Not sure if anyone is still following this little
blog for homeschoolers.
But we'll try to revive things around here
a bit as school is getting back into swing.
I gotta tell you
that my grand plans for getting a ton of things
done this summer fizzled.
Turns out that I work better when we're on a tight
schedule.
Or so it seems.
We'll see.
I had someone suggest that we discuss the subject
of
*How to get started at homeschooling*
My own thoughts are:
*Keep things really simple in the beginning.
*Ask every homeschool mom you know for advice
and what curriculum they use.
*Don't get overwhelmed by ALL the choices,
start with something that's been
recommended to you and go from there.
*Don't go overboard buying things.
I could go on and on but I think that kind of sums it up.
It just takes time to figure out what
works best for your child(ren).
Any other ideas??
9 comments:
i'd add that homeschooling doesn't have to be "just like school but at home". i was bound by fears and expectations that i needed to have my kids "do school" at home just like kids "did school at school". i wish i would have stressed less about checking off subjects and pages in a book and just enjoyed the time together learning. if you're thinking about homeschooling i'd suggest focusing on 2 things: finding a good math program and read tons and tons of "real" books...especially for the younger grades.
Julie...excellent point!! It's so true that you make school your very own. You gotta think outside the box. A traditional class-room setting isn't for all kids...in fact, I'd say it's not for most kids! Learning comes in SO MANY forms. You just have to be creative and find teaching moments everywhere.
And YES, a good math program. That has been tough for us...especially at the high school level.
I'm new "again" to homeschooling. Love the comment about it doesn't have to be "just like school but at home". Thanks for this blog! I'll be here often for advice and encouragement. What curriculum should I choose for my new 7yr old, unschooled, cantonese speaking daughter? There are so many I can't get through them to make a decision!
I would also state, go with your instincts. That's what put you on the path to home schooling. Don't abandon that. It's okay to go outside the box. (you're home schooling for pete's sake) I have yet to buy a complete set of any one curriculum. I try to match it to my children's interest/strengths/abilities.
Jan
I'm in need of encouragement. I'm in my second year of homeschooling our eight year old son. We don't have many homeschoolers in our area. Only a few families in our church homeschool, so we feel lonely at times. Any words to cheer us up?
Thanks,
Sarah
Sarah,
Bless your heart, sweet friend!! Homeschooling really does get lonely sometimes. Have you thought about having your son go to a class or two at a close-by private school...or even public school? Maybe PE, music and/or art? It could get him out of the house for a little while and give you a break to go have coffee with friends or something.
Or if you have to go out of your way a bit to find a homeschool group, I think it would be worth it. Even if you could only attend activities once or twice a month, it would be something fun to look forward to for both of you.
Feel free to post here any time...I try to monitor it. Or email me directly!
LaRita...
Sorry I'm just now responding! I never have a single year that I don't waste money on something that just doesn't work for us. It's really overwhelming with all that's out there to choose from.
As far as your Cantonese-speaking daughter...I'd just start with really basic things. I would look for a good pre-school program to start her with and go up from there. With our Chinese daughter (14) we started her with 1st grade vocabulary work books and she quickly progressed. Although she had a really good education in China so your task may be a bit more frustrating.
Hang in there and don't feel like you have to SIT and do school...take advantage of teachable moments all throughout the day!
So Glad I found you guys!!
hey JULIA AND LORI!
Andrea
There are so many ideas for homeschooling, but it is so good cause you can take time off whenever you need too!
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