TuscMoms.com

Do you homeschool your children? Are you thinking about it? Talk here with other mothers who are doing it.

I am very seriously thinking about it, mostly because I have the time (and first-hand insight into my child's learning style) and can focus solely on my child's needs; teachers have to divide their time, energy and attention among dozens of very different kids - who are replaced by a whole new set of very different kids every single year.
I'm also considering it because I have an older son, and I watched school drain away all of his natural curiosity and joy in learning (and, looking back, I've realized it did the same thing to me). I want my youngest to see that learning can be fun and should happen wherever you are, whether it's in a classroom or walking by the river or playing in the backyard.

I would *love* to hear from some other local homeschoolers, particularly 'unschoolers' with toddlers and/or preschoolers.
It seems like there are so many resources to draw from around here, and I'm going to need help making use of them all.
I think we'll probably have to go to Birmingham (and the Zoo & McWane (sp?) Center) for extra classes when it comes time to think about science and math, but it looks like Tuscaloosa has all I'll need as far as history, art & music (we already take him to Kindermusic at UA and hope to continue with private lessons ...). I don't know where local homeschoolers gather, though, and would love to hear from someone who does.

I do not homeschool, but I have found that these sites are excellent resources for reinforcing what they have learned or if the kids need more help in a particuar area or just a good study aid. These are paid sites--$20/year,each. Enchanted Learning has free "sample" pages. I used this site a lot in 3-4th grades b/c you can print a blank map for labeling the states. It has labeled drawings of everything--plants, cells, animals.

Enchanted Learning
Ed Helper

The last post reminded me of another site we used sometimes for vocabulary practice. Here, you can make your own flashcards or search the database and possibly find your textbook/chapter already on there. The only problem with this system is it organized by user input and often the lists are labeled "mrs. smiths chaper 3" or "sue's flashcards". So, the search can be hit or miss... mostly miss! But, we used it for making our own.

Flashcard Exchange

Thanks, FunnyMummy! Both sites look fantastic. They could really be a help if we go through with this thing!