Newbie Homeschool Mom Panicking

[farmgirl]

I Need Suggestions! Hi. I just started homeschooling this year when my kindergarten daughter wanted to. That didn't worry me, she's a gifted little go getter and it was only kindergarten so I knew I couldn't mess up too bad. Then I needed to pull my struggling third grade son out, and that was scary. I know nothing about curriculums and have absolutely no money to buy them so we are doing this year by the seat of our pants. I was starting to feel like it might work...only now my 8th grade son wants to homeschool, right now. I am so glad he wants to but...I have no idea what to teach an 8th grader, how much work he should be doing, I don't want to be too easy or too hard...:panic Any suggestions for 8th grade? He's old enough now I'm really afraid of messing up. Thanks in advance.

[wife]

Google 'what your 8th grader needs to know" (they don't have this grade in book form)

For history and science get them books from the library and just have them read!!

See if you can join a local homeschool group. Try yahoo groups, that is how I found mine. Some of the parents there may have books for you to borrow or buy real cheap.

For a great math and english program that is CHEAP use Rod and Staff. They are textbooks so you can re-use them if needed.

[just17]

Try looking on the website of your local public school and see if they list their curriculum for the year online. It might give you a starting point to know what to look for and where he's at.

[topekaclark]

Hello, I hs a 3rd grader and a 6th grader. I know it's scary in the beginning and I still struggle with fears, but honestly my kids are doing far better than they have done in public school.

http://www.hslda.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1

The hslda will have a place for you to become connected with a homeschooling group in your area. The groups should be able to offer you support and resources.

I have a list of sights you can also use for learning, I will pm you.

I use abeka, I buy used and only buy the workbooks new.
http://edaccents.com/products.php I buy used books from them and ebay too. I'm sure other hs parents have sights they used for used books too that they can give you. My advice to you though, it can be overwhelming to buy books at first. If you can have someone who hs guide you, it's so much easier. I had a church friend help me. Once I started to hs and got the kids involved with hs groups, I was amazed how many people in my school district homeschools. I have 3 neighbors on 2 blocks alone that homeschools.

Hope this helps some.

Kellie

[farmgirl]

Thanks so much! I know I can do all things with God who strengthens me so I just need to take a deep breath, pray for Him to help me with this and go for it. The resource tips really help. :hug How much time do your 11-14 year olds spend per day on avg? Come to think of it how much time do your 7-9 year olds spend? I've been worried we have not been doing enough.

[wife]

Thanks so much! I know I can do all things with God who strengthens me so I just need to take a deep breath, pray for Him to help me with this and go for it. The resource tips really help. :hug How much time do your 11-14 year olds spend per day on avg? Come to think of it how much time do your 7-9 year olds spend? I've been worried we have not been doing enough.

My kids have a certain amount of lessons to do a year. They do one a day. Sometimes my kids take 2 hours sometimes 4. It all depends on if it is a new concept or a review or if they are motivated or not..LOL As long as they finish the assignments for the day I am fine.

[lisaann]

I agree with the others. Check out HSLDA website and find a group in your area. You need the support of others and they will be an invaluable resource for used curriculum as well as local contacts.

[topekaclark]

My youngest one, 3rd grade, takes about 5 hours. She is the one when I took her out of school could not read at all. She is reading now but I work closely with her to make sure she uderstands what she is reading plus she has learning problems. We take alot of breaks so she doesn't get overwhelmed.

My oldest one, 6th grade, can get down in a couple of hours, if I let her.

Please remember, do not let yourself get stressed out by sticking to a schedule like a public school does. Go easy into, get into a routine and remember it takes time.

[ChayilWoman]

Thanks so much! I know I can do all things with God who strengthens me so I just need to take a deep breath, pray for Him to help me with this and go for it. The resource tips really help. :hug How much time do your 11-14 year olds spend per day on avg? Come to think of it how much time do your 7-9 year olds spend? I've been worried we have not been doing enough.

I don't know if you've read this or not, but here is HSLDA's webpage for laws in Washington.

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=WA

From the site, they recommend
180 days or in grades 1-12 "an annual average total instructional hour offering of one thousand hours."

[mom211]

Don't panic! This is wonderful your oldest child is requesting to be homeschooled also.

Check out this book from your local library. The first year of homeschooling your child:your complete guide to getting off to the right start. Author: Linda Dobson