How to Begin Homeschooling- Part 2

A couple days ago, I shared my thoughts on how to start homeschooling your children.  Today, I will continue that discussion.  One of the first questions people ask me is this:  “What curriculum should I use?”    As I told you in the  last post, you need to make that decision yourself.  Every homeschooler will give you a different idea as to what is the “best thing since sliced bread.”  In the end, you will be teaching it.  You will be living it.  You need to love it. 

But, that being said, there are so many choices!   Would you like to know some of my favorites?  Well, first of all, I must tell you that our family leans towards the styles of Classical education and Charlotte Mason education.  Over the summer, we do more unit studies.  So….really….we are all over the place!     If you are asking yourself, “What is Classical/Charlotte Mason/unit studies,” then I encourage you to read the book I mentioned last time, 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing the Right Curriculum and Approach for Your Child’s Learning Style.

Now….we don’t use all of the things that I am going to list (at the same time).  Some of them we use now.  Others, we have used in the past.  A few of them we use over the summer months, but not during the school year.  Again….we are all over the place.  Are you catching onto a theme?     Don’t get overwhelmed by this list!  Can I tell you one more time?  We don’t do ALL of this ALL the time!  But, I wanted to give you options!   

Spelling

• All About Spelling (this link is for level 1)
• IEW Phonetic Zoo      Link for level A:  Excellence in Spelling: The Phonetic Zoo Level A
• Classical Conversations Essentials Guide (spelling in the back)
• Spelling City
• Spelling included with Saxon Phonics (below)

Grammar

• Classical Conversations Essentials Guide/Class
• First Language Lessons      Link:  First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind, Level 1

Handwriting

• A Reason for Handwriting  Link:  A Reason For Handwriting: Kindergarten–Student Worktext
• Pencil Pete

Writing

• Teaching Writing: Structure and Style–10 DVD’s and Workbook

Phonics

• Saxon Phonics     Link:  Saxon Phonics 1, Home Study Kit
• Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Reading Link:  The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading
• Phonics Pathways      Link:  Phonics Pathways: Clear Steps to Easy Reading and Perfect Spelling, 10th Edition 

Reading Comprehension/Vocabulary

• We don’t use a formal program for reading comprehension and vocabulary.  When they are done reading, they do an oral or written narration.  (to test comprehension)  We read lots and lots of great books.  While we are reading, I am constantly asking them if they know what words mean.  (for vocabulary) 

Read-alouds

• I choose read-alouds to correlate with the science and/or history topics.

Math

• Saxon Math   Link:  Saxon Phonics 1, Home Study Kit
• Math U See 
• Xtramath.org

Science

• Classical Conversations Science Memory Work
• Apologia Science      Link:  Land Animals of the Sixth Day: Exploring Creation with Zoology 3
• My Father’s World (includes science/history/bible/literature)

History

• Classical Conversations History Memory Work
• Story of the World          Link:  Story of the World Vol. 1: Ancient Times, Revised, Softcover
• My Father’s World (includes science/history/bible/literature)

Bible

• The Bible!
• The Child’s Story Bible
• Journey through the Bible by V. Gilbert Beers  Link: The David C. Cook Journey Through the Bible  

Stay tuned……..my next post will tell you several of my favorite websites for homeschooling.