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Home > Support > Homeschooling > I want to take all of my son's interests and weaknesses and develop a curriculum that will address both...

Question:

I have decided to homeschool our oldest this year. He is very bright, and one of the problems I am having is deciding on a specific approach and curriculum. I would really like some suggestions on how to do this. I have researched many of the curriculums and such and do not know the best solution. He will be entering the 4th grade, but has excellent academics and reads at a 7th grade level or higher. I want something that will challenge and engage him, but not add unneeded stress. That is one of the reasons I chose to homeschool him. He does not seem to handle the stress of school as well as others do. I also want to have him exposed to more of his faith and not as much of the world. I don't know what grade to start at, or which books and methods to use. I look at this as an opportunity to take all of his interests and his weaknesses and to develop something that will address both. How do I do that?

Answer:

AMDG+
Dear Parent;

Congratulations on the wonderful gift you are preparing to give your son, to soar ahead at his own pace, but in the relaxed and loving atmosphere of a Faith-filled home.

A few ideas:

Reading over CHC's 4^th grade lesson plans, one of the first things you will notice is that they contain core curriculum--the academic must haves--absolutely surrounded with enrichment assignments. These assignments are planned out for you, but you are free to pick and choose which you want for your child. Even better, because our Catholic Faith is winsomely woven throughout most of the books, your son will be absorbing the Faith in the same natural way that it is lived in, and outside, the home.

Because fourth grade is the year that academics begin to accelerate, my suggestion would be to begin with the standard fourth grade lesson plans and materials, at least for the first month or so. [Both CHC's website and catalog lay out all the materials that you will need for fourth grade.] By following this plan, you can both ease into the newness of homeschooling without the extra stress and confusion of trying to decide which materials, if any, to add on. However, when you see how your son responds to the materials, you certainly have the freedom to advance to the next level speller or language book, for example, if you think that is appropriate. Even better, the enrichment activities in the lesson plans can be selected based on your son's interests.

May God bless and guide you both as you begin this wonderful adventure together.

Nancy Nicholson