Most people who begin homeschooling think they need a huge amount of curriculum, books and resources. Having too many resources to choose from can be overwhelming. It's best to keep things simple. Here's how:
1. A Plan - Before you start buying anything, decide what you want your children to study and learn this year. Do you want them to enjoy learning? Do you want them to complete a certain workbook? Do you want them to know all the Presidents names by heart?
What has worked best for me is to list all the subjects across the top of a sheet of paper. Then list your student(s) names down the left side. Under each column for each student write some ideas of what you want them to study or accomplish for that year. This can be done by you or with your child. Once you have filled all this in, then circle one or two item(s) for each subject and focus on getting resources to support. The other items not circled can be used for another year or if you run out of material for this year.
2. The Basics - Homeschoolers need some basic reading, writing and math materials. No matter what your finances, the internet and libraries provide some incredible resources. Don't disregard them just because they are free. Your children should spend time doing math and language each day. They should either read on their own or listen to you or some combination of that each day. For writing they can draw if they are younger. If they are over 8 years old they can write a page for you each day. Once children know how to read they should be able to teach themselves with a little guidance.
3. The Supplements - Once you have the basics covered you can add other subjects from your original plan such as science, Bible, foreign language, art, music, etc.
Books can be purchased new or used. Since so many people are homeschooling there are plenty of places you can get what you need from someone who either used the item gently or decided it wasn't for them and didn't use it at all.
If you plan what you want to do, cover the basics and supplement subjects that fit in with your plan, you should be able to have a great home school year.
Author Info:
Heidi Johnson specializes in helping families find resources to simplify and improve their lives.
For more tips on homeschooling, grab your free report "How to Homeschool using the Best Resources" at http://www.hjresources.com/freehs
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