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Hi everyone,

I just pulled our son out of kindergarten one of the "best" APS schools in town, and I'm not quite sure where to go from here.

To give a bit of background... Basically, I was upset and disappointed that the school wouldn't work with us to challenge him. He is reading currently at a beginning 3rd grade level, and was bored to tears learning his letters. He is ready for 1st grade math also, for the most part. However, he has a bit of trouble writing his letters and numbers properly (I'm not too concerned, I think he just needs to work on it). The school used this (as well as his so-called lack of "paying attention" - hello, he's bored!) as an excuse to avoid giving him more challenging work.

So, we went ahead and pulled him out of school this week. I really think he needs individualized attention, and obviously doesn't fit in their mold well, as they seem to expect/want. I am considering homeschooling, but I have no idea where to begin. If we do go this route, we would like to find a secular curriculum that can be tailored to him (I don't want to have to buy a certain "grade" if possible) and that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Any tips or pointers would be helpful! I am really not sure I can do this, having never taught, despite the fact that I have an MS degree. :)

Unfortunately I don't think we can make the park on Thursdays - I wouldn't be able to come until at least 11 due to an obligation that day, and I'm sure you guys are done by then. But I hope to meet you all soon.

Karin

Karin,

Good luck in this new adventure. There really are a lot of curriculums, and the resources section could likely lead you in areas that you can research. Some like Singapore math, others Saxon, etc. Check their web sites.

You are totally right on the writing. It will come with more practice, and is not as vital as schools make out at this point.

Park day goes from 10-3 or sometimes 4, with people coming and going anywhere in there that works for them. So, do stop in if you can. And soon we will change it to 1 pm, which may make it easier for you.

Look forwarding to meeting you!

Kim

Hang in there Karin! You are not alone, and you may find this daunting task of Homeschooling to be a blessing in disguise. I know I have!
This Homeschooling group has been a wonderful support system for my family! Park day on Thursdays is a great way to speak with everyone about how they are schooling their kiddos and people arrive at all times. Hope to see you there!
Take care, Lara

Oh good - we will stop by on Thursday for sure, then, probably a little after 11. Can't wait to meet you all. Thanks!

On a side note, does anyone do the homeschool Science classes at Explora? They sound interesting.

Hi Karin,

Welcome! We did the Explora classes last year. We found them to be fun for the children, but learning was minimal. They did projects and experiments but weren't really taught what was happening or why. My kids are and 5.75. They enjoyed the classes, but had to admit they learned very little.

Mindy

Hi Karin
Let me begin by pointing out that you have taught. You have taught your son well enough that he is out performing his peers in K. Your circumstances are a perfect fit, and a common situation for HSing. I will also say that this will not be limited to K if he is allowed to continue to progress as rapidly as he can; it will only become more of a disparity. That said, it sounds like you already know how to teach you son and may not need to invest in any curriculum at this point. Just continue doing what you have been doing. Reading to him, having him read, teaching basic math skills. All things that do not need fancy books. Let me assure that teaching your son can be natural as just sharing your daily activities with him. You will find that as time goes on, you will relax and trust your instincts. There are many free and inexpensive materials available, especially on the internet, that can aid you. You can also pick up inexpensive workbooks that are great for Elementary ages at places like Sam's, Staples, Walmart, Page One, etc. These are more than adequate at that age. Mostly, just have fun and enjoy your time together!! There is a ton of support out there for you as well!!

Hi Karin!
You've gotten some great words of wisdom already. Your son is already doing fine with his education and you as his guide, whatever path is followed next. You definitely have time to decide on a curriculum and caution against any hurried purchases. Read, Read, and Read! There are many book lists on the web. Here are a couple: http://oldfashionededucation.com/ and http://www.amblesideonline.org/index2.shtml. and http://www.classical-homeschooling.org/celoop/1000.html.
I have a 6 year old son. Hope to meet you!
Tammy

Thank you all. You guys are awesome!

I'm still debating enrolling him in a charter school. Just not sure I have the patience to do this, or what would be best for us all. But we will try to meet you all at the park tomorrow, if we can. Thanks again!

Karin,
Welcome! I got to the park really late today and missed you if you were able to make it. Just wanted to say that we always move the park day time back to 1pm sometime in October, and I think it was just decided today that next week will be the week that we change times. I just wanted to make sure you didn't end up there at 11 next week and wonder where we were. Hope to meet you soon!

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