Hi, I'm Vicki.  I'm homeschooling my only child Matthew (5 yrs old).  We just moved to ABQ May 27th!  My husband is active duty Air Force.  We've been married for 12 yrs.  We live on the West side.

My first activity with the group was this past Thursday's park day.  I'm hopefully going to sign up for a few more activities in August so I thought I'd introduce myself here since I've not met too many members yet.   BTW- Amy has been so helpful and informative and right on target with all her help!  Not sure if everyone is aware but she is answering the email for people that are wanting info about the group and to send out info on activities since nonmembers do not have access to the calendar. Thanks a bunch Amy!   Amy and I both are orginally from Alabama so that was a neat to find another Bama girl homeschooling in ABQ!   I've lived in Birmingham, AL;  Omaha, NE;  Ft. Walton Beach, FL;  Okinawa, Japan; Charleston, SC and now here...  We've moved quite a bit in the last 12 yrs!  I'm excited about ABQ.  I really like the people that I've met and the no humidity still amazes me!  And everyone tells me that the mountains north of here (and on into Colorado) are spectacular but I'm still in awe of the mountains here!  We don't grow mtns like that in Alabama!  

This year we are starting a Kindergarten curriculum.  I was really leaning toward an unschooling approach or unit studies back when I first became interested in homeschooling but Matthew is definitely not the kid for that.  He thrives on routine, organization and paperwork!  But that's the beauty of homeschooling, I teach the way he learns best.  Although at times it's difficult cause I'm not as disciplined and organized as he is!    We used the Abeka Pre-K curriculum and I'm using their kindergarten curriculum as well.  I have to say that I wasn't so impressed with it when I got the books, but it was a prefect fit for him cause he did exceptional well last year and really enjoys their step-by-step approach.  I'd never had phonics as a kid and Abeka uses them.  I was able to teach myself and him using the program!   I can't wait to see what I learn this year!

Well, I look forward to meeting people in person!  
Vicki

Hi Vicki! I missed Thursday's park day for the first time ever last week, so I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you. I also have a 5yo son, and your description of leaning towards unschooling but finding your child wanting a more organized approach is very similar to my situation. Hope we get a chance to meet soon.

I also want to add my thanks to Amy for the great job she's doing as one of our co-op's membership coordinators!

I can guarantee I do not know everything my kids need to learn, but I can also guarantee I that I will learn what I need and will be able to teach them.  I look forward to learning new things with my kids and see it as a big plus for homeschooling.  

Welcome to the group.  I look forward to getting to know you.

Thanks for the thanks Elizabeth and Vicki!
Annnd, I too was thinking we would be more unschooled instead of using curriculum but as we get more into it, the curriculum is becoming more important.  BUT, it is not because of Emily, but ME!!  I've found that I get too worried and insecure about whether Emily is "learning" what she should be at this age.  Curriculum gives me some guidelines and helps me be more relaxed about doing this schooling thing.

Oh, and welcome again to Vicki.  She is VERY nice and we had a great conversation at the park.  I hope we see you at another event soon!

Vicki,

As for great minds...Dallin is also a Matthew...Matthew Dallin Mackay.  He just turned three.  

Welcome to ABQ.  We'll look forward to meeting you.

-Kari

Welocme Vicki... we've been on vacation and didn't make the last park day, but I'm sure we'll catch up at some point. You'll find that this is a great group with lots to offer and do. Again Welcome!