Thinking About Homeschooling? Start Here!

Do some internet searching and order a lot of (free) homeschool catalogs to flip through. That's not as good as looking at the actual material, but it's still worthwhile to get a broad view of what's out there.

Take a look at Mary Pride's Big Book of Home Learning Vol. 2 (the green one). It is a little dated, but it has great overviews of the different approaches to homeschooling (classical, unit studies, etc.).

It's great to actually hold material in your hands and look at it. Abeka and Bob Jones typically schedule local displays where you can look at their materials. Check their websites for upcoming dates in your area. Sonlight may have a local representative in your area that can answer your questions or show you their material.

Check with the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) online to get information about the laws governing homeschooling in your state. While you're at HSLDA's website, take a look at their information about local support groups in your area. See what resources your local group offers and subscribe to their newsletter or email group. Use the internet to locate a homeschool convention in your state. Being able to wander through the exhibit hall and handle the merchandise will help a lot.

For Kindergarten, you don't have to do a lot. You can keep it relaxed and simple. You may even be able to make up your own curriculum. If your child is ready to read, I like Alpha-Phonics by Samuel Blumenfeld. I've also heard good things about Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. My philosophy about reading is that it is best to wait until the child is ready.

I like Horizons Math. It is inexpensive, but a bit advanced.

Once you decide what you would like to use, you can try to buy curriculum and books used. I've used ebay in the past. Perhaps your local support group allows buy/sell/trade listings in their newsletter or email group.