HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM/COURSES OF STUDY SUGGESTIONS

Because each state is varied on their requirements as to just what type of subjects the student needs to learn, again I say check with your state and just use this as a guide only. However, one of the greatest benefits of Homeschooling IS the fact that we have so much le-way as to what we use.  I have broken it down by subject and put in suggestions for each one. Again, YOU are your child's biggest guide in the endeavor. Use your best judgment as to what you feel your child should learn--and most of all--take THEIR cues as to how fast our slow you move. One thing I have always done, since I started, was to start my children on anything they wanted to learn on.  I teach them the basics-the 3 R's (reading, writing, r'ithmetic), and then anything else is just reading and more reading, but nothing too formal. My oldest, while "on-level" with her math(4th), she reads-frequently-6th grade and above science, social studies, history and language arts text books. She will draw maps, timelines, constellations, plant forms, etc, but I do not worry too heavily on it--if she is doing it- I don't stop her. Another great thing to Homeschooling is if you have younger children--they learn right along with the oldest. Don't ever think they are not paying attention when you teach your 4th grader multiplication--my 5 year old surprised me with that one!!!

MATHEMATICS:

One thing I use in determining what level my child needs to start at is I make them take an "end of the chapter" test. I use actual text books for our studies so this is easily accomplished.  Get a workbook (Learn at Home or one of the McGraw-Hill series') and give them a test at the end of each chapter. If they score an 80% or better, keep testing them until they do not. This let's you know where you need to start in your math education.  Once a student understands AND is getting them correct, you should never really require them to do more than half the problems. This prevents burn-out and promotes a more fun learning environment. If you choose to write your own--check your local school board for end-of-the-year book fairs. Usually, they open up their book warehouses to the public and give away all their old textbooks. FREE! You cannot beat that.

ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS

My first suggestion is this: I would not start any "formal" training in "books" until the child is in 1st grade.  Although my 5 year old, who is technically a kindergartener is working out of 1st grade workbooks--I would not start any formal curriculum with them until 1st. I write my own curriculum, so this is easy for me to say. But for those just starting out and want the comfort zone of having the curriculum done for them--try to go easy on them until 1st grade and just focus on getting them to understand Phonics first. That is the biggest key to beginning reading. Reading should ALWAYS be taught with Phonics until 1st grade. Always choose books THEY like--if your child wants to always read Clifford--Let them! This promotes early on, a love for reading.  Some children, like mine, LOVE workbooks, some will love puppets, hands on kind of things or putting on plays. Teach them how to write properly, and personally, teach them cursive early on, along with manuscript.  

SPELLING/VOCABULARY

Several ways one can do this. You can do the textbook method or you can use a dictionary-start at the letter A and go all the way to Z. Or, you can subscribe to Reader's Digest- they have wonderful 'word play' games in them.  I use all three methods. Have them, if they can, write some sentences for the words you choose, or verbally say to you sentences.

FINE ARTS

ANYTHING!! Music, drawing, plays, dress-up, dancing, etc. can be incorporated  into the Fine Arts category.  My children are artistically inclined- one draws, paints and sketches (right after mommy) and the other sings. This is all perfect for fine arts lessons.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH

This is all a matter of you. If you are an active household, one who is constantly at play, whether outside or on a team, then you have P.E. covered. If you are a tad sedentary, like myself, allowing the kids an hour or so outback running with the dog, riding their bikes, just being outside is P.E. as well. Health--well, that is an individual decision. When you teach your child sex education or the food pyramid or how to cook or floss your teeth is something that only YOU can decide. Be aware, though, that you are probably doing all this already and just don't know it.

As an aside- If you are teaching High School Level- I would recommend keep GOOD notes. Write down EVERYthing they do. Find out your states High School requirements for studies and keep track of it all. I do this anyway- I have a Teacher's Planner (staples, office depot) and I write down everything we do on a weekly basis, even field trips. It ALL counts.