When I was standing in the school office to unregister Shane from public school, I burst into tears like a complete loon. The receptionist gazed at me with an expression of utter pity, and all I could manage to choke out was, "It's so much pressure!"

At the time, I had many concerns about homeschooling, and all of them turned out to be non-issues. I was worried that Shane wouldn't have friends. Wrong! He actually has more friends now. I was anxious that how my children turned out in the end would be solely on my shoulders. Wrong! All God requires of me is to show up every day, love my kids, and do my best. The outcome is up to Him. I was afraid that there wouldn't be a lot of written curriculum made for homeschoolers and the options would be inferior to those offered in traditional school settings. Wrong! The truth is that there is almost too much excellent written curriculum and programs for families who educate at home! It can be a little overwhelming and confusing, which is why I want to share our curriculum choices. Perhaps our choices might introduce you to a new curriculum, or I can answer questions you might have about a particular curriculum with which we have experience. Here are our curriculum choices for 2016/2017:

Shane {3rd  grade}

• Bible: Conqueror Quiet Time Pack (Grades 3-4), AWANA (Held at a local church, this is a fun program for kids that emphasizes Scripture memorization.)
• Daily Learning Notebook (Cursive)
• Math: *Math-U-See **Delta, Classical Conversations
• Handwriting: Zaner-Bloser Handwriting Grade 3
• English Grammar: First Language Lessons - Level 3, Classical Conversations
• Writing: Writing with Ease - Level 3
• Spelling: All About Spelling {Shane happens to be on level 6 this year, but this is a go-at-your-own-pace curriculum. If you're starting the program, start with level 1 regardless of age/grade. If your child is older, (s)he will probably fly through the beginning levels.}
• Literature: I read to Shane from a book-list I created, and he reads "fun" books independently.
• Latin: Song School Latin - Level 2, {As we progressed through the school year, I could tell that Shane needed to work on mastering his vocabulary before we continued to move on, so we are returning to Song School Latin - Level 1 for a while. Ah, flexibility! One of the many beautiful things about homeschooling!}, Classical Conversations
• Fine Arts: Classical Conversations (includes drawing, tin whistle, great artists, and orchestra), piano lessons, homeschool children's choir, field trips to our local theaters
• History/Timeline/Social Studies: Classical Conversations, Story of the World read-alouds, Scholastic News Magazine - Grade 3
• Science: Classical Conversations, homeschool nature class at our local wildlife reserve
• Geography: Classical Conversations, map tracing
• P.E.: swimming and tennis lessons
• Typing: Typing Instructor Platinum (download version)

*Note: Classical Conversations actually recommends Saxon for Math, but I have spoken with several CC veterans who have said that you don't have to use Saxon. Saxon is a wonderful curriculum, but that is the program I used growing up, and I equate it with yuck. I generally like the way Steve Demme presents mathematical concepts with Math-U-See, and I also like that the lessons can be presented on DVD. Shane enjoys watching his lesson at the beginning of every week, and I like that he can work (mostly) independently. I do need to hop in and assist with trickier concepts, and I grade his daily work and weekly tests, of course, but he is able to learn a great deal of Math on his own. That way, I can give him lots of Mommy-time with my favorite subjects--Writing and English Grammar! 🙂

**Note: I would typically recommend the "Gamma" level of Math-U-See for third graders. I administered a Math placement test when we brought Shane home in first grade, and he tested one grade above grade level. He is advancing more quickly in Math than I plan to move with his younger brothers.

Conner {Kindergarten}

• Bible: morning family devotion from this book, this book, or this book, AWANA
• Daily Learning Notebook (Kindergarten)
• Math: Math-U-See Primer, Classical Conversations
• Reading: All About Reading - Level 1 {I adore this reading program! I've tried a couple of programs*** before this, and this is the first one that Conner and I both really enjoy. Okay, okay... This is the one that Conner tolerates best and I enjoy.}
• Handwriting: Zaner-Bloser Handwriting Kindergarten
• English Grammar: Classical Conversations
• Literature: We read lots of picture books! I use the monthly picture book lists from Sarah McKenzie (from Read-Aloud Revival).
• Latin: Classical Conversations
• Fine Arts: Classical Conversations (includes drawing, tin whistle, great artists, and orchestra), piano lessons, homeschool children's choir, field trips to our local theaters
• History/Timeline/Social Studies: Classical Conversations, Scholastic Let's Find Out (Kindergarten)
• Science: Classical Conversations, nature class at our local wildlife reserve
• Geography: Classical Conversations, map tracing
• P.E.: tennis lessons and lots of outdoor play

**The reading programs we've tried are the Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading and Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. The former was too dry and repetitive for us, and I didn't care for how the latter was laid out.

Truly, there are so many great options out there that I sometimes feel like I need to put blinders on myself, or I'd want to try them all! Are you a homeschooling family? If so, what anxieties did you have about homeschooling that turned out to be non-issues?