Now that we're more than halfway through our first year...

[Guest kcp1377]

We started homeschooling the kids last June and are really enjoying it. We are using this year as a deschooling and really focusing just on the basics. I bought entire core SL curriculums for them, but have found that that's too much for our family at this point and that we do better with individual programs we put together. They are right where I want them to be school work wise, but still have moments where I wonder if they are really getting enough. Especially when I look at those unused SL IG sitting in their binders. :lol:

 

We had gotten the SL LA programs, but like I said, I found it to be too structured for us and find we do better working with a few different workbooks and supplementing with readers as we go. So for this year for LA instead of doing the SL program like we planned, we're doing explode the code, HWOT, reading eggspress, spelling lists based on both the ETC books and what we're learning in other subjects and reading whatever he finds interesting that week. We're also starting FLL 2 with him (not sure if he'll be beyond that or not since it's not here yet). Is there anything I'm missing by doing it this way? I tried doing the SL reader list, but the kids got bored really quick with the books.

 

For DDs we're doing the very basics since they are still in K technically. We've been working a lot on reading, phonics, their handwriting and math (we're doing addition/subtraction right now.) With math we had been using Horizons K, which seems to be on track for what our PS is doing in 1st grade. They got almost done with the 1st workbook and it seems like it's a bit beyond them now as far as where their brains are developmentally, so we've stopped doing it for a bit and are working on more manipulatives and the basics before picking it up again. We have FLL 1 on order for them too.

 

For history we've just been reading some of the Usborne books and looking things up online. I had planned on doing SOTW and have the book and guide, but I think the history is a bit too far away and abstract for them to get excited about. I ordered Beautiful Feet American History for them and I hope that works better for us. Science we just talk about things in daily life for now (going for nature walks, talking about digestive system/health/nutrition, talking about basic physics, how things work, etc...)

 

I guess I just get a bit worried sometimes that we *should* be following more of a put together curriculum and be doing less of the "here and there" approach. But that's probably just the public schooler in me. Getting past that part of my brain has been a lot more challenging than I expected - and I definitely still need some deschooling for myself. :) I guess just some advice from people who have BTDT would be wonderful. I really expected to like the more structured program that SL offered, but it just doesn't fit us at all. At least not at this point. Is there anything else I should be doing/adding at this point?

 

ETA: I'm not sure if this belongs here since it's not asking about a certain program, but more just about making sure my general curricula is ok... Feel free to move it if you need to mods!

Edited February 16, 2012 by kcp1377

[Aurelia]

It sounds like you're doing fine! You really don't need a structured curriculum, especially not at the ages of your kids. If they are having fun and learning, I'd say you're doing well and keep up the good work. :001_smile:

 

You've got the basics covered, and it certainly isn't necessary - but if you want, you could add things like art or music, that are both enriching and fun.

[wintermom]

It sounds like you are getting a good handle on what works and what doesn't work with your family. It takes time and some trial and error to figure this out. I've got unused curriculum sitting on my shelves, too. The great thing about the SL core, is that you will be able to use all ths books you've bought at some point in the future, even if you never use the IG. And who knows, maybe in a few years you will be more than ready for a curriculum that you can just open and go. I didn't start using SL until I'd been homeschooling for 4 years and I was just too tired to keep figuring out my curriculum for 4 children year after year.

[missmoe]

I think what you are doing sounds perfect. A pulled together curriculum is great, if it works for your family and your situation right now. Sounds like that's not the case. Stick with what is working.

[momtoamiracle]

I thought I needed a structured approach for our first year as well so I enrolled him in a charter school.

 

some things have been great, but I feel stifled and confined on some things. For first grade I'm pulling from here and there, loosely following Charlotte Mason with a little bit of well trained mind thrown in. I also plan on doing school year round instead of a nine month schedule. Will give us more leeway and freedom.

 

I can't wait and think we'll be much happier!