How can I begin to homeschool my 2nd grader?

Question

We are in the LA county area, and I would like to know how to start off?
Any information would be helpful.

Thank you.

Answer 1

I would start by finding out the laws in your area. Some cities, like mine, only require that you keep attendance records, while some require that you keep them informed of your curriculum.

Next, I would look into the different types of curriculum. An online search and a trip to the library will help a lot. Make sure you get your child's school records from the school. It will help you with level placement.

Most of all, read a lot of books. There are a lot of different ways to homeschool, and it will go smoother if you find the way that best suits you and your child.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

The first thing you need to do is become familiar with the homeschooling laws in California. HSLDA's website can give you plenty of guidance there.

Next, determine your schooling style/method/philosophy. There are at least a dozen out there including: unit studies, unschooling, classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, ... This will be a big help when it comes time to choose curriculum because it will help to focus your search on material that fits with your philosophy. There's a book by Mary Pride in which she discusses several different philosophies. It's called, "Mary Pride's Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling" It's also important at this time to look at your child's learning style - auditory (hearing), visual (seeing/reading), or kinesthetic (hands-on). You'll set yourself up for failure trying to use an auditory curriculum with a kinesthetic learner.

Finally, make your curriculum choices. If you unschool, there probably won't be much to do here, as life is your textbook. If you use classical or Charlotte Mason, your main objective will be to get a library card, because you'll be using LOADS of books. For curriculum reviews, check out Cathy Duffy's website as well as her book, "100 Top Picks for Homeschooling". Rainbow Resource (a great curriculum supplier - huge selection, great prices) includes reviews in their catalog (just remember, they're trying to sell you on their merchandise).

It's also important to get involved with either a support group or co-op. The people in these groups are invaluable when it comes to information-sharing, support, curriculum-sharing, ... They are also the ones who can clue you into park days, co-op classes, field trips, etc. The first year is the most difficult, so having a good support system is vital.

But the most important piece of advice - don't try to re-create public school at home. Allow your child some time to "decompress" from the public schools (a month or so) before you start homeschooling, then go easy. Start with one or two subjects, then add another every month or so. Make sure there are plenty of rewards and lots of time off for play. There will be plenty of time to teach him or her everything you want him or her to learn.

Feel free to email me if you have further questions. Best wishes!

Answer 3

Lots of good advice here.

Do find a local group, there are tons of them in your area.

Also, for second grade you don't need a real curriculum. And most folks buy them and don't use them. Wait for a curric fair to see if there is something you like. Personally I make printouts on the pc for school and I buy those big books at Sams Club "2nd Grade Curric" or whatever.

Answer 4

Do a quick assessment of your child's ability. Read together, write together and do math together. Start out at whatever level your child is currently at.

We use Saxon math 54 after math-facts have been completely memorized and understood. Math tables are important too.

After math we write to fill in a full page every day.

After writing the students read for a minimum of 2 hours.

Answer 5

It'd be best for you to contact some other home-schoolers in your area so that they may give you advice. I was home schooled through elementary school and 7th grade of middle school because it works best with my family position (we travel about because my father is a journalist). I would advise you to get the curicula that is the same as the state uses so that there is no confusion when your child needs to go to university or high-school and such. Also, some of the other curicula out there offered to the home-schoollers are all weird, creationist stuff. (Not that I have anything against that theory, just that they do that 'earth in 7 days' and 'planet's 6000 yrs old' rubbish)
Make sure your child is involved in programmes with other kids though, like Greek classes, Orchestra, and tennis. Home schooling can be lonely for your child if he/she doesn't get to spend much time with other children.

oh yes, don't give your child too long days of school. Make sure all subjects are covered but do them with him/her so that they may enjoy it as well as learn! It may be stressful but you'll probably enjoy it too, getting to spend so much time with your child, and you will get to review things you may not have fully understood in school!

Answer 6

We went through Christian Liberty Academy and they provided all the resources necessary for a very reasonable price. They will send an award winning curriculum, great books and standardized tests you will need. They will also grade the tests. http://www.homeschools.org/.