Question 1. Where to start?
As you google 'what to use for homeschool' you may be bombarded with all sorts of curriculum choices and methods. You have no idea how to homeschool, much less what method you prefer! Take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and let me reassure you that there isn't much of a right/wrong answer to this.
When starting to think about homeschool/methods/curriculum, my first suggestion is this:
Visit your local homeschool group/co-op
Get some information from those been there, done that homeschool moms who can let you know what has worked for them and what hasn't. They can also tell you what sort of co-ops and clubs they offer to help you decide what you need.
Start off semi-traditional and go from there
This recommendation is more for those who are pulling their kids out of school. While you can use a boxed curriculum set like Abeka or Lifepacks, I would suggest using Timberdoodle's curriculum sets. They can be tailored to fit the kid, price is comparable, and it will be much more enjoyable than some of the other textbooks. This is great if you have a kid who is use to the stricter structure of public school, but it allows you to tailor to their needs at the same time. My cousin uses Easy Peasy which can be a free resource if you need something more frugal. From what I've gathered it's more traditional, but very well put together, and her kids have done well! If you are just starting out with preschool or Kindergarten:
Use an all-in-one curriculum that plans your year out for you
I have used The Peaceful Press for this, and I loved it! It is a less traditional method that still allows all subjects to be covered. This can also be used for older grades as well, but be ready to enter the world of non-traditional where sometimes subjects aren't merely a read and answer questions format, but exploration and hands on experience.
Also, there's the mix and match approach that I do. This may take a year or two to figure out, as you gather how your child learns and use the curriculum that best fits them at the time.
Question 2. Am I qualified?
Even though I was homeschooled and had enjoyed my preschool year with my son, I was terrified of teaching Little Man important concepts like phonics and math. What if I failed? Can I tell you something? Most people approach this subject out of love and a yearning to give their children the best education possible. (not saying the opposite is true for those public schooling, not at all! Just that the decision to homeschool is such a thought out decision) That love will be turned into a passion for educating your children to the best of your ability (if you don't believe me, go to a homeschool meeting...those people are passionate!!) This means turning to outside sources (this can be tutors, online learning, co-op, etc) when something goes beyond your knowledge. What you may find, however, that you are learning and growing, right along with your children, and able to teach them those important concepts, just fine! Something that goes along with that is:
Question 3. What about upper levels?
Algebra, chemistry, physics and other such subjects can be rather daunting, especially if you don't remember anything you learned from high school. My mom actually didn't take Algebra in school! Thankfully, I was able to use the textbooks and learn, and once my siblings got older, there were amazing programs like Teaching Textbooks that helped with those difficult subjects! (also there were older siblings at that point, who could help out as well) Mom also relied on curriculum like Apologia, and Chemistry 101 to help take the load off of her. As I stated before, if your kids is simply not grasping the subject, ask for help! You don't have to have a Chemistry degree to teach chemistry, just a good curriculum and a community to help.
No joke, this is what gets asked the most. Not are you qualified to teach your kid?, not what extra curricular things are they involved in? no! it's How does your kid socialize if they aren't in public school?!!
Believe it or not, it was socialization that really was the deciding factor on whether or not I homeschooled. Even though I had been homeschooled, I was open minded about public and private school. My husband teaches in an amazing district, with so many godly teachers that the thought of my son being taught there didn't bother me. What bothered me was the innocence being taken away by the child's own peers. Even in Kindergarten, they can be bullied, taught bad language, and be told too many intimate details on what they are allowed to watch or what they see at home. I wanted to teach my child Biblical principals, and surround him with people who love the Lord (I don't live in a bubble. We are going to be in the world, but it was important to me to give him the best possible environment). I also liked how I was raised. We could just as easily talk to an adult as to someone our own age. This actually helped us more as we entered the 'real world' than if we had been raised to mostly talk to people our own age.
With that all said, you have every opportunity to make sure your child gets the socialization they need. Homeschool groups, sports, Co-ops, ballet, gymnastics can all be a sources of interaction.
Do you have other questions or concerns? Be sure to leave a comment or follow me on Facebook or Instagram. Feel free to ask away!
Note: Amazon links are affiliated. I tried to include some curriculum from different methods on my recommendations this time!
