Hi Andrea,
We started homeschooling when my kids were about the ages of yours. That was before the Internet so I just read a lot of catalogs and homeschooling books. My best advice would be to take it slow, enjoy your kids, and not try to rush into too much, too soon. Don't expect to have everything planned out before you start. There's no way you can know now what will work for your family 5 years from now. You might have an idea, and have a plan, but be sure to keep it flexible so you can change course if you need to as your kids change and grow. That's one of the wonderful things about homeschooling. You can make changes as you go along, so your kids don't have to "fit the mold". I know there are a lot of curriculums available for preschoolers and I'm sure some of them are very good. We never used a formal curriculum before kindergarten. I think the best "curriculum" for the early years is to read to your kids, play with them, and involve them in life. We did read-aloud every day, did art activities several times a week, went to the park, on field trips, nature walks, etc. If I had it to do over again I would do even more of that and worry less about the academics until they were older. But that's just what has worked for my family. You will find what works for yours.

Andrea
Just noticed your intro I have younger ones too.
ds 6 ds5 dd 2 dd 3 mos

I have tried to pick out the most simplistic preschool - k materials like from rod and staff ( very affordable ) but have since discovered two things the discipline and forming routines are essential priorities and a lot of free stuff is available via internet for this age group and for variety I've purchased very nice workbooks from discount stores like odd lots. Save your pennies fore the future when you want to purchase more expensive unit studies and science kits etc..

I am totally sold on multi - level unit studies that the whole family can participate in. I like the HOW series I have a list on my little blog you could get ideas from.

I think I've invested more than enough in their schooling materials ~ meaning I probably won't buy again for at least three years.

YOU CAN'T BUY THE DISCIPLINE AND ROUTINES and until they are in place you will get very little HS done and won't use the materials to the fullest. So as you see maturity then invest your money.

Our fav right now is http://www.starfall.com/

Please keep yourself encouraged as the leader. Sometimes I feel I spend too much time researching and chatting on forums like this but I know it helps me stay motivated!

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/5lilpeppers/

I like the idea of free!
I'm going to start a new thread about our favorite free places in the net, like starfall.
Christine

Hi! I'm Jennifer in Warrenville Illinois (next town over from Christine). Been married to my husband 11 years now. We were blessed with two incredible sons (8 and 5yrs). At the birth of my first son, my Dad looked at me (son was about 15min old) and said, 'you know, you're not sending this child to public school - right? You're homeschooling him - right?' Well, needless to say, I'm blessed with awesome support from my parents and husband and we're doing ok, with God's help! 8yo is 2nd grade and 5yo is K. I am so thankful that we live in a state that is so open to homeschoolers and has so much local support through homeschool groups large and small.
In starting this homeschool journey (thereby closing the door on my aspirations of rejoining my professional career goals), God placed an awesome business opportunity in my lap - ugh, talk about wondering how much you can handle! My business website is: www.DreamIt.myarbonne.com

Blessings to you and yours, Jenn

Hi Jennifer!
Welcome! Do I know you? It's a small homeschool community around here and I bet we've crossed paths.
Hope you stop by often!
Christine

Hi, everyone -
I'm Sonya, homeschooling four girls (my "Little Women") near Atlanta. (Christine, I used to live near Wheaton years ago!)

We diagnosed our youngest with autism about four years ago. You can read about our journey with her on my parenting Web site: Intentional Parents.

I have also been blessed just recently when the Lord granted a long-time dream of mine and has allowed me to co-manage a site for those using a Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling. It's called Simply Charlotte Mason.

"Truly parents are happy people -- to have God's children lent to them."

Grace and peace,
Sonya

Hello, Sonya!

I have two K aged boys and dd2, dd5 mo.

I have to say I love boys and girls but the difference is so interesting my dd2 is a very busy girl she is just so talkative and wanting to do everything NOW. She is practically the second mommy for Sophia although sometimes miss guided and over zealous! Like stripping Sophia naked to change her diaper and after we get her all put together again after 5 min she's ready to do it again. She's got a living doll available doesn't she? I'll take the time to read your blog ...... how neat, four girls

Return often,
Jacinda

Welcome Sonya! I'm so glad you've found this forum and I hope you'll stop by often!
We live in Springdale, AR and are enjoying the winter weather that has finally arrived!!!
We homeschool our children and have graduated one into college! Woo-Hoo!!!!
Now to go check our your website...

Oh, Sonya,
Much more than a blog thank you for the wonderful resources!

Hello,

My name is June and I was searching Lifeway's website looking for a new online Bible study and found your homeschool group. How exciting! I have read your book, too, Christine, "Help for the Harried Homeschooler". I am a homeschool mom of 4 children ages 8, 6, 4 and 2. I'm from Olathe, KS. We have homeschooled since the beginning but at the beginning of this school year I had my doubts about if I had heard God correctly about this endeavor of educating our children. The two preschoolers in the mix have been a big challenge and disruption. I've tried about every suggestion given to moms of tots with little to no success. I've cried out to the Lord and he answered as he faithfully does everytime. The little ones are much better than they were in August and God has shown me that homeschooling isn't just a calling, it's a privilege that he lets me do it at all. I have great family support and that has been a tremendous blessing. I look forward to getting to know each of you and learning from your insights and sharing in your struggles and triumphs.

In Christ's love,
June W. (cookiemom)

Welcome! June .....

I have children of similar ages and I as you 6,5,2,5 mo. and I REALLY know what you are talking about

Please post when you can I'd love to get to know you and see how you've gotten over some of your hurdles.

Jacinda

Hi June cookiemom,
Welcome, welcome, welcome! So glad you're here!I remember the challenge of having 4 kids that age! So glad to hear that you see the privilege in the craziness. God is good and he will equip you.
I'd love to hear more from you about how you manage your blessings.

Christine

Hello! My name is Veronica Boulden. I have one kid and she is just two years old. I plan on homeschooling. I do basic things with my daughter now, like the alphabet, phonics, writing and numbers. I also have a part time job writing from home for a local newspaper. Before I had Norah, I was an elementary school teacher. Even then, I felt parents were the most important part of the education process and felt homeschooling done right would be the most effective way to educate. So, with that idea in mind, I created a website called www.momsteachingkids.com It is still being developed and will continue to have more to offer, but, for now, you can visit and join discussions on the forum. I am glad to be a part of Lifeway's homeschool community, too. Thanks for having me.

Hi Veronica,
Welcome again. Hope you stop by often and I'm off to check out your place.
Blessings,
Christine

Hi!

I'm new to this site and to blogging. But, I'm glad I found this. I am a homeschooling mom of 3 in Oviedo, Fl. I have a 10 yr old daughter, almost 7 yr old daughter and almost 5 yr old son. I've been homeschooling since the beginning.

I always felt God leading me to homeschool even before I had children. Though, through the years have occasionally had my doubts when it was difficult. Have considered private schooling, never public schooling, though. Now, I feel stronger than ever about homeschooling and would not consider putting my children in a private school. Not to say that I don't have difficult days, because I do. I just view homeschooling as a responsibility now, rather than an option.

I look forward to getting to know everyone.

In Christ,
Sage

Greetings Sage!

Glad to meet you. Hope you stop by for ideas and encouragement.

I like the way you talk about homeschooling as a responsibility. It's often a case of stepping out in obedience, isn't it?

Blessings,
Christine

Hi all,

I'm not new here, but my name is. "Lori in FL" is now "Lori in TX"

I was made aware of this forum by our Texas Home School Coalition www.thsc.org I am a longtime member of several Christian forums. Glad to be here!

Briva

Welcome Briva

I have young dc but Quiver and Lori have older ones they are great online friends to share with.

Hoping to get to know you better this year

Jacinda

Hi Briva,
Do you live in Texas now? We just moved to San Antonio the beginning of this month. I haven't gotten into a homeschool group yet but hope to soon. Welcome to this forum!