Yes I am new…and my eyes are filled with hope. I am an aussie mum and have been home schooling for 15 months now, going through the A.C.E system. Something was missing…and my wallet just could not keep up with their booklist. More importantly, my children were…bored!
Now I find myslef on this site, as well as an Australian based CM website..and I am totally hooked. I even dream about my new found path. This is a huge new change for my children and myself.
I am blessed that my husband and parents are very supportive. I have looked through the curriculum guide on SCM and written out all I need for each child (I have three).
Now I just need to put it all together.
Does anyone have any wonderful tips to give to one just starting out?
Welcome! CM is a little bit difficult to get used to at first. Feels like you aren’t doing enough, especially if you are coming from PS or a boxed curriculum. Don’t let it throw you! It’s simply that so much can be accomplished without all the busy work that we’ve somehow come to learn to expect. The key is finding good books that really engage your children (and you!). Don’t be afraid to substitute if a resource isn’t readily available to you, not everyone listed is the perfect fit for every family, anyway. You may find something just as good or even better! Use the library as much as you are able. Don’t under estimate the value of habit training: the habits of attention and perfect execution especially need to be established early and are key to helping your children learn to their full potential. Mostly, have fun and enjoy your kids!
How old are your children? I have two boys 11 and 7. We’ve only been homeschooling since September and this is the method I started with. I am very grateful to have found CM right off the bat!
I did ACE also when we started. It did get old for my one son. He wanted more than book work. I am glad a friend introduced us to CM. You will find your nitch. Just pray and ask God to help you. If you have questions you can ask them here. 🙂
Welcome!!!! My Advice: Stick to short lessons. Enjoy the flexibility. Check out all the items SCM has to offer. (I have bought alot of their items, and I’ve not been disappointed yet.) Check out the cirriculum guide. It is full of awesome resource suggestions. Start with the basic subjects (Language Arts, Math, Bible, History, Science) and build on to that with the extras (Art, Music, Poetry, Foreign Lang., etc.) as you are ready.
Most Important Advice: When you get stumped or discouraged get on this forum for help and advice!!! This is one of the few HS forums that I have found where people are kind and respectful when they have differing opinions. I get so much encouragement and so many great ideas from the people that frequent this forum.
Welcome! I also rec. SCM’s “Planning Your CM Education” sold here. It’s really helped me to be organized and make sure my CM bases are covered. We live by the daily schedules I print off, and it gives guidance on how/what subjects to teach, sample schedules, etc. Blessings on your journey! Gina
Welcome mel. It is nice to meet another Aussie here 🙂 We are Aussies but living in Israel. We also have 3 children (11,8,3). How old are your children? Where are you in Australia?
Have you checked out the Aussie Homeschool Forum? http://aussiehomeschool.com/ There are lots of very helpful people there, including CMers. They also have a classifieds section to buy and sell curriculum.
Hello Mum In Zion 🙂 My children are 11, 7 and 4! Looks like we have much in common! We are in Tasmania! I will need to check out that forum. I have spent the last two weeks up to my neck in research and information…totally freaking out thinking I could never do this.
Don’t freak out! Just take it slow and start with small, manageable bites 🙂 You don’t need to introduce everything CM all at once. I think it is recommended to introduce the new methods slowly, gradually introducing more as you and your kids get comfortable/familiar with the new way of doing things.
They have just released “Language Lessons from Australian History”, combining copywork, dictation, picture study, poetry, grammar etc with Australian history. It looks very CM friendly.
They also have “Phontastic Spelling Tactics”, A spelling course based on phonics and spelling rules. It uses copywork, dictation and other varied activities to teach the spelling rules and give reinforcement.
I have found it challenging to find CM friendly resouces for Australian History, so I was very glad to find this new website.
I have also found this site useful in planning an Aussie CM education. http://www.homeschoolingdownunder.com/ I like the copywork books using Australian literature, and the suggestions for Australian geography and history.
I don’t want to add to your “information overload” but just wanted to share what has been helpful to me.