Homeschool parents, what’s your best advice?

[hmr_mama]

I’ll be diving into homeschooling this year for the first time. I have four children; two in middle school, one in elementary, and one in preschool. If you’ve homeschooled, what are the best resources for beginners? What is your favorite curriculum? I am keen on a traditional textbook method. Any advice is welcome and appreciated!

 

[hmr_mama]

Whoops! Wrong subforum. I’ve asked for it to be moved to hangout.

 

[HS4S_2]

I would start slowly. Are you doing virtual, a program or setting up your own curriculum? I home schooled all four of mine. Oldest is now 22 and youngest is 15. All in University now but I have lots of resources.

 

[Mekp]

We homeschool ours (ages 15 and 12) following the philosophy of unschooling/radical unschooling. That's probably on the opposite end of the spectrum of what you are looking for.

I think one thing I would recommend is to keep your mind open to alternative methods. Sometimes pulling in a bunch of different approaches and philosophies can be most beneficial.

I would also recommend you find a homeschoolers group in your area. It can be really useful to learn from others who have been there.

I have no textbook suggestions, but Khan Academy is online and an excellent resource.

 

[hmr_mama]

I would start slowly. Are you doing virtual, a program or setting up your own curriculum? I home schooled all four of mine. Oldest is now 22 and youngest is 15. All in University now but I have lots of resources.

I think I’d like to start with a program and maybe add to it. I’m hoping to find a good “base” and add things my kids are more interested in (montessori-ish). Are there websites that are helpful across the spectrum? Where did you start?

 

[hmr_mama]

We homeschool ours (ages 15 and 12) following the philosophy of unschooling/radical unschooling. That's probably on the opposite end of the spectrum of what you are looking for.

I think one thing I would recommend is to keep your mind open to alternative methods. Sometimes pulling in a bunch of different approaches and philosophies can be most beneficial.

I would also recommend you find a homeschoolers group in your area. It can be really useful to learn from others who have been there.

I have no textbook suggestions, but Khan Academy is online and an excellent resource.

Yes, unschooling is definitely on the other end of the spectrum for me. But I’m pretty open to different methods. My daughter will be in 8th grade and will, most likely, be going back to traditional schooling next year. I don’t want the methods to be too shocking to her system, kwim?

I live in a small town and there aren’t a lot of options to homeschooling groups. Are there online communities I could glean some information from?

Our local school district already uses Khan Academy so the kids are familiar with it. Thanks for reminding me of that resource.

 

[Mekp]

Yes, unschooling is definitely on the other end of the spectrum for me. But I’m pretty open to different methods. My daughter will be in 8th grade and will, most likely, be going back to traditional schooling next year. I don’t want the methods to be too shocking to her system, kwim?

I live in a small town and there aren’t a lot of options to homeschooling groups. Are there online communities I could glean some information from?

Our local school district already uses Khan Academy so the kids are familiar with it. Thanks for reminding me of that resource.

Yes, it definitely makes sense to follow a more traditional school routine if they are heading back the next year.

I belong to a few Facebook groups for unschooling and homeschooling that are local to where I live. It might be worth a look there.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

@YadaYadaYada I wanted to continue the topic but didn't want to derail the thread so asking you here!

Are they making them draw the number line???

Instead of just teaching times table they make the kids here draw an endless amount of arrays to learn the concept of multiplication.

Ironic thing is their standardized tests have NONE of that and is quite different to anything they've actually learnt in class!

 

[YadaYadaYada]

@mellowyellowgirl, I haven't seen that yet but my son just turned six so he will be starting first grade this fall. So far it's been addition and subtraction with ten frames. Honestly the math bothers me less than the reading and writing, my husband is a numbers guy and he says he has been doing the new way they are teaching kids since he was a kid.

Part of me just wants to homeschool him because I feel like the quality of public education has really gone downhill but I am not good at being social and I don't want that to rub off on him.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I honestly think you should give home schooling a go especially during these times. Set up some socialising in a bubble (or whatever works in your area).

You sound like you'd have some homeschooler in you!!,!

I have looooong and complicated reasons for not home schooling but I'd do it in a heartbeat if not for the boring complicated reasons.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

@mellowyellowgirl, my problem with homeschooling is that I lack patience, also it is hard for me to keep our young son's attention. Sometimes kids listen better to someone who isn't a parent lol!

Still we will be doing distance learning so let's see how that goes, who knows maybe it will be my calling

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

@YadaYadaYada so many people say that and to be honest I'm not the best at teaching (at least I didn't think I was) but after the initial wrinkles (and trust me there will be wrinkles) you both find a groove.

Hehe Everytime I tutor my son now I think "kaching $$$" because it's so expensive here! Not only that I hate that he has to be driven there on time and then I have to sit around and wait for him.

All the sports requires enough shuffling. I didn't want it for one more activity.