I know this forum is geared more toward the majority, rather than helpless little ol'e me attempting to homeshool my children but I am in desperate need of some specifics.  I have no formal teaching skills, I am 50 credits shy of an associates degree in the medical field and for now that is put on hold.  Let me lay the frame work as best as I can.  I have two children, my daghter is 10 and my son 7, both attend public school and just like most states their school has adopted the "common core standards curriculum".  I know CCS were just implemented for their school June of 2011.  Upon making the decision to homeschool I scoured the internet trying to find the right curriculum and have become very overwhelmed and very disappointed.  I want what every parent wants, the best for their children.  I was strongly leaning toward using the CCS but the public schools no longer accomidate homeschoolers with curriculum.  I feel completley helpless.  Researching the common core standard curriculum is daunting and I feel ill equipped to even attempt writing a lesson plan.  So, my question is:  Is the CCS the way to go, if so what exactly do I need?  Or is there a better curriculum I should be focusing on?