Homeschool World Forum

3GiftsFromGod · User Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 26

I know I know the dreaded " I am new here" message...but yes.....I am new here and new to home schooling. I am feeling overwhelmed! I have worn out my library card getting books about HSing and I have worn out google too! I have a 4 yo and a 2 yo, I want to start the 4 yo in preschool type HSing. I feel blessed because I have the opportunity to "play" with curriculum ideas and learning/teaching methods. The only thing is, like most of you, I do not have a lot of money to "play" with. I am willing to go to the library and even get creative to teach my DD anything she needs to know! So, what I am getting at is I am new and I need some suggestions on what to use and how much to expect to spend!
Also on the money thing, we could enroll DD in a online public school that is free with free everything.....is this a good idea?

momo3boys · User Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 574 Location: Western Mass

I don't know about the public school on line thing. My boys would like it because they like to learn about what they are interested in, at this age it works out better for them. THey learn that learning is fun.

AS far as experimenting and having no money, i can totally relate! The best source for 2 and 4yo is the internet. YOu can find sample pages, handwriting pages, and all kinds of wonderful things for free or next to nothing. Let me know what you are interested in and i can get addresses.
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WAHMBrenda · User Joined: 06 Dec 2006 Posts: 58

I totally agree. It sounds as though you would find unschooling the best for you right now. Take time to get to know your dd and her learning style before jumping into anything. Unschooling will give you time for this.
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3GiftsFromGod · User Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 26

momo3boys · User Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 574 Location: Western Mass

Math is everywhere, and i love to show my children that. COunt the dishes as you do them, how many are in the sink, how many are in the cabinet? Measure things, make pizza and divide it up so everyone has the same amount. You can also use a work book, but for children so young, just find math and reading wherever you go. Read signs, read together, ler he pick out a few words at a time, teach her "I" and "A" and let her find them on the pages. READ< READ< READ!! LEt her find you reading by yourself, and to her sister. You can also get some preschool workbooks pretty cheap at walmart or Barnes and noble. Otherwise just let her explore.
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Phi 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

easyhomeschooling · User Joined: 03 Mar 2006 Posts: 63 Location: Nebraska

I would say no to the option to do the public school route. Things can be simple, really. I think you have info overload . All you really need to be doing at this point is reading to your children. If they want to tell back while you write their narrations down, all the better.
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StellarStory · User Joined: 15 Apr 2007 Posts: 472

You shouldn't need to spend much at that education level. With print outs from the internet and library materials that might be all you need.

If you want more, you could get a simple curriculum like five in a row and/or a pre school book from the parent teacher store. Those cost like $20.00, I think.

Stellar

easyhomeschooling · User Joined: 03 Mar 2006 Posts: 63 Location: Nebraska

Calla_Dragon · User Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 212

I'd avoid public school online, if I were you. Many homeschoolers have dissatisfaction with the education of the public school system as a reason for homeschooling. The education isn't any better just because it's online.

At this age, I would unschool. Use every situation as a learning opportunity and read everything you guys can get your hands on. My youngest is 4 and I JUST started teaching him things like his colors, letters, numbers and shapes but I don't use a formalized curriculum. We use real life and toys.

Too much formal work and pushing a child too hard, too fast at this age can lead to burn out at a later age.
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