Post may contain affiliate links to materials I recommend. Read my full disclosure statement.


From Helen

This is a response to Linda who is struggling with putting together her own
 curriculum. I was there two years ago (which is when I read first Teaching the Trivium: Christian Homeschooling in a Classical Style).

I 
was using a very structured curriculum with my then 6 and 5-year-
olds. I was trying to push all of the school subjects 
that I thought were best. After I read your book, I then started to adjust slowly. I 
cut out math first (my kids were so thankful). I stopped doing any math
 that included writing on paper. This was the best decision I have 
ever made. I was thinking about starting Saxon Math 6/5 this year with 
my 8-year-old (she passed the test for Saxon Math 5/4 without any formal math), but I
 will be taking Laurie’s advice and wait a bit longer.

I focused on 
teaching the girls to read (using Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons) and also to have great handwriting, using Handwriting Without Tears. My oldest is
 now reading at a 4th grade level so she reads anything I give her. 
My 7-year-old is still in a basic phonics reader (she is a late 
bloomer).

The next thing I can’t encourage enough is exposing them to
 different languages. This is the time. We have chosen this as
 our main focus. We sing our ABC’s in English, Greek and Hebrew
 daily. My 3-year-old can almost say all three by himself. We
 practice our Latin prayers and vocabulary, too.

So, be of good courage. You can do it. 
I used to like homeschooling — now I love it. I never thought I would
 enjoy this as much or more than my children. My best advice is to
 RELAX and start slowly.