And of the two, prioritize reading higher than math. Reading is the key to everything else except math.
Wow, this thread has more incorrect info on home education than any I've ever seen in one place.
Chris Davis is not an unschooler, although he is a wonderful and wise mentor.
Also, he doesn't say this despite recommending curriculum because The Elijah Co doesn't sell curriculum anymore, and one of our most valuable home ed resources for new hsing parents is no more. (the company catalog)
Dr. Raymond Moore, the "grandfather of homeschooling" made up the phrase "home school" (and he regrets it, because of it's link to "school" It's really much different, or can be)
CA does not require that you must keep records and we must follow a curriculum set forth by the state in order to homeschool. In CA home education is not addressed in the law at all. If you follow the whims of the state, you'll jump through unneccessary hoops the rest of your life.
If you don't want to read The Underground History of American Education, or know too much to do so, then try Dumbing Us Down, same author: John Taylor Gatto.
His Six Lesson Schoolteacher article online is great too, now it's the Seven Lesson Schoolteacher though, he's updated it.
I'm not even going to address if it's too late after 2nd grade, to learn reading or anything else. It's too rigid and silly of an idea to explore. Read "Better Late Than Early" by Dr. Raymond Moore.
"provided they have some mastery of the subject" and "we have education but still uncomfortable with homeschooling the kids"
haha, I'll put virtually any home educated kid up against most any public school educated kid, any day. No, it would be a rout. Not even equal, or fair. Can't do that. :D
Often times teachers find it most difficult to homeschool, since what they learn is "crowd control" not education.
This one is the most precious: "a typical parent is no longer qualified to teach"
ho ho! This is such an ignorant and self indulgent statement. I just wonder how we parents are doing it, since we can't do it! I guess we're just like bumblebees flying, it can't be done, and yet we are doing it.
Look up the Hebrew method vs the Egyptian method of educating. Or write me, I have to go now.
ahhh, too many more to address.
S. home educating for 14 years and still learning.