Pro Homeschooling

Question:
My original goal was to look for positive non-christian homeschooling ideas. I have a 13 month old that we plan to homeschool. Anyone case to supply how they handle the following ...??

Do you use a cirriculum w/textbooks and the whole shebang? At what age did/will you start and why?

How much actual time do you set aside for formal learning? I realize that this might be much less than in a classroom setting, as it is usually more productive w/o 30 other kids to contend with and a myriad of other reasons. Do you think it is vital to keep a strict regimen or are you flexible or is a schedule completely non existent for you?

How do you handle more than one child? (We do plan on at least one more)

I would especially enjoy an in depth discussion of issue with other pagans or homebirthers out there. Are there any here?

Please, I am asking experienced homeschoolers for their personal experience -- I do NOT need negative comments from those opposing Homeschooling. (Please let's keep those at least to the appropriate threads)

Answer:
We use standard textbooks aimed at the level of the student for the particular subject. I usually spend a fair amount of time reviewing materials before making a selection. Sometimes, the materials are free (as when a school, institution or friend has a giveaway). Most times, the materials must be purchased. Many homeschoolers face the problem of reviewing materials before purchase. The problem is that there are few places where you can review materials and there are so many vendors out there.

There is a trend in publishing to provide chapter outlines for college and school textbooks on web pages by the major textbook vendors. I see this as positive and it helps somewhat. There is no substitute for having the book in your hands though.

Other avenues for reviewing texts:

- See if your school district has a curriculum library that you can browse through - Find a nearby School of Education and ask if you can look through thrie curriculum library - Contact your local support group to see if members will let you see the materials that they are using - Order catalogs from vendors (of limited use as the catalogs have minimal detail) - Ask about specific materials or general recommendations from this website or the mailing list - Ask about materials from subject-specific groups and mailing lists (the k12.ed. groups for example)

There are electronic materials out there too, but we don't have a multimedia PC yet.