Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Homeschooling curriculum recommendations

    Posted 05-21-2020 06:58 AM
    Hello everyone,

    please is anyone able to recommend a good (or more than one), homeschooling curriculum? My colleague has two children 4 & 6, and she would like a good homeschooling curriculum. She's not a teacher.

     Thanks!

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    Patricia Mezu
    Professional Minds FZ MEA
    www.prminds.org
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  • 2.  RE: Homeschooling curriculum recommendations

    Posted 05-22-2020 09:49 AM
    Hello Patricia! 
    I homeschooled my son through 7th grade. I can tell you there are a ton of homeschool curriculums out there! It really will depend on what your friend is looking for in terms of set up. Would she like to do school at home? That is a very structured program, with info written out for parents each day, assignments and testing. Is she more free- wanting to do a lot of experiments and exploring the world and nature and the children's interests? Does she think her children would be interested in taking classes at local museums, zoos, and through local co-ops? 
    First, she should try and connect to other homeschool families in her area- having a group is so important for socializing the children, and supporting the parents. Veteran homeschoolers are also a great resource for local resources, buying used curriculum and supplies, and offering advice. 
    When I first started, I was nervous, and so I went with Calvert Curriculum. It is easy to follow, and easy to use. 
    She should also look at Timberdoodle, they have curriculum choices. 

    If she is interested in putting together her own curriculum- Story of the World is a great history of the world that can be used over many years. All About Reading and All About Spelling are fantastic, Math-U-See is great. Daily Geography is a nice geography set for elementary school, and word roots teaches latin roots. 
    Online options include Khan Academy app for kids 2-7, Khan Academy, Time for Learning, ABC Mouse

    There are so many choices. The best advice I can give is not to get overwhelmed, and to follow the kids lead. They are naturally curious, and naturally want to learn. Don't try to re-create a school atmosphere- do what feels right for your family.

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    Michelle Beauregard
    owner
    Apple Valley Home Daycare
    Southington CT
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  • 3.  RE: Homeschooling curriculum recommendations

    Posted 05-22-2020 10:36 AM
    Ow! Thanks so much Michelle for all that information.

    i will look into each recommendation carefully.

    At the moment she's not sure which way to take things. She did mention that she wants something that will suit the personality of her children something suitable for them as individuals. Is there some kind of (hesitate to use the term), assessment. that you used? Or I'm guessing that may come with the chosen curriculum.

    as you stated she is rather overwhelmed which is why I'm helping out.

    best wishes and thanks again!

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    Patricia Mezu
    Professional Minds MEA
    www.prminds.org
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  • 4.  RE: Homeschooling curriculum recommendations

    Posted 05-22-2020 10:49 AM
    Hello Again- 

    Her children are very young, I would not worry about assessments yet. I would focus on typical preschool things- colors, shapes, numbers, letters. Being a good person, sharing, helping around the house. Involve them in cooking, cleaning, gardening. Nature walks. Care for a pet. Community helper info. Read LOTS of books. 

    She does not really need a formal curriculum unless she feels lost, or overwhelmed, then it might help. There are A TON of resources. I am not sure where you/she live, but in CT we have the CT homeschool network- https://cthomeschoolnetwork.org/
    There is a page with curriculum links by grade, and also a section on methodologies, and learning styles she might find helpful. 

    Might be a helpful resource. 

    Michelle


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    Michelle Beauregard
    owner
    Apple Valley Home Daycare
    Southington CT
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  • 5.  RE: Homeschooling curriculum recommendations

    Posted 05-22-2020 12:11 PM
    Thanks Michelle! I'll make a note of this.

    we live in the UAE

    just noticed the typo in my previous message. It should have read wow!๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š

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    Patricia Mezu
    Professional Minds MEA
    www.prminds.org
    ------------------------------