I've been asked a lot recently about how to get started what resources I can offer. It's so easy to get overwhelmed with what's available. Here is a quick and dirty list. Of course, the local public library is the most fantastic resource ever! Forgive the lack of links where I have not given them. Feel free to copy and paste. Crappy blogger program...
Homeschooling Free/Affordable Resource List:
General resources K-5:
http://onswipe.education.com/education/
This website has a great deal of resources, worksheets, projects, and articles on every level and subject. You have to get a membership but it is FREE!
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/
The NC Public School Standard Course of study is something I've used occasionally to guide what my kids are "supposed" to know by certain ages. As I've gotten more confident, I've found it less useful. I've discovered that my four kids are all learning different subjects on different levels at completely different ages. However, it was invaluable when I first started and I still occasionally refer to it when I begin feeling that I'm not doing my job properly. Mostly, it just makes me feel better about what I am doing!
www.time4learning.com
This product is $19.95 per month. As far as online Curricula go, it is pretty comprehensive and very affordable by comparison. I used it for several years with my older kids and my begin using it with my younger kids as well to get them really rolling on their school work. It only goes through 8th grade, but is quality stuff. If you supplement with some writing, writing practice, perhaps some spelling, and reading, you don't have to add too much else to it to make it sufficient to meet state standards. My kids have always tested well when using this curriculum. It also makes planning a breeze.
Math:
FREE: http://www.khanacademy.org/exercisedashboard
Khan Academy doesn't only have incredible Math and Science Videos for upper grades. This tool for doing math exercises and drills is great. You can set up an account for your child and yourself. Make yourself his coach and set him loose to try some of the exercises. This is also an excellent tool to see where your child's math proficiencies and weaknesses lie.
AFFORDABLE: Singapore Math
http://www.amazon.com/Primary-Mathematics-Workbook-U-S-Edition/dp/9810185049/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1351521503&sr=8-4&keywords=singapore+math+3a
Buy it used if you can - in the Charlotte area we a wonderful used curriculum resource: http://www.thehomeschoolroom.net/The_Homeschool_Room/Welcome.html
Science: Typical Elementary level science is a process of learning similar things again and again and building on them each time until you have a decent general knowledge that isn't too deep. I've found with my kids, allowing them to go as deeply as they want to go with whatever science subject, is a better tactic. Each child has found a science topic they really want to learn about and they learn about it deeply. I would rather them have a depth of knowledge in one subject, then the broad general knowledge that will come when they begin middle and high school science and delve deeply into certain types of science. Science field trips and activities abound in NC if you know where to find them.
Reedy Creek Nature Reserve and Park has loads of activities and classes: http://parkrez.co.mecklenburg.nc.us/Activities/Activities.asp?SCheck=448880174&SDT=39436.4265092593&ComplexId=112&NextPageValue=&RecordStart=1
http://www.wildwnc.org/become-a-member/become-a-member
A family membership to the Western North Carolina Nature Center is one of the best Science deals and educational opportunities in the state of NC. A family membership is $62 and covers 2 adults and up to 4 children. This membership gets you into a AZA and ASTC facilities (Zoo, Aquarium, Science Centers). This includes the Asheboro Zoo, Discovery Place, Charlotte Nature Museum, Schielle Museum, Aquariums at the beach, Greensboro Science Center, etc. You can't beat this deal - if you use it two or three times for field trips, you've paid for the membership. Also, Asheville is so beautiful and a day trip to the Western NC Nature Center is well worth the trip!
http://www.sciencenc.com/
North Carolina Science Olympiad (Grades 2-5). If you are in NC and can find or start a homeschool team in your area, do it. This non-profit organization is excellent. Elementary Science Olympiad is a tournament held in different regions throughout NC in late spring. Each team's members study for up to 3 out of 18 events ranging from Water Rockets and Gravity Cars to Astronomy, Physical, Life, and Earth Science. It is great fun socially, and the kids learn so much.
The Mythbusters - it's on Netflix Streaming watch it, discuss it, then use their book and other books to do experiments at home: http://www.amazon.com/MythBusters-Dont-Try-This-Home/dp/0787983691/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351521839&sr=1-2&keywords=science+projects+kids+mythbusters
http://www.amazon.com/Science-Seconds-Kids-Experiments-Minutes/dp/0471044563/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1351521710&sr=8-4&keywords=science+projects+kids
http://www.amazon.com/Naked-Eggs-Flying-Potatoes-Unforgettable/dp/160832060X/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1351521759&sr=8-10&keywords=science+projects+kids
History:
History is where I fall down on the job a lot. Joy Hakim has some decent US History books. And I love to listen to the audio books for Story Of The World. Mostly, I've let my kids follow whatever historical events spark their interests. The Rick Riordan series of books sparked interest for my oldest in Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. Doctor Who has also inspired them to do a passive study of a number of historical figures - Vincent Van Gogh, Charles Dickens, Madame Du Pompadour, and several others. We also watch a lot of Netflix streaming history and science documentaries.
Reading:
goodreads.com is a great way for you and your kids to keep track of what they are reading. Here are some pretty comprehensive reading lists by grade level:
Kindergarten
Reading List: http://www.cfsd16.org/schools/ventanavista/pdf/SummerReading2.pdf
1st Grade
Reading List: http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/1st-grade-reading-list
2nd Grade
Reading List: http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/2nd-grade-reading-list
3rd Grade
Reading List: http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/3rd-grade
4th Grade
Reading List: http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/4th-grade-reading-list
5th Grade
Reading List: http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/5th-grade-reading-list
