Any Disney Homeschoolers?

[peg2001]

I really appreciate all the support and advice this thread has generated. We are really struggling now to decide what to do. I've done enough research, reading, and asking questions that I know how we would go about homeschooling if we decide to (what umbrella school to use, what programs/resources/books we'd use, etc.).

We had a parent-teacher conference at DD6's school last night and I was actually hoping that it would be a disaster, so that our decision would be easier. However, it went fairly well. The teacher is well aware of DD's advanced capabilities and seems willing to try to supplement with more challenging material in reading. However, she said that everyone has to go through the same first grade reading books and math curriculum, regardless of their abilities. She also said that supplementing math would be more difficult but that she would look into it.

To me, this means that DD will still have to grind through all the material that she already knows PLUS will have some supplementary material that may be on her level. I don't know if we should be satisfied with this or not.

Another relevant issue is that the school day is very long for DD. She is very tired and even started crying at school one day this week just because she is tired.

I think I'm ready to bring her home to homeschool but DH wants to give the teacher a chance over the next month or two to liven up her studies. His opinion is critical because I work full-time and he would do most of the homeschooling.

What would you do? Bring her home NOW or give the school another grading period (6 weeks) and see how it goes?

Thank you for your opinions and advice!
Peggy

 

[house_of_princesses]

Seeing as she is in school now and DH (the home educator to be) says let's see..... I'd see what the teacher comes up with. My caution: A friend of mine was so excited because her twin boys were put in the accelerated program. Turns out the only thing they accelerated was the amount of homework sent home. Same material, just more of it. Ironically, that's exactly the opposite of what they needed. Either give them free time to explore their personal interests or give them new material. Instead, they were given time taker uppers.

Another thing...I question the validity of "all 1st graders have to have this math". If they know it, why? My guess is to keep them on track with the rest of the group for the duration of their elementary years. At what point, then, can they be accelerated? They couldn't, with this type of thinking.

But again, if DH, who is going to be the one doing the lessons, says let's see...then wait and see. He may be feeling a bit nervous himself. Not something to jump into with reservations!

Good luck!

 

[FreshTressa]

I don't really see the advantage to having a child be "ahead" in school. I don't really want my 14 year old in college. I think that is why the gifted program doesn't really appeal to me.

I guess I see the fact that my DS is doing stuff early more as an opportunity to spend more time doing fun stuff and having more time to focus on his interests because the school stuff comes so easy.

That is why I would like to homeschool. So DS isn't wasting all that time sitting around a classroom not learning anything all day when we could be done with academics in about 2 hours and he could spend the rest of the day building and designing, which is what he really likes.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Originally posted by FreshTressa
I don't really see the advantage to having a child be "ahead" in school. I don't really want my 14 year old in college. I think that is why the gifted program doesn't really appeal to me.

Every accelerated kid does not go to college at 14 - some love challenges as much as your child loves building/designing. Your child is in a gifted program tailored to their needs.

 

[sha_lyn]

I don't really see the advantage to having a child be "ahead" in school. I don't really want my 14 year old in college. I think that is why the gifted program doesn't really appeal to me.

The thing is a child should have to slow down, to keep "down" with the masses. I know in my case it hurt me in the long run. I never learned how to study, take notes etc because 1-8 came so easy to me. School bored me so I was usually in trouble for talking etc. I would even get in trouble for reading a library book or a book from home when I finished work before the rest of the class. I qualified for the accelerated classes in high school, but I couldn't keep up. I really blame this on the fact that I had never been chalenged in school before. I drop out (my choice) of the gifted program in 10th.

 

[Dancind]

FreshTressa, if your son still doesn't find any "soulmates" in the HS groups, here's some ideas for you. First, see what focus groups they offer. Your son would probably enjoy a chess club, science group, etc. You may have to seek these out other ways. One popular activity here in our city is sponsored by a collectibles store. The kids get together once a week to play the role playing games done with collectible cards. That might be an older group, though. And gifted kids need exercise too. He might really enjoy martial arts since it has mental as well as physical aspects. Group music, drama, or art lessons might be to his liking as well.

I haven't checked in because so far, DD's 7th grade year at PS is going remarkably well. All her teachers are wonderful, and the group of kids in her two hour Gifted lang/lit class are much nicer than last year. She's found some friends there. She also got very lucky and won the lottery to be in the Gifted Science class, and got into Drama! I have as many problems with PS as anyone on this thread, but the opportunity to make friendships with other gifted girls is priceless, and as long as she's doing well, I'm happy. I do notice an increased attitude in the way she talks to me lately, and I know that a dose of HS would cure that. But we'll see how it goes. First I've got to determine if I'm going to be able to continue working at home, or have to return to my office. I hate the idea of my 12 y.o. on her own after school, but I have to work. Guess I would be looking into aftercare. Here we go again. Diana

 

[sha_lyn]

I do notice an increased attitude in the way she talks to me lately, and I know that a dose of HS would cure that.

Sorry HS'ing won't stop the "tude" that come with puberty LOL.... However I certainly don't miss the "so and so's mom lets him watch that movie, listen to that song, stay up till midnight on a school night etc". In a way HS'ing makes it easier, but in a way it makes it harder. I really have to work to get a break from the kids, since they are here all day with me. Sometimes I think I could deal with them easier if I had some daily time away from them, but then again I think we have few things to deal with since they are not in PS.

 

[house_of_princesses]

Sometimes I think I could deal with them easier if I had some daily time away from them, but then again I think we have few things to deal with since they are not in PS.

Some of you know that I recently had to purchase a headstone for my DH and me. Well, on the bottom of it reads the sentiment; "Every blessing is a double edged sword." I live and will die by that statement! There is no right or wrong, better or worse in hs. You make a decision and live with the best and worst of it. Switch, and you'll see you're trading one set of problems for another, one set of blessings for another.

As far as gifted classes, acceleration, college classes at 14.... Again, you do what's best for your wards. My only thought is don't let them whither away their hours doing senseless things. Challenge them. How those challenges are presented are up to you! And that's the beauty of parenting in America...we can choose how best to challenge, enlighten, enliven these young minds that were given to us to mold! (Scary, huh? )

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Originally posted by house_of_princesses


As far as gifted classes, acceleration, college classes at 14.... Again, you do what's best for your wards. My only thought is don't let them whither away their hours doing senseless things. Challenge them.

VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY well said, house_of_princesses!!
Now only if the Department of Education felt that way!

 

[FreshTressa]

That is exactly why homeschooling appeals to me, because you can accellerate according to the child.

No, I do not think that slowing a child down is the answer. I agree with sha_lyn. Pretty much the exact thing happened to me.

I was talking about my personal situation, where it is building that appeals to my child. For others it might be writing, or science or reading or math or drama or whatever. I am not saying that it works for everyone.

But, I don't want to send my kids to college early or to have them with a group of older kids. I don't think that is beneficial. I would rather have them pursue their interests at home or with a mentor.

Perhaps some of you have kids that would do well doing college early. I just don't think that route is for us.

Anyway, just thought I'd clarify. And house of princesses said it when she said "challenge them".

 

[sha_lyn]

I have mixed feelings on younger kids in college. I guess that is the one thing I like about PS or at least the ones here. They have the AP classes that count as college credit. The problem (among other problems) for us was the ele district we live in didn't teach prepare the kids for the upper grades. It looks like DS will finish HS early. Sometime between his 16 and 17 birthdays most likely. We've looked at a few options, and the most appealing right now is that he work (probably in the karate studio we take lessons at) until the fall after he turns 17 (that would give him about 6 months off from school) and then he will attend a local comunity college for 2 yrs. After that he will hopefully have the grades, comunity service record etc to get a scholarship to Hawaii Pacific or another school with a good marine biology program.

 

[GladysK]

Originally posted by sha_lyn
It looks like DS will finish HS early. Sometime between his 16 and 17 birthdays most likely. We've looked at a few options, and the most appealing right now is that he work (probably in the karate studio we take lessons at) until the fall after he turns 17 (that would give him about 6 months off from school) and then he will attend a local comunity college for 2 yrs. After that he will hopefully have the grades, comunity service record etc to get a scholarship to Hawaii Pacific or another school with a good marine biology program.

This is why High Schools have Guidance Offices and kids have a guidance counselor. To give them realistic expectations on how to get scholarship monies. I would really wonder how many universities give scholarships to community school students who took a break from schooling. Instead of working at a karate school,take advanced courses in computers,math,physics,biology,something to prepare to go to a "real" university rather than a community college, perhaps.

 

[house_of_princesses]

This is why High Schools have Guidance Offices and kids have a guidance counselor. To give them realistic expectations on how to get scholarship monies.

Depends on the couselor. Mine said, "Here are the college catalogs. If you see one you like, jot it down and you can send for your own catalog." Not exactly what I'd call guidance.

As for working in the dojo....perhaps working and taking one or two classes at the community college? Working is a great idea, but so is keeping his mind in learning mode. First semester of senior hs year, I went to school for 3 hours then went to work in our family owned store. (Lots of behind the scene training.) After I graduated in December (didn't see the purpose in continuing in hs) I continued working and took a few courses at the local college. Then went to Valparaiso U.

One option is to contact the U your son thinks he may want to attend. Ask them what they are looking for in a student, some criteria for financial aid/scholarships. Just by keeping in touch early on, you may find personal help, or at the least, their baseline criteria. They'll also know your son is interested in working toward being a member of their community.

Some thoughts to ponder...

 

[I <3 Eeyore]

Originally posted by 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.

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.

I apologize for quoting the whole post but I think you need to take the advice from non-professionals for what it's worth - opinion. Some of the behavior you've described isn't necessarily indicative of a gifted child but could be symptoms of autism or Asperger's syndrome. Have you considered having your child evaluated for either a learning disability or other developmental disorder?

I have several children who test at gifted levels and one son who also tests over 140 but who is autistic as well. My other 'gifted' children don't suffer from socialization issues, contrary to another poster on this thread. PS: My son has been mainstreamed since pre-school and is now a Senior in HS and receives high honors. We felt in his case that the socialization school offered was instrumental in his development and we haven't been disappointed by the results. There are always going to be bullies but Jon has learned how to deal with them by not being insulated from them. Just MHO.

 

[CRB#33]

I <3 Eeyore has a good point that you should probably look into a bit. I am a special education teacher and work most of the time in autistic support classes.

I have worked with one or two children who have Asperger's Syndrome. They are very gifted in many areas, but do not know how to function socially. You would not know it to look at them. It's only in conversation that you realize that they have their own point of view and cannot comprehend others. From your post, tressa, this seems familiar.

I hope everything works out for you.

 

[gepetto]

Originally posted by FreshTressa

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 think that pulling him out of school is just going to make his socialization issues even worse. I have seen that young children often take on some of the attitudes and opinions of their parents. I do recall posts where you were quite harsh regarding the other children in your child's school. Maybe this is something he picked up on and he is simply showing the same disdain for his classmates that you do. What do the teachers say about the bullying issue? That shouldn't even be taking place especially on a Kindergarten level.

There is also a huge difference in being very bright or ahead academically and being truly "gifted". In any case, your school staff should be able to help you find the resources needed to find out what is behind your child's socialization issues.

 

[sha_lyn]

This is why High Schools have Guidance Offices and kids have a guidance counselor. To give them realistic expectations on how to get scholarship monies.

Depends on the couselor. Mine said, "Here are the college catalogs. If you see one you like, jot it down and you can send for your own catalog." Not exactly what I'd call guidance.

The counselors at my school were useless too. They basically just loaned out the catalogs too. Also, one time I wanted to change a couple of my classes because they were too easy. The couselor told me to stay in the classes, that a 110 average would look good on my record.


DS received some good advise from a marine biology student we met at a Turtle rescue facility. She told him what schools have volunteer rescue programs that he can get into when he turns 16.

I really don't see a problem with him taking the 6 months off. After all, after finishing highschool in 2 1/2 yrs I think he'll deserve a little break before he starts 6-8 yrs of college.

 

[GladysK]

Originally posted by sha_lyn


I really don't see a problem with him taking the 6 months off. After all, after finishing highschool in 2 1/2 yrs I think he'll deserve a little break before he starts 6-8 yrs of college.

WOW! 2 1/2 years!! That's something. But how will he cover 4 years of English,4 years of math ,3 years of science ,3 years of Computer literacy..etc in 2 1/2 years?

The Guidance office at My DS's HS has a monthly update in the school bulletin on how to qualify for our state's free college tuition program. Most kids at his HS take the necessary courses and know they have to score at a certain level to obtain it. I have nothing but praise for their Developement/Guidance center.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Originally posted by GladysK
WOW! 2 1/2 years!! That's something. But how will he cover 4 years of English,4 years of math ,3 years of science ,3 years of Computer literacy..etc in 2 1/2 years?

Not to speak for Sha_lyn, but when you homeschool and go at the child's pace.... it's often easy to go much quicker. The one on one means the child does not have to sit and listen to everyone else's questions and answers.

Many children at our school accelerated in math as part of the gifted program. They were allowed to go at their own pace. I know of at least 4 that finished two years of math in one year with very reasonable effort.

Colleges have provisions for homeschooled children... and provided a student has the ACT/SAT scores to back up their coursework, admission seems to be no problem.

 

[sha_lyn]

WOW! 2 1/2 years!! That's something. But how will he cover 4 years of English,4 years of math ,3 years of science ,3 years of Computer literacy..etc in 2 1/2 years?

Computer literacy????

He's covering a semesters worth of work in a little over a 1/4. He doesn't want to (and shouldn't have to) slow down. we will probably however continue with math and science once he finishes enough credits for his diploma.

One thing that is dictating the path we are taking is the Hope Scholarship (a lottery funded scholarship in GA). He must graduate high school before he qualifies for the scholarship. Instead of using college as his "electives" as many homeschoolers do, we are instead using an accredited but fairly "light" correspondence school to get his diploma, and then he will attend a local college for his core classes before moving on the the unversity level. this will give him time to work on the "other things" that college looks at other than grades, and he can get his name out in the marine biology "world" by working with rescue organizations.