will ask her if she would mind talking to you if you want to. But, if you want to do more of a structured teaching, there are great resources available. School of Tomorrow is one and Abecca. She likes the Abecca math, but not the writing tools, so she mixes.

The first link is wonderful and explains so much. My daughter just bought a test to use on the 12 and 9 year old (boys) to see their acheivement. She then compared to the level of public school "expectations". They are at least a year, and in parts 3 years ahead. They enjoy learning, and they have a hunger to learn that is stifled by the public schools. I just wish I had been able to do that with mine. Good luck, and if you email me, maybe we can get you and Kendra together. She is such an advocate for homeschooling.

If you want more, search 'relaxed homeschooling' and you will be amazed. Or search homeschool curriculum. Good Luck and may God lead you through this wonderful adventure you and your children are about to embark on!

Answer 3

I have a bookshelf full of homeschooling books and the best beginning resource I can think of is Cathy Duffy's book mentioned above. It covers a brief introduction into various teaching methods as well as explaining learning styles. It then gives an overview of what types of curriculum work well with different learning styles. The second half of the book reviews, in-depth, many different types of curriculum resources. It's a good place to start so you can begin to get an idea of what methods and curriculum you want to investigate more thoroughly.

There is so much to look at online it can be incredibly overwhelming. Look over some information then come back and ask lots of questions!

Two online sites that might help:

Home school Curriculum adviser:http://www.home-school-curriculum-adviso... and

About.com's homeschooling site: http://homeschooling.about.com/

Answer 4

Hi, if you live in the state of New York, there is a Christian organization you can join: Loving Education at Home (LEAH).  I'm homeschooled and am a sophomore in high school.  When my Mom answers questions about home schooling, she suggests you start researching in your local library.  Libraries have plenty of books and resources concerning homeschooling.  Also, you should get your state's regulatory manuals that say what subjects are required.  Homeschooling is really easy until you get to high school.  Then, it gets a little more complicated but it's still doable.  My Mom has homeschooled my older brother and he ended up getting into NYU and then got his Master's from Regent University.  

There are SO MANY different ways of teaching methods not to discourage you or anything.  A Beka curriculum has good and solid Christian books.  (That is what we use - it's great!)  There are many different curriculums out there.  Here's just a few:

1. Apologia by Dr. Jay Wile

2. A Beka Curriculum

3. Bob Jones University (BJU) Curriculum

You can email me if you need more help.  This was kind of a condensed, basic answer.  God bless!  Saleisha - [e-mail]

Answer 5

It's really not too soon to start.  They are little sponges right now and their ability to learn is probably greater than yours at this point. If you do decide to start now and would like it to be on some type of schedule remember that their attention span is only about 5 minutes when they are so young.  So keep it short and sweet.  Also since they are so young  you don't need a curriculum just as an example you could do colors or shapes.

Answer 6

There's a book called 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy.  It's really helpful for not only choosing curriculum, but also for determining your child's learning style.  We use the Sonlight curriculum.  Here's their link:

http://www.sonlight.com/

It's a really great program, especially if you love literature.  It's a little on the expensive side, but all of the legwork and even schedules are done for you.  We've found it well worth it.  My kids are already clamoring for me to order next year's package.  It is a Christian curriculum, though not overwhelming in that aspect.

Answer 7

I also use A Beka for my children and supplement Saxon with their math.(I feel A Beka is just a little weak in the math department) Also going to you local teacher supply store will give you tons of great ideas. You can put all the fun things on your walls that are in classrooms, plus ideas for art projects, and educational games galore. And I highly recommend the "Take it to Your Seats" books by Evan-Moor press(most teacher supplies store will have these. My kids LOVE those.

If your planning on making your child transcripts, a teaching daily log can be helpful in keeping everything organized. And finally find a home school group in your area moms who have "been there, done that" can be supremely helpful. Plus they have group activities so your children can have an active social life as well. Have fun...