Preparing for Homeschool???

[JoyousBlessings]

Hello,

I was just wondering if I could get some help or advice about what I should be doing to prepare for homeschooling my son this Fall. I just posted another thread about "what would you do?" and I received some incredible advice that has just excited me once again about homeschooling my son, plus made me realize what the best decision actually was for him. ))

I am brand new to homeschooling and I really don't know what all I should do to get ready. I am sure some of you that are experienced homeschoolers will be able to guide me somewhat.

Here is just a little information about myself.... I will be running an in-home childcare M-F while homeschooling (some of you already know this from my other thread), I like organization, I prefer to work from a schedule (not rigid, but a good routine), I am a creative and visual person, and I do want my son to be excited about learning each day. Oh, and my son is very excited about learning at home and mom being his teacher. : ) He is a quick learner and I think he will do well.

I should be ordering my supplies soon from HOD and I am excited about that, but I do want to be somewhat prepared by the time we begin in Fall. Thanks so much for your input. Have a wonderful day! : )

[JoyousBlessings]

I just wanted to add that I do plan to homeschool year round and that my son is turning five in August, so we will be doing Kindergarten.

Thanks! : )

[my3sons]

HOORAY Joyousblessings! I am so glad you've come to this decision, and I pray God's blessing upon you as you train up your little one to know Him, and walk with Him each day.

Here are a few things you can do to get ready for homeschooling:
1. Pray - for God's guidance and leading
2. Read the HOD guide's "Introduction" carefully and gather supplies noted there
3. Have art supplies on hand (which you probably do already), but it's nice if they can be mobile (we purchased a Pampered Chef Tool Turn About off eBay):
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid ... Categories
Here's a picture of my ds using it stocked with art supplies:

4. Make a tentative plan - sticking to the order of things rather than the times is probably more important. We've found we can get off on times sometimes, but if the order of boxes remains the same, that continuity is enough to establish consistency and rhythm to the day. We also note WHERE in the house we're doing each thing, which adds nice movement and variety to the day (i.e. we read on the living room couch, do math at the kitchen table, etc.) Here is a great thread where ladies share their schedules:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2093&p=16049
5. Have a tub or shelf or something to put your HOD guide and accompanying books in; we use a clear tub
6. Last suggestion - start half-speed if you want - doing the left side of the plans one day, and the right side of the plans the next day. You can do this for a few weeks and ease into doing it full-speed. Of course, you can easily just jump right in and do it all full-speed right away if you'd rather.

HTH! I think you'll love LHFHG, and it is very easy on us moms - virtually no prep and happy, stress free teaching days.

In Christ,
Julie

[JoyousBlessings]

Julie,

Thank you very much for your response. I appreciate it greatly. : )

Judging from the lack of response on this particular thread, I am guessing it must be a fairly easy thing to prepare for homeschooling (especially with HOD) for most moms, like you mentioned. Maybe I am thinking too much about it. I just know that if I don't prepare and plan, then I tend to get distracted by other things and my days don't flow as well as I would like for them to.

I plan on looking at the "schedules" link you provided and taking your suggestions as well. I am very excited about beginning my homeschool journey with my son. I just don't want to forget anything. I want to have good knowledge of what I am teaching my son, have supplies handy for any projects, etc....

I still welcome any "must do" or "this really helps" type advice. Everyone have a wonderful day!!!

[Jessi]

I second the pampered chef art supply caddy! We LOVE ours!!!!