posted August 23, 2003 04:16 PM
I just began homeschooling my five year old two weeks ago. I am following my own curriculum, and feel abit concerned that I am not covering all that I need to cover. Could anyone recommend a book or website that may have a Kindergarten guideline for a curriculum? I've googled most of the morning and found some great free resources, but it's all very piece meal.
I'm almost ready to pay for an accredited program like Calvertschool.org. I plan to do this once he starts first grade. Need some advice from experienced homeschoolers - should I start with Calvert(or another similar program) now if I plan to enroll him later, or will my DS be okay if I just do my own curriculum now? Just wondering if $350 or more is worth the investment for an accredited Kindergarten program. All I need is an outline of a curriculum, not all the materials.
TIA,
Alexandra
[This message has been edited by dajfamily (edited August 23, 2003).]
posted August 23, 2003 07:59 PM
Hi Alexandra! I am in the same situation as you are with homeschooling the first time, with a kindergartener! I know here in California, that kindergarten is not required, so I am going with some piecemeal and some established curriculum from friends who have homeschooled. I do have 3 older kids who have gone through elementary in a private school and have a background in teaching, so I am not completely winging it!LOL Just wanted to wish you luck and tell you about one site I found that is excellent! It is called A Reason For~~they have handwriting, reading , spelling and science curriculum that looks wonderful! Their website is http://www.areasonfor.com They are Bible based curriculum, by the way. Hope this helps a little.
posted August 23, 2003 10:36 PM
We've been homeschooling for 3 1/2 years, and our oldest is as old as yours! lol I have run a homeschool support group locally for 2 years though, and been a member of the state's main group for 5. I was rearing to go on this homeschooling stuff! lol
The most important considerations about curriculum are:
1) Does it meet state requirements? (Get your state laws on homeschooling - from the code, not the Dept. of Edu. There should be a list of subjects you have to show progress for. Iowa is math, language arts and reading for 1st through 5th, with science and social studies added on later.)
and
2) Does it meet your homeschooling mission statement? Why are you homeschooling? What do you want your son to learn? Why are these things important?
Good luck. Learn the state laws, join state support groups, and give yourself some room for error. Rome wasn't build in a day, but it wasn't torn down in a day either...or in 500.
posted August 23, 2003 11:07 PM
Alexandra, I used the A Beka curriculum for my boys for K4 and I really liked it. You may check it out on their website. Just go to google and type it in. I cannot remember if you can get the curriculum off the website, but you can order the catalog for free and it has more info. there. Hope you are able to find all that you need! Amy
posted August 23, 2003 11:51 PM
Thanks...I filed a waiver for mandatory Kindergarten this year. I live in Virginia and Kindergarten is optional, as long as your child is not 6. So I really don't need to test my son this year. Legally, I'll have to file my Letter of Intent next year.
We have Standard of Learning, SOL's here..I just joined a support group and they suggested following those. Of course, SOL's are rather abstract and general. You'd have to be a trained teacher to know what it entails to fulfill those requirements!
Anyway, I did find a curriculum finally! I added the word, "outline" to the search for a Kindergarten Curriculum and got results.
I'm researching accredited programs...I'm thinking that I'll need guidance at first before I spread my wings, and blossom into an experienced and confident homeschooler.
Thanks for the information! Glad to hear about A Beka...I was considering this option as well. I think my son might need some really structured program, and maybe later I'll try Unit Studies. Unit studies are so neat! I would have loved to learn like this...it appeals to me but, I need to see what my son's learning style will be...I can't tell yet. He seems to respond better to computer programs like Reader Rabbit or educational tapes or TV(PBS). It's abit of a struggle to get him to come sit down and practice handwriting or do workbooks. It's getting easier - he is getting accustomed to a new routine.
I'll check out the Areasonfor website as well, Thanks!
posted October 31, 2003 02:53 AM
I found the Core Knowledge Series books to be a great tool for me. I bought the series before we decided to homeschool our son because it came recommended by a recently retired 1st/2nd grade teacher who had taught for over 25 years. So, I took her word that if we followed the books we would provide for our son a thorough and well rounded curriculum!
You can find these at most libraries. I found the whole set for over half off at a local used book store!
We have our son enrolled in a virtual charter school in Colorado that uses the www.k12.com curriculum. It is Core Knowledge and what we found to be the best for our family!
Best of luck in your teaching!
Rebecca
[This message has been edited by Sunnyscrapper (edited October 31, 2003).]
Please note: Any work at home or home business advice as well as the opinions expressed within WAHM.com forums and mailing lists are not necessarily those of WAHM.com. Any advice given by forum or mailing list participants is not endorsed by WAHM.com. By participating in these discussions, you agree to allow WAHM.com and its parent company Maricle Media, Inc. and its affiliates to use, reproduce, display and distribute your contributions, in any medium now existing or hereafter developed. Your personal information will not be sold or used by WAHM.com. Use of email addresses posted on these boards for the purpose of sending unsolicited email is prohibited.
posted August 23, 2003 04:16 PM
