I have a 5yr old, and I am trying to find out more info on Home Schooling him?

Question

What are the best and least expensive curriculums? Any help on this would be great. Also we live in Virginia, if that is of any help.

Answer 1

Here are two that I use:
http://www.AOP.com
http://www.FiveInARow.com

You could also try:
http://www.3Moms.com
3Moms has a curriculum bundle of examples from different companies for you to test what is best for you.

Answer 2

This year, I am using Lifepacs (by alpha omega), Abeka Biology 1, Videotext for alg 1, Easy Grammar plus and Writing Strands 4 for language arts, A Reason for Handwriting, and library books.
This is the most I have spent on curriculum in five years, but my kiddos are pretty happy with everything and are working hard and making excellent grades.
For less expensive approaches, try www.amblesideonline.org
There you will learn about the Charlotte Mason approach, which is a literature based curriculum. Very inexpensive, as your main support is the library and great books.
For information, I would suggest joining a support group in your area, and also consider joining a yahoo chat group for homeschoolers, like, [e-mail]
or something else that suits your needs.
It is important to be able to talk to other homeschool families to get advice, chat, learn what's going on, things like that in an environment that does not include having to listen to people with an anti-homeschooling agenda, or those that like to bash people for sport, or those that dish out false advice, or things like that.
good luck to you

Answer 3

http://www.hslda.org/orgs/default.asp?State=VA
This is a list of cities in VA that have homeschool organizations (as listed with HSLDA) I'm sure that there are many more that are loose-knit groups.

My favorite reading tool for the young one's has been The First Reader by Phyllis Schlafly of Eagle Forum. I also like the McGuffey Readers.

Math flashcards are the best and cheapest way to go for learning math-facts. There is also a link to a math-fact worksheet generator that you can find at www.groups.yahoo.com/groups/homeschoolanswers

Writing can be done for merely the cost of paper and pencils.
The First Reader comes with a writing practice book. I purchased and downloaded "StartWrite" for young penmanship practice. It was $40ish and well worth it. You can print out any manner of writing worksheets that you can create. It's awesome.

Reading can be inexpensive too by using the library and used bookstores, garage sales, etc. Used Curriculum sales are great places to find tons of material.

We use the Robinson Curriclum. It is very inexpensive and worthwhile.

Barb (moderator of yahoo group HomeschoolAnswers)

Answer 4

You don't have to purchase a curriculum. Check out as many books as you can at the library on homeschooling, searching out specifically "Homeschooling on a Shoestring."

If you do decide you want to stick with something pre-packaged, A Beka is one of the most-respected and also is not very expensive. However, you might also consider something like Sonlight http://www.sonlight.com and just get the guides, using library books or your own books instead of purchasing everything.

Answer 5

I used A Beka books. I can now write and speak English like nothing else. Also Saxon math is really good. Somewhat frustrating as some points, but it teaches you what you need to learn in a fairly simple way.

I would highly recommend both A Beka and Saxon. Also I would recommend Apologia science when he gets older. They are written by Jay Wile.

Answer 6

Although religious ( catholic) , but you don't have to be catholic to use it, they have people of all denominations, even non christian that use the school.

It is Seton Homeschool and it is located in Virgina. It is in Front Royal VA, If you can call and arrange a tour, you will fall in love with them I am sure

Answer 7

Homeschooling and Curriculum Resources Pg1

http://www.kidsolr.com/homeschool/index.html

HOME SCHOOLING.

http://www.homeschool.com/

http://www.homeschool.com/articles/Socialization/default.asp

http://www.homefires.com/

Homeschool.com also has the following information available free of charge:

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/index.html

http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/

http://www.home-schooling-advice.net/

http://www.canteach.ca/links/linkhomeschool.html

http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi

http://www.hslda.org

http://www.teachnlearn.org/index.htm

http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/

http://www.highlightskids.com/

http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere/default.asp

http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/

http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/homeworkhigh/

http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/kids/

http://www.home-school.com/groups/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/teachers/

http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/

http://www.world-english.org/

http://www.highlightskids.com/

http://suzyred.com/

http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/toftwood/resources.html

http://www.naturalchild.org/

http://www.oakmeadow.com/

http://www.happychild.org.uk/

http://www.englishforums.com/

http://www.midlandit.co.uk/education/index.htm

http://www.schoolexpress.com/

http://www.abcteach.com/

http://www.midlandit.co.uk/education/index.htm

http://www.wacona.com/

http://www.childdevelopment.org/

http://eduscapes.com/

Hope this is what you need. Good luck.

Kevin, Liverpool, England.

Answer 8

Listen I know you want what is best for your kid, but put him in a public school where he can make friends and meet new people. He might resent you for the rest of his/hr life. It's up to you though.