trying to start out…

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  • March 3, 2008 at 8:03 pm
    Misty
    Participant

    Hello, I am trying to start out and am feeling overwhelmed. I have a 18mo, 4, 6, 8 & 9 year old. I am feeling like I would really enjoy using CM. I would like to know a couple things. I just don’t understand how to start History(which is my weakest subject by far), and with Science I love the nature part, but then do I just go and do the 106 days of creation and the Considering God’s Creation for the upper ones? Each year doing it again and again? Copywork can this be anything? our scripture verses, literature copying? HELP and I am someone who needs almost a manual and can not seem to get that. I would love some help to get started ASAP.

    Misty

    March 3, 2008 at 8:38 pm
    Misty
    Participant

    Also, me again Misty.. this is only my 2nd year homeschooling and I started out VERY traditional schooling for 2 reasons, 1>safety & 2>hubby just wasn’t fully on board 1st year needed that safety. I would love some feed back in how to get started I already have my scription index box going and loving it!! Misty

    March 3, 2008 at 11:19 pm
    BlessedMama
    Member

    Hi, Misty!

    Have you read the “Making the Transition” section here at SCM? I have been following that, although coming from more relaxed. I still don’t “do” CM like some people do, but I have learned in 16 years of homeschooling, that it’s okay to make it work for us.

    Take one thing at a time. I was sooooo weak on science in the younger years. My 9 dc range from 21 to 16 months, and we’ve graduated two. They picked up science in the past 2 years and have run with it! They are also now helping me teach the younger ones! Same for history. I did a little better with that, but to be honest, I’ve done good just to get the basics in over the years.

    I can’t answer your questions specifically, as I have had 106 Days of Creation since last fall, but haven’t been able to implement it yet. We already had some children in the Jeannie Fulbright books, so they are using them right now.

    My dc use the Bible for their main copywork, but yes, it could be anything. Great quotes, sentences (or paragraphs) from a book they’re reading, etc. I’m sure you’ll get some more input.

    I just wanted to encourage you to not stress! It will come, trust me! Just like an elephant, you eat one bite at a time! 😉

    Trisch

    March 4, 2008 at 5:13 am
    Sonya Shafer
    Moderator

    Hi, Misty –

    Trisch gives good counsel! Here are a few bite-sized chunks to nibble on.

    History: If your children haven’t done any history yet, go ahead and start with Module 1: Genesis through Deuteronomy and Ancient Egypt. There are daily lesson plans available for that module, or you can read all together as a Family the Bible passages and the books listed in the 1-3 Grade section, then assign the books listed in the 4-6 Grade section to your older ones to read independently as well.

    Science: It’s easiest to do science all together with your Grades 1-6 children. 106 Days of Creation with Considering God’s Creation is just one option. You can also do any of the Jeannie Fulbright courses all together, or just read some living science books all together. You’ll see six different options listed in the Resources column (Grades 1-6) on the Science part of the curriculum guide; choose one to do each year with all the kids together (in addition to nature study, of course). It doesn’t really matter in what order you do them; do what looks interesting at the time.

    Copywork: Since the goal of copywork is to practice good handwriting, you can use about any passages or excerpts you want to. I sometimes like to let the child choose. (You can give limited options if necessary. 😉 ) They might select a favorite Bible verse/passage or a favorite hymn or a quote or passage from a favorite book. Then set the timer for five minutes and challenge them to do their very best during that time. It doesn’t matter how many words they write; it matters whether they are doing their best. When the timer dings (or beeps or whatever), they quit where they are and pick up there the next time. It’s not a race to finish; it’s a time of training in the habit of best effort.

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