curriculum suggestions

I feel like this too. *I* want to be the one to raise my kids and see all their triumphs!!! :)  I love being with my kids...It really is a blast.  So many parents are missing out, in my opinion.

mousetower wrote: I homeschool because even though the public school district we are in is the best in the city, even though I could get DS placed with friends in the class, even though I really would love a bit of a break from my kids (been snowed in for 3 days now- with kids with chest colds) I don't like that the school system doesn't give me as a parent the respect I deserve. My son misses the cut off for K by a month and to test in you have to score 90% as in ready for 1st grade. Also because my son has a speech problem, which he has an ISP for, he wouldn't have his speech teacher there for his testing, just whoever was in the building. And finally a school day that is 9-3 is too long (as noted before) for little guys, they need time to play and explore. Most of all, I didn't put him in daycare because I wanted to miss out on his baby things, why would I put him in regular school and miss out on his kid things.   MIa   Mia

Yes, Cat05, I like time4learning.com.  I no longer use it, but I still think it is a great program for someone who wants a full curriculum.  We unschool mostly and I just wanted a math curriculum for my 6 and 10yo's (3rd grade and 5/6th grade levels).  Time4learning has a fun math curriculum.  The other subjects are great, too, and they start you off with just a few subjects and topics in each subjects and slowly add in the rest as you progress through grade levels.  It doesn't take long to complete the assignments and it provides worksheets for extra practice and ideas to further explore the topic if you wish.  I recommend checking it out for yourself.  You get to try it for 2 weeks free and that should be enough to see if you like it.  Also, if you decide after 2 or 3 months that you need a break, you can put your account on dormant for a significantly reduced price ($4/month) or you can cancel anytime. 

I definately recommend the Scholastic News Let's Find Out for preschoolers/Kindergarteners.  They are fun and a lesson plan in itself.  Note the prices on the website are for teachers who order 20 +copies.  You will pay about $8/year for it (includes teachers edition), but it's worth it. 

Cardella

I homeschool our K & 2 graders. Something to keep in mind, just because your child has done the curriculum does not mean they will be recognised at that grade level by the school district.  What I am saying, starting your child early and going through 3 or 4 successful years of homeschooling, the district may very well put your child in the grade corresponding to their age if you decide to go back to public education.

We use the Calvert curriculum and like it very much although we don't follow all aspects of it.  It is expensive if you can't find it second hand.  We supplement with the schoolzone workbooks and I like those very much.  Also, I have to strongly recommend the cuisenaire rods, they are great. 

I think the key is to find out what your state's requirements are for each grade level and ensure whatever you are doing covers that.  Here's a link (that I hope works) that gives an example of what you need to cover for elementary school: http://www.intidea.org/curriculum/curriculum.htm

Hope that helps.

Ali

Speaking of this, I've been wondering if we could have a forum here at Homeschool.com for our members to share their homeschool related business info. Thoughts?  I sell Usborne Books.

Raejay wrote: Hi, I sell Avon, and while Avon doesnt sell a set "curriculum," per say, they do sell things that could supplement a preschooler's lessons; they have activity books and lots of "Dora the Explorer" stuff.  If you dont have an "Avon lady," I could mail you a brochure or you could log on to www.youravon.com or call 1-800-FORAVON to find a rep.

Hello,

 I am new to this.  I am thinking about homeschooling my 4yr old and am looking for a curriculum to follow.