[shimmer]

After a year of PS K, we are returning to homeschooling. We've been sharing that recently with friends and the reception has been pretty positive. (Most aren't really surprised.) But, I keep getting the question, "What curriculum will you be using?".

I'm honestly puzzled how to answer this. I honestly want to say, "Well, she's 6. She's busy in the sand box with her brother. She is tending her garden and making plans to learn to bake bread. (Found out there was a $50 premium at the county fair for bread!) She is into figure drawing (for which we must pose for) and finger knitting. She does 2-4th grade math problems in her head. We read and decode emergent reader books together. She's writing poetry for a local contest. She recently learned about volcanoes while at Crater Lake. She's waiting for gymnastics lessons to start again and waiting for a trip to Colorado. What else possibly SHOULD she be doing?" But, this answer sounds snarky.

So, how do I explain that I think she's doing everything she should be doing as a 6-year old without making it painfully obvious that the things her friends are doing in school aren't worthwhile? (While some of them certainly are, I just don't know they are necessary at this age.)

 

[LuvMyLittles]

Well, my short answer for my kids is usually that we are picking appropriate resources as we go. If they have specific questions after that, it is usually because they are truely interested - so I don't mind answering. Just talk about the great stuff she is doing.

 

[lilyka]

you simply say you are pulling from different sources and are relaxed ecclectic homeschoolers

they will believe they shuld know what that means so won't ask you to explain further.

 

[onlyzombiecat]

"We're not using a boxed curriculum this year. We are covering what a 6 year old should be doing though."

 

[frogguruami]

I just say, I don't use a premade curric. I write my own.

If needed I follow with, "You would be amazed at what you can find on the internet."

AM

 

[Lillian J]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shimmer So, how do I explain that I think she's doing everything she should be doing as a 6-year old without making it painfully obvious that the things her friends are doing in school aren't worthwhile? (While some of them certainly are, I just don't know they are necessary at this age.)

I wouldn't even bother trying to explain. What everybody else said - I think you can just say "It'll be eclectic - we'll be fitting it to her individual needs, and there are lots of great resources to pick from." Period.

Lillian

 

[LeftField]

I just say, "We're doing child-led learning and he's meeting/exceeding grade level expectations." If they push for curric names after that, I'd just say, "We are piecing our own curriculum together."

 

[Sarah]

You could, if you care enough to take the time- explain that most of the things people take for granted as essential elements of education really have to do with helping teachers manage, measure and manipulate large groups of children in their care, and that you have discovered that when you are homeschooling your own child that you do not need to waste your time or hers with systems which do not serve her current needs.

Another way to approach this- because I take it you are being asked about your curriculum by a non-homeschooler... is that they are putting you on the spot to say something official to prove you are on the ball in the way they might approve of- when in fact- they don't know anything about a curriculum- so you could say that you were using the Purple Mountain Majesty System and they would be like, "oh... that's good!"
BUT- Instead of playing into their "quiz you for my approval game" ... you could sidestep it like a pro and say, "It sounds like you know a lot about curriculums- is there anything specific you would like to tell me about- I'm always interested to hear about what works for other people!"

 

[sahli29]

How about," The library is a wonderful resource for learning material,and if the local one does not have something then I can get things sent there from another library."

The library really is a godsend with free books,cd roms,and dvds. You can probably get an educator card which will allow you to keep material for a month instead of a week or 2.

 

[annethcz]

"we're pretty relaxed, and I pick appropriate resources depending DC's abilities."

 

[Houdini]

"The everday happenings of life is our curriculum."

 

[hsmamato2]

you all are braver than I...

I just tell people "oh, he's in the 2nd grade" and no one thinks to ask what else we have planned..."grade? what's a grade mommy?" Ds is alway handing me grades based on my performance as a mom, sometime I get an AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA and sometimes I get a Q...

If anyone pries further, i just say I bought the same 2nd grade books as the school uses,like i said, you are braver than I am...

 

[oceanbaby]

Quote:

Another way to approach this- because I take it you are being asked about your curriculum by a non-homeschooler... is that they are putting you on the spot to say something official to prove you are on the ball in the way they might approve of- when in fact- they don't know anything about a curriculum

It's funny, because for me the answer to this question (that I have also been getting, mainly from family), ties into other areas in my life that I am working on. The above quote I think explains exactly what they are really asking me. My old self stumbles all over the place as I ramble on trying to show them how on top of things I really am. Desperately trying to succinctly explain ecelectic homeschooling to someone who thinks we sit down at a desk and start the day with the Pledge of Allegiance. It just comes off making me look scatterbrained.

My new self, when asked what curriculum I am using, simply says "none." Then they are free to ask any follow up questions, if they even have them. But I find it so liberating to not feel compelled to explain myself to someone who not only doesn't understand what we are doing, but really isn't all that interested in being educated about it. But I'm still answering their question, and perfectly politely.

However, as an out, if it's some situation where I really just can't take the heat, I say "Oak Meadow." I did buy a used copy just to have on hand for ideas, so I feel like it's a legitimate answer.

 

[chaos_pie]

Thanks for some awesome responses!!!

I sometimes add, "we have tried standard curriculums but found that we were limited when ds wanted to learn how to add double digit numbers, or learn roman numerals to 1000".

 

[shimmer]

Thank you! You are all so smart!

I never considered all of these straightforward, simple responses. But, they are perfect!

Bring on the questions!

 

[littlest birds]

How about "We do lots of hands-on activities"

I give very short answers to these kinds of questions when I can. Though sometimes I do end up in GOOD conversations with inquisitive strangers....

 

[catgirl]

Hi Katey!

Nice to see you here!

Last time someone asked me that I said, "Oh, we just wing it!"

Other times I just say, "Oh, he's all over the map in terms of his capabilities, a bought curriculum would never work for us. I just use whatever's appropriate."