What kindergarten homeschool curriculum to use?
I used the state’s curriculum (we homeschooled through a state-sponsored program). Currently, I use the State Requirements as a guideline and do everything I can to build from that. With kindergarteners, think field trips and games. By making learning fun (something the traditional school system seems to have forgotten), you allow your son to reach out in his curiosity. With a homeschooling boy, sitting down isn’t what you want (that is SO hard if you’ve come from a traditional school background). There will be enough time to pound away at the technical in first through third grades. For me, I used Peggy Kaye’s Games For . . . books ( http://www.peggykaye.com/ ) to encourage math and writing. The Williamson’s Little Hands Series is fantastic for Art, Science, Math, whatever. The Williamson’s Kids Can! Series is great as you move from Kindergarten into the lower grades. The hardest thing about picking up homeschooling, I found, was
We only used one or two “workbooks” for Kindergarten (Explode the Code for phonics and a math program – there are several to choose from, but you really don’t need one, unless you would feel more comfortable). Kindergarten is really a time to explore and learn through play. We did lots of craft-type things for history and science, general drawing/writing, read-alouds, and just playing. Don’t expect too much “seatwork” from a K student – it’s just not in them yet. And if you try to force it, he’ll always hate school. Later on, when he’s older, you can follow something like The Well-Trained Mind or Charlotte Mason, if you want more structure.
