We use the KONOS curriculum (usually you can find it cheaper on e-bay). They provide lesson plans for different age groups, on the same subject). It's a Chrsitian-base character curriculum, covering attributes like listening (teaches about the ear, sound wave experiments, etc) and patience (units on how trees, flowers, animals and human beings grow and develop, identifying trees and flowers). There are three volumes but you don't have to buy all three at once. The set will take you from pre-K through 8th (if I remember correctly). You can also buy Timeline characters for the History aspect (also cheaper on e-bay) and they do sell a Timeline. However, you don't have to have either to teach KONOS. KONOS recommends supplementing with math and phonics/spelling/grammar.
We used Saxon Math and I supplemented with some math games and activities (Internet math sites, The Mailbox magazine for teachers from my Library) this year, but I think we'll be using Math-U-See in the Fall. For Kindergarten, we did use Handwriting Without Tears. It was reasonably priced with the child's workbook and teacher manual totalling about $20 (tax included). You can purchase the wooden buildable letters (if you want them, e-bay is cheaper). They offer a slate (we bought ours at Walmart in the craft section for $3) and a mat for the letters (we used a mat you roll dough on).
There's also a book I think it's called The Top 100 Home School Curriculum Picks that really details learning styles to figure out the best way to teach to each child. It details different curriulums for different subjects, their strengths and any weaknesses, and costsand purchase info. It's a great resource because there are literally thousands of curriculums to choose from.
Also, I would do a Google search for Home Schooling and type in your city and state. You may want to consider a Home School support group for information (ours does seminars on curriculums/getting everything done,and seminars for Dads, plus we have a borrowing library of home schooling how-to books, family values & character training, and Statewide conference MP3s), used curriculum deals/swaps, organized field trips, sports, lessons, fellowship, and support (like-minded people). They can teach you how to graciously handle those people you encounter that think you're holding your children hostage in the livingroom. LOL! You may also find some Cooperative schools in your area. They are usually run by the participating members who take turns teaching the classes and serving in Nursery. Some Co-Ops teach basics like Math, Science, and Geography (and more). Some teach electives like Art, Cooking, Creative Writing, Critical Thinking & Logic, and Music (and more). Some may even teach a combination of both. Cost varies and Co-Ops usually have definite rules (like everyone will work the Nursery at some point during Co-Op, sick children rules, etc.).
Finally, you may want to check with your Librarians. We use our Library A LOT. Ours has home school sctions, as well as a parent resource corner full of material to home school (even some curriculums). They also have recommended reading lists for different age groups and subjects (although I'm picky about what we take in). We also use our computer to place holds and the Librarians pull the books (sometimes I order from other branches) and call me when they have them for pick-up (BIG time saver).
Hope this didn't overwhelm you. The main thing to remember is you DO know your children best and what's best for them. A teaching degree does not make someone an expert on either children or how to teach (as many news media outlet stories prove). Check back here anytime for support and encouragement and ideas-that's what we're all here for.
