Do you think like I did that all phonics curriculum use the same methods? I found that in teaching phonics all curriculum are not created equal so now I have to decide which is best for my kids. Several years ago when I started looking for a phonics curriculum to help me teach my kids how to read, I thought all the phonics programs were basically the same. But boy, was I wrong! There are several different schools of thought when it comes to teaching phonics. Here are two major methods that … [Read More...]
Homeschooling 101
The Basics
Learn how to choose curriculum, schedule lessons, how to use (or not to use) a scope & sequence, and more.
Printables & Downloads
Free Resources
Unique and helpful printables for many subjects, recordkeeping spreadsheet, planning worksheets, and more.
Strategies & Tips
For Parents
Learn strategies from a veteran homeschool mom to help you homeschool from preschool through high school.
How to Choose a Phonics Curriculum
Where to Buy Homeschool Curriculum
Buying homeschool curriculum can be a task you dread. Here are a few helpful ways that might lighten the load and save you some money. I would venture to say that most homeschoolers start buying curriculum for the following school year in the spring or summer. More often than not this is a daunting task, and the cost of the various curricula can be overwhelming. Over the last few years I've purchased curriculum from a variety of sources. I try to buy used curriculum and books whenever … [Read More...]
Should Homeschoolers Follow a Scope and Sequence?
Scope and sequence syndrome manifests itself in the teaching process but how strict an adherence is required of the homeschooler and the teacher? My philosophy changed radically as I considered what I wanted my kids to learn. When I began homeschooling in 2005, I wanted to make sure my kids knew what they were "supposed to know" by each grade level; so one of the first things I did was locate every possible scope and sequence I could find. If I was going to homeschool, by golly, I was going … [Read More...]
Should College be the Goal, or Just an Option?
Our society today says college is a must for everyone but is it really our goal or should it be an option? When we first started homeschooling in 2005, I had the mindset that, aside from raising my children with a strong biblical foundation, my main goal for homeschooling was to prepare my children for college. In my mind, college would be that holy grail that would validate all my efforts at homeschooling. But I don't think that anymore. Not even close. Over the last few … [Read More...]
Homeschooling: What About Socialization?
Socialization for the homeschooler is always one of the hot topics. In fact, when we first considered homeschooling four years ago — well, when I first considered homeschooling four years ago — that was one of my husband's first objections to the idea: "What about socialization?" Now that we've been homeschooling for four years, I think I can fairly pass judgment about whether homeschooling has hindered them socially. They've been in the homeschooling "system" long enough for them to be … [Read More...]