New and tons of questions!

[aready]

We have a dd who will be going into 3rd grade this next year. We are
considering homeschooling next year, but first will do this over the summer to see if 1- I can handle it and 2- If she enjoys it. I have been doing TONS of research on the various ways in which to homeschool. I really think we will get to a point where I pick and choose, but for the first year I'd rather not worry so much about getting a lesson plan together or wondering what we are doing the next day. My plan is to ease us both into this and work from a total curriculum. I am looking for one with science, history, math and reading. I love the classical approach, but we had dd in a Montessori preschool and LOVED that as well. I have found a lot of things to look at, but I just haven't found "the" right one yet. I realize that they will all have to be tweaked a little bit once we start. For history in particular I am looking for something that is chronological and also that doesn't do only what is in the Bible. I am a religious person, and would like to just add that in for myself as I see fit! I just would like it to
be from "the beginning" (dinosaurs etc) I don't know if that even
makes sense to you guys, but hey I tried.

I have looked at k-12, The Great Books Academy, and Son of the World. Does anyone have anything to say about these specifically? Are there others that are wonderful that I am missing?

Thanks for you help!
I'm sure I'll have a TON more questions!
-Amy

[hsmomto5]

Check out Sonlight (http://www.sonlight.com). It has all of that and comes with daily lesson plans.
Lora in NC

[Angel]

Welcome! I just wanted to say that jumping into to homeschool during the summer may or may not work out well. Sometimes kids who have been in school for a couple years need to de-school for a few weeks (sometimes a couple of months) before they are ready to see the fun and value of being taught at home. My older dd was in school through 4th. So don't get discouraged if it's a little bumpy to begin with;) it's ok:001_smile: and if you can, give her time to decompress from school-school before you begin homeschool.

Going with a curriculum that "has it all" is a great idea for your first year. You'll learn so much about your child, how they learn and what works out for you. I haven't used any of the ones you are looking at but I'm sure others will chime in to help you out.

Good luck!! Homeschooling can be a wild ride, but oh what fun!

[GVA]

Even my always-homeschooled kids need a break, so we school several hours in the morning during the summer and then do other things. When it's very hot and we can't do anything else, we do more school.

And be easy on yourself. It's a big adjustment from parent to parent/teacher, and don't expect it to be ideal at first or for your child to be as enthused as you are. My kids have never been very "into" school but they work hard and are doing well. If someone asks them if they like school, they always say "no" and will say that their favorite subject is "outside time." Don't take that type of thing personally.

[mktkcb]

I also vote you look at sonlight! It might be a good fit.

[Cadam]

MFW (mfwbooks.com) is worth a look. Daily lesson plans, classical and all. It does include Bible though so I don't know if that works for you or not.

[aready]

I am not at all opposed to it having the Bible in it. I just want a history lesson that doesn't exclude other religions or something because it doesn't fit with the Bible teachings. I think my dd will be more educated and a better Christian for knowing that other religions exist and the why behind them.

Thanks for all of your suggestions so far! I am heading over to some sites you suggested now.

[Mama Bear]

I am not at all opposed to it having the Bible in it. I just want a history lesson that doesn't exclude other religions or something because it doesn't fit with the Bible teachings. I think my dd will be more educated and a better Christian for knowing that other religions exist and the why behind them.

Thanks for all of your suggestions so far! I am heading over to some sites you suggested now.

I know you said that you'e looking for something that's inclusive and planned already, but... I heart The Story of the World series. It's *fun* and teaches world history minus a Christian-based world view, but certainly not biased against, either. One of our favorite parts is the discussion of the beginnings of Islam. You might want to dip your toe in over the summer with the CDs (maybe while travelling?), then after listening, go look through the Activity Guide and Student Pages to see what looks like fun for both of you.

Welcome and have fun! :D