Homeschooling newbie, PLEASE HELP!

[JRSutton]

I am homeschooling my 5 yr old son for the first time. I have been using bits and pieces of stuff to teach him. I feel like I am not covering enough, and I need something completely laid out for me. I am not sure what level to start him on, and I need help.

[StephanieU]

When does he turn 6?
Have you started any formal math, phonics, or handwriting with him?
And what have you been reading to him (bedtime stories, etc)?
Those answers will help determine if LHTH or LHFHG is the better choice.
Oh, and do you do any co-op or similar classes?

[JRSutton]

He turns 6 on April 1st.
Math- he can count to 100, add to 10, knows shapes, and positions.
He can write all letters, upper and lower case.
He has read up to lesson 8 in horizion phonics.
I read all kinds of childrens books. Lately we have been reading books from ambleside online's year 1 list.

[StephanieU]

I would start with LHFHG then, but don't stress about getting a unit done in a week. He is on the younger end of the age range, SSU taking a little over a year to completed it isn't a bad thing at all. LHFHG and Beyond aren't super challenging guides, but things pick up in Bigger, Preparing, and CtC, and most kids do best when they are neat the middle ages for those guides (so at least 7.5 for Bigger, 8.5 for Preparing, etc).
And a note about Horizon phonics, since I used it with my oldest two: the end of the K books will put your kids near a second grade reading level! So when the lessons get longer, don't stress about doing a full lesson in a day. Also don't be afraid of doing some of the writing for him if he doesn't enjoy writing and/or you are doing other writing. It is a solid program, but it moves fast and often is too much for a single day of school.

[JRSutton]

To answer your other question, no. I need to find something of that nature.

[JRSutton]

What all do I need to order to have everything I need?

[StephanieU]

So you have Horizons phonics already, which is enough for handwriting and phonics. Do you have a math curriculum?
It not, get the kindergarten economy package, kindergarten basic package, and a Bible (I like the Family Time Bible, but both are good).

[JRSutton]

I only have the teacher's guide and 3 out of 4 readers. No, I don't have a math curriculum. I have been using random math workbooks.

[StephanieU]

If you don't have the Horizons workbook, I would definitely consider The Reading Lesson and A Reason for Handwriting (either K or 1).

[my3sons]

Great help here already from StephanieU! A typical K order looks like this...

K Economy Package
Family Time Bible
ARHW K
The Reading Lesson with CD
K Basic Package

Ordering this ensures you have every single subject area covered for K. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie