| Question: |
We are beginning homeschool now, in November, after 2 1/2 years at our Catholic school. I plan to use CHC curriculum, but wonder if we should start at the beginning of the lessons or somewhere in the middle since we are 1/4 into the 2nd grade year. One 8yo is having difficulty with reading, while the other is flying through. Being twins, they are very in tune to what the other is doing, and the one feels very discouraged about her reading ability. I feel that being at home and going at her own pace will restore her confidence in time and reduce her reading anxiety. Where do I begin in the curriculum? I am not opposed to starting at the beginning, but do worry that we will not finish the year until late summer. What are your thoughts on this? |
| Answer: |
Dear Parent,
Thank you for your question!
If this is your first year homeschooling, it would be best if you started at the beginning of the lesson plans and use the first quarter as review. With the math and spelling for instance, you could use the math test pages or weekly spelling word list to make sure that your children have a firm grasp of the material. If you just concentrate on the core curriculum, as you review through the first quarter, I think you will find that you will go through the books faster than you might think. Reviewing also ensures that your children know the material before moving on. The curriculum used at the Catholic school as compared to CHC's materials will differ in some areas, just as it does when transferring from one school to another. Therefore you want to make sure that your children have a firm foundation before moving on.
The beauty about homeschooling is that you can set the pace for the students. Unlike the regular school setting, if they need extra review over a particular topic, you can take the time for extra teaching, but if they are ready to move on, they can. With CHC's curriculum, you don't necessarily have to school exactly from September to June. As the parent, you can control when you want the school year to start, and when you want it to end. There really is no 'getting behind' or pressured rush to finish by a certain date. [In addition, because homeschooled students have a one-on-one tutor, it is not unusual for homeschoolers to finish school in April or May anyway.]
For your daughter who is struggling with reading, it is first necessary to point out to her that she and her sister have different gifts. Perhaps you can take this time to talk to her about her accomplishments and success. Maybe you could explain that even if she has a twin sister, she is a different person from her sister. There are many things at which she is probably quite gifted and there are a few things which she must work a little harder at, like reading. It is important to emphasize the fact that she can set goals for herself to help her see that she has many gifts and abilities and that in God's eyes, it is important that she do her very best, no matter what the task.
Secondly, I would begin Little Stories for Little Folks (LSLF) with her. If you start at the first level, and work forward, you can use the first stories as review, and see where she stands with her reading abilities. It is important that you follow everything in the parent's guide, including using the word family cards and Name Games with her. Also, if you start at the beginning of LSLF, this will give her confidence as she will probably move through the first stories quickly, building self-esteem along with her phonics and reading skills. Be sure to slow down as she begins to encounter new and unfamiliar sounds and blends in the stories, so she is able to master those skills, too.
Homeschooling sounds like a plus for her so that you can go at her pace.
God bless you and your family!
Laura Nicholson |
