Say what?

Before I go into the thinking process that lead my husband and I to decide to go with the classical method for the 2012-2013 school year, I HAVE to show you something...I was checking out a forum thread at The Well Trained Mind website and came across a whole new language, a homeschool language. I mean, I knew there were lots of different curriculum out there but THIS is wild. Here's what I saw...

CLE, R & S, FLVS, BJU, MFW ECC, BSGFAA, AAS, HOD, CTC, LHFHG, MM4, WWE (isn't that a wrestling thing?), IEW, HW, TT, LOE,

K, huh?

So, do I even dare try to determine what all these acronyms stand for and take the chance I will only bombard myself with more curriculum to compare and decide on, or do I just mosey on and look the other way?

For now, I'll mosey.

Up to Now

Hello,
If you're like me, you are already freaking out about the next school year, lol! I figure this is the perfect time for me to get together all the links and stuff I've collected and put them here for your perusal and our sanity. Some of these links come from my personal favorites folder (in process of recovery since a new hard drive was installed on my laptop, so I'll have way more to share from here in the future), researching on my own, the homeschool convention, or helpful others who homeschool. So, with no further ado....

Comprehensive (Online Teaching, Homework Help, Resources)
http://www.about.com/education/
http://www.pbs.org/teachers
http://www.abcmouse.com/
http://www.cosmeo.com/
http://www.education.com/

Methods Research/Curriculum
http://www.sonlight.com/
http://edhelper.com/
http://www.veritaspress.com/ (Classical)
http://www.memoriapress.com/ (Classical)
http://simplycharlottemason.com/
http://classical-homeschooling.org/
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/ (Classical)

Math
http://lifeoffredmath.com/
http://www.ixl.com/
http://themathworksheetsite.com/
http://www.mathusee.com/
http://rightstartmath.com/

Science
http://www.biology4kids.com/
http://www.chem4kids.com/
http://www.cosmos4kids.com/
http://www.physics4kids.com/

Social Studies
http://www.geography4kids.com/

Grammar & Language Arts

Bible
http://www.answersingenesis.org/

Unit Studies
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/worms/
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/gpe/

Printouts
http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/

Electives/Skills/Other
http://www.typingweb.com/
http://www.characterfirst.com/

Supplies
http://www.millerpadsandpaper.com/

Tips:
1)  Check websites for free catalogs
2)  Look up homeschool conventions near you and GO! Here's one link that might help...http://americanhomeeducation.org/ Even if you go and get totally involved talking with people at their booths, browsing, and/or shopping and miss the speakers (like my husband and I did), have no fear for all the speeches are provided on CD for purchase.
3)  Also, Sonlight has a handy Convention Survivor's Guide you should print and use

I do want to mention that I am not a strict follower of any religion. I was raised a certain way, but I feel a good understanding of the core tenants of many religions around the world is a good focus for my family. The link I mentioned above is the only new link I've encountered since I started researching homeschool methods and such. I have hundreds of links in my favorites folder to sift through in order to post on this site.

One more thing...I do my best to decide whether or not a site is credible, but I am not an expert in any field of study; therefore, it is up to you to make the final say so (of course!).

That's all I have for now. Stay tuned...

Introduction

I have created this blog to help me keep track of all the information I have either found on the Internet or received from people I have talked with, but I especially want to share what I know with those of you who are thinking about homeschooling. If there's anything I have learned so far (just since February) it's that homeschooling can be as easy as picking the first curriculum you come across to as difficult as researching the history of education, the numerous methods of teaching, and the multitude of websites dedicated to printouts, various subjects and services, and curriculum.

What I have learned between now and February has led my husband and I to a final decision for the coming 2012-2013 school year. Finally! I was beginning to think we bit off more than we could chew, but now I feel comfortable with the idea that we can...and may need to...tweak our plan here and there. I guess that's the beauty of homeschooling!

Btw, The Homeschool in the Loft has three students: twelve year old Pilot, seven year old Storm Chaser, and four year old Little One.