Homeschooling idea needed

[jkelstaten]

I've been pretty successful at coming up with a plan and "curriculum" for my DD's in almost all the subjects we need. But I'm struggling with a plan for science and social studies. I don't really want to buy a really expensive curriculum, but find it hard to stay on track by just getting books from the library.

The girls are 5 years old and almost 4 (a couple more weeks). The 5 year old is doing 1st grade work most of the time. The 4 year old is really just doing "school" to be like her older sister, but she keeps up pretty well. She is starting to read and counts up to 20 without assistance, so she pretty much at beginning Kindergarten level. I'm not really pushing for the 4 year old to do actual schoolwork, but she really wants to be involved.

We're "officially" homeschooling according to the school district starting Sept. 5th, so I'd like to get a plan before that.

Anyone who has schooled that age group, I would welcome your suggestions.

For reading we are using a program from the library, but it's very sequential and is easy to implement. And for math we are doing Miquon Math and various workbooks we've picked up along the way. For writing and reading readiness we're using workbooks (found at Wal-mart, Target, etc.) and piecing it together at the level they need. We just got Hooked on the Bible, but I'm looking for a more in depth program for that since it only covers 6 stories (about 6 weeks worthof stuff).

[Spoildbby1]

First off let me say that this is what we use, it may or may not be right for you. Secondly, this is a Christian program (wanted to warn you, since some people get offended).

We use oldfashionededucation.com. We do not do everything, I skip some books and add others. Most books can be found online. It is free (mostly)curriculum with the lesson plan. I would suggest reading a book before you decide if you would like to use it.

[mkermarc]

Hi,
Like the other poster stated....this is my idea but it may or may not be right for you. I have homeschooled for 5 years now...4 kiddos. We love, love, love the Sonlight program. I know that it can be pricey and a bit more time intensive for mommy but we can't imagine school without it! It is a Christian literature based program. So....you can find most of the books used at your local library. Maybe you could just buy/borrow from someone the instructors guide so you have a schedule to follow? Also, your girls are so young....I personally wouldn't push much or be too structured (that's just my approach of course). as to science, how about just reading basic books from the library? There are tons of the DK books on every subject from animals to rocks and minerals, to insects to seasons...you get the idea. there are also quite a few general science books available at this level such as Berenstine (sp) bears science. How about renting/DVRing Magic School Bus? That is a GREAT introduction to lots of cool science subjects. Try googling to try and find neat, free science or bible websites! You will be amazed at the number of sites out there! One that comes to mind is Enchanted Learning. You will find a bunch of stuff there! There are also a million free worksheet websites if that is more your style. PM me if you want some more specific info. Good luck on your homeschooling journey and remember to enjoy your little ones!

[jkelstaten]

I am definitely not pushing them. They are actually pushing me.....lol. We currently do school for about an 1 1/2 total each day. That's not just sitting down and doing workbooks, they get up and move around a lot and do lots of hands on things. And at the end of the time they are always begging me for more school work. I don't want to dampen that, but I don't want them sitting at the table all day either.

We have several of the Magic school bus books and have checked out some from the library as the girls become interested in a topic. I know a lot of it at this age is just reading about things, but my girls really enjoy hands on things that they can accomplish without too much help.

[pneeb]

I didn't homeschool my son, but I did do some "extra" work during the summer months when he was in elementary school. The books I picked up were from Sam's Club and they were for a specific grade level. I tried to locate them on their website for you, but they weren't there. They were under $10 each if I remember correctly (he's a freshman in high school now). They had books just on the Presidents, Social Studies, Math, Science, etc. But they also had books which were for one grade level that covered all subjects for that particular grade. They were workbooks and had answer sheets in the back of the book. They provided a variety of activities; science experiments, etc. If I go by Sam's in the next day or two, I'll see if they have some and post the information. If you don't want to purchase them, but find the information helpful, take a pad of paper with you and write the helpful information down.

Also, our son loved to do the JumpStart series of software by Knowledge Adventure. (Around $10.) It was a supplement to what we worked on in the workbook and daily teaching. This gets them familiar with using a computer and a gives an opportunity for variety. And it's fun! It shows progress levels. They get stars for accomplishing things, and unlock special areas for completing certain tasks/levels. I'd think you might be able to borrow these from the library or maybe pick them up at Half Price Books. These cover a variety as well. Art, music, science, math, reading, critical thinking, etc.

Just some suggestions... HTH!

[mkermarc]

I get it about the hands-on stuff. Two books you might enjoy are:

101 Great Science Experiments by Neil Ardley this is a DK book
101 Nature Experiments by David Burnie this is a DK book

I got both used for about $6.50 each. They are absolutely FULL of super hands-on stuff. And I think appropriate for your girls ages (with a bit of help from mom).

good luck!

[RobinF]

Amblesideonline.com and simplycharlottemason.com have good book lists for all age levels and you can find most of the books at the library. Also you might check out letteroftheweek.com. She is developing a science program based on the Let's Read and Find Out About Science books that are great and most libraries have some if not all of them.

I posted a blog post about some great little early readers that were science books on my blog if you want to check it out. www.robindfowler.blogspot.com The post was in July when we were doing our summer reading program here.

Now we are planning on using www.mfwbooks.com this year. They are a Christian program and integrate all subjects but I am teaching 3rd and 1st and have 2 littles. I need more structure this year to make sure that we are fitting everything into our year. In the past I have pieced things together using our home library and the public library. If you want more info on My Father's World they have a forum link on their website also.

HTH

[jules3]

I use k12, they have some bible story readings in literature, and they teach evolution, but you only have to be a certain % done at the end of the year so if you don't want to teach evolution you can skip that and go on to the next unit. This is my 2nd year with 3 children, and we really like it. Also, when you fill out your info at public school, you have the reduced lunch form to fill out, well on this program, if you choose to fill one of those out and you qualify, then the 97.00 a year fee is waived. They send all your books needed, and you do everything either in your workbooks, textbooks, or on the computer. For every 1-3 children in the program they will lend you a laptop computer also, if you have 3 or more children then you will get another that you keep to use while you're in the program. Their website is:
www.k12.com
HTH, Julie