PrincipledMom™

Well, since I talk so much about James Rose's book, A Guide to American Christian Education, I thought I'd talk a little about where to start for those of you who haven't jumped into it yet. While it is big and red, it is not at all intimidating. Actually it is quite the opposite.

1. Go through the "where to begin" on p. 118. It will take time (like everything PA) but if you don't have the NP's SDS this will do the same thing. And if you have done the SDS it's still good (I did both). And in the little paragraph that starts on p. 117d titled "Using the Guide," Rose tells you what this book can do for you.
2. Read through the homeschool section starting on p.111. this section addresses issues like time mgmt. (p. 116), teaching multiple grades (p. 126-127), developing your own curriculum (basics on p. 119-123), schedules (p. 125), preparing for the school year and weekly lessons(p. 125) and notebooks(p. 124).
3. The "some questions answered" (p. 80-83) doesn't take long but the questions are great.
4. If you need more explanation, the section on 4-R'ing (p. 145) explains it and gives an example.
5. Then there are sections on literature, history, geography, science, mathematics and even economics and typing. Each section discusses how to create your own plans and the way it is explained it is very doable. And the authors are masters in their fields (Katherine Dang wrote the geography section).
6. Some misc. helpful info in his book:
   rudiments Handbook outline (p. 279)
   chart overview of the CoC along the grades (great for seeing how you teach multiple grades the same principle, p. 207)
   How to study key events, individuals, institutions and documents (p.310-322)
   chart overviews for literature through the grades (p.343-351)

There is so much here that I can really overwhelm you with all the great stuff. After you read the basics I really recommend reading a subject at a time and really get into it because even if you use the curriculum guides you can find helpful information in it. And especially sections like the Anatomy/Physiology and economics because I don't think NP gets into that (but don't quote me on that!).

I'll put more details here in segments so you can find what you need and so you can search my archives for what you need (i.e specific school subjects or topics).

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