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Wondering who uses a set curriculum or who makes it work with library/free materials or collection of materials?
I do both. We use Sonlight, but I mix alot in as well so we aren't strict sonlighters. We mix in alot of montessori, mason, FIAR, handwriting, science, Usborne, pocket charts, puppet shows, drama, TONS of Arts and crafts. We have so much fun, but they are at that age.(pre-k/k)
I don't know if we are going to continue to be eclectic in our method as they grow or settle down, I'll probably continue to mix it up.
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I have a mix of different curriculum, and I plan to use the library more often. I also would like to let her learn a lot on the computer too, but it is getting way too slow, so I need a new one first.
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Penelope, Good to see you!
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I just finished gushing about our curriculum, but I can do it some more.
We use Time4Learning an internet-based Language Arts and Math curriculum (science and social studies are included as a bonus) for kids ages 3-14. My daughter is 10 and in the fifth grade and she LOVES the interface and the lessons.
I can't gush enough about this program.
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As a homeschooling mom with a 12th grade, 10th, 8th and 5th graders, we still use a variety or sources for our schooling. We are very eclectic with some unschooling as well. We've always done it this way and it seems to work for us quite well.
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I use one type of curriculum CLASS. My children are tested every year and they send me everything I need for the whole year and it is not very expensive
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We use a Unit Study method where everyone studies the same topic. Since we have a variety of levels in our homeschool, the older children can help the younger children with reading or projects. Their assignments are then made according to skills and abilities. For instance the younger children may draw pictures about the days discussion while the older children are assigned a research paper. I do purchase math curriculum (Saxon has worked well for all of the children so far - although we don't follow it by the letter). In the past I have purcased grammar, handwriting, spelling and Spanish (Power Glide) curriculum. However, now I get FREE teacher guides and worksheets, etc. from the internet. Here are some of my favorite sites:
Great Free Activity Pages!
Nice Handwriting Pages
A Wonderful Index of Unit Study Lesson Plans
A Variety of Christian Elementary Resources - Free- Spelling, Languages, & More
Christian Bible Lessons
A Free Upper Elementary Spelling Curriculum
And, there are many, many more. I simply decide on a unit topic, find a great lesson plan (many are posted by college students studying to become teachers), order my books from the library, purchase any materials that I may need (eBay is great resource here), and I have a complete curriculum ready to go. Sometimes, I make the spelling words go along with the unit topic. Other times, I use one of these premade lists. The kids love studying the same topic. We usually end a unit with a big event. We had an Egyptian feast and invited friends and family. The kids dressed as famous Egyptian characters and displayed some of their projects. It was a lot of fun. Just a few ideas . . .
P.S. I'll post these links in the website thread as well.
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I have been lurking here for quite a while and I have finally come forward to say a BIG thank you for posting the links to those wonderful websites. I will begin homeschooling in the fall and these will be a HUGE help.
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You're welcome! I'm glad you found them helpful! Welcome to the boards, too!
Here are a couple more that I recently ran across:
Each has a variety of items on a variety of topics. You'll just have to explore the sites to see if there is anything that interests you. Again, I'll post these in the websites thread.
Best wishes in schooling!