I was asking this question 4 years ago, so I'm writing the post I wish I'd had. 🥰A little background: Our family began officially homeschooling when our oldest son was entering kindergarten. I wasn't homeschooled and only knew a few homeschooling families, so I had a lot of questions (and trepidation) about choosing a curriculum.Here's what I've learned along the way:+ An open-and-go, boxed curriculum can be very helpful for your first year. We used Sonlight (with no regrets!) and I have many friends who love My Father's World. You go to their website, select your child's grade level, and order the materials. All you need for the year - the instructor's guide, books, and supplies - arrives at your doorstep. You're ready to homeschool! This helped me feel confident that yes, I was doing enough, and had advisors ready to help me if I needed it.+ A trusted homeschool mama in your community is an invaluable resource. If there's a homeschooling mom in your church whom you admire, ask her all your questions. How did she get started? What curriculum would she choose (or stay away from) if she could do it all again?+ Start simple, as it will take a while to find your rhythm. For example, all that a kindergartener *really needs* is a reading/phonics program, a math program, and (for Christian families) a morning Bible/devotional time. If that's all you do for your child's kindergarten year, great! You can add history, handwriting, science, and other electives as you grow more confident.+ Remember that you may not land on your favorite curriculum or educational philosophy your first year. And that's ok! If you're interested in finding your homeschool style, I've linked a helpful quiz in my profile.+ After you've narrowed it down to a handful of curriculums you're interested in, I love Cathy Duffy's review site (cathyduffyreviews.com). Her reviews are straightforward and very helpful.
How does unschooling spelling work? Learn ways unschooled kids pick up on spelling naturally, resources if they don't, & lots of reassurance.
Cooking, card games, coloring, and chores!
Is homeschooling free? Yes, it can be! Here's a list of my favorite homeschool curriculum that you can find online for FREE!
Khan Academy math can be used as a complete homeschool math curriculum. Find out how to use this online program as a full free math curriculum.
I did not include any channels for toddlers or early elementary. Because of the width of YouTube, kids can come across crazy things on YouTube! For even more safety, watch the following videos on the channel’s website or YouTube Kids instead of YouTube. Learn in Color is not affiliated with any of the channels below. […]
Want to take your kid's knowledge to the next level in your homeschool? 16 old-fashioned or vintage skills to boost your homeschool experience.
If you're stuck indoors for whatever reason, try these educational activities to crack boredom from easy science experiments to fun activities.
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Quarantine homeschool is a new reality right now for us. Having a quarantine homeschool schedule, rules and printable pack is saving my sanity right now.
This ultimate list of free homeschool printables has the best resources for all ages. Fantastic ways to save money & make learning fun!
Freedom Homeschooling lists free high-quality homeschool science and nature study curriculum for all grades.
Thinking of homeschooling your preschooler? Not sure where to begin? Here is a list of the things I am teaching my preschooler and a free printable checklist to get you started.
These 40+ free STEM websites: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are for grades 6-12; middle school and high school. Hands on science
It is the end of May, which here in Idaho that means we are done with school! This year has been a whirlwind to say the least. If anything, we truly have learned that as teachers and parents, we can do anything life throws our way. I have grown by leaps and bounds, and watching educators, parents
Homeschooling with notebooks is a wonderful way to help children develop interests, make observations, and acquire knowledge. It's been used throughout the ages by such notables as Leonardo Da Vinci, Meriwether Lewis, and Isaac Newton. And this video by John Muir Laws shows some beautiful examples of his journals, alon
fun and simple ways to learn all about herbalism in your homeschool.
Children will love these cute ice cream activities for preschoolers! Learning counting, letters, fine motor skills and so much more...
Just over 3 years ago, I was 4-5 months pregnant with my very welcomed but highly surprising 4th child. At that time, my 3rd was still shy of his FIRST birthday, and I had a daughter going into junior high and one struggling greatly due to dyslexia and dyscalculia . As a new school year loomed lar
Homeschooling with notebooks is a wonderful way to help children develop interests, make observations, and acquire knowledge. It's been used throughout the ages by such notables as Leonardo Da Vinci, Meriwether Lewis, and Isaac Newton. And this video by John Muir Laws shows some beautiful examples of his journals, alon
What makes successful homeschoolers? It all starts with habits and discovering what is best for you and your kids. These habits are...
Whether you're learning a new trade or just want some fun facts, our list of 150+ educational YouTube channels is what you need! There's something for all!
Everything you need to know to start homeschooling - an easy, 5 step guide for complete beginners. Written by a mom who's been homeschooling for five years.
Looking for fun and educational resources to help your child learn and practice beginning sounds? Look no further! We are delighted to offer...
The Happy Learners' Club Junior Club is our highly popular kids' activity membership for busy parents with 2 to 5 years old children. *Thank you for your interest in THLC. Doors to THLC is now closed. The next enrollment is happening from 18 to 23 May 2024. **If you have children between 6 to 8...
Freedom Homeschooling lists free high-quality homeschool science and nature study curriculum for all grades.
Why you don't have to have all the answers to be able to educate your kids! Plus, 10 questions to encourage self-directed learning.
As a teacher, those same free educational websites for kids make for a fantastic addition to your classroom! They're excellent practice for early finishers
Khan Academy math can be used as a complete homeschool math curriculum. Find out how to use this online program as a full free math curriculum.
Three hands-on activities to develop your child's number sense, and build a solid foundation in math that goes beyond counting.
It's Spring! So it's time for a fun Spring learning idea. I created a printable set of Fraction Flowers that includes fractions through 1/10. This can now be purchased in my shop. Fraction Flowers are a
The benefits of gardening in your homeschool provides young learners with much more than just homegrown food. Homeschool garden learning.
The best free online homeschooling websites, resources and printable worksheets recommended by 2,000 homeschoolers.
These six free printable Human Body Worksheets contain activities to keep a child entertained while also teaching them everything they need to know about the human body. The human body is so important to learn about!
The Happy Learners' Club Junior Club is our highly popular kids' activity membership for busy parents with 2 to 5 years old children. *Thank you for your interest in THLC. Doors to THLC is now closed. The next enrollment is happening from 18 to 23 May 2024. **If you have children between 6 to 8...
Suddenly homeschooling your struggling learner? Check out these free online resources that are easy to use at home with your children.
If you're new to homeschooling, you might think you need to know all about everything. Here's what first time homeschool moms need to know.
Here are the BEST phonics youtube channels for learning, reinforcing and practing reading skills we're learning in the classroom!
Spring is a wonderful time of year to enjoy, explore and learn about the natural world, from new growth, buds and blossom of plants to animals nesting and raising young. Here are 30 fun and easy sp…
Enjoy this project with your little one to help teach them address memorization and geography concepts.
Deschooling definition: planned period of adjustment a child needs when transitioning from public school to homeschool. Understanding how long it takes and why the deschool process has major, necessary benefits in helping a child decompress and successfully prepare for switching to home school and formal school work. Get tips for de-schooling, learn how to start homeschooling with deschooling, the difference between deschooling vs. unschooling and more!
During the outbreak of COVID-19, many children are out of school and parents are feeling the pressure to provide education at home. During this stressful time I want to help parents by providing a…