Friday, November 2, 2012

Short Version of Homeschooling (in Alabama)

I had a reader ask a question on how to get started in homeschooling and choosing curricula. She also lives in Alabama and I thought I'd just make it a post in case someone else had the same question.

To make a long story short, you get to choose which curriculum you think will work for your family. Each curriculum has different levels of study. Some are Bible based others are not. This will take some time on your part to choose what is right for your family.

Here are some of the more well-known curricula to help you get started:

Sonlight
My Father's World
ABEKA
RightStart Math
Saxon Math
A Reason for Spelling
Handwriting without Tears
Getty-Dubay Italics

Click HERE for reviews of different curriculum we have used.

Another great option for you would be to attend one of the Homeschool Conventions. You can find more info for Alabama conventions here:

http://www.alabamahomeschoolexpo.com/
https://www.homeschool-life.com/al/chefofalabama/

Another good place for information on homeschooling is http://www.hslda.org/

If you are not a licensed teacher, you will need to find a cover school. There are several types of options with this.  You can choose something local to you that offers classes or you can go in the opposite end and find a cover that only requires you turn in your paperwork and number of days completed. (Alabama has VERY flexible rules regarding homeschooling.)  Each cover will have its own set of requirements; possibilities include: statement of faith, curriculum list, grades, ACT testing, etc. You will have to do some research on this one.
 
I remember getting a bit overwhelmed with all the choices in the beginning, but as you begin to research you will whittle away the ones that won't fit and your list of choices will become smaller.  If you have further questions (and I'm sure you will), please feel free to contact me at missbecky75 {at} gmail *dot* com

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2 comments:

Linda said...

Thanks for sharing! May I add that the curriculum choices vary greatly, and the cost of them does, too. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the prices, try some of the free or low cost internet sites like Vocabulary and Spelling City. You get the benefit of organized lessons and games without the sticker shock. As you start finding what works in your homeschool, then you can start making the curriculum purchases. Even ask fellow homeschoolers for their reviews of things they have used, sometimes it helps to be able to see a curriculum before buying. Anyway, thanks for letting me share that thought!

Becky @ BoysRuleMyLife said...

Very good points, Linda! Thank you!

My boys have been using SpellCity for over a year now and love it! I love it 'cause it's FREE! :)

http://www.spellingcity.com/

Thanks again for the comments!!!