Home Schooling Useful Curriculum

Hi K.,

I applaud you for even considering home schooling at such an early age! We are homeshoolers (I'm the substitute teacher since I work full time and my husband's a stay at home dad) of 2 boys (ages 5 and 2). When I worked PT and only had the older who was 2 at the time, I started using Hands on Homeschooling (you can order it online) just to get used to doing something on a consistent basis. I liked it for the structure it provided but improvised a lot and tended to teach much or through play since his attention span was kind of short. Now my 5yo is being homeschooled in 1st grade (he'll be 6 in April) and we use ABEKA Book. It's pretty user friendly and we like it a lot. It was most recommended by other friends at church who also homeschool. Shoot me an email if you'd like more info about ABEKA.

I was homeschooled as a child. For the early years, we used Abeka, which was excellent. And for high school we used Alpha and Omega. Just please be sure that whatever curriculum you chose is accredited in your state. Best of luck to you.

I agree that now is the time to read about different philosphies and just let your kids play, play, play. I also recommend reading to your kids, even babies, as much as possible. And here are a few books that I have learned a lot from: The Well Trained Mind by Susan Bauer, A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver DeMille, Charlotte Mason books, and books by John Holt.

Hi, K.. We are homeschoolers, three boys ages 8, 6 and 2. I would suggest the best thing for you to do at this point w/such little ones is to begin to read up on homeschooling philosophies in general and see where you and your family fall in the very broad spectrum of homeschooling styles. Your kids are so young, and most homeschoolers enjoy the free time and learning through play that is the work of the toddlers, curriculum choices will naturally flow out of what type of schooling you want to do. There are lots of support networks out there, you can google in homeschool and your city, and you will find groups to connect with. Attending play dates, field trips that are age appropriate, etc. will put you in contact w/other homeschool families, whom you can observe, and get a feel for what will work best for your family. Our family for one, absolutely loves the freedom, flexibility and true learning opportunities that homeschooling provides, and we would not want to do anything else at this point. So I enocourage you to read, read, read and ask, ask and observe all you can. Another suggestion is a great book entitled Should I Home School by Dan and Elizabeth Hamilton. There should be a copy in your local library, it is easy to read, and gives you great food for thought. God bless you and your family as you proceed along this path! A.