I just wanted to say hello!  My name is Pam, and I've been visiting this message board for about a week, and I'm getting very excited about joining you for some park or class time in the next two weeks.  I have one daughter, Maya, who will be five in September.  I've been considering homeschooling her for about 2 years.  This year will be our test year.  I want to explore whether this is an option for us, and if it is, I want to be able to introduce both Maya and my husband to homeschooling in a positive way. 

I have some fun gooey science projects and bunches of elementary teaching supplies and materials that I would be happy to share as needed.  My parents and bonus-parents were all teachers and administrators prior to retirement.  So, I inherited a bunch of miscellaneous stuff that we use occasionally now, and will be able to utilize more often as she gets older. 

If there are suggestions you have regarding starting to homeschool, please let me know.

You all sound like nice and interesting people, and I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Pam
(Mom of Maya age 4.916666 )

Hi Pam. Where are you located? If it would ever be convenient for you, we'd love to have you come teach us some gooey stuff at our classroom in NE Heights some Monday. We're losing one of our best teachers -- Julie S. is moving out of state soon -- so we're always on the lookout for someone who wants to give a class! My kids are Eric and Ruby, aged 4.5 and 1.0 (since we're speaking decimally).

I guess anyone's idea of what is good "starting to homeschool" information would depend on the type of homeschooler you are. I personally found the "What Your Kindergartner [First Grader, Second Grader, etc.] Needs to Know" by E. D. Hirsh to be very useful. They're available from the library. I got mine used at Page One, Too.

Welcome, and I hope to meet you soon!