Hi Elizabeth, I know getting started can seem overwhelming! I know getting started can be overwhelming! I wrote a book called Homeschooling 101 that will help answer all of your questions on how to get started homeschooling, choosing curriculum, creating lesson plans, etc.
And I just released a new eCourse on running and organizing your homeschool household:
And I have a getting started series that might help as well:
http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/category/homeschooling-101
And a Tip Tuesday video series as well that covers specific topics related to homeschooling::
And I also have a “help by grade level” page that might also help you get started researching curriculum:
I think when getting started, I definitely tried to stick with things that made me feel more comfortable. We started with Abeka just because it was familiar and more “school” like, then we started changing out things as I got a better feel for what we liked/didn’t like.
I hope that helps some, feel free to email me as well if you have specific questions and I’ll do my best to help!
Erica