Where to even begin?

[mandlsmum]

Hi everyone,

Well I have made the decision to home educate our children due to the lack of care and compassion they have in the local schools here.

I have looked at the WA education site, but am still so confused as to where to start with planning a curriculum for them and structure to a day.

The girls will be in Prep and year 1 in 2010, the eldest child has attended school but due to having diabetes, school became impossible, and she became more ill constantly.

I also don't know what to say to family etc. My partner is 100% with me, but his mother has been known to be a bit of a cow with any decision that isn't hers.

Also I am due to have a baby in March, has anyone home educated with a newborn? I am worried as to how this will impact the children.

Where is a good place to start with curriculum, learning aides etc for children of this age in WA?
And how would an average day progress for you?

My eldest daughter due to being at school was taught through the Jolly phonics program, so while she is top of her letters and sounds, she will only say them with the accompanying song. She has basic handwriting skills, however her spelling extends only to her name, her maths is very basic.

My youngest daughter has just learnt to write her name, and while she can recite the alphabet, she can not pick out the letters on a chart as yet, she can count to 12.

Do my children have a fair bit to catch up on to get with other children of their age? I am worried I am only going to bring them further behind.

Sorry about the long post ladies!

[Ffrenchknickers]

HI there,

I don't think your children sound behind at all, sounds spot on to me....they are all different. Ds2 couldn't write his name before he started prep but DD (3) can already.

I am in Qld so I can't help you out with WA stuff other than to recommend :

www.hea.asn.au

Also, have a look if there is a yahoo group for homeschoolers in your area. I found our local yahoo group really helpful when I was homeschooling. I found it great to talk to people and also find out about all the acitivites for homeschoolers - of which there were HEAPS!

I was homeschooling Ds1 when DD was a newborn and Ds2 was a toddler, plus through most of my 4th pregnancy. It is definitely doable, you just need to be flexible and organised and make the most of bub's naptimes.

Good luck with it! Homeschooling is wonderful!

[youngmumof3wa]

there is a local network on yahoo hbln, also try www.perthhomeschooolers.com

there are lots of local places, and there are lots of meets etc.

I am in kwinana. There are a few groups that meet and do craft, and sport and events to the zoo etc.

HTH

[mandlsmum]

Thank you so much girls! Looks like there is a stack of info out there, you just have to know where to look for it!

[zenifa]

Just wanted to say good luck with it. I have a friend with a 6yo and 4yo and due to have her 3rd bub in March and she is homeschooling and I think that it is certainly possible, just relax and be flexible!