Generally most full curriculum's lack in one or more subject areas. We feel working with specialist services is the best way forward to get the best education in each subject. However there are some which are listed which do more than one subject on the list!
How do I manage multiple kids at different stages?
You will find that most of the programs listed are for guided study or independent study, choose one of these. Therefore you can sit together with all your children and guide as and when they need it. Alarms for the start times for each child would be a great way of keeping on top of it. Start slowly, you don't have to start everything on a timetable all at once. Taking it slow will benefit your children and yourself.
I have just de registered from a traditional school. What should I do now?
You all must de-school and de-stress. I would take at least 28 days out of education. Heal from any bad experiences and sort out behavoir issues and build family ties. Some home schoolers suggest one month off structured education for every school year completed in a traditional school, to have time to reset and start a fresh. Suggestions are to build memories and have fun with you children at this transitional time. Once ready, choose the timetable, choose your first course and start it. Keep choosing new courses and adding these subjects as and when the family is ready, just don't wait too long either.
How long should I stay on each timetable?
As long as you need to. Children progress at different rates, age should not be the major factor rather readiness. Some children might stay on one timetable for months or years. Move them up when they think they are ready or when you think they are ready, preferably both. There are no rules, but naturally if something interests they will spend longer on it, if you are running always out of time a move up of one or even two timetables might be needed.
I work. How can I home educate?
It will be more difficult. But no one said it had to be Monday to Friday. 9 to 3 pm. Work it around your own timetable. Or work with other home educators. Look for groups on Facebook and Yahoo.
My children want to do different projects
This is normal, and should be allowed. Perhaps if time is the issue. Then you create the box of resources together with your children instead of presenting it to them at the start of the project. This will make it easier.
When should I start project work?
When the child can read. Being able to own a project you need to be able to find the information for yourself. To have control over what is learnt and when. Its more than a project, its also about learning time management and understanding how to create a better project the next time.
Whats the most important things to remember?
To stay consistent. Stick to your pre planned routine and let your kids know exactly what is expected of them. Lots of praise when deserved. Have a plan on what behaviour you expect and don't, with the consequences if broken. Be consistent and most importantly enjoy your journey.
I'm stuck, I can't choose a curriculum
Let your child choose if you stuck, it helps them take responsibility over there own future and feel like they have more control. I would advise parents to involve their children in decisions as it teaches them so much about life. It is however okay to eliminate some or most before you hand over choice. Especially younger children should only have a limited choice on two or three options. Space it out, you don't need to choose all at once. Start with subjects you think are most important and work on from there.
What do I do in "cooking" period?
Make lunch. Later timetables do not have cooking periods because they should be able to make their own lunch, in lunch time break slot, like an adult. This time is put in to teach basic cooking skills. You can also use time to bake cookies or prep dinner with your child too.
My child is struggling in a subject area. What should I do?
Change the time of day the lesson takes place. Students have time in their day when they are most alert, for most this is first or second lesson of the day. You could also try a different curriculum, if its about the match. All children are better in some subjects at different parts of their lives, it may pass, it might not. They will move forward, and at the end of the day it does not matter how fast they are moving forward, just that they are.
Why is project time important?
This is time when the child is not spoon fed information and they learn independence and how to put projects together. Secondly they also have a chance to pesue in a meaningful way passions which they hold, hopefully leading to more projects. Its time in which to support the childs growth in interests, as well as their growth in ways of working.