Soon-to-be HS Newbie. Curriculum choice?

[mgeis01]

We just went to a HS conference today and we're totally overwhelmed with all the curriculum options. I've never been to a conference before where people were so nice and just jumped into the aisles to give you info. I was : within 10 min!

One lady who gave us her info is a HS consultant. She helps you figure out what curriculum is best for your family. I'm hoping to figure that out without having to pay someone.

Here is a little about us.

• 5 year old dd starting K, but is really ready for 1st grade objectives.
• Also have 2yo, new baby coming soon, and 8 yo step-dd who is here pt
• The idea of un-schooling seems attractive and refreshing
• But my personality is somewhat controling and I'm not sure I could be a free-spirited unschooler
• I'd like something of a balance between a scheduled week and unschooling
• We are Christian and having a Christ centered education is important.

Well - what do you think? Any advice?

[frogguruami]

We use Five in a Row and love it. We supplement with Math U See and Teach your Child to read in 100 Easy Lessons.

AM

[ellebelle]

I would say to forget the curriculum choices for a while until you figure out what style of homeschooling draws you. You have plenty of time to figure it out. Read as much as you can about the different styles. Take a look at what you want to accomplish and then decide what you need. For some people, it is a math book and a library card. For others, it is school in a box. For others, the world is the curriculum. For others, it is a combination. Also, some people need more structure than others.

Linda Dobson has a neat book - The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child. It is a secular book, but has some great advice, especially about the different styles.

For children so young, I wouldn't spend money on a homeschooling consultant. I can see where they would be helpful in certain situations, but yours probably isn't a crisis situation.

Good luck to you.
Ellen
Wife to G for 15 years. Homeschooling mom to 13yos, 10yos, 6yod. Relaxed Classical approach or "Well-Trained Mind Lite."