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Homeschool Curriculum Trial and Errors
Posted by Coral on May 31, 2008Well even though I was homeschooled, the curriculum choice for my family was no easy task. Can anyone relate? There are so many more to choose from now; and even though I loved my HS experience we never quite settled on just one that we completely loved. Now I know what my Mom went through.
Finally after lots of research I thought I found the curriculum for us. I read the reviews, people said it was lots of work for the parent. I thought, “I can handle it, I’m dedicated to this. I’m Super Mom!”; plus I absolutely loved the concept and couldn’t say no to trying it. So I decided on the “Weaver Curriculum”.
You actually use the Bible as the jumping off point for everything you learn. Isn’t that cool! The base curriculum is Geography, History and Science with some Language arts. I didn’t mind getting a separate Math program. They had a learn- to -read program called, “123 Read” that I had to purchase separately also, but I didn’t mind. I was so excited!
I am still a little sad that it didn’t work out. That’s right I couldn’t hack it 
. I tried I really did. I have a friend that is doing it this year and I am sure she’ll do great, she’s just that kind of person. I however am not, it required way too much work! I know people out there tried to warn me. I guess with curriculum, you just don’t know until you try. We live in a small town. Finding all the books they recommended, was hard. It doesn’t come with any of the books. We have a good library; but I would either have to try and substitute the books or plan way ahead, and wait for them to come in from another library. I could have ordered them on the web. They weren’t all from the same place though, so with shipping costs and all it was too expensive. Also there were lots of things that needed to be purchased for projects. It just took too much away from our family time, especially for just Kindergarten. I guess I’m one of those who need a little more structure. Still absolutely love the concept!
That year I ended up piecing together my own curriculum which worked fine. This is what I did:
Math – Saxon K (Liked it a lot, very hands on. Included script of what to say to your child, don’t have to use this.)
Reading – Kept 123 Read program( Liked letter sound song and making the paper bag puppets for each letter. Didn’t care for the rest, lacked in phonics I had to add a lot to it.) Also used some Hooked on Phonics.
Handwriting– Wrote Bible verses From Genesis.
History and Science– What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know;and Exploring God’s World, Science Investigations and More
sure that it has nothing to do with the fact that he grew up in the public school system, got bored and into trouble. Besides that he loves us, spends time with us, helps out, and works hard. He is talented in almost everything He puts His mind to (a very hot drummer,and computer geek). He adores Me 
,and he loves Jesus.
my little friend. I love spending time conversing with her. she has a lot of insight for a 6 year old. She can be very serious, and very silly. My girly loves to meet new people and is not shy at all. P is a true leader and great big sister. I thank God for her because she helps me grow each day. I see things in her that are just like me and others I wish I had as part of me, but at least I have her.
mommy”, I say “yes R” and she proceeds with, “I love you”. This happens a few times a day, warming my heart every time. R can be shy at times, is artistic (got that from me), and is good at physical thing such as sports. She is in t-ball and would be great at it if she could only stop day dreaming for a few moments. Her imagination is a fairy tale land that I wish I could jump right into and run with her and the ponies.
something out of the frig, the next thing I new he had wiggled out of the belt in the high chair and onto the counter. The girls never gave me so many heart attacks! He is such a happy baby, and makes us all laugh. I am cherishing every moment with him because we are pretty sure he will be are last.
One of my favorite family outings is hiking. I love to teach women’s groups and my children. This is probably because I am very opinionated. I like to paint, but never do. One thing about me that is a little odd is that I enjoy exercise. I know it’s weird. It hasn’t always been this way, but now I rely 
on it as my caffeine substitute. I am a very emotional person, and am learning to control this a little more as time goes by. My biggest desire and goal in life is to please my Lord Jesus in every season of my life. Right now my season is raising our children in the way each of them should go. I hope some of my thoughts and experiences as a homeschool mom will bless others. This will probably benefit me more than anyone. Oh, yeah I was homeschooled
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