Homeschooling 101: Getting Started (Part 2)
What curriculum do I use?
This is a question that many curriculum experts are more than happy to answer. The truth is you need to do what's right for you and your family. You know your children, your strengths and weaknesses. You have the opportunity to work in conjunction with the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire your children. It is an exciting, fulfilling and sometimes challenging responsibility.
You will hear me rave time and again about Cathy Duffy's book, 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum as it is one of my favorite resources! I was introduced to this incredible resource during a game of Mahjong with some of my friends. Not only will this book help you write out your vision for homeschooling your children, it will help you identify your children's learning style, understand your teaching style (so you don't burn out), it will then narrow the scope of your choices to what's most important to you. Then, this book will recommend curriculum suitable to your new philosophy, identify your time constraints (what's feasible and what's not), specify options according to religious preferences (Christian, secular or a mix of both) and in the end help you gain a focused plan with specific resources.
This post contains affiliate links.
Any purchases made using these links will provide HSMoms applicable compensation.
Thank you for your generosity.
Know the law
Know your state's requirements for homeschooling. While some states have no requirements, other require a Notice of Intent, End of Year testing and the like. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) provides you with the necessary information to help you become better informed.
Commit your plans
Take time to pray about your year, your curriculum, your choices. Be willing to submit to His leadership, his direction. Listen to His still, small voice at the beginning and throughout your year. Watch how He fills the "gaps", gives you encouragement and adds resources you never knew existed.
Take advantage of great resources
I'd encourage you to get a copy of Susan Schaeffer Macaulay's book, "For the Children's Sake". This foundational resource:
For the Children's Sake is a inspiring and thought-provoking exploration of a Charlotte Mason education, respecting the "personhood of each individual child and...practical applications [that] will leave you with much to ponder."
This book "has truly transformed my view of education...[giving] me a vision for what education could be....[transforming] - the way I teach and lead and raise my children."
Charlotte Mason...didn't treat her pupils as computers, but as human beings with souls that need to be nourished just as much as their minds need to be filled with ideas...that goes beyond memorizing facts [and aims to nurture] children's souls.
I have no doubt that I will forever be indebted to this book.
This post contains affiliate links.
Any purchases made using these links will provide HSMoms applicable compensation.
Thank you for your generosity.
Book Review: For the Children's Sake, March 30, 2016, Jessalyn Hutto, Living in the Light, http://www.jhutto.com/lessons-in-the-light/2016/3/14/book-review-for-the-children.
