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...]
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.
Should Homeschoolers Follow a Scope and Sequence?
How to Choose a Phonics Curriculum
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...]
How to Start Homeschooling: Your First 3 Steps
Earlier this week a friend of mine who is considering homeschooling asked me something I hear quite often: "Where do I even begin?" I offered her a few suggestions, and I'll repeat those here in case you have the same question as well. 1. Get familiar with the lingo. Charlotte Mason? Classical education? Eclectic? Traditional? What does it all mean? The Curriculum Choice has an excellent summary of many of the most common philosophies of homeschooling. Although you'll likely feel drawn to … [Read More...]
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...]
How to Succeed at Homeschooling
Teaching your children to fish is the real secret to homeschooling success. Every homeschooling mom longs for that one, perfect curriculum. That magical homeschool program guaranteed to transform her children into the kind of students who will ace their SATs and attract the attention of prestigious universities. If you're one of those homeschoolers searching for that Holy Grail curriculum, I'm sorry to disappoint you. It doesn't exist. While your choice of curriculum can … [Read More...]