Textbook tip for homeschooling parents!

Search individual subjects textbooks. You don't have to go through the same company for all of your textbooks. When I look at textbooks I always find that one company is strong in one subject and one in another. Don't just search homeschool curriculum either. You can search "science textbooks" or "reading series textbooks" and find a lot of information. My personal favorite for reading is the Treasures reading series. It comes with grammar (separate, but follows the reading), reading (focusing on each of the 5 areas in EVERY lesson), writing, and spelling. I think it is great. I think you would definitely needs the teachers manuals and the student hardback and workbooks (grammar, spelling/phonics, and either the approaching (below) practice, on level practice, beyond (high) practice workbook. All of the rest of the stuff that they will want to sell you, you can do without or make yourself. Plus they have resources on their website. I have no idea what it costs for a hoemschooling family. I know that I taught out of it last year and was highly impressed. Website: http://www.macmillanmh.com/reading/ If you are teaching handwriting to a 3 to 6 year old I would recommend "Handwriting Without Tears." It makes every letter using only four different strokes. The preschool loves it for their 3 and 4 year olds. Abeka is a great homeschooling program. I don't think that there science and social studies are very strong in the younger grades though. I would either really add to them or not use them in at least K-2. I like the Scott Foreman Science series. I did supplement a lot in first grade, but I really like science. I do think that the material taught is excellent. Social Studies is the most challenging for me. I haven't found anything especially in Geography that I like yet. Maybe you will have better luck. Let me know if you find something good.