Starting homeschooling?

Question

We are considering homeschooling for our eldest son who will be five in a few months . We are just wondering where would be a good place to start? We are considering Christian Liberty Academy, but I'm afraid I might be missing out on something better. Thanks for the help.

Anybody out there with any suggestions?

Answer 1

The first thing you should do (besides knowing the laws in your state) is to join a homeschool support group in your area. They should be easy to find. Just look on google for "homeschool groups <your city/state/county/etc>". These groups can offer you so much from curriculum suggestions, beginner meetings, book swaps/sales, activities, clubs, outings, and field trips for the children, and many other resources. Good place to get tips and network with other homeschool families.

Also remember that the great thing about homeschooling is the flexability. If the curriculum you start out with is't a match for your son, you can change to something else or even just adapt the existing curriculum at any time. You can also create your own curriculum if you want to just by mixing and matching books, supplies, lesson ideas, and outside activities. Good luck!

Answer 2

My family used to use time4learning it worked great for the younger kids  ( five and seven) but for the older kids ( 10 and 11) it didn't work out. You can get a free trail by going to there website.

   You can find your childs learning style and then using that find books and curriculum that will help your child learn. There are a few main types of learners.   Learning by hearing, Learning by seeing, and learning by feeling, touching, and seeing. Most young kids fall into the last category.



   Once you know what your looking for ( or even if you don't know yet) I would suggest going to www.homeschoolingtogether.com

    At Homeschooling Together you can find books and curriculum, compare prices, and even find out if the book your looking at is at your local library by the click of a button!

    I think it would be the perfect site for you, and I really encourage you to try it out!

Answer 3

I can't tell you another program that is better because I don't know what reading level or writing level or math level you child is on. You said you don't want to miss any good opportunities:

Please look at these Free sites:

http://www.sfreading.com/resources/ghb.h...

http://www.starfall.com/

http://www.cceschool.org/hayes/Phonics%2...

http://www.webenglishteacher.com/creativ...

http://www.handwritingforkids.com/handwr... to create writing worksheets

http://www.bookadventure.com/

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/kplus...

http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/

http://www.bookitprogram.com/enrollment/...

http://www.kidzone.ws/math/kindergarten....

http://www.321know.com/kinder.htm

http://www.iknowthat.com/com/GradeLevel?...

http://www.rainforestmaths.com/

http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.js...

http://www.tooter4kids.com/DinosaurIndex...

http://families.owc.edu/children/social_...

Lapbooks / unit studies

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/Lapbooks_...

There are many other good sites and programs for free but I gave you a lot. sorry I used mainly free things this passed year.

Answer 4

My main suggestion is to first learn your child's learning style.  Then search for curriculua that meet that style.  If you don't match the two up, you're going to spend more money than you want to trying to find something that does work.

There are so many options for curriculua that I don't even know where to start.  There's every method from unschooling to "school in a box" to virtual public school (not technically homeschooling).  Without knowing what method you want to use and your child's learning style, and your goals for home education, I can't really recommend anything.  What works for me and my child may not work for yours.

That also reminds me to say to match up your learning & teaching styles to the curriculua also.  I was all ready to go with Sonlight when my son was 5 because my good had used it for 8 years and I was impressed.  Then I took a look at how much reading it would take on both my part and my son's, and I decided to pass.

We've used K12 for over 5 years and we started right after my son turned 5 with a Kdg-2nd grade mix (one of very few companies with "school in a box" that allow grade level mixing.  http://www.k12.com

If you haven't already, read several HS'ing books from your library.  Join a local HS'ing group either face-to-face, or over the 'net (like Yahoo Groups).  I also recommend attending a homeschooling convention so you can attend workshops and see the vendor hall with many choices.  You can also purchase curricula at a discount and/or with free shipping.  Local HS'ing groups may also be having "swap meets" this time of year to clean out this year's materials and make way for fall.

Have fun on your HS'ing journey!  :-)