Homeschool World Forum

[txmom33]

someone please help!!! lol I have read a lot & it's a lot to take all in at one time. I'm still learning, I think we may do unit homeschooling( i think that's what it's called) but still thinking about it. So I have 3 children, Jake who is going into 6th grade, I know they each prob need, math book of some kind...but other than that what do i need? And I think my Justin who is going into 3rd, he was tested & qualified as gifted, reads above his age level(not sure how much) and bored w math last year..this boy luvs to learn:) even though he won't admit it and izzy is starting K....oh and the boys...interests are pirates, ninjas & LEGOS!!! I want them to love learning & know it can be fun!

[hscoach]

Hi, the basic subjects would be math, reading, writing, science and history. You might want to read some reviews of curriculum before making your decisions. Here are a couple of sites where you can do that:

http://www.cathyduffyreviews.com/

http://www.homeschoolreviews.com/

If you are thinking about doing unit studies, here are two sites you might interest you:

http://www.unitstudy.com/

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/

And here are some links for the specific things your children are interested in. (Ninjas is a challenge!)

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/pirates.php

http://www.squidoo.com/AhoyPirates

http://www.squidoo.com/magictreehouse-night-of-the-ninjas-studyguide

http://www.walkingbytheway.com/blog/?p=714285
_________________
Laura L. Barth
http://www.freehomeschooladvice.com

[txmom33]

ty I appreciate all the help I can get! Just seems lil overwhelming. I was pricing math book & thought wow this can add up fast for 3 kids & several books. Wondering if I can afford to homeschool... then I remember some friends said there's ways of cutting cost & I have found a few places but I think that's where it gets crazy & overwhelming cause I don't know what all I really need & how old is too old?? And there is also the options of getting a lot off online sites too...but not sure if that would be a good, with us being new to this.

[hscoach]

Most moms who homeschool would recommend that you don't spend a lot of money on new curriculum the first year. While you are discovering how your children learn and what will be best, it is fine to just use the public library, buy a few used items and take advantage of online resources. I don't think any curriculum can be too old. For example, math concepts never change and I've known moms who use very old editions of algebra textbooks, etc. Here is one example of an online resource for math that's free: (There are many, many more.)

http://www.aaamath.com/

I know that choosing curriculum can be overwhelming. Read as much as you can on forums, facebook, blogs, etc. about it. Check your state laws at the link below to see if you are required to teach certain subjects:

http://www.hslda.org/laws/
_________________
Laura L. Barth
http://www.freehomeschooladvice.com

[hscoach]

You can also look at a scope and sequence to make sure you are covering everything for your child's grade level. (Use it as a guide.)

http://worldbook.com/typical-course-of-study

http://www.educationworld.com/standards/state/toc/index.shtml/
_________________
Laura L. Barth
http://www.freehomeschooladvice.com

[txmom33]

thank you so much, very helpful!!