Any Disney Homeschoolers?

[crazymomof4]

Just a quick "heads up" for those who HS during the pre-teen and early teen years. Check your kids periodically for signs of scoliosis! I'm an RN and honestly, this never crossed my mind until yesterday. My DS14 showed me how one side of his ribcage "stuck out" farther than the other. Right away, I turned him around to look at his back and sure enough, his shoulders are uneven by about and inch and 1/2! The doctor said (over the phone) that it may be that his legs are growing at different rates and right now one is longer than the other, but he still needs to be evaluated to rule out scoliosis. I've had him in for his routine checkups but the doctor said that sometimes it appears quickly during a growth spurt and that is why they rely on the school's scoliosis checks in between annual visits to the Dr.

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks for that information. I just had a similar situation with my DD and her eyes. Because we don't use a board far away, she didn't notice that she couldn't see as well until we started back a few weeks ago and she said that when she was reading it was not as clear in one eye. The doctor said that sometimes it isn't detected as soon when we homeschool because they aren't sitting in the different places of a classroom looking at a board, etc. Just thought I'd pass that one along as well.
Tammy

 

[peg2001]

Thanks for reviving this thread. I am in the stage of seriously researching and considering homeschool for DD6, currently in first grade. I am hoping that I can ask the following question without offending anyone.

In researching via library books and websites on homeschooling and in reviewing available curriculums, I have been overwhelmed by the Christian influence. Are there equivalent secular resources? Am I looking in the wrong places? Will non-Christians be accepted into homeschooling groups or will we always be considered outsiders?

Peggy

 

[sha_lyn]

Peggy.... Great question, No offense here for certain. You know the main reason I didn't homeschool earlier was because of the huge number of Fundamental homeschoolers in my area. They really believe in HS'ing to keep their kids away fro the evils of the world and use a very (IMHO) poor curriculum. Later I found better curriculum's but they too were all Christian based. When we did finally start HS DS we started with a umbrella school that used standard PS text books. Unfortunately that really doesn't carry over to HS'ing very well (because they didn't supply me with teacher editions, it was very hard to help him with his work).

Sorry... this is getting so long .... anyway my point is eventually I've found many great HS resources. While it is hard to find a good complete curriculum that isn't Christian based, it is easy to piece on together yourself. Also I found that it is very easy to leave out the Christian material in Calvert (At least in the early grades, I only used it for K for DD).

I know many non Christians who are using the well trained mind, and are members on a WTM secular yahoo group. Basically WTM is a "blue print" as to what to teach,and tells you what books to use, but give enough suggestions that those with religious slants can be avoided.

There is a Pagan/Wiccan curriculum called Goddess Moon Academy.

Most Waldorf curriculum's have little if any Christian content. What they do contain is usually very inclusive, and more of a Gnostic reference to a superior power (would be good for non Christian religions, as long as they have deities). I believe that Golden Beetle doesn't have any Christian content but I may be wrong.

I know the moms over at the motheringdotcom boards can probably help you.

As for groups... well that's hard to answer. It really depends on the group. We are lucky to have a huge inclusive group (that is truly inclusive not the "well we accept all Christians not just Baptist" groups that I kept finding in the beginning).

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

I have to get my plug in for Saxon math. It goes away from all the frills (pictures and cute little activities) and gets right to the meat of the lesson. No religion involved at all.

www.saxonpublishers.com

Good luck!!

 

[Michelemouse]

Another "thumbs up" for Saxon Math. DD11 hated Math until we started using Saxon. They get right to the point and there is constant reinforcement of earlier learnings.

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by house_of_princesses
Rae, glad you found some 'me' time! So, what did you do with your new found hour of freedom? Anything interesting, like just sit and stare at the wall uninterupted?


Are you watching me?! Honestly!!!! I know you must be because I sat outside on the picnic table and just looked at the horses in the meadow. It was so quiet and I just felt so happy inside!

What a wonderful idea this has been!!!!

Hugs,
Rae

 

[sha_lyn]

Oh yes, we love Saxon math here. A good reading program is Explode the code. Hand writing without Tears or Draw Write now are great handwriting programs... all of these with no religious content.

 

[crazymomof4]

I also had difficulty finding a completely secular curriculum for elementary/middle grades. When I homeschooled my DS for 7th and 8th grade we used Pearblossom Private School. They have an actual school in Pearblossom, CA but also offer a distance learning program for homeschoolers. Included in the tuition is software that allows the child to take end-of-chapter tests on the computer and they they are e-mailed to CA, corrected and returned. The textbooks they provided were EXACTLY the kind that public schools use. Teacher's editions are available upon request ($50 refundable deposit is required for each)

See: www.PearblossomSchool.com

 

[peg2001]

Originally posted by sha_lyn
Oh yes, we love Saxon math here. A good reading program is Explode the code. Hand writing wuhtout Tears or Draw Write now are great handwriting programs... all of these with no religious content.

My thanks to everyone for their secular resources input.

Thank you, sha_lyn for sharing your experience with me! This is really helping me.

Peggy

 

[house_of_princesses]

Thought I may try and bring this back to life....

Found a retired math teacher to come into our home and help my two oldest girls. He's an interesting character, but he knows his stuff! He seems to have a heart for teaching, for the children.

My second dd, soon to be 10, is having a terrible time remembering her addition facts still!!! He says she understands higher level math, but until she gets those facts down cold, there's no sense going forward. Of course, he's right. But man, I've been feeding her these facts for years!! And she just can't seem to get them from point a to point long term memory. Not giving up yet, though!!

Our Sonlight curriculum is going well. Lots of reading, 5 books at a time, I believe. And then Learning Language Arts Through Literature has them reading another book.

So how is your year shaping up now that we're past the start up period? Smooth, rocky, any changes having to be made? Frustrated or scared because it seems to be smooth sailing?

 

[sha_lyn]

Oh this yr is going great.
DS started High School using the American School. I love their text books and student guides. He received 2 exams back already (very quick turn over on sending back corrected work). I love the input they gave him on his work.

With DD we still haven't bought a curriculum. Calvert was a nighmare for us, so we are just picking and chosing what works for her right now. We're using Saxon Math, Bob Books(beginning readers), Explode the Code (phonics work books), Hand Writing Without Tears, and Jason Project (science). We fill in with what ever catches her interest. I'm trying to find a good 1st grade health program right now.

 

[dturner]

Just saw/read this thread and after reading about the school shooting in Minnesota this morning, thought I'd give me 2cents.

This is the 2nd year of HSing DS(7). Last year I used Learning at Home Grade 1 along with other workbooks from American Publishing (all secular), this year I've started the Learning at Home Grade 2 book, buy my reading books from Scholastic (FYI - home schoolers can order from the Scholastic book clubs and you get free stuff also). I've also done some "unschooling" as I've asked DS what HE would like to learn and try to accomodate when possible (not sure if I should allow him to study/learn the history of Star Wars as his social studies credit, LOL!!)

I also incorporate school into family vacations when I can, i.e. this year we are going to The Alamo.

I just love homeschooling and it beats sending your child somewhere where you don't know what's going to happen, i.e. this morning's school shooting in Minnesota, every time I hear of another school shooting that just confirms that I have made the right choice in homeschooling my child. It's SO SAD to read of KIDS bringing guns to school and using them on other KIDS.

DISCLAIMER: (Comments were not made to cause anyone to debate any homeschooling issues, just my opinions)

 

[FreshTressa]

I am so afraid to post here. Last time I talked about my parenting issues I got completely flamed.

I am seriously thinking about pulling my Kindergartner out of school. He is way ahead academically and is a target of bullies already in his first month. He has learned all kinds of foul language at school, most of it directed at him. He is a serious type and doesn't know how to play the way most kids do.

I have had him in playgroups, preschool, etc., and he just doesn't seem to understand how to get along socially. He spends his time building elaborate structures or making treasure maps etc., while it seems his peers at school run around with scooters, shoot at each other, be silly and whatnot. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it is just that we have had trouble finding friend for my fussbudgety, studious son.

Anyway, I am confident I can handle the academic part, I just don't know where to find "friends" for him. We are not religious and live in a mixed faith family.

I know people think that the kids learn socialization at shool, but so far all my son has learned is swear words.

Any advice on how to find friends?? He goes to classes and stuff, but never interacts with the other kids.

 

[sha_lyn]

FreshTressa ... your situation with your DS sounds like many of the HS'ers I know (and know of) who's children tested as "highly" gifted. It sounds as if he is probably mentally ahead of his age but socially at or behind (being socially behind is considered normal for gifted from what the other parents have told me).

I did a search for secular homeschool groups in Washington St and came up with a huge list.
here are a few of them


http://members.aol.com/belfairhs/law.html

http://www.midnightbeach.com/hs/listlist.html

found this organization. Their site looks really good.
http://www.familylearning.org/

Check your local parks and rec, YMCA etc to see if they offer any HS classes. That is a great way to network with other parents wihtout joining a support group.

 

[FreshTressa]

WOW! How did you do that?? I have been searching and searching and can't find anything on the web. You are amazing.

I can't thank you enough!

 

[house_of_princesses]

Fresh Tressa, I have a friend who has a son that could have been a match for yours. She, however, was not as astute as you and did not see signs of his withering on the vine. I tried to gently tell her that he had a gift (was wonderful at building elaborate structures using his plumber fathers' pvc pipes) and to keep it alive. Well, it wasn't Thanksgiving when I noticed this little guy's behavior had changed drastically. He wasn't building anymore, having a difficult time playing with others, but forced into it. He's now in 2nd grade and is quite a challenge. I won't get into details.

Anyway, consider what sha_lyn said. There is support out there, religious based or otherwise. Some of the groups that meet at churches aren't always religious centered, either. So don't let that deter you from checking out a group. Now this idea may be way out there to some, but consider this....is it necessary that he socialize now? Perhaps forcing the issue would be worse than better? Let him make that move...when he's ready for a friend, he'll look for one, let you know he needs one. If he's not acting out, hoarding the legos, I don't see a problem. Just a thought.

Good Luck!

 

[crazymomof4]

Originally posted by house_of_princesses
So how is your year shaping up now that we're past the start up period? Smooth, rocky, any changes having to be made? Frustrated or scared because it seems to be smooth sailing?

My DS14 also started Highschool with American this year. I like that the textbooks are ours to keep (ever since college I've loved jotting notes and highlighting in textbooks! I feel inhibited if I can't!) Also, they have short "self check tests" w/ in the chapters that let you know if the concept covered thus far was understood by the student. I also like the fact that we currently have only 2 subjects from them. This leaves enough of his day open for me to supplement with "courses" of my own creation, which I've tailored to his interests. My son really seems to respond when the "leash" is loosened on his education. For example: He loves learning about historical figures. I found a website
http://www.sparknotes.com/biography/ that lists about 50 famous people and provides a lengthy biography and a unit test on each. From the list he chose Alexander the Great. There were much "easier" persons on the list (Abe Lincoln, etc.) but when given a choice DS will challenge himself. In this way he is kind of a non-conformist when it comes to schooling. He likes having some say in his learning. So, if there is a list of optional exercises or essay questions, I always tell him to choose one rather than assigning him one myself. This is just one of the many reasons why homeschooling is a good choice for him.

We had a yard sale last weekend and I got into a conversation with a man on the subject of homeschooling. At first I thought his questions were critical of hs'ing and I got really nervous trying to defend myself. I gave him some examples of how well hs is working for us and why. After a while I realized that he was actually favorable. He said he wishes his children would hs his grandkids. When our conversation got cut off bc. of other customers, he asked if he could come back sometime a learn more about hs'ing. (dont' worry, I won't let him inside the house unless DH is home)

This year 6 children of our friends/family will start homeschooling for the first time. Funny, many of them are calling me for help/advice getting started. I'm excited for them and I help anyway I can but I certainly don't consider myself a seasoned homeschooler with only 1 full yr. under my belt! I keep telling them not to be discouraged during the first year, that everyone has self doubt initially. Confidence comes with time as you see the benefits unfold.

And, yes, I DO get scared when things are smooth sailing! Somehow we are conditioned to think that education/learning has to be difficult or else it must not be working.

Glad to see this thread revived! We're leaving for the World on Friday, you can bet I'll be catching up here when we get back.

 

[house_of_princesses]

many of them are calling me for help/advice getting started. I'm excited for them and I help anyway I can but I certainly don't consider myself a seasoned homeschooler with only 1 full yr. under my belt!

Ha! I've been doing this since day 1 (oldest is 11) and I STILL feel like a novice! When in a group and they ask the veterans to hold up their hands, I always think it's the other people they're looking for!

Every year brings on a new set of challenges, goals, joys and perplexities. I don't think I'll ever feel like a full blown vet!!

 

[sha_lyn]

WOW! How did you do that?? I have been searching and searching and can't find anything on the web. You are amazing.

No problem. Glad I could help. The one thing on a computer/internet I am very good at is searches. I always do a search through IE in the web address bar. I typed in something like "washington state secular homeschool support groups"