Question

Homeschool moms: We are considering homeschooling next year, especially if the schools continue with elearning in the fall. I’d like to do a bunch of research on different curriculums this summer and just get opinions in general on the good and the bad aspects of homeschooling. My kids will be in 8th and 5th grades in the fall. But my 5th grader is in gifted Math and ELA (working at a grade level ahead). The oldest is in honors science, social studies and ELA as well as double honors for math (current plan for fall is she would be bused to the highschool for geometry 1st period, then be bused from the highschool back to her junior high for the rest of the day). Any curriculums you love or opinions on what you love/hate about homeschooling in general?  

Answer 1

Honestly. I'd just look at the common core standards and design projects that will help them to accomplish those standards. When your designing projects, make sure to break down the standards. Think of them as "What do they need to know? " (surface level content) and "what do they have to DO" (analyze, create, etc. )

Comments

@rao2 yes! If you can, do it yourself with the end in mind (tests for HS diploma) Homeschool curriculum can be really pricey. There are soooo many resources online now, if you take the time you can design a great, personal, curriculum!  

Answer 2

I was going to ask this same question! I have been considering homeschooling for a couple of years now and being able to be home with my daughter makes me want it even more. I just don’t know where to begin!  

Comments

@biogeography5 I’ve been making a list of curriculums. I posted on my personal FB and the more than moms group and have gotten lots of suggestions. I can share the list with you when I’m done if you want. How old is your daughter?  

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@fibrous , that would be great! My daughter is going into fourth and also in the gifted classes.  

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@biogeography5 okay, I’ll send you a list in a few days!  

Answer 3

Mr D math - online classes. Can be live or self paced. Very good structure. My oldest did two semester in one course this term. This will be good for your oldest and possibly even youngest. A local homeschool mom who is also a science teacher runs a science Olympiad, co-op and online classes through outschool.  This isn’t curriculum so much as programs but may be helpful.  
https://m.facebook.com/illuminatEDC...hool/

Comments

I should say I’m a little over three years homeschooling a teen a tween and a 6 year old. I love that I can tailor their education to meet their skills and interests. I can achieve more in less time as i don’t have 30 kids to deliver Material to. We can change course easily if things come up. There are lots of classes, events and meet ups locally which are usually cheaper for homeschoolers as we can attend during the day. Despite what people think, homeschooling is very social. However, I have my kids all the time and it can be very draining to rarely get a break. I have to stay on top of them as bad habits can slip in easily and some days that’s a chore.  

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@preconcerted962 what curriculum do you use for your 6yo? Anything in particular?  

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So far I have not used a specific curriculum for him and have just used a general teachers manual To make sure I’m coving what’s needed. However I have supplemented math with ‘beast academy’ (I believe it’s actually aimed at age 8+ but many parts of the level 1 work is mostly straight forward). We use how to read in 100 easy lessons which takes you to a second grade reading level. We will probably move into ‘all about reading’. Up to this point I’ve kept it pretty informal with lots of reading a variety of books, science experiments from kits and art projects Next year will be more intense but I am still working on which curriculum will fit him best. All three of mine learn if very different ways so no two things work well. Some popular choices are ‘abeka’ ‘the good and the beautiful’ ‘teaching text books’ ‘saxon’ ‘life of Fred math’ (we like this as a story that teaches) ‘math u see’. There are some good reviews online which can tell you more about them so you can figure out if they might work for your child. Bare in mind many homeschoolers swap curriculum frequently (each year or even half way through) and often use just parts of different curriculum. Look for second hand sales once you decide what you want.  

Answer 4

I would suggest looking at Cathy Duffy’s 102 curriculum reviews book. The book has a series of question to help you sort out what would appeal to you in a curriculum, and what might appeal to your kid. Do you want a curriculum that has all the lesson plans laid out? Do you want heavy literature based, that is very hands on, that is computer based, etc.  

Answer 5

@exciseman16 you need another meeting!  

Comments

Yes! We have three scheduled--June, July and August. I'll text you dates if you're free to participate again! Here's the June event:  
https://www.facebook.com/events/555...9916/

Answer 6

Check out Acellus Academy. Acellusacademy. com It is totally online. It is accredited and students receive diploma. Don’t be put off by tuition until you read about the scholarship program. It reduces tuition to $79 a month. Still not cheap. There are examples of classes for all ages on the website.  

Answer 7

There are so many different ways to homeschool but for our family it's been the best and a true blessing! The most challenging thing when you first decide to homeschool is shifting from an "in classroom" mindset to a homeschool mindset. Homeschooling is not simply doing school at home. If you are embracing the experience, it looks and feels a lot different and it's just a whole lot of fun! I would highly recommend one of @exciseman16 s meetings to be able to connect with other homeschoolers and families who are interested in homeschooling. a lot of your questions can be answered there. But honestly there's no one or correct way to homeschool. and that's the beauty of it. You are tailoring your children's education to their gifts, talents, and needs. in our homeschool we don't even use the same curriculum provider for every subject. At any given time I will be doing a mix and match of at least four or five different curriculum providers tailored to the needs of each of my kids. I know that probably makes it seem even more overwhelming as far as finding a place to start but trust me when I say that you know your children better than anyone and you know how they learn and what motivates them. You will quickly be able to adapt a curriculum if it's not working for you. Just have fun with it and make adjustments as you go.  

Answer 8

CodeForce has an excellent home school program. We also work with ACES Education