OK... What do you all think of this to start with?

[ummof3]

I feel a bit lost as a) i'm new to this site b) i'm new to homeschooling c) I just found out i'm pregnant (!) d) I'm from the UK!!

We don't have vast curriculum choices as those of you in the States. I've been doing my research and am still researching but now need some advice from you pros :001_smile:

Here are just three of the many reasons I have to homeschool:

1. To give my children (ages 7, 5 and nearly 3) a chance to learn through love and at their own pace. The older two attend school and I can see how their day is so rushed. They hardly get a chance to get deep into projects etc.

2. To share my love of art with them. I haven't done much of this due to lack of time. They really lack art in their school.

3. To give them a good academic foundation to prepare them for later education, something I don't think their school is doing.

As my children are already at school they are use to text books and sitting down activities. Both enjoy learning and books and I would say they are well rounded children. But I'd like to be a bit more free and let them enjoy their childhood as ds started school at 4 and was doing spelling tests in his 2nd term :glare:

I was hoping for a complete curriculum, something along the lines of classical and CM but can see it's probably better to piece something together myself. HOWEVER, in reality I'm not sure I can do this. It's not common to hs here and with a new baby I'm really scared. My dd will be 8 next year and I do want her to have something to follow as I will probably send her back to school either in a couple of years or when she starts high school. She will need to sit tests to enter schools of our choice so I do want her to follow a curriculum that has some similarities with the National Curriculum here. I'm keen on nature walks, notebooks, living books but want a 'core' rigorous but enjoyable curriculum consisting of at least maths, reading, writing, spelling, grammar and even logic? I'd also appreciate some recommendations for Science and History/Geography. Just something to follow as I do get lost easily and am not easily motivated to look for things myself unless I have some sort of plan to follow.

My son will be 6 next year and he loves drawing, writing and is beginning to read. He also loves computer games so I would like to use software and dvds to an extent but again don't want them to become reliant on these if they are to go back to school again.

I like my children to get on with things independently to a certain degree. And I get bored quite easily so don't want to be yawning through lessons as although they might not give up, I might!

So far I have the following bookmarked: Maths you see, Singapore Maths, FIAR, enchantedlearning, moving beyond the page, ambleside, possibly oakmeadow but hear people say it's not 'heavy' enough. I think that's it. I can't figure history out as im still trying to understand timelines according to CM and according to classical.

I'm fortunate that I won't actually start homeschooling till next September. This gives me ample time to research and read. I could take my children out at Easter (the earliest I can) but is there any point when I'm due in July?

Oh and one more thing. The only curriculum I have seen in life is Calvert which looked dull but also comfortably reliable in that I could wake up in the morning, even after 4 hours sleep (due to night feeds) and know what page we are on etc. I am generally insecure by nature and worry about things. I get stressed out and lack confidence in my decisions so need to have a curriculum that will give me security and confidence especially as I've never homeschooled and I'm having a baby that wasn't quite planned :tongue_smilie:

Does any of this make sense? What are your suggestions?

One more thing, I find grammar so boring but really want my kids to grasp it properly by the time they hit high school, so please take this into account.

Thank you all so much :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[lovelearnandlive]

I'm just starting out, so I don't have much advice! But I learned a LOT by using the search function on this website and reading about what everyone else is having success with. Have you read The Well Trained Mind yet? That would probably give you a great starting point.

:grouphug: It does seem overwhelming at first, but you have a good amount of time to prepare! I think after you have a plan together you will feel much more confident in your ability to do this.

[dhudson]

Are you looking for Christian or secular?

[AnneC]

There are some UK homeschool groups, I found them last year when we were thinking of moving to the UK, however, I can't remember what they are. I think I found them by doing a google search though. They will probably be able to answer your UK-specific questions.

I've ordered almost all my curriculum from overseas(I live in Australia) because it is more difficult to find here too.

[Aurelia]

1. Apologies for the long winded response.

a and b) Welcome!
c) congratulations on the surprise!


We have both Moving Beyond the Page and FIAR. We haven't actually started MBTP yet (we will next month), but it looks challenging and fun. I have to store the activity pages on a high shelf because I made the mistake of letting my daughter flip through the student books and she wants to do them now! The writer for MBTP designed the curriculum to meet the US standards for school, (I assume those in the UK are similar), so if you use it, your children should be well prepared for when they return to school. Also, the 7-9 level and above are designed for increasing amounts of independent work.

FIAR is very gentle, but DD has really learned and retained a lot of the information we have covered, plus she gets guaranteed story and snuggle time every day while we read the book. You can also get their nature study guide which those who use it rave about. The art lessons are so much more than the schools here have. (I don't know of any 1st graders that get to paint with watercolors or use charcoal.)

With both MBTP and FIAR, the TM tells you/gives you options about what to do for the day, which is helpful for me. I am not a pre-planner, so I need something I can spend 5 minutes or less on lesson prep. These are great. With either of these, you don't need to add history or more science unless you truly want to. Enchantedlearning.com is a great resource, but I don't think I would use it for a curriculum.

You're dead on about Calvert. It is boring, but well laid out and thorough. We used it last year. If you don't want to be yawning through the lessons, find something else.

If I were you, I'd let them finish out their year in school and take them out next year so you will have more time to prepare unless they were having some major problems with their teacher or something.
I wouldn't start formal grammar at their ages (personal preference), and probably not until 6th or 7th grade. I'd rather my child learn writing by writing and not just focusing on the parts of speech. Your children will pick it up much faster if you wait awhile.

[Hathersage]

Welcome!
you might want to look into Galore Park's materials:
http://galorepark.co.uk/

[Lovedtodeath]

Well, I have an 18 month old, so this may not apply to you... but we are doing less than half what I planned..... and it's okay. :)

That's the biggest thing for a newbie to learn IMO.

[Garga]

Step 1: figure out the content of what you want to teach (since you mention needing to be in step with the school system.)

Step 2: for each subject, start reading, reading, reading online as much about it as you can. (Like this link where you can read parent's opinions on common curricula http://www.homeschoolreviews.com/reviews/curriculum/reviews.aspx?id=321)

Step 3: Start earlier than September, if possible. Not sure how holidays are done in UK (in USA we have about 2.5 months of summer vacation where there is no government schooling.)

If you start earlier, you can
1. homeschool less intensely than you'll have to in Sept (because of the extra time) and
2. see if the curriculum is really what you liked. You'll have time to re-do if you must.

Mostly you'll have to do like the rest of us and just jump in hoping and praying that you've made the right choices and not wasted your money. No one really knows for sure what will work until they buy it and try it. Do your best! It's gotta be hard without as much support in your area and without chances to see the materials in person before buying them. (Read about return policies, too!)

[Julieofsardis]

Heart of Dakota. Their complete curriculum includes Singapore Math.


www.heartofdakota.com

[OhElizabeth]

Hi Ummof3, congrats on your new one and welcome to the board! I just had my baby 5 weeks ago, after a huge break of 9 1/2 years. I'd like to echo the sentiments of the others who said to not expect to get nearly as much accomplished as you'd like. The last month of my pregnancy was pretty ugly, so you might not get much done then either. We're pretty much in the fleeting post-partum land of looming holidays, fussy babies, lots of intentions and little accomplishment. So I'm not sure what to say, except that I wouldn't expect miracles or expect your time in September with both a new baby and new homeschooling to reflect what it CAN be for you at some point in the future. Anything you can do to get on-track before then would be good. Most people de-school I think for a while when they pull their kids out, so that might be something you do. Or maybe your kids won't need that, I don't know.

As far as curriculum for the UK, I'm no help, but have you seen posts here by Laura in China? That's her board name if you do a search. She's from the UK and has put people on the track of using some particularly good things from over there. You can get Galore Park textbooks for english, etc., that some people around here (even people in the US!) have started using and liked. That might be your best bet in order to be on-track for those tests. But her posts would be helpful to you to read, since I know it's an issue she has grappled with.

[JoyfulMama]

Just something to think about... one of the best benefits for me is not having to get older kids up, fed, dressed, and out the door (or in the car or walk to school) with a little one. And then to bundle up the little one again to bring everyone back home.
Of course you will have a lighter schedule homeschooling in the beginning, as you will all be getting used to the new routine. But with a little one, there is lots of time for read-alouds! And getting outside for some walks would be a great benefit post-pardum, as well!
I would recommed trying to get some used things for spring, and then build on what works best for the full year in Sept (or whenever you decide to start).

[Lovedtodeath]

Just something to think about... one of the best benefits for me is not having to get older kids up, fed, dressed, and out the door (or in the car or walk to school) with a little one. And then to bundle up the little one again to bring everyone back home.


Yes!!! Give the lady some rep! That got old real fast! (But I did get an afternoon nap, so it kinda evens out.)

With the ages of your kids, I can see you being done with the basics in about an hour (we are done in less than an hour). And read alouds are great with a newborn. Rock them to sleep to the sound of your voice while the other kids listen. Works great.

[Rosie_0801]

I drew up a table with year level down one side and subjects across the top, then proceeded to fill it in. I know I'll change my mind as I go along, but working out my long term aims really helped me figure out what my medium and short term aims should be. It also helped me clarify how I wanted to teach the subjects and what I thought should be included. You'll probably want to check your department of education website for the latter, since you're going to send them to school later on. I did this by reading this forum waaaaayyyy too much and any other online review I could find.
:)
Rosie- In Australia, and buys most stuff from the US.

[StephanieF]

I'm in the UK too and have a 5 yr old at home-my older 2 go to school.
I read the WTM and take a lot from there. I have to bite the bullet and buy a lot from the US but there are also K suppliers such as http://www.ichthusresources.co.uk/ where I have bought quite a lot.
I concentrate on the basics, maths, handwriting and language arts and fit the rest in when I can.
We use the Story of the World for history and Evan moore books for geography and english. I agree that the Galore Park books look good and will use them when ds is older, they seem to provide a complete teaching package for history, geography and english.
Have you the Sonlight catalogue? That is brilliant even if you decide not to go with it at the moment. It will give you loads of ideas and lots is available on amazon.
These forums are a must and I use the search function a lot.
It isn't difficult to build your own package and I really prefer that because then I can taylor it to ds's needs.
Don't panic, take it slow and piece it all together bit by bit. Perhaps get maths sorted first and start to introduce other things bit by bit.
Let me know if you need anything more specific!
Look at people's signatures to see what they use for children your age (must do one myself!!)

To summarise, I use:
Maths Rightstart (bought from US)-there is this http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm which is free and a lot of UK people use it
Handwriting Dubay Getty
Writing with ease
First language lessons
story of the world
bits and pieces for science and geography per the wtm.
song school latin bought in
Explode the code in UK
Ordinary parents guide to teaching reading available in UK
phonic readers BRI-ARI available UK
Oh and quite a lot of stuff is available in e format too so no postage!!
Got to rush and take kids to early morning swimming!

Stephanie

[Lovedtodeath]

I just wanted to add that if you go with a curriculum that is all put together for you it could end up being more work. It would be harder to drop something in order to shorten your school day while still getting the basics in. For example, I have three curriculums for science/history and we are currently doing none of them. I have 2 more years that these will still apply, so I am happy with picking them up later. I wouldn't be able to do that if I went with a curriculum in a box, all in one... whatever you want to call it.

[Audrey]

Have you looked at Oak Meadow? They have courses laid out as packages for each grade. It incorporates a LOT of art, handicrafts, etc. You can definitely go at the child's own pace, as it is very flexible. The way it is laid out is a great thing for a busy mum -- I would know! I have 3 part-time jobs, help my husband with the farm AND homeschool.

The website has samples (http://www.oakmeadow.com/)for every grade. It is COMPLETELY SECULAR in nature. There are no surprises on that. It also has a very environmentally friendly aspect to it that I find refreshing. You can choose to purchase the craft kits, or compile it on your own. With your art background, I'm sure you'll have preferences for materials and such, and probably have a local source that is more readily accessible.

For shipping outside the US, it behooves one to call the Oak Meadow office to ask about shipping options. There are usually rates that are cheaper than show up on the online ordering system.

[ummof3]

wow!

So many replies. It was 11.30 pm here when I posted and i've just got up - it's 7 am. I need to get the kids ready for school so will reply shortly!

x

[ummof3]

OK, they're gone now.

1. The Well Trained Mind - i'm trying to get hold of a copy to borrow.

2. I'm looking for a secular curriculum but I don't mind if it's got a Christian element as I can always substitute that.

3. I have looked up UK hs groups and am looking to becoming a member with education otherwise, HEAS etc. However, I haven't found much info on curriculums.

4. Aurelia - please don't apologize for long post - just look at mine! Thanks for the congrats. I'll look into FIAR and MBTP maybe for my younger one who will be 6. I'm thinking maybe having a complete curriculum for him and a pieced together one for my 8 yr old will allow me to experiment and see what style suits me.

5. I'm going to use the National Curriculum as a basic guideline so I know I'm covering all the elements. Im due in July and August will be the children's summer break so that will have to be the time to de-school. I think we should be able to start something formal from September but that all depends on how we are all doing with new routine and new baby! My children are ok in school right now. They are happy and have good friends. Taking them out is going to be hard but I know they could be learning more and experiencing more. I welcome the time to read more, go out more and yes NOT to rush out in the morning!

6. I love using the search function here and do go to homeschoolreviews every time I find a new curriculum. I will check out Galore Park as well as Laura's posts.

7. The idea of a planner would be a must but I know I won't (and probably shouldn't) stick to it. In fact I'm going to do some reading on homemaking as I need to figure out how i'll manage day to day chores. I'm very very fortunate to have a cleaner one a week.

8. Yes, I see the advantages and the disadvantages of the complete curriculum but I know myself and the problems I would have picking and choosing so even if I don't choose a complete curriculum, I think I will make one up myself and stick to it for at least half a year to see how it works unless it's obviously wrong for us. I really liked Oak Meadow but think it might lack a bit - I might be wrong? See I like the idea of having an hour or two of learning maths and english so I can relax and take my time with other subjects. I think I *need* that assurance that they will have done the basics even if the rest of the day is higgledy piggledy. This is probably down to knowing they will be back in school at some point.

9. StephanieF - how long have you homeschooled and what ages did your older two go to school? I'd love to hear more from you. I have questions like how do you find the American curriculums fitting in with ours? I'm so bored by the way my children are learning spelling, reading, writing, grammar and maths at school. I want something fun, exciting and inspiring. I want them to write for fun and learn new words for fun and not just because of a spelling test. I do believe that if they get a good solid grasp of the key mathematical concepts (adding, subtracting, multiplications etc) and good knowledge of grammar and composition - by the time they reach the end of primary age, they will be ready for secondary school. I don't expect them to know the latter properly, but I just want them to have a good foundation so that it will facilitate rather than hinder later learning.

Where are you based? Do you have a blog or could you talk me through your curriculum in detail. I've got months ahead of me so no rush!

10. Thanks to you all for your advice. I have taken all your comments on board and will print and save a copy :D. It means a lot to me and i'm glad i've come this far although i've yet to decide for sure if homeschooling is for us.

:grouphug:

Shima xx

[Cadam]

If you happen to be a Christian I would look at MFW (mfwbooks.com). I note it only because you said you are wanting to mix classical and CM. All you have to add to it is maths and language arts.

It is very open and go. The final 2 years of the program focus more on the US in overall history but the year of geography and the first two (maybe 3) years of the history program would work very well and easily for you.

I think a classical education will prepare your children for the tests and prepare them well. Latin never hurt anyone!

*** Never-mind, I read your latest reply. You can't extract the biblical elements out of MFW.

[AliR]

Hi

My dd6 and I are the only homeschooling family in the Falkland Islands, so I too need a curriculum which fits in with the UK requirements (particularly as I get an 'inspection visit' every six weeks or so to make sure the Dept of Education are happy with what we are doing!)

I looked at materials from the UK, but most of these were very much like a typical classroom scenario which is what I was trying to avoid. We have gone for Sonlight, supplemented with Math U See which is a particularly good fit for us. I chose to go the packaged route as I just didn't have access to materials to review, have horrendous delivery costs (so one big box made more sense), and also I felt that I had enough to deal with transitioning dd from school to homeschool - and also changing my own life around this decision - without trying to build up a curriculum from scratch.

For next year, I have a copy of the Well Trained Mind, and will be restructuring some of the curriculum based on on this and I think I will be better able to make these changes now I am more experienced.

The website of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority will be able to give you the learning objectives for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 so you can be confident that you are covering everything that would be covered in a UK school. However, my experience is that US kindergarten and First Grade materials cover everything that you would expect in UK Key Stage 1. If you follow something like Sonlight you will be streets ahead in the areas of history/geography/science as these are only touched on, usually as topic work, at school. The Sonlight materials for language arts along with the optional workbooks are also a more rigorous program for spelling, handwriting, grammar, composition etc than you would find at most UK primary schools where these aspects are considered secondary to being 'creative'.

I hope this helps. I'm off now to snuggle up under a blanket with dd for her reading, history and and science. Sure beats the madness of the school run!

[StephanieF]

I am in London. There is a new UK yahoo gp for classical education http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ClassicalHomeEdUK/?yguid=9516525

My older 2 went as normal to school at 4 yrs old but I decided that 4yrs is too young by the time I got to number 3! I am taking it a year at a time and we will see how we go. I do intend for ds to go to senior school at 11yrs but that may change.

When I started out I looked at the National Curriculum but I don't now as it is so boring and nothing special. All the US curriculums cover the same stuff-it is only basic maths, literacy and science after all. My eldest has just done the key stage 2 SATS and it is hardly rocket science! I use the WTM and have followed its recomendations in a lot of areas. I look at what is suggested and then come here for reviews and look at the websites and samples

I agree with everything you say about learning and that is why I am doing it too. Also, I want to go with ds's development and by that I mean that at age 5yrs he is not ready to write a page saying what he did at the weekend-that is what he would do if he were at school. I agree with mastering narration and handwriting as separate areas rather than mix the two at this stage. I can go at his speed with maths and make sure that we go over what he finds difficult and speed on where we can.

You are welcome to pm me and then I'll give you my email address as I don't have a blog if you have any other questions.
I have just bought some of the FIAR books and am seriously looking at Sonlight as I may try and go for more of a literature approach then we have now.
Stephanie

[ummof3]

AliR... Wow Falkland Islands... I hope it's going well. Have you looked at other complete curriculums like Oak Meadow and MBTP? I also like the idea of teacher support, not sure if they offer that. Sonlight's not that secular right? (Sorry I havent researched their curriculum yet).

StephanieF I'm in London and know there are a few homeschoolers around here, I just need to meet them. I'll pm you as soon as I get a chance.

I just got back from Parents Evening. It's a private independent school. It seems they are on the right track but there doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to do things. I asked my son's year 3 teacher when they did painting and she said they had done it 'once' since term started (in September) and lego is on 'order'. The Yr 3 teacher thought I was implying they weren't doing enough when I asked how they teach writing and can't they use more creative things like props etc. and she said 'that's what they do in state schools, we don't do that here.' It sounds horrid but it isn't that bad but it means I will have to supplement a lot. Now do I take the all or nothing route and just homeschool. It seems better to afterschool but frankly, I just don't have the energy and I hate cramming.

Decisions, decisions....

[Laura Corin]

You might like to look at the Galore Park books. The Junior series would work for your eldest. They don't follow the National Curriculum, but are similar enough that your children could swap back into school later if necessary.

If you look in my signature, you can see the kinds of materials we have been using.

Best wishes

Laura (British, in Scotland)

[StephanieF]

My older 2 are at a private independent school that has art every week for a double lesson I think plus lots of music and sport. It is a lovely school which spends time on developing the whole person.
Sounds as if perhaps they are at the wrong sort of school. I know that some can be crammers with the sole objective of getting the child a place at a top secondary school. Ours isn't like that at all. A good test is to ask where the children go on to later at 11yrs or 13yrs.
Stephanie

[ummof3]

Laura and StephanieF

Thank you both.

I've looked at your curriculum Laura, I don't see Geography there for your younger son, unless I missed it? My daughter will be 8 when I start homeschooling her. My son will be 6, same age as your child StephanieF so I think I can learn from both of you :)

I think i'm very lucky to have time to read and research. I looked at Galore Park and am considering buying Maths and English for my 7 yr old as a supplement for now. That way I'll get a feel for it sooner. I'm also intrigued by Latin, particularly for logic skills - this is for later when I start homeschooling.

How did you find ordering from the US? What if you weren't happy with what you had ordered, was it expensive to send back?

I really want to have fun with my children but also want them to study in an independent way to a degree - allowing me to look after a baby and pre-schooler.

I'll PM you both at some point soon xx

[StephanieF]

Ordering from the US is fine it is the shipping cost that is a problem. I make sure that I know exactly what I'm getting before I order. I take ages to look at sample pages, check out reviews and ask here. I haven't sent anything back and I don't think I would, I'd try to sell it on first.
My most expensive purchase was rightstart maths because not only did they charge a lot for shipping but I had to pay tax too. In the end I never worked out the total cost because it would have upset me too much lol!
Stephanie

[Laura Corin]

I've looked at your curriculum Laura, I don't see Geography there for your younger son, unless I missed it?

For 'where things are' we use a globe while we do our history. Physical geography we do casually, as we go walking or driving.

I have relatives in the US, so I normally order American curriculum when we go to the States on holiday. I think you'd probably want to ask the individual companies about returns.

Best wishes

Laura

[Cadam]

Now do I take the all or nothing route and just homeschool. It seems better to afterschool but frankly, I just don't have the energy and I hate cramming.


just my opinion mind you, but I think after-schooling would be so very hard. You have less time, after-school activities, the kids are tired exc. If you homeschool you get to give them the education you really want them to have and they will still have time to be children. I know it is scary, especially in a place where there are less homeschoolers but you really can do this and do it well.:grouphug:

[ummof3]

Yes Cadam, I said this to my husband and he agreed, thanks for reassuring me, think we are going to carry on researching into homeschooling :)