new and need help

[wtxmom]

I have a two year old son and want to work with him over the next year with basic development, mainly physical, but would also like to start other things. Do you have any suggestions for a curr. that might be available for a two year old?

Also...I need to know how you handle the pressure from family. Our family is made up of nothing but school teachers (including myself...not anymore...I stay at home now). They constantly argue socializtion...socialization...socialization... I don't know how to handle this. I give them the "coined" response regarding socialization in a public school versus the home environment, but they don't seem to give up. I live in a small town and there doesn't appear to be anyone around that homeschools.

Have any of you ever gone through this? What did you do?

[Theodore]

You can still do sports and extracurriculars at your local school if it allows that (call up and ask), and while there may not be a homeschool group in your area if you're in a small town, there are always other opportunities for socialization. For instance: Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, 4-H, martial arts, local swim team, academic groups / competitions, etc. Even if none of those are available, you still have several years to organize something yourself.

As for finding a curriculum, I personally wouldn't bother getting a curriculum this early. Just read to your son a lot, pointing out letters and numbers; work on his coordination by having him trace things with you and build things; and in general just do anything that will prepare him for basic reading, writing, and math. You won't need a curriculum until age 3+, at which point you'll want phonics and maybe a packaged kindergarten.

You may find this thread useful, and the Preschool Forum useful as well.

[momo3boys]

You would be surprised how many people homeschool, even in small towns. I knew of one family when I started and within the next nine months I found at least 6 more, and I know now that there are even more than that. We have a GYM time in the local town hall on fridays, and at the playground when it's not raining. We are even putting a float in the local parade. Keep your eyes open and ask around I'm sure you can find someone to start something with.

[wtxmom]

Thank you for replying. I found those great games to play with my toddler and have taken him out and about to see new things. I hope I am as successful as you in finding other families in the area that homeschool. I found one and plan on contacting her. I like the idea of using the townhall for gym and we have a great park here to utilize.