I might be home schooling my 5 year old this year.  There are horrible things going on in our school system and I don't know yet if we can afford private school.  Any suggestions on where to get started?  Also, how many hours per day should I spend working with him and on what subjects?  He's had two years of preschool and is great with letters and numbers, but he can't read at all yet.  Any help is appreciated!  My daughter is currently enrolled in 3rd grade at public (not so horrible in her grade) should I pull her out or keep her in if I end up keeping my 5 year old?

Thanks!

Edie

The decision to home school is a private decision. No one can tell you if it's right for your family. That being said, things are horrible in almost every school district in the country. :)

As far as kindergarten goes, I would plan on 15 to 20 minute lessons, lots of outdoor time, and no more than two hours of actual lessons max. Less is more at a young age.

Good luck with your decisions!

I did everything my K needed in 2 hours a day or less.  If he is not reading, that is ok.  Developmentally most children do not begin until after age 6.

As far as your other child, it is up to you.  Many families have one at home and one in public school.  You can begin with one and then if you like it, bring the other home. 

You might be interesting in reading Better Late Than Early by Dr. Raymond Moore ISBN 0883490498

also,

The Three R's by Ruth Beechick  ISBN 0880620749

both books are very helpful for teaching younger children.  We used the Better Late Than Early approach with our 3 children.  2 learned to read "late" but took off on their own and quickly "caught up" to grade level (and above) when they were ready.  The joy of homeschooling is you can be on the child's schedule.  If they are "behind" you can accommodate that, unlike in a classroom where a child that falls behind quickly risks being lost for a long time.

I am homeschooling my 3rd grader and sending my Kindergartener to school. So it's whatever works for you.. We are happy with having made that decision.

June

I second Ruth E.'s suggestions. And K is really about the basics, ABCs, numbers. I also did this in about 2 hours a day. (Don't forget that field trips count as learning time.)

I see that you are in IL so I googled IL state standards for you. If you follow along with what the state is teaching you'll be fine. Also check with HSLDA.com They have valuable info on what each state requires from homeschoolers and they can link you to local organizations that you might find helpful.

http://www.isbe.net/ils/

Much success to you and your little one!

Char