Re: What is your best advice for a new homeschooler?
I have seen so many people decide to homeschool, and then just pick up Abeka's curriculum because that's what the private schools use/everyone else is using. My advice would be to read books about educational theories and learning styles before you pick a curriculum. Yes, the most important job is to love and know your child and help him learn about God. But at some point you have to teach the 3 R's, and I see too many people struggling and hating homeschooling because they are a slave to some pre-packaged, school-at-home, one-size-fits-all curriculum.
So here's my advice stepped out:
1. Relax and go with the flow.
2. Read up on educational theories and pick one that you like and you think will work for your family. (For example: traditional textbook, classical, literature-based, unit study, unschooling, eclectic, etc.) Keep in mind your child's learning style: visual, auditory, kinesthetic.
3. Look at as many different curriculums as you can that fall in the educational category you picked.
4. Once your curriculum arrives at your door, go back to step 1.
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Desiree, mom to 5 sweet blessings, Lacy 24, Jordan 22, Joanna 20, Emma 19, and Ethan 17
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