Beginning Our Journey

Feb. 8, 2006

Afraid to miss anything...

Ok ok. I just got off the phone with Dana (www.homesteadblogger.com/matsmom97) She says that I am silly for worrying so much. The point is, I want to have everything I need at my fingertips so I don't miss anything. Plus while I still have an income.

What am I talking about? I was asking questions about pre K and K Curriculum for Alyssa. Dana is dead set that I don't NEED curriculum but only walmart books. I agree to a point.

I just WANT to give her a good start. What phonics programs you using? I have Explode the Code A, B and C but like I posted before, I think it is too easy since she learned ALL her letters via Leapfrog letter factory. After letter sounds... what is a good one? For a 4 year old? (plan to use it in september when she turns 4 even though she would not mind something right now)

I guess until then what I need to do is concentrate on HWT and Singapore Math that we do have. Although it is looking like it will take her 2 months per book and that is doing it VERY randomly, instead of half a year like they are supposed to cover. For now the concepts are easy.

Anyways. Please Please please recommend some random preschool (perhaps kindergarten - because she is ahead in my eyes) resources for EACH subject. Because I know I also need some science, history, bible, etc. Not for NOW to start. But for now to buy to use in Sept. But since I want to quit, now is the time to be planning.

So what did you find catchy and fun? I dont particularly want boring and black and white. I want our classes to be WOW. Colorful and eyecatching. Things that draw her to say PLEASE mommy can we work on school! (you know - what I was complaining about in the post last week! but once I am home I WANT her to want to do it!)

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Comments

Feb. 8, 2006 - Curriculum

Posted by EmptyNestMom

I so remember when I was in your place. I had two - a four and five year old - that I had to teach to read, write, and do arithmetic. Surely, I needed curriculum and it HAD to be colorful to be fun. So we spent tons of money and went that route for a while until I almost pulled by hair out in frustration. The problem - My four year thrived but my five year old was having more and more trouble. The answer for me was to give my five year old more time to get ready for formal learning while encouraging my four year old to learn as she was ready.

Eventually,they both learned to read (one at four, the other at nine), both went to college and got 4.0 until they quit, and both have good jobs, doing what they want to do. The reason I share this is to encourage you not to do "school" at home. Remember, the reason you are homeschooling is to avoid having the same results as a traditional school. To have different results, you need to use different methods based on the needs of YOUR children.

Check out my post on Reading Readiness. (http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EmptyNestMom/80822/) Perhaps it will give you some ideas that you can use.

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Feb. 13, 2006 - Aww, Linda Linda

Posted by Vickylee

Sweetie, you don't need to fret over such things as a K curriculum. I agree with Dana. Now, she's a little more ahead than I am with her oldest child, and I am way more laid back with teaching - but her wisdom is very wise. Girls, in general, don't have difficulty getting going early as you know - but do you really need to have such structure for a 4 year old? But you do know your child best -just wanted to echo the sentiments already put forth.

Take my son for example - I don't sit down and do a whole lot of formal stuff with him, but he's learning, and being a boy at the same time.

My oldest dd is 5 - will be school-age - according to the State - in the fall. I don't sit down with her formally and teach a whole lot with her either. She's just being a kid - and yet she's coming up to me telling me math problems and sounding out words to me.

But, like I said - you know your dd best. If she needs structure and thrives off of it, then so be it. But you might find that one you are home full-time with her she might not need it. She might be thriving off of the structure just to be able to spend time with you right now. So don't go spending tons of money right now. Maybe set some aside so that after you are home and you see what you really need you can do it then.

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Feb. 26, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SunnyFlowers

Have you looked into Five In A Row? My girls absolutely love it. We started 3 years ago, my girls are now 6 and 8. It is unit studies based on picture books that cover all the subject areas ie: social studies, science, language arts, math, and art. Four is the perfect age to start. Just a thought!

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A place for me to gather thoughts, keep memories and gain sanity as I embark on the homeschooling journey. Also a place to update my friends and family on my son's journey with fighting a.l.l. Leukemia.

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