Thinking about home schooling my daughter...?

Question

I am thinking about home schooling my daughter and well am kinda home school dumb. I would love to follow a good christian program, does anyone have any good websites that they know of where I can learn more? Does anyone have any advise for me? My daughter is in 2nd grade.

Answer 1

http://www.robinsoncurriculum.com

We use this method. It is a self-teaching program.

Barb

Answer 2

There are several good programs for homeschooling that will provide you with all the materials, lesson plans and lots of backup assistance. ABeca books, Calverts, just to name a few. If you do a web search Christian homeschool programs you will bring up lots more to choose from and sift through. Since you feel unprepared to start, a program of this type would be your best choice. We use a program through Seton Homeschool, which is a Catholic program. They provide the books, lesson plans, tests and record keeping- plus we can contact teachers at the school anytime we need or want to. There are other programs which work very much like this, and they are ideal places to get started with.
You don't have to be a whiz kid to teach your child, as quite often you will learn right alongside them. Even those of us with degrees can still find things to learn. Plenty of immigrant parents in the past learned English from reading and going over homework with their school aged children, many people still learn from helping their children do homework- whether they admit it or not. It matters most that you are willing to try, and are not afraid to say you do not know about something, but are willing to find out. Finding out together is a very rewarding experience.
As your daughter is only 2nd grade, I don't think you'll find the work much of a challenge. You can and should always look ahead at her work to prepare, which gives you a chance to refresh your memory or work on the material yourself if needed. You may surprise yourself at how much you actually do know, and how much comes back to you. Worst case, it may have been something you didn't get the first time, and the second time you see it, it will fall right into place. And even if you are stumped, there are lots of other people to help out. Don't let not being an expert or genius stop you from homeschooling. Heaven knows, the regular school teachers don't let it stop them.

Answer 3

It takes a lot of effort, so you've got to have a good reason for homeschooling. (Good enough that when you've had a difficult week or month, you can soundly answer yourself when you ask 'Why did I do this again!?!) We've got four boys, two of which are being homeschooled. I've heard that there are different techniques out there, like 'unschooling' - where you basically allow the child to lead in what he/she would like to learn. We had friends that went that route, and they really regret it now.
Anyway - this website is really all about a book that is the Home-schooling Mother's bible! However, you might want to have a look at the Idiot's guide to Homeschooling first, as it covers more approaches and styles. But if it's a classical education you value, this is the place to look. You won't be disappointed in finding a good Christian core as you peruse many of the resources this points too, either.

Answer 4

We started homeschooling my older son when he was in 2nd grade (that was 4 years ago). The one thing that really made me believe I could do it was, "The Well-Trained Mind" by Jessie Wise and her (homeschooled/homeschooler) daughter, Susan Wise Bauer. One caveat - don't try to do everything in the book - it's too overwhelming and will take you ALL DAY.

If you are taking your daughter out of public school (or private school), give her at least one week for each year she was in school to decompress before starting any homeschooling. Then add in one subject at a time (start with something she enjoys) every few weeks.

As far as curriculum is concerned, there are tons of choices - everything from design-your-own to curriculum-in-a-box. Others have already mentioned A Beka, k12.com, Calvert, Seton. There's also Bob Jones Univ. Press, Sonlight, and Alpha Omega. You might consider joining a homeschool support group in your area, as many homeschoolers will readily loan you materials to look at and "try before you buy". If you decide to design your own curriculum, check out Rainbow Resource - they have a HUGE selection and almost always have the best prices.

Make sure you check out the HSLDA website to get your legal ducks in a row. There's probably also a state organization with which you can connect (check HSLDA's website for a link to your state's group).

Start slow - you have a good 10 years to do it all, so don't feel you have to do everything now. Best wishes on this awesome adventure.

Answer 5

Choose your basics from a Christian homeschool curriculum provider (of your faith). There is catholic, protestant, Jewish and Amish style curriculum. For example:
A Beka Books
Bob Jones University Press
Seton
Mater Amabili
Rod and Staff

Choose your additional materials from educational supply stores or teacher stores, like workbooks. For example:
Spectrum Math series
Dover Thrift Editions
Nasco Science
Frank Schaffer
etc
Allow library books and some computer work once a week.

A good resource is any website that shows you a variety of publishers for you to pick thru. (ie: christianbooks.com)


Sign up with HSLDA, design your curriculum (feel free to change it as you go) report to the district of your intent to homeschool, and start! Keep your ears far from nay-sayers. Be loving and patient and all will go well! Be flexible too!

Don't forget to join up with other homeschoolers...and remember used book stores!

Answer 6

There are a lot of great programs if you are dedicated. one nationewide program many people I know have had success with is K-12 They even have teachers to support you and hekp you. Many school districts will pay for you to utilize their curriculum.

Answer 7

The ladies at vegsource.com/homeschool are very willing to help and educate others about homeschooling. I'd start there if I were you. Good luck!