How To Start Homeschooling my two 6 year old daughters?

Question

My wife and I have just decided to homeschool our two daughters. They have not been in any type of school yet because of a lot of moving and other things. Thy are 6 and will be 7 in January. They know all the things that my niece the same age knows that goes to traditional school so I figure they will be ok to go to First grade. The only problem is that we have no clue how to do it. Do we get our own books and just go at it, do they have to have a certain curriculum....We just dont know. I figure there would be laws to go by and certain tests they would have to complete to pass but were stumped how to start. We live in Rock county Wisconsin. I would really appreciate it if some of the pros on here could lend me a hand in any way, though a nice step by step would be great though lol. I would be entirely greatful to anyone who could lend us a hand. Thank you.

Answer 1

this website will help you with the legalities of homeschooling in your state:
http://www.hslda.org

As far as your other questions, there are an infinite number of directions you can go as far as materials for homeschooling your daughters. It all depends upon the type of schooling you prefer.

You can purchase everything along w/ a schedule of how to do it all from places like:
http://www.sonlight.com
http://store.calvertschool.org/

or use a curriculum on computer such as:
http://www.aop.com/sos/

or enroll in a satellite school:
http://www.http://www.homeschools.org/

some other curriculum companies with the text-book approach are:
http://www.abeka.com
http://www.bjup.com

We have also tried the unit study approach, where you tie all of your subjects you are studying to a particular topic:
http://www.konos.com
http://www.fiveinarow.com

Unit studies require a bit more preparation on the part of the teacher, however.

If you would rather do away with the textbooks, and just use good books along with teaching art, music etc. here is another website that I've used a lot. They have booklists & everything scheduled out for each year:
http://www.amblesideonline.org

Here is a website that I have also used for planning forms ... she also has some good ideas on getting started, getting organized, etc.
http://www.donnayoung.org

Personally with my own kids at that age, I just purchased a math curriculum and used the library a lot for the rest. Here is one of the absolute best homeschool catalogs that you can request. Their prices are excellent, the shipping is fast, and the catalog is as big as a telephone book ... just brimming with loads of choices.

http://www.rainbowresource.com

Good luck! You can do it!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

http://www.hslda.org/laws/?State=WI
www.homeschooling-wpa.org
homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/regional/Wisconsin.htm

I'm sorry I don't have the time to research the exact laws in your state but here is a start. Check yahoo groups and I'm sure they have some homeschooling WI groups (I'm in a number of them for IL) As far as curriculum there are soooo many to choose from. A lot are religious based

From what I saw on the hslda page Wisconsin isn't too strict as far as requirements. No record keeping needed or testing... just you have to inform the state that you are homeschooling them by 10/15

Like I said before I would recommend a WI homeschooling group on yahoo... they should be able to be more specific and Good Luck

Answer 4

If she is already in the school system, you will need to pull her out. Then register with the school board in your area. Check into the Home School Legal Defense Association(HSLDA) on line. They will have some info. Also there are other groups you can look into in your area that are on line as well. You will need to know the laws in your state and need to keep accurate records. I don't know about Texas, but you can buy your curriculum on line or in some book stores. There is a lot of great material out there. Find a home school group in your area and get connected. They can help you with so many things that you may not find on your own. They usually do field trips, group unit studies and many other fun activities. I have home schooled my daughter since she was 3 yrs. old and have enjoyed every minute of it. Home schooled children are better rounded individuals and very bright. Most colleges agree. What you are doing is a wonderful thing and I wish you all the best. Unless she is wanting to be home schooled, you may have a few bumps to overcome, but it is rewarding and challenging for both of you. At fifteen, she may have a difficult time adjusting. The advantages far out way the disadvantages. Good luck with your new journey, you will both be better for the time spent on her education! Good luck!!!!

Answer 5

mom1025 has given you lots of good info, but here's my 2 cents anyway:

HSLDA is the best as far as laws, rules, and regulations are concerned. Looks like WI requires you to file a notice with the state by Oct. 15th with your decision to homeschool. You also need to keep track of your school hours, as you are required to provide "at least 875 hours of instruction each year". HSLDA gives a longer, in-depth analysis at their website, so check it out.

As far as curriculum goes, you need to figure out your philosophy/method first - classical, unschooling, Charlotte Mason, eclectic... Mary Pride's book, "Mary Pride's Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling" lists 12 different philosophies, as well as loads of other essential information. Once you've determined your philosophy, that will guide your curriculum choices, which is the next step...

Choose your curriculum. This is where mom1025 has really been thorough. I would only add that you should check out Cathy Duffy's book, "100 Top Picks for Homeschooling" as well as her website for reviews of hundreds of curricula. One word of advice - just because everyone RAVES about a program doesn't mean it will work for you and your daughters. If they're just not getting it, shelve it and try again in a month or so. If it still doesn't work, re-sell it on eBay or VegSource (or CraigsList, if there's one where you are). BTW - these are also good sources to BUY cheap, used curriculum.

Make sure you get yourself involved with a support group or co-op. They are invaluable as to helping you navigate the first year (the most difficult) and how to handle the unexpected and difficult situations you may face (looks like HSLDA is having some difficulties in WI). They're also a great source of curriculum info (some people will even let you borrow their used stuff to see if you like it before you buy it).

Of course, get your girls involved in either a homeschool group/class or extracurricular activities where they interact with other kids around their age.

I, too, have a 6yo and we spend about 2-3 hours 4 days per week on sit-down school (Bible, reading, writing, grammar, math) and another 30 minutes or so daily on science or history. Of course, just about everything is a teaching opportunity, so make sure you keep the instruction going, even if "class" is over for the day.

This should get you started. If you have specific questions or need clarification, feel free to email me.

Answer 6

I have family members who homeschool and they use a program called K12. It is a nationwide program and many school distrcits pay for the tuition. They provide all the materials and curriculum.I believe that they keep in line with the local district curriculum standards. They even have certified teachers to offer support and help you with the progam. I know there are other programs available as well. You should find a local homeschool group and the parents there can help offer suggestions as what to do.

Answer 7

You can do quite a bit on your own:
1. Math facts memorization (use manipulatives) --- when this is mastered start Saxon Math level 54.
2. Phonics teaching and plenty of practice reading from really good books.
3. Hand-writing skills --- copywork is great until age 10 or so. 4. Add in a few new vocabulary words each day; use the dictionary.
5. Keep a good set of encyclopedias on hand to read up on science, history, geology, etc.....

Answer 8

We're in WI and homeschool too. There's a ton of info in libraries, online, and also try the Wisconsin Parents Association. Good luck... you'll do fine.

Answer 9

HSLDA would be able to give you the laws in your state. If you do it on your own you have to file an affidavit with the state as a private school. HSLDA can give you direction with this too.

Really mom1025 pulled out all the stops for you. She gave excellant sites. Congradulations on your decision!

Answer 10

As a former homeschooled child and a current teacher, the education world only knows one homeschool program. Abeka takes all the guesswork out of homeschooling. Its a DVD program, very reasonably priced. Check it out:

http://www.abeka.com