Posted: 28/Sep/2009 at 5:57pm | IP Logged

Hi.

I'm a new homeschooling mom of one active 6 year old. For the last couple of years, I taught Tristan his preschool and kindergarten requirements straight out workbooks that came from Staples and Walmart. Now that we're working on first grade, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.

There are so many great homeschooling sites out there that I don't know where to begin. Let alone even pick a curriculum. I know I need a curriculum to start because I personally need the guidance. But I feel so lost.

I know it's different for every family so no one can actually tell me what to do. But truth is, I need some mothering (so to speak). Right now Tristan and I do his reading, writing, and arithmetic out of workbooks together. And then 3 days a week he attends an hour class at the public school (gym, art, music) for socializing.

I've also considered letting him pick both a science and social studies subject that we can focus on. Then buying some text books and working from there.

But I think we need something more solid. At least until we're both more comfortable with what we're doing. Any advice or words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated. Don't be afraid to be direct. At the moment I kinda need someone to take my hand.

an anxious homeschooling mom

Posted: 29/Sep/2009 at 5:30am | IP Logged

I agree.  Sounds like you are doing fine.  Science and social studies at that age are best studied through real books and field trips.

Best wishes!

Posted: 29/Sep/2009 at 8:30am | IP Logged

Welcome.

Have you read any books on homeschooling? There are some which might give you more direction. The Well Trained Mind is good; Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore wrote several books on homeschooling (Homegrown Kids and more); John Holt wrote a number of books about learning in general (How Children Learn, How Children Fail, Instead of Education, What do I do on Monday), and one about homeschooling (Teach Your Own), as well as starting a whole movement called "unschooling." Mary Hood wrote The Relaxed Homeschool and others.

Posted: 29/Sep/2009 at 7:18pm | IP Logged

Wow! Thank you all for your support and suggestions. Reading this has made the best ending to an already successful day.

This afternoon Tristan and I worked on his money skills. Not certain whether that falls under Maths or Economics or both. Anyway, the lesson went so well. At the end I sold him pieces of candy. And for every correct answer he was able to eat a piece. It feels so great when you see something click in their heads.

I shall look into the books you were all so kind to list for me.

CNBarrnes says:

Quote: Note that the first 2 of these are not "education" books, but are "relationship" books.  The reason I list them is because having a solid relationship is THE key to an environment in which learning can effectively take place.   Without it, it doesn't matter if you have the best curriculum in the world - learning will suffer.  With it, you will have success with a "bad" curriculum.

I completely agree. Having an honest, loving and supportive relationship with my kids is most important to me

Anyway, thank you all for jumping on board and throwing in your advice. It's greatly appreciated.

Posted: 05/Nov/2009 at 9:23am | IP Logged

Hi,

I think what you are doing sounds great as well!  If you are wondering about any good curriculum out there we use LIFEPAC and my almost 5 year old loves it! It has great pictures and activities in it! Blessings! Lauren*

Posted: 11/Jan/2010 at 6:24am | IP Logged

motherlylove wrote: I actually have a question for you, tribebohemian: How did you go about arranging to have your child attend public school for just those few subjects? I really, really, really like the idea of having my daughter go to school for just gym, art, and music for socializing. I think she'd really enjoy it, I just don't know how to ask about that at our local elementary school. Thanks!

I'm pleased to tell you. I went to the superintendent's office, or wherever the kids register for school at the beginning of the year. I explained my situation. They then had me fill out some paperwork, write a short letter of intent and then I had a nice conversation with the superintendent. It was relatively easy, if not a bit nerve wracking since I didn't know what I was doing.

The superintendent set up an appointment with the principal of the school where my son would take class and she and I spoke about my expectations. And there you have it. My son attends three classes a week and has gone on field trips, participated on picture day, thanksgiving dinner, he's in the lego club... I find the school to be very flexible and willing to make my son feel as a part of the school as possible. It's made me feel much more comfortable about sending him there full time if it ever comes to that. And it's helped him as well with socializing and having other adults he can trust and learn from.

I wish you luck :)