I homeschool my little ones and would like to start them on piano lessons.  Does anyone know of a good program to start them on.  I know how to read music, but do not know how to play piano.  I figure we could learn together. lol \nAll help is greatly appreciated.
199025
I think this is WONDERFUL!!! You are homeschooling what age are they? I have Crystal 8 yr 2gr, Jeffy 6yr 1 gr, and Robin 5yr kgr.  I have taught my self and know how to read music and that's what I did is went to a few different stores started with my fav. home school store and they told me of their fav. music stores and found a few begg. song books 1 I got was How to teach Keyboard.  But if cost is the problem check out your library (really good if you live in a city!)  You can make copies and recheck out many times!  Or Check ebay they have lots of good cheap stuff!  and you don't have to use a credit card ( I thought this was the only way but learned many people will take money orders!)  Good luck and keep up the good work!  if you need another home school support mom to bounce around ideas always can email me tishniaeq069696@yahoo.com! Have fun!
395235
PreK age is a great place to start because you don't have to legally do anything and its a great time to try out homeschooling to see if it fits your family for later years. I would suggest becoming involved with a homeschooling group for support in case you decide to continue for K.\n  PreK can be a lot of fun.  Keep worksheets to a minimum(if at all) and concentrate on lots of hands on, discovery learning, messy crafts, nature walks, etc.  Read out loud a ton of picture books on a variety of topics.  Take the time to point out letters in the titles and later see if you child can pick out certain letters.  Make a number line on the driveway or on your stairs and have your child jump to certain numbers.  Do simple addition and subtraction with a variety of small toys or food.  Look at things with a magnifying glass.  Study space  and other themes.  Cook and play with measuring cups and spoons in water or beans. Play letter or number matching games, make letter puppets that say their sounds. Trace letters in pudding or mud. Graph m+m's, match leaves, grow frogs and butterflies...the list goes on and on.  It is so much  fun!  You will be amazed at the results!! \n  If you do decide to homeschool for elementary, check out your state homeschooling guidelines.  In our state, we fill out a paper notifying the school and we need to prove progress in math and language arts.  Progress can be proved by a national test in our home once a year or by a portfolio we create demonstrating progress.  Social studies and science are wide open and can follow a student's interests and don't have to be tested.  Some states don't require any testing, others have more specific requirements. ---
636152
is this for the WHOLE alphabet or just M? And I think that the words have to be pretty simple so the kids can learn how to start to read. First they learn the vowels a-e-i-o-u and then they add the consonance and finally add other consonance to make simple words. ba-bar  be-bebe  bi-...bo-..Does it have to all be in Spanish?
156221
If you are looking for a complete curriculum, I have heard a lot of people like Abeka - a Christian programs that covers all the basic subjects, I think (though I have never used it myself).  I would highly recommend the book "A Thomas Jefferson Education," by Oliver DeMille.  You can guy it a gwc.edu in the bookstore section.  Check out hslda.org for info on home school groups in your state and info on home schooling in general.  One more piece of advice, don't get too much into the "school" mentality (my child has to do this, this and this at this, etc.).  Be flexible - that is one of the beauties on home schooling.  If your child doesn't like the curriculum you have, find something different - there are TONS of options out there.  Good luck!
577200
If you are taking a beginner piano course, then you shouldn't have to worry too much because they should teach you all the basics.   However, it will help very much if you pick up a scale book or a basic theory book to learn a bit about reading music, chords, keys, etc...\n\nDon't worry!  Your teacher should teach you how to read and basic music theory gradually, bit by bit.
115559
I homeschool my two boys and the lady I sit for pays me extra to hs her dd for preschool.  I HIGHLY recommend you hs if you have the will and the ability.  Two big things to remember with hsing at ANY level is: one day at a time...you're not talking about geometry and calculus yet.  Second...it's not forever unless you want it to be.  She can re-enter public school when she is ready.  You can email me, I started hsing my now 4th grader when he was in K.  He has TONS of confidence, he gets ONE  ON ONE education, I teach him the way he learns best, rather than plunking him down in a group of 30 kids and droning on at a chalk board...I use manipulatives, pc programs, games, baking to learn fractions, printouts from sites like enchantedlearning.com etc etc.  When he needs a break, he gets one.  We hs year round, so he doesn't forget half over the summer, but our hs days are short.  He learns things he WANTS to learn about.  When he showed an interest in pirates, we got books from the library, coloring pages from the internet, we built a ship, made our own course on a map, created a flag, etc etc.  HSing is the BEST at your dd's age, because you can take ALL the pressure off of her, and teach to what she needs, one thing at a time if you like.  If she is currently crying over math, take a break from the usual math stuff, and play dice games instead!  Just because it's fun, doesn't mean you can't use it for school.  Think outside the box, teach her fast math skills by having her play games!  Teach her spelling by only drilling in the car, and make it fun!  See what I mean?  And don't let the folks that know NOTHING about hs except for the freaks they find on tv worry you about socialization.  There are hs groups in your area to help.  There are groups online.  There are church groups and public sports and music lessons and play groups for socialization.
74139
If you take the same lesson plan that was devised for older students and simply resolve to spend more time explaining and demonstrating to the younger kids, will that work?  I hate to think there's anything the younger ones can't do, although grant you they won't do it with the polish of the older kids.  Please tell me we are not talking about the idea that safety is a major factor in the difference; having to use blunt-end scissors, no small parts they can swallow, and all that garbage.  A major problem when I was a kid was too boring, so the idea of working on something originally designed for older kids would have thrilled me no end.
141035
Contact the school board in your area they will have the procedures and guidleines in a packet for you.They will tell you what curriculums are acceptable for the state in which you live. Then ask yourself why do you want to home school? If it is for selfish reasons like you don't want your five yr old to leave you.Or you think they will learn bad habits, you need to think again. These things will happen anyway and your not really helping them. Ask yourself is your child already shy or outgoing? Keeping them home because they are shy is not good it only sets it in stone. I home schooled my youngest son it's not an easy task and it is a very big commitment. You just can't pick and choose when you feel like teaching and what you feel like teaching( although many do). You must teach even when you don't feel good or they are in a bad mood. What kind of relationship do you have with your child? Does he listen well? You'll only be hurting your child if you don't do it the correct way. Many home school children fall very far behind because mom is not very consistant or tough. My son is now in Public High School and in Honors programs but my friend who is home schooling her children do nothing but crafts and play games and seem very behind for their age in all their academic studies.She won't get out of bed until 9:30am and stops teaching at Lunchtime. They go shopping everyday. Is this teaching her children?? You also need some support people, parents  or friends who can lend a hand now and then to give your child a variety of teaching techniques. And you must absolutely get them involved in other activities in the outside world, such as soccer or ballet or some type of group sport. Not a homeschooling group. It keeps them too sheltered and they never learn how to put up with negative people. Which the world is full of. Hope this helps feel free to e-mail me if you have any problems and good luck.
26203
I can tell you how to play some songs for the keyboard but i have to hear the notes with the numbers. try mary had a little lamb like 32123332223333212333322321 or 43234443334444323444433432. if that is not right move to the left or right and use the same pattern.  row row row your boat could be like 11123345567655432153432. and here is one i like play it and see if you like it also. 333455454344343255454333345545433443531. that will only work if i am invisioning the keys in the right position.... enjoy\nif those work with the keys i have put out then twinkle twinkle little star should be 112233211776652211776221177611223321177665 or 445566544332215544332554433244556654433221
633794
First, don't worry about defending your decision to those who have already made up their minds about this issue.\n\nYour first step is to find out what your state requires from homeschoolers - some are very lenient (like Texas), others are very strict, even to dictating the books you need to use, tests you are required to take, and making you submit lesson plans.  Go to the HSLDA website to see the general rules for your state.\n\nNext, find a homeschooling group in your area and talk to other moms and dads who are in the middle of it.  They can give you suggestions for dealing with the local school district, unhappy relatives (especially the grandparents), socialization, co-ops, and maybe even let you borrow some curriculum to try before you have to buy.\n\nYou'll need to look at the different methods - classical, unschooling, eclectic... this will help determine which curriculum to use (if any).  There are also several guides to curriculum, such as Cathy Duffy's "100 Top Picks...", Mary Pride's books, Rebecca Rupp's books, and "The Well-Trained Mind", by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise-Bauer.  See if your library has any books ABOUT homeschooling.\n\nI've actually found socialization to be the easiest part of homeschooling - just knowing other homeschoolers has opened up opportunities for my kids to meet with others on a much more flexible schedule.\n\nYour son may need some time to 'decompress' from public school and find out that homeschool is NOT public school at home.  You can work on your own schedule and not be tied into someone else's.  Start slowly with just one or two subjects, then add another every 3-4 weeks until you're doing all you want to.\n\nAnd realize that some curriculum choices will be trial and error - I can't tell you how much I've 'wasted' on curriculum that just didn't work out for us.  Fortunately, I've been able to recoup some of the cost by re-selling things (eBay and used curriculum sales).\n\nBest wishes for a happy homeschooling adventure!  Feel free to email me if you have more questions.
92937
Wow! you are preach-in to the choir! same thing happened to me. Well if you're new to it then i say give it some time. I did and now i love that i can just sit down at the piano and play a song. But if you've tried for more than a few years then i agree with Theresa.
495087
First of all, teaching music to ANYONE does not require a "professional" unless you define a professional as someone that has a desire to teach others and get paid for it.\n\nMy point is that it does not require someone that has a degree or has made a living as a professional musician, or someone that is able to list "Musician" on a resume.\n\nIf you know how to play an instrument, OF COURSE you can teach your child how to do the same. \n\nThere is NOTHING stopping you from sharing something you love like that with your child except narrow minded viewpoints.\n\nNow, if you are like me, and you do not play an instrument, then it is very easy to find someone that conducts lessons. Most people that have music lessons in their homes love homeschool families because of their flexibility in scheduling. Most homeschool groups will have tons of contacts in this department. At our first teacher's meeting of each year, we have parents bring business cards to share for music lessons, scouts, all kinds of things like that.\n\nSometimes larger churches will have different types of music classes open as a community outreach. My daughter took three years of handbell classes for free and we were not even members of that particular church. Those type of opportunities are hard to find, but they're out there.\n\nEven if you do not play an instrument, you can still teach music appreciation classes, and really get in to different types of music with your child. I do that, and there are lots of resources on the web and in the homeschool bookstores to help you with that.\nMy kids enjoy those types of classes and it has really expanded our CD collection and varieties of music. I find a lot of CD's to help with our appreciation classes at Half Price Books.\n\nI just don't understand how this country has become so brainwashed in to thinking that for the most part people are stupid and not capable of doing the simplest things for themselves.\nIt does not take a "professional" to say, "ok this is called baroque. Here's some composers, here's some examples of their music."\n\nSimply blows me away.
111856
Get real. but of you are serious, I suggest teaching him/her the order of the keys on the home row first. then have them type words using only those letters. It may help if you play some soft Mosart in the back ground. it's proven that classical music clears the brain and produces better reasoning. Good luck!
625608
I know what you mean! I had to start hs my 7 yr dd cause the school would not help with her learning problems.\nFirst, each state has a homeschool agency with a website. I guess google your state name and add 'homeschool agency' . This should have the laws listed, forms to download and copy, etc.\nSecond, NEVER have anything to do with the public schools ever again LOL\nNa, really, the law in my state is that the schools are not legally required to help anyone who homeschools, but they can at their discretion. Wouldn't hurt to ask.\nAnd, I don't have much money either. So here's what I have learned.\n1. There are SO MANY websites that you can use for every subject! I use the internet a LOT for school! The problem I have wiht this though, is it takes SO MUCH of my time searching and finding what to use. I guess this is what I have to do cause I don't have much money!!\n2. EBAY!! I buy books, workbooks, supplies, etc.\nI can't buy any kind of curriculum so I mix it up and use whatever.\n(you have to make sure of your state laws allow this)\n3.Do free field trips, grocery store outings, library, hospital tours, go to courthouse, post office, bank, etc. On your own and have field days at these places.\nUse chalk outside to do math, spelling words etc. Go outside for science nature walk and make collage with what you find.\n4. Join a local homeschool group. They are wonderful! You get together with other kids and have fun days, field trips, do classes together, PE, art, 4H, girl and boy scouts, etc.\nI thought public school had more to offer than homeschool, but NO WAY!!\n\nDoing all these things, I have spent less than $75 for a whole year, plus most of the things I bought can be used for years to come. (I know $75 is a LOT but I managed somehow?)\nsome people spend up in the thousands doing this.\n\nIf your children have learning problems, schools do NOT help with this. Oh they say they do but belive me they don't. Anyway, homeschool is so much better for learning problems IF you know what the problem is and if you KNOW WHAT to do for the problem.\nAnd, all children have their own 'learning style' and schools only cater to ONE style- reading and writing. What about the kids who learn better visually, verbally, auditory? \nThat's the problem my dd had, and now I can choose what, how, when, etc on teaching her to learn in the way she learns best.\nNow, she's doing so much better than she would EVER do in public school.
537319
trying researching Kinder-Music and Music for Little Mozarts. I use those methods for teaching musci all the time. Kinder-Music is for children 6mos to 3 yr and MFLM is for 3yrs to 5yrs. with kinder-music you use basic hand held instruments and sing the easy to remember songs with the kids. obviously if the child is 6mos, they aren't able to recite the lyrics, but then that becaomes the parents job. MFLM has CD's, coloring books, flashcards and easy to read BIG note music. The flashcards and coloring book are great. hope this helps.
534006
#1. What is your highest level of completed education?\nHigh school diploma & trade school.  Some college classes... just for personal enrichment.\nMy dh had some college.  We have owned 2 different successful businesses and financially do better than most of our college degree friends. \n\n#2. Why are you homeschooling your children?\nI feel that I have been HSing my dd since birth.  She is extemely bright and would be bored in the PS system.  I had her tested at age 4.5 and she was testing at month 8 of Kindergarten for reading & spelling and month 6 of 1st grade for math.  The tester said that the test was unfair to my dd because  the test is for 5 and above.  She explained that if I had her retested after 5 she would probably score even higher.  My point is that her educational need would not be met in PS.\n\n#3. What impact do you believe homeschooling has on your child's social development?\nI believe that her social development would be hindered if she were made to be with children her own age only.  She has fantastic social skills...people that have just met her often are amazed at how well she can talk with adults and play with children of all ages.\n\n#4. Should anyone be allowed to educate their own children? Why?\nIn a perfect world and perfect circumstances I would say yes.\nWhile it is lawful for anyone to educate their own children...I don't feel that everyone should be able to have children let alone educate them.  HSing takes a lot of effort and time if it is going to be done right and some children unfortunatly are better off being babysat by the state than being with their own parents.\n\n#5. Through what grade level do you plan on teaching your children? Why?\nAt this point in time until college...but if her education is suffering we will make adjustments when and if that time comes.
178084
I used to teach Sunday School, and It's GREAT to do a craft with them. I would look in a children's bible and pick out a good story and base the class on that story and what it teaches. Find a craft to do relating to it- even if it's just coloring. Read the kids the story and talk briefly about what it means, then explain the craft you guys are going to do and how it relates to the story you just read. Then you guys can all do the craft until the parents come pick them up!