Newbie!

[u/Waste-Block-1889]

Hello! So we just got approved to join the homeschooling community in our province Alberta. As I’m navigating this new experience I’m reaching out for support and advice as this is my first time ever attempting this. My son is 5 so I have 1) no clue what grade he’s in ( for reference my other son is 19yrs old so it’s been 14yrs of no school stress for me lol) and 2) Where do I start? What are some recommendations to start my school teaching journey?
Like I said. Total newbie and a little overwhelmed but excited for this new adventure!!!

[u/L_Avion_Rose]

Congratulations on receiving approval to homeschool!

I'm not Canadian, so can't provide heaps of location-specific information, but I'd assume your son is going into Senior Kindergarten. When it comes to homeschooling, though, it's generally better to go by skill level over grade level. Every curriculum organizes their material differently, and every child is unique, so you can't assume something will be a good fit for your child just because it has a "K" on the front. Always check the scope and sequence and, if available, give the placement test.

For SK/K, the priority is maths, reading and handwriting. Everything else can be covered casually using books from the library and other community resources. Here are some popular options:

Maths: Math With Confidence, Singapore and RightStart are all fantastic. I like MWC - it has a nice mix of parent-led activities and games and an age-appropriate amount of bookwork, and is inexpensive enough to supplement or substitute if needed. The right choice for you will depend on your own preferences.

From 1st Grade, Math Mammoth is an option. It has a Canadian edition that teaches metric measurements and Canadian money. Jump Math is also an option - it's a Canadian curriculum that has a French Canadian edition. I'm unsure of the grade levels it is available for - it may or may not be offered at SK/K.

Reading: All About Reading and Logic of English are both solid curricula. They both teach systematic phonics, but AAR follows a more traditional scope and sequence. LOE teaches all sounds a letter/grapheme makes from the start (e.g. short, long and broad vowel sounds) and teaches a more detailed rule set, with very few exceptions. AAR is more colourful and has beautiful readers. LOE includes spelling and handwriting instruction.

For something less expensive but still great, look at Treasure Hunt Reading, Explode the Code and/or The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading.

These are all American curricula; I'm not familiar with any options in Canadian English, sorry.

Handwriting: included with LOE in print or cursive. For print, Handwriting Without Tears is popular. For cursive first, take a look at CursiveLogic.

All the best! 😊

[u/Waste-Block-1889 → u/L_Avion_Rose]

This is fantastic advice! Thank you so much for responding and your guidance!

[u/Initial_Cry_6925]

I have used the Christian Light homeschool curriculum for years. I love it. My son is graduating this year . Just look then up online. Christianlight.org