Homeschool Chat Part III

[dis-happy]

Just bumping and checking in to say hello!

We are here at Disney this week and it is FANTASTIC! Walking right on 90% of the rides and getting fast passes or single rider for the rest.

I love vacationing in October and not worrying about missing school!

Peace out to all my homeschool buds!,

Dawn

I'd be terribly jealous, but we get to head down there in a week. Have a great trip!!!

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

Just bumping and checking in to say hello!

We are here at Disney this week and it is FANTASTIC! Walking right on 90% of the rides and getting fast passes or single rider for the rest.

I love vacationing in October and not worrying about missing school!

Peace out to all my homeschool buds!,

Dawn

Have a great time!

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

Someone on my local homeschool group shared this link. It's really cool -- you can see newspaper headlines all over the world, from the Newseum in Washington, DC: Newseum. The kids love it!

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Someone on my local homeschool group shared this link. It's really cool -- you can see newspaper headlines all over the world, from the Newseum in Washington, DC: Newseum. The kids love it!

WOW! That is so cool! Thanks for sharing. (plus looks like another fieldtrip- to the Newseum)

 

[sl_underwood]

I also thinking about homeschooling my oldest ( 8th grade). I wanted to do it a long time ago, but my DH really didn't want me to. What I worry about is that she is taking all accelerated and gifted classes that are offered at her school, and I hope that we could keep this up at home. My DH can teach her math and some science ( he is a professor). Another worry of mine is socialization. What kinds of things do your older kids do? Can they still do things through the school?

I have an 8th grader currently who is homeschooled. She is involved in numerous activities outside our home. We have a local homeschool group who has a monthly teen night. She also goes to church youth group on Wed nights and Sun afternoons. She is part of the science club at our local science center. This program is for advanced placement middle schoolers to do experiments the schools may not have time to offer. In addition to all of this, she takes part in plays through our local community theater, usually two or three times a year for 2 months at a time. She also is on swim team, goes to homeschool PE at our local YMCA, and during the summers she interns at our local television station. This doesnt even count yearly events, like proms and such. She also socializes with a variety of different people. For example, she also belongs to a writers club. This club is an adult activity and she happens to be the only teen currently. She gets a great deal of information and loves this activity. Being homeschooled, she also has had the opportunity to work at our local vet's office. She has assisted the vet with surgery and learned a great deal. This is another adult activity, but she has learned a great deal about being tactful, respectful, etc. I think that most communities have a lot going on, you just have to find the activities out there. We live in a fairly small community, but there is still a large amount of activities for teens. I would find out what your teen is interested in and see if those types of activities are available in your area. There is some cost involved at times, but that is pretty much a given even if your child goes to school. As for doing school activities, it depends on the school. In our community, the public schools do not allow homeschooled kids to participate in activities such as sports, however, they can go to prom if their date goes to that school. My oldest has been to several proms and dances. My oldest dd also went to a private school just for one or two classes her junior and senior year. She did this because she felt she needed extra help. One of these classes was art. I just wasnt equipped to help her in that area. There are alot of options. I would definitely keep researching it.

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

... (plus looks like another fieldtrip- to the Newseum)

I filed that away, too! Looks cool.

 

[DawnM]

We just got back. We had a great time. Friday was crowded but we were thankful for Mon-Thur with walk on availability. We left early Friday and went back to the pool. Apparently local schools were out Friday.

Anyway, already looking at dates for the next trip! Hoping for January! We got APs

Dawn

 

[MissNurse]

I am currently considering homeschooling my two kids, in kindergarten and 4th grade. I am very frustrated with the public schools curriculum. I am basically reteaching her math every night. She doesn't get it the way they are teaching it. I after I explain my "old school" way, she catches right on. They are doing something called "investigations" and connected math. I am employed at the school as a nurse, but don't really understand what they are doing. They really focus hard on teaching to the test in my district. I am not fond of this at all!! My DD (4th grader) doesn't test well. She gets really nervous and over-thinks a lot. So far, DS is thriving in public kindergarten. He is excelling in math and is almost ready to read according to his teacher. I never thought I would even consider homeschooling my kids, but the thought becomes more appealing every day. I know it won't be easy, but if I can afford to stay home next year we will more than likely give this a try. Just looking for some moral support!!

 

[robinsegg]

I am currently considering homeschooling my two kids, in kindergarten and 4th grade. I am very frustrated with the public schools curriculum. I am basically reteaching her math every night. She doesn't get it the way they are teaching it. I after I explain my "old school" way, she catches right on. They are doing something called "investigations" and connected math. I am employed at the school as a nurse, but don't really understand what they are doing. They really focus hard on teaching to the test in my district. I am not fond of this at all!! My DD (4th grader) doesn't test well. She gets really nervous and over-thinks a lot. So far, DS is thriving in public kindergarten. He is excelling in math and is almost ready to read according to his teacher. I never thought I would even consider homeschooling my kids, but the thought becomes more appealing every day. I know it won't be easy, but if I can afford to stay home next year we will more than likely give this a try. Just looking for some moral support!!

There are a lot of us who homeschool because (or partly because) we don't care for the way the public school teaches! If you want/need any info, feel free to ask!

 

[MissNurse]

There are a lot of us who homeschool because (or partly because) we don't care for the way the public school teaches! If you want/need any info, feel free to ask!

Thank you! I have a lot of issues actually. I don't want to go into too many details, but I just don't feel that this is the best environment for my children to learn in. My daughter is a perfectionist and nearly the youngest in her class (beat the cutoff by 2 weeks). She is VERY artistic and creative. There is a lot of emphasis it seems on getting things done in a set amount of time, and that makes her anxious. Anyway, thanks for all the info so far. I'm sure I'll have tons of questions as we move further!

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Thank you! I have a lot of issues actually. I don't want to go into too many details, but I just don't feel that this is the best environment for my children to learn in. My daughter is a perfectionist and nearly the youngest in her class (beat the cutoff by 2 weeks). She is VERY artistic and creative. There is a lot of emphasis it seems on getting things done in a set amount of time, and that makes her anxious. Anyway, thanks for all the info so far. I'm sure I'll have tons of questions as we move further!

I think the more you research it, the more you will fall in love. My DD (just turned 12) sounds a lot like your DD. I love that her creative side can flourish. She loves writing and drawing. And I am thankful that we were able to experiment until we found a math program that works well for her (even though still not her favorite subject) My DS loves math. For him I was able to find a math program that did not limit him based on his reading ability.

I taught for 10 years in public school and can not stand how they "teach for the test."

I would much rather facilitate an environment that creates lifelong lovers of learning! (My new motto)

 

[MissNurse]

I think the more you research it, the more you will fall in love. My DD (just turned 12) sounds a lot like your DD. I love that her creative side can flourish. She loves writing and drawing. And I am thankful that we were able to experiment until we found a math program that works well for her (even though still not her favorite subject) My DS loves math. For him I was able to find a math program that did not limit him based on his reading ability.

I taught for 10 years in public school and can not stand how they "teach for the test."

I would much rather facilitate an environment that creates lifelong lovers of learning! (My new motto)

As I sit here helping her with her homework now, I am certain that she deserves a better education than she is getting. She sits in school for 7 hours a day with one recess at lunch. They get PE for one hour once a week. She comes home w/ at least an hour's worth of homework every night, unless I have to reteach some math concept. Then it lasts longer. She loves learning. She hopes to be a veterinarian one day. Animals are drawn to her as much as she is to them. She can draw better than me (LOL, most people can!) and writes the most creative stories. I know she has so much more potential than they are able to help her realize. Does anyone have any idea which curriculum might be a good starting place for us to try? I need something that I can afford, as I will be buying curricula for two children.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

As I sit here helping her with her homework now, I am certain that she deserves a better education than she is getting. She sits in school for 7 hours a day with one recess at lunch. They get PE for one hour once a week. She comes home w/ at least an hour's worth of homework every night, unless I have to reteach some math concept. Then it lasts longer. She loves learning. She hopes to be a veterinarian one day. Animals are drawn to her as much as she is to them. She can draw better than me (LOL, most people can!) and writes the most creative stories. I know she has so much more potential than they are able to help her realize. Does anyone have any idea which curriculum might be a good starting place for us to try? I need something that I can afford, as I will be buying curricula for two children.

There are so many choices but I highly recommend Teaching Textbooks for math. My DD loves reading and writing. She is very creative and when doing math on her own she gets easily lost in thought about a new story and starts drawing on the side. Teaching Textbooks engages her and helps her stay focused on her least favorite subject- math. They also explain things in a way that makes them seem so much easier than some curriculum we have tried. This same program works great for my DS, who loves math, because he is not limited by his reading ability. Check out their website.

It is a computer based program that keeps track of all the scores, etc. You can reuse for as many children as you want. You can resell. You can install one more than one computer. If you need them to reset the serial number for more installations, you just call them and they reset- no questions asked.

You might want to check ebay as well. Very nice company to deal with.

For my DS we love the program All About Spelling. I also highly recommend it.

We use Apologia for science. This year we are doing Anatomy and Physiology. It is a great program that you can use with both your children at once. (Note: It is Christian based) The information is written in language like you were talking to your children. The experiments are great, too.

We use literature based learning as well as fieldtrips for reading and history.

My children are also learning how to use Adobe Flash (by the way go to Adobe's website and check out their discounts for education- up to 80% off!- Just send them a copy of an id card or letter showing you are homeschoolers)

They definitely get physical education more than once a week. We love our homeschool gym classes and ice skating classes (in addition to karate, roller blading, swimming, hiking, etc.)

 

[MomofSixinSC]

Does anyone have any idea which curriculum might be a good starting place for us to try? I need something that I can afford, as I will be buying curricula for two children.

Before looking at curriculum, work with your dh to come up with some goals for your children. You will want to define your long terms goals (college, trade school, apprenticeship, etc.) (is religious training important, okay, definitely no) then work toward shorter term goals (able to read at xx level by the end of the year, etc.). Then read about learning styles (auditory, visual, kinesthetic) and consider your "teaching" style (hands on, lecturer, just want to correct worksheets using teacher's manual). Then you will have a good idea of what you are looking for. Also, set a budget. It is way too easy to spend all sorts of money on curriculum.

I reccomend requesting a Rainbow Resource catalog: http://www.rainbowresource.com/index.php

They write detailed descriptions of lots of curriculum.

HTH!

 

[MissNurse]

Thank you for all your advice! I am definitely wanting a curriculum that has a christian base. DH and I will definitely discuss learning and teaching styles and goals. Lots to think about!

 

[robinsegg]

Thank you for all your advice! I am definitely wanting a curriculum that has a christian base. DH and I will definitely discuss learning and teaching styles and goals. Lots to think about!

I always recommend you read Lisa Whelchel's book "So, You're Thinking About Homeschooling?". It's a great overview of the types of homeschooling and curricula that are out there and written in an easy-to-read conversational style.

 

[horselover]

Hi everyone. Can anyone recommend a good 7th grade non-biblical science curriculum? I started homeschooling my DS almost a month ago & it's going great but he said the science we've been working on is too easy. I think we may be better off with an online or text based curriculum for science. Any input would be appreciated. TIA.

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

Hi everyone. Can anyone recommend a good 7th grade non-biblical science curriculum? I started homeschooling my DS almost a month ago & it's going great but he said the science we've been working on is too easy. I think we may be better off with an online or text based curriculum for science. Any input would be appreciated. TIA.

Have you see Gravitas Publications' science stuff? Here's the link. If you click on "store," you can see "Level II," which is for 7th and up. We've used the Chemistry -- but I think we used Level I, not sure. Have to check. It seemed to cover a lot of ground. We used it with a boxed chemistry set, too, as a secondary source.

 

[Nicolepa]

I unenrolled from our VA last week! Tomorrow we start our new curriculum. It is exciting/scary to be going out on my own. I'm going to try my best to be relaxed and not worry about the "schedule". That is hard for my type A planning personality. I asked my friend yesterday how far out she plans. I said I've only planned out to the end of the year. She said I only plan out a week at a time.

 

[effervescent]

Yay, other homeschoolers! I haven't read all the way through this post but will try to later at work.

DH and I homeschool DS1 - 7th, DS2 - K, and DD - PK. DH is a full time student and I work full time, so we split the homeschooling responsibilities. This is our first year with HSing all three and we're having a blast. We got a late start this year but it's going well!