Excited to take the plunge!

[Pridelandsmommy]

Hi my name is Michelle and I am really excited to take the homeschooling plunge. I live in CT where homeschooling is very accepted and there are many support groups for us. It will take a while to "deschool" my brain as I do have 2 older boys in public schools (by their wishes for now, hoping they will see how much fun we are having with my youngest two, who are 7 and 2)

I went to a local meeting last night and found some great information and resources as well as checking out many of the helpful links posted above in your sticky.

My son will be in the "2nd grade" and I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions on curriculums/books/learning tools that have worked for them. I am going to be doing an ecclectic style......but I def. need some structure and guidance as this is very new to me.

Thanks so much!

[foreverinbluejeans]

I suggest reading past Mothering articles and at least read some about unschooling (John Holt). Kids at age 7 probably don't need any 'schooling' and there are reasons to wait until closer to middle school age. Homeschooling with structure can just be too stressful. Enjoy your kids. Provide them with interesting activities. Many experts agree that more learning can take place with home learning in an hour than in a whole day at school. Lecturing (lessons) and textbooks are actually two of the worst ways to learn even for adults.

[mama_kass]

You are in a great state for homeschooling. I have a friend who lived there for a while and she loved it. You are going to love the lifestyle. Just wanted to tell you congrats for making this choice.

Keep reading. Read mags and books on every approach. This first year will be about you and your family exploring different approaches until you find what works well.

[Itlbokay]

Good for you!

We're going to start homeschooling in September and I'm looking forward to it