Homeschool Curriculum Trial and Errors

Posted by Coral on May 31, 2008

 Well 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