Made the decision to homeschool

[cinderellie]

Hi everyone! :wave

I have been lurking in this area for a few months as I've been praying over my families schooling options and have made the decision to homeschool.

My question is this:

I have three DD's, age 10, 7, and 5. I think a unit study would suit my family the best and I can supplement with Math, ect.... I've come to a wall as far as my choice of a specific curriculum. With the knowledge of you veteran ladies, could you give me the pro's and con's for Weaver and Konos? I have time to plan as I will not homeschool my girls until August. They are finishing the year at school.

I certainly appreciate and value your feedback and advice. Thank you very much.

[lisaann]

We did Konos for a couple of years. I really loved it and so did my children. The drawback is that you are basically writing your own curriculum and that takes ALOT of energy and time. I burned out after two years.

I kept my book since it's such a good resource and still go back and use it to suppliment what we are doing now.

:hat

[DebJo]

I also just switched from Konos, I loved it but we lead a very busy life style so it was too much to keep up with. I also found the activities were alot to do for my one son. They would be great with more children, each could do a share. If you could find a
co-op in your area that would be a good thing. They also have a web site that is supposed to be like a co-op. Not sure I never had time to check it out. I don't know any thing about Weaver. Good Luck! Hope you enjoy your new adventure.

[lbeels]

The only unit study I did with my son was the Stewardship Unit Studies. They were easy and fun and very educational. I did a quick google search for them and I did find their products available at unitstudyhelps.com. As far as Weaver, I almost tried this. I thought it looked good but did not actually use it.

Many blessings to you for doing this. The hardest part for me was to stop trying to keep up with "regular school". There is much freedom the way you teach in homeschooling so have fun and go against the societal norm!

[cinderellie]

Thank you all for your replies! I'm excited to start in the Fall and so are my kids.

[Alhere]

My daughters have used A Beka for grades 1-12. I would give them my thumbs up.

Uses workbook approach with textbook. It is good to stick with one curriculum that is designed to progress from year to year rather than jumping around with makeshift material from various suppliers from year to year.
They have motel meetings around North America where you can visit and look at their material.

[NewWorldOrder]

Cinderellie, a unit study would be an excellent option. There a several things you could do. You can buy a study that's already put together for you, or you could make your own. I have never made up my own study, but there are guides to show you how. I have used a couple of pre-made unit studies and my favorite is Learning Adventures. The first book covers all of ancient history using a biblical format. The concurrent books move on through world history, into American history. They are written by a homeschooler who wanted something different for her son, her name is Dorian Holt. They are mostly geared for 4th grade though 8th grade, and cover all subjects except Math and typing. You may have to supplement for some subjects, but overall it is very well written. I will be using it again for my upcoming 4th grader. She has suggestions on how to include younger children into the study for families with multiple but younger children.

http://www.learning-adventures.org/


There is also a guide on how to create your own unit study. This guide basically tells you how to incorporate your subjects into your study. You can have your study revolve around history, science, math, or whatever you want. The guide is called "How to Create Your Own Unit Study", but is now out of print. Valerie Bendt, the author, has brought the book back and is now selling it in one large volume called "Unit Studies Made Easy". Here's a direct link to her website.

http://www.valeriebendt.com/

You can still find her original book at Amazon used. Just check around. Also Christian Book Distributors has a very large homeschool section, and they carry her new book, and its about $28 there.

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=581413&netp_id=333263&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=details#curr


There are also places on the internet where you can get free unit studies, or help to put one together. Just do a Google search on unit studies ideas, or how to make a unit study. You should find several links that will help you.

I hope this was of some help to you.

[true2yeshua]

Cinderellie,

May God bless your hs'g. Your children will blossom in the relaxed environment. I agree with lbeels avoid the 'reg school' pothole!

Our family has settled on the classical approach and do Unit studies as well. Since we hs on a shoestring, I create my own. We also use MathUSee, Dr. Dan Algebra (retired teacher, created for hs) and report writing. Yes, writing - call me a dinosaur, but penmanship is a dying art! :lol2

The Old Schoolhouse (TOS), is an excellent resource frequently offering deals, and words of encouragment from others 'who have gone before'.

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com.

They have a Schoolhouse Store, 2008 Homeschool Freebies Directory just type /freebiedirectory after com (you do not have to be a subscriber to take advantage of offers!)