I am new to homeschooling and am using TOG along with a few other things I have a second grader and a four year old (as well as a 10 mnth old):
I have joined a CC group if for nothing else than to keep my daughter happy with friends.
Explode the Code and Spelling for a Reason
Math-U-See
Possible Science (purchased two used options- Health and Manners/ Exploring God's creation)

What is the main thing? Should I focus on all of this? Just reading and math? REading, Math, Lit and Bible??? Help?? I don't want to be overwhelmed but don't want to neglect any areas needing coverage.

The main thing? That's a tough one to tackle, but your question seems more about overall homeschooling...here are my suggestions on the main things.

1. Prayerful preparation each week.
2. Ensure the kids are enjoying it.
3. Cut out other distractions in life that make things too hectic (we all fall victim here)
4. Remember that TOG is meant to be culled and trimmed to fit your like. Don't feel like you should do all of it.

Hope this helps!

With a second grader, my thought is that your first (academic) priority is to be sure that your child is on the road to reading fluently. Close behind that is handwriting and math, and spelling as the reading skills make her able.

My eldest did no science or history until third grade--not something I'm proud of, but I had so many little ones at once that we just couldn't. But we always read aloud, and TOG will provide lots of wonderful things for you to read aloud! So you will be doing history and some wonderful literature even if it's not formal study. Science is the same. Do it when you are able. Read lots of books--the 4yo will listen in, and 10mo will cuddle with you during this time also. My two oldest--the ones that didn't get the history and science when they were little--are now the two of my children who love those two topics the most (one history, the other science).

So to sum up, read the Bible together every day, then focus on reading, writing, and math. Do lots of read-alouds that are in the areas of history and science. You've got lots of time, so enjoy this time with your little ones!
Michelle

Thanks so much for your responses.
To Truth- You are right as I begin this journey I am still finding my way through the mud. Although Cathy Duffy's book was GREAT in helping me with my vision/ philosophy etc.

Michelle- Would you clarify a bit? Did you use the writing aids for "writing" or are you speaking of the mechanics of actual writing- like handwriting for a reason curriculum?

On writing: There are a number of issues here, which can be pursued simultaneously. First is handwriting. Second is spelling (and there are different ways to approach this, some of which require more handwriting ability than others). Third is mechanics (punctuation, capital letters, and such). Fourth is composition (generating and organizing ideas, choose correct words, and so forth).

All of these are important, and you'll need to figure out how and when to approach each one. Writing Aids addresses only the last of these.

Having taught a number of kids now, I do recommend composition studies using Writing Aids even for the young ones. Handwriting skills are not required; little ones can dictate. There is plenty to learn. With my oldest daughter I thought that we might as well wait until her teenage years to study composition, but I regret that now. I don't always have time and motivation to do writing with my youngest, but he's really benefited from what we have done.

If it were me, I'd put highest priority on handwriting and composition at first, then add spelling as the handwriting gets more comfortable. Mechanics I try to gently address as we did other things, then eventually do a focussed study.

TheTruthWins said it was a high priority to make sure that your kids enjoy school. I agree that we should do what we can to make things pleasant and sometimes even exciting, but it is possible to set our expectations too high here. It took me quite a bit of time and worry before I figured out that some aspects of school will never be much fun to our kids. I may have found a great math curriculum which is more fun than any others, but few kids are going to prefer math to, say, computer games or running around outside.

I've just prayed that you will find peace in your decisions - that your (natural) fears and anxieties will be calmed. Enjoy your homeschooling!