Ask:
Okay, so we are going to make the leap next year and homeschool my then 2nd grader. I am completely overwhelmed by how to get the materials. I am a teacher by training, so I gravitate to the programs I have taught like McGraw/Hill Reading and things like that but am not sure if that is the best way to go. Or even how to do it. I looked at the sites listed in the post above but am a little more confused than before. Help!
Answer:
Cathy,
If you can get a hold of a book called "Mary Pride's Guide to Homeschooling", that can really help you sift through a lot of things and focus on what is best for your kids. She talks about learning styles and what type of programs are best for each, she reviews different teaching methods and curricula, etc. Also, she asks what *you* are wanting to get from Hsing, and provides way for you to accomplish it. She lists 8 (I think) things that every HSer should do to get started. I found her book very helpful to get me going.
I also joined a homeschooling forum (since I am Catholic I joined one for Catholic Hsers). That has been a tremendous resource- all kinds of questions asked and answered by some of the nicest women I have met online.
Finally, I recently joined a HS group, and that, too has been extremely helpful. I have been able to talk to other moms and look at the curricula they are using.
HTH
Answer:
I agree with Jenn, 1st thing is go get Mary Prides Guide to getting started in homeschooling. Check your library. It is worth buying it too!
Answer:
I was in your same predicament when I decided to go the homeschooling route. I was lucky enough to find Time4Learning . I really feel like it saved us from a lot of frustration and eventual homeschool failure.
It's for kids ages 3-14 and they even offer a risk free two week trial. That's how I started and by the end of week one, we were ready to be full-time members. I can't speak highly enough of this program. [/gush]
Shelly