My own review

Here is the list of ready-made curriculum i've been reviewed:

* Robinson Self-Teaching Curriculum (RC)

RC is a complete curriculum which cost very low, only US$ 195. The package is on CDs and it's really complete.
The idea from RC philosophies is "teaching your kids to teach themselves", which i really love.
It also doesn't determine grade by age but by ability...WOW!!
But.....
RC is a christian-based curriculum. Although i can adapt it to my own religion, but still it was what concern me the most.
my friend from HS diner conversation said that she find with this curriculum is that you are supposed to print out the books, as they recommend that people do not read from the screen because of the poor resolution and contrast of the computer screen compared to the written word on paper. That makes for a LOT of printing, which takes time, and money (ink cartridges are EXPENSIVE where she lives). That is how they can offer this curriculum so cheaply...it is all on CD disks...which are fairly inexpensive compared to ink and paper.

* Time 4 Learning (T4L)
I really love T4L!!! I'm truly believe Atala will enjoy to learn to read and love math through this site. It cost only US$ 19.95/month..which means, I can just stop using it whenever I can. But it's only about math and phonics, so, I guess I must find another curriculum for other subjects.

* Oak Meadow (OM)
OM is a accrediated curriculum. It also offer a teacher's guidance, manage portfolio for the students, and even a certificate.
OM has 2 choices. I can just subscribe only for US$ 35/month or bought the curriculum for US$ 350/year. From HS Review I find out there is pros and cons about it, which I must choose carefully. The cost is not cheap, so I can't just bought for a trial.


* Arabesq (AR)
AR is the only islamic curriculum I find for the time being. I really likes it because it use Unit Studies method which involve the holy koran. But it cost US$ 500/year, without accrediated and without teacher's involvement. I think it really expensive. But because is a muslim curriculum, I'm still consider it for atala.

* Laurel Springs (LS)
A friend of mine has actually use this online school for her daughter, and they live in Tangerang!! I guess, I must consider it too!! But it cost very high...thousands dollar...US$ 1100-an kalo ga salah. OMG :-(

a month before 2

Next month Atala will be 2 years old. It will be a good time to really start homeschooling officially. I'm still struggling between work and house chore, and still don't know how to manage to bring homeschooling in our home. That's why i'm considering to unschooling and later on use ready made curriculum or distance learning instead.

Unschooling is rather difficult than it seems. But I think to meet Atala's interest is number one priority.

I still think Reading will be good for him, considering he really loves it when I read for him. So, I have to make a plan to use library in routine and organize time. The lack of children's literature in library is really concern me, but i think i still can use the resources in library, since it will be good for atala to learn to love to read and be in the library.

About ready made curriculum and distance learning....hmm...there are a lot to choose that's make me overwhelmed. The one that's make it more harder is because I can't just choose one and find out it's not works for both of us (me and atala), since the cost is very high (to buy it).

Here is the list I already consider:

* Robinson Self-Teaching Curriculum
* Time 4 Learning
* Oak Meadow
* Arabesq
* Laurel Springs