The Dow's Schoolroom

Many new homeschoolers are concerned about what they should teach and when they should teach it. With some subjects, this is more important than with others. Math for instance, needs to be taught in a certain order to be understood well. Fractions shouldn't be taught until addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are introduced. The science subjects on the other hand can be introduced whenever it comes up in the curriculum or when the child shows an interest in it. It doesn't matter if you learn about plants, then light, then the human body. What is important is that these subjects are learned.

There are a many books as well as websites that give their own scope and sequence of what they think is important for children to learn and what they feel is the best to learn them. Read as many of these as you like and then make up your own mind what is good for your child.

When choosing curriculum, I recommend that you choose a good phonics (for non-readers) or language curriculum, then look for a solid math program. After that, science, history, geography, art, music and Bible can be added as necessary. With a good math program, you won't need to worry about when things are learned, because it is built into the curriculum. The same goes for Phonics and Language. These three subjects are so important to your child's future education that special care should be taken in how to teach them. The rest of the subjects can be taken from the interest of your child, yourself and the resources you have available.

If you would like to learn more be sure to read Ruth Beechick's YOU CAN TEACH YOUR CHILD SUCCESSFULLY and THE 3 R's. Check out also HOW TO HOMESCHOOL BY Gayle Graham and HOME SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL, AND BEYOND by Beverly Adams-Gordon.