Wanting to Homeschool

[AndreaW]

Hi. I really need some help.   I've decided that the best thing for my younger children would be to home school them, but I am at a loss on how to begin. I've looked for Catholic curricula on line, but so many come up!

 

What is the best way to start homeschooling? (For preschool and kindergarten).

 

Thank you for any ideas!

 

Andrea

[ChantCd]

I have some good Homeschooling books, but I'll admit that TAN doesn't publish everything you need for homeschooling. The ones they DO publish are very good though!

 

http://www.chantcd.com/index.php/page/shop:browse/category_id/18/

 

Matthew

 

[Liza_Do_A_Lot]

http://familylifecenter.net/article_category.asp?artCatId=11

[Mariafrombrazil]

It's a bit off topic, but did you know that in Brazil it is illegal to homeschool? Every child between 7 and 14 must be enrolled in school. Parents of children who do not attend regular school could face jail.

[Sophia]

That is so sad, Maria!  It is that way in many countries.  It used to be illegal in many states in America as well, but citizens fought for parental rights to homeschool, and are continually improving the law in favor of parental rights.  Democracy is good for something!

 

Preschool and Kindergarten in a homeschool setting is really nothing parents should worry over too much.    I know they always do anyway...I sure did.  Cut, paste, learn about numbers by counting things, read to them, play good music, go on nature walks, visit museums with them- you know, the fun stuff!

 

Here are some books that you should read:

 

Catholic Homeschooling by Mary Kay Clark

 

Designing your Own Classical Curriculum by Laura Berquist

 

The Writing Road to Reading by Romalda Spalding (No matter what curriculum you use, it should be based on Phonics.  Even if the Spalding method is not used, this book familiarizes the parent with the subject.)

 

The Three R's  by Ruth Beechick (Three little booklets that explain a natural method of teaching K-3 grades- takes the mystery out of the dynamics of learning)

 

There is also another title I can't recall, but it is something like Montessori in the Home.  It explains how to bring the benefits of Montessori education into your own home (can be used even if you do not completely agree with Montessori's theories.)

 

Those are good places to start.

 

Here is a list of curriculum providers to start with.  You have very flexible options with most.  You can either purchase books or lesson plans, or you can choose to enroll them in the correspondence programs.

 

Our Lady of Victory www.olvs.org

 

Kolbe Academy www.kolbe.org

 

Mother of Divine Grace www.motherofdivinegrace.org

 

Seton www.setonhome.org

 

Catholic Heritage Curricula www.chcweb.com

 

 

Those are all Catholic.  Some are conservative, others traditional.  There are many other places to obtain curricula, but that will get you off to a good start. 

 

 

[Mariafrombrazil]

But you know what's the worst? It's in our Constitution. So it's pretty hard to change it. But I know of a couple who's been fighting such an unjust law. Pray for my country!

[AndreaW]

Wow, thank you everyone for all the links. I really appreciate it! I tried Google and ended up so overwhelmed.

 

Maria, that's terrible about the law in your country. I really hope it gets changed.

 

Thanks again!!

 

Andrea

[introibo]

Don't worry about preschool.  Let the kids be kids and play.  That's what preschool should be about. As for kindergarten, all you need is a simple math book for that level (try Modern Curriculum Press) and you might want to start teaching reading.  Try Engelmann's "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons."  It's basically phonetic.  I"ve used it for 5 of my kids thus far, and by the end of the book they are at an advanced 1st grade level.  Throw in a little religion, Bible stories, and that's all you really need.
Christina