[ShadowAce]

We don't use a formal curriculum. Instead, we get books we like on each subject that we are teaching.

Also, everything we do is a teaching opportunity. Every question they ask, we walk them through solving it. We don't allow frivolous TV--the few programs they watch are educational. We don't really take any time off (summer, vacations, etc), so we are continually teaching.

One reason we do it this way is both of our children have fine motor skills issues. As a result, their writing ability is quite a bit worse than most, but their intellect and problem-solving skills are higher than most. Before the age of 10, our eldest could perform long division and 2-3 digit multiplication in his head.

It's a LOT of work and commitment on the part of both parents to educate in this way, but it pays off. Our kids are intelligent and well-behaved in spite of issues that would normally cause problems in a public (or even a private) school.

[John Leland 1789]

We like your approach. We’ve been doing similarly since 1982.

[stainlessbanner]

Somebody emailed this to me last week - y'all have prob. seen it before....

How does a homeschooler change a lightbulb?

• First, mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then the kids make models of light bulbs, read a biography of Thomas Edison and do a skit based on his life.
• Next, everyone studies the history of lighting methods, wrapping up with dipping their own candles.
• Next, everyone takes a trip to the store where they compare types of light bulbs as well as prices and figure out how much change they'll get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill.
• On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and also Abraham Lincoln, as his picture is on the five dollar bill.
• Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged from the woods, the light bulb is installed.

[DBCJR]

I understand why ShadowAce is taking this approach, but recognized curriculum is just that, “recognized”. When a child has completed a well known curriculum, and there is detailed documentation of performance, public education, private schools, and universities all have some idea as to the knowldge base and performance of the child.

Read the article and get the resources.

[bboop]

Just a thot — we homeschooled. I approached cursive in ‘3rd grade’ like I thought I should, but my perfectionist son was not capable of the coordination necessary to do it. I taught him to type instead.

What exactly IS the reason for cursive? Letters to Grandma? Signing your name? If it is communication, you can do that (and indeed, I do it quite a bit better) on a computer. He finally learned cursive when he was 14 or so. It took about 1/2 hour.

We loved homeschooling too. Great fruits. If you are at all considering it, DO IT.

[P8riot]

This is the way we do it. Granted we really just started (officially), but our 5 yr old son, Sam, is light years ahead of his peers in public school system.

As for everything being a learning opportunity; He's been helping me restore a 1972 Super Beetle. Just ask him how an internal combustion engine works, and sit down for a while.

[Kaylee Frye]

I like your method. We will probably incorporate something similar with our future kids... But maybe a little more formal. I definitely think it depends on the kids - Kudos to you guys for figuring out what works with your kids! :) Keep up the good work!