New to Homeschooling? Where to start.
Considering homeschooling? Don't know where to start?
Welcome to the club!
I am a new homeschooling mother. My child started Kindergarten this year. Its quite the learning experience! Depending in the state you are in Kindergarten is technically not mandatory. I live in Indiana and Kindergarten is not mandatory but I decided that for me it is necessary that my child attend kindergarten. It prepares them for what's to come in their educational experience. In the state of Indiana, as I am sure in other states as well, do not have a specific curriculum or course they want you to follow. Which is very unfortunate, especially for brand spanking new homeschooling mothers like myself. So research is necessary. I first decided to study the states foundations and what they should know in Kindergarten and once completing kindergarten. I then registered her in the board of education website, which I read was not mandatory (do not quote me on it), but it is basically so if you wanted to transfer your child to public school in the future it would be an easier process.
I decided to research curriculum. There is so much curriculum out there for your children. I am a review reader and I love to depend solely on the reviews of others. I did not have the over the moon feeling for a particular curriculum so I pretty much built my own. I made themes for each week, and goals for each subject. I then either made my own worksheets and activities or bought them from amazing people on teachers pay teacher, if you have not heard about that website CHECK OUT MY TPT STORE NOW! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Lily-Sasso
However, making worksheets can be pretty time consuming. Which is okay! I am here to help you! A curriculum I do not personally possess, but have heard great reviews on is Foundation Phonics. This is a Christian faith based curriculum and has great reviews! Has great hands on activities and captivates children's attention. Remember I make my decisions based on reviews and visuals, and so far I like what I see! Click the link below if you are interested in checking it out for yourself, by all means!
PHONICS
This one (above) is the phonics book, only $10.68. Its a pretty thick workbook and comes with such fun and colorful illustration. As do the rest of the books they sell!
SIGHT WORDS!
The sight word workbook has great reviews. There are a few that believe it's repetitive as well. But I strongly believe that it is great for the children. It is made with great activities and colorful illustration, captivating to the eye.
MATH
Another one I bought was My Kindergarten Math Workbook, this one I absolutely loved! Teaches numbers, counting, shapes, patterns, sorting, comparing, measuring, addition, subtraction, problem solving, time and money. Again the illustration is the cutest!
I love that all these workbooks are fun filled with colorful images, activities, captivating to children and written by teachers with degrees in early childhood and/or elementary education.
SCIENCE & DEVOTIONAL
Science was one I struggled with. I do daily weather, weather predictions, temperature, but I just felt science was one of the most difficult subjects to come up with. I did however come across a book that a good friend referred to me. Called Indescribable by Louie Giglio. Since we are a Christian household, I strive to teach my children Christian morals and God's creation. Varies with different households of course. But if you are like me, take a look at this devotional book found on Amazon.
This books size is about an inch bigger than my hand. But it is thick. It has 100 devotions and has a science section as well. This can give you the idea about what to talk about involving science in your curriculum, all the while connecting it to God and his creation. If you want more, researching different activities you can do that goes along with the science topic is another good way to have your child engaged in their learning experience.
READING
Kindergarten is probably the most rewarding grade to teach, at least in my opinion, for now..
My daughter went from learning her ABC's to learning how to read words! That makes me feel so good about myself. She is reading words, and it just feels so rewarding knowing that I am her teacher and I helped make that happen. With words come getting familiar with reading books. A friend of mine showed me these mini books for children learning to read. Bob books come with different sets, for reading readiness, stage 1 (starting to read), stage 2 (emerging readers) and stage 3 (Developing reader) and so far I like them!
For a child learning to read I highly recommend these books. Gives the child a feeling of joy and accomplishment when they do finish a book. The illustration may look a little "eh" however, it works and I enjoyed them.
ART
Art is probably the easiest subject for me. I love creating such fun things that the kids love and enjoy making. The first week of homeschool we had some fun with our "About me" theme and created our houses out of tissue boxes. Enjoy a quick picture of how cute they came out!
However, having the supplies and or creativity can come harder for some. Some may not even have the time. I found this book I truly enjoy for myself, but am sure my child will love it as well ( I mean it is hers). This located on the Usborne website, I will link it from amazon but if you want to go and look it up from Usborne it is completely up to you.
This book I do have. And I believe would be a great way for your child to have fun learning how to draw. They also have other versions, like drawing people etc.
Another art book, I believe was better for my kinder is also from Usborne. I will link the amazon link below.
This one I do have, it is cheaper. However it is a lot more lightweight than the other one. This one is great for beginners. My kinder is barely learning the basics of drawing and this book is great for her to start off.
MUSIC
For music I feel there is multiple things you can do. In the morning we sing our "morning songs" that counts as music, simple. However, I felt I wanted more. I took to youtube to look up music lessons for kids. I came across a great youtube channel called the little prodigies music lessons, they had a video called "Sweet Beets" and it taught the kids rhythm and beats. I found it so cute, captivating, and fun! My husband and myself even participated. I am pretty sure I heard my husband singing it while washing dishes lol. But shh don't tell him I told you that. I will link his youtube below should you want to explore.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR_6C8MGPmasS-4QMKclRGw
But my child has the desire to learn piano and to sing. I found a great book I am dying to buy for her that has great reviews! WunderKeys piano for preschoolers. This was referred to me from a website but also interested me because the way they executed this curriculum. This play based curriculum teaches the kids the basics to playing piano before entering a traditional way to learn. Take a look. Link below.
Whether you are just starting out your homeschooling journey or thinking about starting one, I hope that my insight and what I have learned as I begun my journey really helped you take a step forward. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Via email or follow me on any one of my other social media sights! WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER!
Instagram: earlylearningwithme_lily
Facebook page: Early Learning with Lily
-Lily Sasso
Disclaimer: I may receive a small percentage on the sales made off some of the links. Does not affect the cost for you.
Comments
Post a Comment