short-term homeschooling

[rainbow dancer]

My dd is very unhappy in first grade (after doing really well in half day Kindergarten last year).

I am thinking of pulling her out and homeschooling her for the remainder of the school year.

We are moving to NZ in a few months' time, and a whole new school experience will wait there for her, so it will be just for

a short while.

My question to all you experienced home school mamas is: what curriculum should I get for those few months?

I am totally new to homeschooling and would very much appreciate your input.

Thank you.

[ocelotmom]

The one-size-fits-all answer: Get one of those "Complete 1st grade curriculum" books (or separate math and language books), figure out where she is in it, and have her do a few pages a day. These aren't ideal, but it's 1st grade, and a temporary situation, so it should get you through just fine. Or, if you can keep her consumable workbooks from her current school, you could just do that.

The more individualized answer is going to depend on a lot of factors.

When is she starting school in NZ? 2 months vs. 6 months might make a difference in what you choose to do.

Is her current academic level ahead or behind where she'll be expected to be academically - are you playing catch-up to finish 1st grade faster than you would normally, or could she pretty much unschool until you move and still be on track?

How is she being taught math and reading currently? How will they be taught in NZ? If they're different, there may be a curriculum you could use now that would help prepare her for that transition.

In any case, I'd probably focus on the basics - reading, writing, and math, as well as learning a bit about NZ history, geography, and so on. 

[Lisa1970]

I would find out what they do in NZ and just work on basic skills at home..handwriting, reading, math facts. It sounds like a big move so I would try to keep the stress down and the work should be to the point and all about basic skills.