I am about to start homeschooling my 4 year old, who is already reading. Is there a kindergarten curriculum I should use, or should I just keep doing things informally this year?
2006-07-09 17:43:13 · 8 answers · asked by MountainChick 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Home Schooling
I also have a preschooler (3). Are there any good preschool curriculums for purchase out there?
2006-07-09 17:44:19 · update #1
I agree with those who recommend to keep it informal for now. One "curriculum" you may want to check out is "Before Five in a Row". This will give both of your children a great introduction to school with beautiful books to read together and some activities that cover all kinds of school subjects. I have tried it with my 3 year old and he has enjoyed it very much. This "curriculum" will cover all your subject and I will add some supplementary early reader books (check out Usborne Early Reader books).
Still allow LOTS of time for play and exploration. Both of your children need it now more than academics. There will be plenty of time/years ahead for that.
2006-07-10 08:05:16 · answer #1 · answered by motherof2philiricans 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely keep it informal for now - you don't want him or her to dread having the workbooks come out. We didn't start 'formal' schooling (even phonics/reading) until my son was 5 and he's reading at a second grade level in just a year.
Once you do start, consider adding just one subject at a time each month to give him/her a chance to adjust to the new subject. I heard a recommendation that you shouldn't spend more than a 1/2 hour per grade level (so second graders would get an hour of school, etc.) but I didn't follow that. My whole point in homeschooling is to expose my kids to as much as possible, but in a loving, care-free environment. So we go WAY over the time limit, but break it up throughout the day.
There are many preschool curricula out there, although I can't evaluate the worth of many because I haven't used (or even really looked at) them. A Beka has been mentioned, Bob Jones Univ. Press, Explode the Code for phonics, Horizons for math/writing/phonics. There are plenty of curriculum guides you can look through that will give you good reviews of the different options (check out Cathy Duffy's, Mary Pride's or Rebecca Rupp's books).
Best Wishes on this adventure. And if you have further questions, feel free to email me.
2006-07-10 08:26:27 · answer #2 · answered by homeschoolmom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My wife homeschools and has only started to use formal curricula. (4th grade)
I personally think you're better off keeping it informal. Kindergarten in particular was established as a play time for students, not a rigorous study time.
It's only like that in public schools now b/c they are struggling to produce good students but don't want to change their mistakes, so they try to teach stuff over more years.
Keeping it informal will allow you to enjoy time w/ your kids more, w/o imposing a schedule. Keeping it fun will improve their learning down the road. MOST IMPORTANTLY, this year will allow you to learn more about your children's learning styles. This is a critical decision when purchasing curricula. Saxon math is good for SOME students, but not all. Know your child and then you can find a curriculum that works best for her.
2006-07-10 07:55:52 · answer #3 · answered by Iridium190 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most preschoolers and under 6's don't need curriculum. In many states you don't even have to register a child that is under 7 . Tere are tons of available programs for the little ones and you have much more freedom.
2006-07-14 21:31:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went totally informal for Kindergarten. The only thing I bought besides crayons and paper was Learn At Home-Kindergarten, by McGraw-Hill. It has worksheets, suggested reading lists, suggestions for crafts and other activities. It is about $15
I wouldn't bother with curriculum until the higher grades. You spend tons of money before you know if it will work for you or not.
2006-07-10 15:19:44 · answer #5 · answered by Jessie P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are numerous documented benefits and advantages of teaching children to read early on, and teaching them to reading using phonics and phonemic awareness instructions. It is clear that early language and reading ability development passes great benefits to the child as they progress through school at all grades, and that early language and reading problems can lead to learning problems later on in school.
For a simple, step-by-step program that can help your child learn to read visit this web site: http://readingprogram.toptips.org
Good Bye
2014-09-17 19:14:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a friend that homeschools her children and she says that the Abeka cirriculum is awesome. She also really likes the Saxon Math cirriculum. I don't homeschool myself, so I don't know myself from experience. I really trust her judgement, though. You can check out the Abeka cirriculum here: http://www.abeka.com/ You can check out the Saxon Math here: http://saxonpublishers.harcourtachieve.com/en-US/saxonpublishers.htm
I have also found some great worksheets at these websites: http://www.abcteach.com/ and http://www.starfall.com/
I hope this helps. Good luck!
2006-07-10 01:35:32 · answer #7 · answered by sfe80 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hook up with an accredited home school group, it will be a great support mechanism
2006-07-10 00:47:24 · answer #8 · answered by gonzotis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋