Homeschool Chat Part III

[GusGus77]

We start back August 11th. I have a second grader and pre-k. I think I just decided on science (switching to Noeo from Apologia) and I am excited about that! Now I just have to bite the bullet and order it and we will be all set. (Well, as far as owning the books- I still need to lesson plan for a few subjects!) I am getting very excited for the new school year, but also sad that the carefree days of summer are coming to a close. It seems weather wise this was our first full week of summer so we are just now getting into it being summer and it is almost over!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Seriously considering starting the Pre school Ciriculum on Timberdoodle with my 3yr old this fall. Anyone with experience with the curriculum have any thoughts?

 

[OnlyDisney]

I have a 7.5 year old boy with ADHD and sensory processing disorder and a 6 year old girl.
We homeschool year round but go lighter in the summer with just reading and math (mainly because of all the kids in the neighborhood knocking on the door ).

We're still using Moving Beyond the Page age 5-7 and 6-8. We started age 5-7 last Sept with both kids but moved up our son to the 6-8 this past spring. We're about half way through the age 5-7 and still in the first unit for age 6-8. I love the curriculum and can get most of the books through the library. The few that I can't I just order from Amazon as I need them.
My two nieces were living with me for a few months and used age 9-11. I loved how I could print out the days instructions so they could be in charge of their own work. (I saved everything so my kids can use it in a few years also).

We had Handwriting Without Tears - Letters and Numbers for Me. We used it for a few pages, but my kids weren't that interested. I let my kids dictate to me instead. Occasionally I'll print out a page for them to copy - like today I printed out a page for them to write the word "Saturday". I really did like HWT and we'll probably start up with it again.

For math we use Life of Fred. We started this last year with the first book, Apples. My son took to it right away and he's now on Edgewood (we did take a break from LoF for a few months this spring though). Our daughter was having a hard time so she took a break from it, but we just started Apples again with her and she's loving it now.
They also use Splash Math on their Ipads. Son has the full program of grades 1-5; he's almost through the 1st grade level. Daughter just has Kindergarten. They love how they can use it on their own, occasionally asking me to read a problem to them.

Son reads a lot of BOB books.
I'm thinking of trying All about Reading with my daughter.

We don't do everything every day or we might do multiple lessons in one day. We also do lots of fun free stuff I find on pinterest. There's also a local homeschool field trip group we particpate in, RiverCityFieldTrips.org.

Whew! Sorry for the long post! Sometimes it's nice to see everything spelled out. There are days when I wonder if I'm doing the right thing. I believe my kids will learn at their own pace and everything will work out in the end, but it can be hard to stick with it when, traditionally, kids are farther along at their age.

 

[Veggie]

Seriously considering starting the Pre school Ciriculum on Timberdoodle with my 3yr old this fall. Anyone with experience with the curriculum have any thoughts?

As a veteran homeschooling mom and a former teacher, I would advise you to not buy any packaged curriculum for a three year old, even if they are advanced. Take them to the library, read books, play board games, do crafts, go on field trips, play with blocks, etc. The Timbledoodle toys could be great ideas for Christmas gifts.

 

[Veggie]

I have a 7.5 year old boy with ADHD and sensory processing disorder and a 6 year old girl.
We homeschool year round but go lighter in the summer with just reading and math (mainly because of all the kids in the neighborhood knocking on the door ).

We're still using Moving Beyond the Page age 5-7 and 6-8. We started age 5-7 last Sept with both kids but moved up our son to the 6-8 this past spring. We're about half way through the age 5-7 and still in the first unit for age 6-8. I love the curriculum and can get most of the books through the library. The few that I can't I just order from Amazon as I need them.
My two nieces were living with me for a few months and used age 9-11. I loved how I could print out the days instructions so they could be in charge of their own work. (I saved everything so my kids can use it in a few years also).

We had Handwriting Without Tears - Letters and Numbers for Me. We used it for a few pages, but my kids weren't that interested. I let my kids dictate to me instead. Occasionally I'll print out a page for them to copy - like today I printed out a page for them to write the word "Saturday". I really did like HWT and we'll probably start up with it again.

For math we use Life of Fred. We started this last year with the first book, Apples. My son took to it right away and he's now on Edgewood (we did take a break from LoF for a few months this spring though). Our daughter was having a hard time so she took a break from it, but we just started Apples again with her and she's loving it now.
They also use Splash Math on their Ipads. Son has the full program of grades 1-5; he's almost through the 1st grade level. Daughter just has Kindergarten. They love how they can use it on their own, occasionally asking me to read a problem to them.

Son reads a lot of BOB books.
I'm thinking of trying All about Reading with my daughter.

We don't do everything every day or we might do multiple lessons in one day. We also do lots of fun free stuff I find on pinterest. There's also a local homeschool field trip group we particpate in, RiverCityFieldTrips.org.

Whew! Sorry for the long post! Sometimes it's nice to see everything spelled out. There are days when I wonder if I'm doing the right thing. I believe my kids will learn at their own pace and everything will work out in the end, but it can be hard to stick with it when, traditionally, kids are farther along at their age.

Your children sound like they are right on target and maybe even ahead in math. We love Life of Fred too. My daughter is now in Pre-Alegbra. It is good.

 

[tabrizia]

I'm thinking of trying All about Reading with my daughter.

I've used AAR with both my 8 year old and my 6 year old and I'm just starting pre-reading with my 4 year old at his request, I really like it has worked well for both my so far extremely different learners. We have moved onto All About Spelling shortly after starting AAR 3 with my 8 year old because he knew most of the rules already and didn't like learning things he already knew.


We are using AAR for my 6 year old this year, Michael Clay Thompson for my 8 year old, AAS for both (different levels), Handwriting without Tears and homemade lit for them this year for Language arts.

We'll use Beast Academy for Math for my 8 year old he's already been through LoF elementary once and I wanted to go into depth on some concepts before pre-algebra. My 6 year old will do a mix of LoF and Singapore Math 2 before moving onto Beast Academy.

We're using History Odyssey for history plus tons of field trips and we're doing science at co-op and doing interest led science at home, where we read and do lots of experiments based on their current science interests.

 

[fofinia]

Hi! We finished our first year of homeschool back in May- 7th grade. I received a letter from the school asking us to resubmit for next year. They are also asking for "a performance evaluation of my child's academic progress during this past 2014-15 school year."

We are in Massachusetts. When you apply in MA (not sure of anywhere else) you are asked to choose a method for evaluation. choices:

1. a home visit with examples of student work from Sept to June
2. an independent report
3. standardized test results
4. other agreed upon method

When I filed I chose 4 and stated that dated work samples would be provided upon request. Which is similar to choice 1. But I would prefer to not have the school come to my home nor have to go in for a meeting at the school. I'm thinking I will send in the end unit tests from the past year. Oh we used Life Pac curriculum. Since it's not a virtual school just workbooks that I grade. It doesn't have a performance evaluation to submit.

Is there an online performance evaluation that I can do and send in that would be acceptable? That anyone knows of? The school sent home a letter offering an assessment thru Star Reading and Math. But I didn't do that for the beginnning of 7th grade. So would probably not be right for post assessment. I also didn't do that assessment because it seemed as if it was something she would have to go into the high school to take.

Any advice? Thanks so much!

 

[chris31997]

Hi! We finished our first year of homeschool back in May- 7th grade. I received a letter from the school asking us to resubmit for next year. They are also asking for "a performance evaluation of my child's academic progress during this past 2014-15 school year."

We are in Massachusetts. When you apply in MA (not sure of anywhere else) you are asked to choose a method for evaluation. choices:

1. a home visit with examples of student work from Sept to June
2. an independent report
3. standardized test results
4. other agreed upon method

When I filed I chose 4 and stated that dated work samples would be provided upon request. Which is similar to choice 1. But I would prefer to not have the school come to my home nor have to go in for a meeting at the school. I'm thinking I will send in the end unit tests from the past year. Oh we used Life Pac curriculum. Since it's not a virtual school just workbooks that I grade. It doesn't have a performance evaluation to submit.

Is there an online performance evaluation that I can do and send in that would be acceptable? That anyone knows of? The school sent home a letter offering an assessment thru Star Reading and Math. But I didn't do that for the beginnning of 7th grade. So would probably not be right for post assessment. I also didn't do that assessment because it seemed as if it was something she would have to go into the high school to take.

Any advice? Thanks so much!

CAT5 testing through Christian Liberty Press. You can do it online and have the results back either that day or with in the week through email. We have always tested through them.

If you send anything in to the school, I would make a copy of it just in case it gets lost or misplaced. I would also send it so that someone has to sign for it and you get notified(or can find out) who and when it was signed for.

 

[DisHmsklMom]

Just to give you another option, we've used Seton testing for a number of years. http://www.setontesting.com/testing-products/
They offer a number of products.
Totally agree with getting return receipts of anything you send to your county, state or school.

 

[fofinia]

CAT5 testing through Christian Liberty Press. You can do it online and have the results back either that day or with in the week through email. We have always tested through them.

If you send anything in to the school, I would make a copy of it just in case it gets lost or misplaced. I would also send it so that someone has to sign for it and you get notified(or can find out) who and when it was signed for.

Just to give you another option, we've used Seton testing for a number of years. http://www.setontesting.com/testing-products/
They offer a number of products.
Totally agree with getting return receipts of anything you send to your county, state or school.

Thank you very much! I'm looking them both up now!!!!

 

[OnlyDisney]

I've used AAR with both my 8 year old and my 6 year old and I'm just starting pre-reading with my 4 year old at his request, I really like it has worked well for both my so far extremely different learners. We have moved onto All About Spelling shortly after starting AAR 3 with my 8 year old because he knew most of the rules already and didn't like learning things he already knew.


We are using AAR for my 6 year old this year, Michael Clay Thompson for my 8 year old, AAS for both (different levels), Handwriting without Tears and homemade lit for them this year for Language arts.

We'll use Beast Academy for Math for my 8 year old he's already been through LoF elementary once and I wanted to go into depth on some concepts before pre-algebra. My 6 year old will do a mix of LoF and Singapore Math 2 before moving onto Beast Academy.

We're using History Odyssey for history plus tons of field trips and we're doing science at co-op and doing interest led science at home, where we read and do lots of experiments based on their current science interests.

I'm so glad to hear that All about Reading worked for you. I've ordered the level 1 and it should be here later this week.

 

[mandis77]

Hey everyone!
We are relatively new to homeschooling (started Jan 2015). I have a 7yo who is doing a combo of 1&2 grade work and a 4yo who is doing a little bit with Kumon workbooks. We are using BookShark, HWT and Saxon Math and go year round. Currently we are on a 4 week break because we are in the middle of a move.

 

[h518may]

Just thought I would say hi. I will be homeschooling our DS for the first time this year. He will be starting 6th grade. We actually started schooling over the summer to see how things would go. I think it will get easier once DD goes back to school. We didn't like the middle schools available to us and decided homeschooling was a better option for now, don't have any clue if we will continue for one year or three. Right now we just want to see how this year goes.

 

[chris31997]

Hey everyone!
We are relatively new to homeschooling (started Jan 2015). I have a 7yo who is doing a combo of 1&2 grade work and a 4yo who is doing a little bit with Kumon workbooks. We are using BookShark, HWT and Saxon Math and go year round. Currently we are on a 4 week break because we are in the middle of a move.

Use the move as a hands on activity for the kiddos. What a great way for them to learn about the new place, logistics of moving, packing, sorting, giving, selling, all sorts of new experiences that they normally won't be exposed to.

It is something we try to do every time we move. It helps our kids with the transition to the new location.

Just thought I would say hi. I will be homeschooling our DS for the first time this year. He will be starting 6th grade. We actually started schooling over the summer to see how things would go. I think it will get easier once DD goes back to school. We didn't like the middle schools available to us and decided homeschooling was a better option for now, don't have any clue if we will continue for one year or three. Right now we just want to see how this year goes.

We have never planned to homeschool longer than a year. Of course we just graduated our fist from high school and she is in college. I tell people to take it one year at a time because you do not know what life will throw at you.

 

[wasnotafan]

First marking period ended yesterday. Good year so far. How is everyone else doing?

 

[OnlyDisney]

I just came across Real Science Odyssey and it looks interesting. Has anyone used this science curriculum?
What about Science in a Nutshell?

We're secular homeschoolers trying to find a fun science program.

 

[tabrizia]

I just came across Real Science Odyssey and it looks interesting. Has anyone used this science curriculum?
What about Science in a Nutshell?

We're secular homeschoolers trying to find a fun science program.

I really like RSO. They have a try before you buy option that gives you the first 10 chapters or so of materiel. They are a great secular company and their science classes have worked well for a number of my friends. We're going to do Chem next year.

 

[GusGus77]

Going to Florida in February and was looking into Legoland. Wow! The homeschooler pricing is amazing!!! The only problem is that we are in Illinois where we have no documentation that we homeschool as nothing is required and we are not members of HSLDA or anything like that. So how do we show proof? Has anyone used these tickets and have any advice? Any other homeschool gems for being in Orlando?

 

[tabrizia]

Going to Florida in February and was looking into Legoland. Wow! The homeschooler pricing is amazing!!! The only problem is that we are in Illinois where we have no documentation that we homeschool as nothing is required and we are not members of HSLDA or anything like that. So how do we show proof? Has anyone used these tickets and have any advice? Any other homeschool gems for being in Orlando?

I think homeschooled buyers co orphans a student and teacher is card you can make for free and laminate.

 

[kohlby]

Ca

Going to Florida in February and was looking into Legoland. Wow! The homeschooler pricing is amazing!!! The only problem is that we are in Illinois where we have no documentation that we homeschool as nothing is required and we are not members of HSLDA or anything like that. So how do we show proof? Has anyone used these tickets and have any advice? Any other homeschool gems for being in Orlando?

Call Legoland and ask. As for doing it, we've done it twice and will be doing it for a third time in a couple weeks. They didn't even ask for any ID the first time, though I was ready to show it. The second time, I was asked and showed a card that didn't even have my children's names on it and it was fine. (I also had a letter with their names on it from my accountability group, but they didn't ask for that). I've heard mixed things from people who have been recently- some want stricter proof and some don't ask. (Though, the stricter proof people I read about were FL residents, so it could be that they understood the proof better).

As for other gems, we haven't done it but the Orlando Eye, wax museum, and aquarium had homeschool rates/days when I checked a little bit ago.