Homeschool Community

I will be starting to home school this fall for the first time to my daughter who will be 5.

I have a few questions maybe you can help me with:

1. What "subjects" does a kindergartener have to take in Kentucky?

2. What do I do with my 3 year old son while I school my daughter?

3. What curriculum do YOU like best for this age?

Thanks.

Jennifer J.

London, KY

Hi Jennifer,

I'm not sure if anyone has responded to your post yet so I hope I'm not repetitive in the information I'm about to give.

1. LCSS

http://www.laurel.kyschools.us/Curriculum/ElementaryCirriculum/CurriculumFrameworks.html

According to public schools:Reading/Language, Arts, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, Arts & Humanitites, Practicial Living/Vocational Studies, Technology

According to hslda.org homeschool: Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar, History, Mathematics, and Civics.

2. Depending on your three y/o will depend on what do to: play-doh, puzzles, coloring, etc? Or maybe he's ready for something more challenging?

3. I use Horizons curriculum for my just turned five y/o son. (it's through Alpha Omega Publications)  it's an advanced curriculum, but you can contact them about your child's ability and they also have preschool materials.

I hope this helps.

Melody

currently in KY

Hello everyone -

 I'm Marjorie Lock, Director of Curriculum and Educational Resources at Home School, Inc.  I wnated to let you know that we carry Alpha Omega curriculum in our Store.  This month, all Alpha Omega curriculum is 20% off.  And, we offer free shipping on purchases of over $25.00 or more.  Our customer support staff is happy to assist you in locating curriculum titles if you're having problems searching the store.

 Let us know how we can help!

Marjorie Lock

I feel like I am in the same boat as you are, Jennifer.  I live in Kentucky as well and will be starting my son in kindergarten in the fall.  I've been researching curriculum and trying to pull together things I think that I will enjoy teaching and he will understand the best.  I've decided I'm definately more on the eclectic side and don't want to go with any one particular curriculum.  As for me, I'm planning on teaching Bible (reading aloud and scripture memory mostly), reading (a combination of whole words and phonics...check out the website www.succeedtoread.com), handwriting (using fun workbooks like mazes and dot-to-dot in addition to an actual handwriting workbook), science (a creation-based book), math (still haven't decided on the text, but leaning toward a couple of textbook-based things) and will probably incorporate geography, art, music, phys. ed., etc.  If you have any other ideas, I'd love to hear them. 

I also have a 2 1/2 year old and 3 month old.  At times, the 2 1/2 will probably be involved in school informally.  I'm planning on making copies of workbook pages, so she can play along...she loves to color and draw.  She can also be there while I'm teaching about the Bible and any reading aloud.  I hope she can learn things, too, but it will definately not be structured with her.  Any hands-on activities she can participate in.  I have no clue how it's going to go with the baby, yet.  I'm sure that it is going to be an adventure.  I'm trying to keep in mind that as much as I would like for my schedule to go about the same every day, it will not.  This is going to be the year where I will be testing new waters and seeing what works and what doesn't for our individual family.  After the fall, I may completely change what I have decided to do.  That's the joy of homeschooling!  You do what is best for your own family and what doesn't work, don't stress over it.

Amanda

Louisville, KY