Homeschool Chat Part III

[bumbershoot]

Yes the frowny face totally blew me away. I thought to myself isn't that how kids learn? By exploring and playing,She loves to play in the mud/dirt and brings in leaves,sticks and stones all the time to ask me questions about them and show me the pretty ones.

I am still a little nervous but this is prek 4 so my husband is open to pulling her from the school and I get to try to use this time to convince him A) That she will get plenty of "socialization" and B) That she won't miss or feel left out of "real school". So hopefully this works out for us so I can go ahead and keep her out of kindergarten and homeschool for that as well right now though I figure I'll go in baby steps.

You might want to look at Oak Meadow...lots of sticks and leaves and all of that, and it's learning!

At 4, I would recommend working on relaxing... She'll be perfectly OK. It's AMAZING what kids learn in the first few years before we start officially teaching them! She might miss her particular friends, since she already has them, but I bet she'll really love being with mom (and dad!), taking long nature walks, etc etc, and learning in a more natural way...

 

[graygables]

You might want to look at Oak Meadow...lots of sticks and leaves and all of that, and it's learning!

At 4, I would recommend working on relaxing... She'll be perfectly OK. It's AMAZING what kids learn in the first few years before we start officially teaching them! She might miss her particular friends, since she already has them, but I bet she'll really love being with mom (and dad!), taking long nature walks, etc etc, and learning in a more natural way...

Hear, hear! and I like Oak Meadow as well...

 

[graygables]

Upper grades needing a math curriculum...check this one out:http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/index2.html

I want it for ME!!!

 

[jacksmomma]

Quick Question about number recognition...DS is 4, he understand that 5 objects on the table is five. He can count them out to you, etc. But he is having trouble remembering that "4" is four. Any ideas on how to make memorizing the numbers fun? We have flash cards and he HATES them!

Thanks!

 

[KibbyCat]

Quick Question about number recognition...DS is 4, he understand that 5 objects on the table is five. He can count them out to you, etc. But he is having trouble remembering that "4" is four. Any ideas on how to make memorizing the numbers fun? We have flash cards and he HATES them!

Thanks!

Baby Einstein's "Numbers Nursery" is a great video about numbers/number concepts. I'd suggest you check your local library to see if they have it, and let your son watch it.

 

[robinsegg]

Quick Question about number recognition...DS is 4, he understand that 5 objects on the table is five. He can count them out to you, etc. But he is having trouble remembering that "4" is four. Any ideas on how to make memorizing the numbers fun? We have flash cards and he HATES them!

Thanks!

Have you tried putting the flash cards on the table with the right number of candies or cereal pieces on them to count as he eats them?

Hopscotch, but have him count to certain numbers.

Tape the flash cards up around the house, so he sees them while he plays.

Count stairs as you go up/down them, wherever you go.

There are puzzles available where the 4 has 4 things on it and so forth. I think the one we have was about $20, plastic, the things were colorful and bumpy.

Get a kids' placemat for numbers and let him count at mealtime.

Use playdough to make the numbers (roll them out like a snake, then form numbers), then have him count out the right number of playdough balls for that number.

 

[C&G'sMama]

This may be in here somewhere, so forgive me if I'm repeating. I posted a thread a couple of weeks back that we are considering homeschooling starting next September. We have 2 children DD 10 and in 5th grade. DS 7 and in 2nd grade. DD is an average student DS has Asperger's Syndrome and is at about 5th or 6th grade academically. We are having a hard time deciding what to do with DD. But we have pretty much decided to HS DS. Anyone have 1 or more HS and 1 or more in some kind of traditional school? What is your experience?

Thanks

-A

 

[Nicolepa]

This may be in here somewhere, so forgive me if I'm repeating. I posted a thread a couple of weeks back that we are considering homeschooling starting next September. We have 2 children DD 10 and in 5th grade. DS 7 and in 2nd grade. DD is an average student DS has Asperger's Syndrome and is at about 5th or 6th grade academically. We are having a hard time deciding what to do with DD. But we have pretty much decided to HS DS. Anyone have 1 or more HS and 1 or more in some kind of traditional school? What is your experience?

Thanks

-A

I have a 5th grader in PS and a 3rd grader at home. To be honest I hate, hate, hate it. My DD is in a full time gifted program and my husband is worried that if we pull her and it doesn't work out we are stuck. Her grade has a waitlist so if I pull her out I'd never get her back in.

I hate having to be done by 3:00 each day. My son won't do school once she gets home. This pretty much makes me stuck at home. I can't run errands or take the morning off etc. I pretty much have to follow the school calendar as far as breaks, 1/2 days etc.

It also makes it hard to do field trips and other fun activities because I have to be home by 3 to get her from school.

I also dislike having to deal with homework once she's home. I feel like I do school from 9am -9pm every day! If my husband would let me I'd homeschool both in a hearbeat. I know it's more work for me, but I think it would be less stress.

 

[kimmyann]

Today was my DS last day in ps (atleast for the remainder of the year). I have found a local homeschool forum and someone emailed me to tell me to check out a disorder called Central Auditory Processing Disorder. I can't believe the pediatrician never mentioned this, my son has all of these characteristics & is a canadate because of his chronic ear infections, speech problems & head banging as a small child. I will be having him tested soon, it would explain alot. Meanwhile, I am a nervous wreck as I am starting this, but I have a good feeling about this

This may be in here somewhere, so forgive me if I'm repeating. I posted a thread a couple of weeks back that we are considering homeschooling starting next September. We have 2 children DD 10 and in 5th grade. DS 7 and in 2nd grade. DD is an average student DS has Asperger's Syndrome and is at about 5th or 6th grade academically. We are having a hard time deciding what to do with DD. But we have pretty much decided to HS DS. Anyone have 1 or more HS and 1 or more in some kind of traditional school? What is your experience?

Thanks

-A

My DS (14) will now be homeschooled & my DD (8) will remain in ps, she is in the gifted class and does very well in school. If anything she is bored. She is showing some jealousy over this so I am treading on thin ice I feel. My son is at a point that this is almost a last option for him (years of struggling). I almost hate to admit it, but if I were to decide to hs her also it would be after I know for sure it is something that would work for all. I almost feel as I am experimenting with ds, but like I said we really have no other choice for him.

 

[figment3258]

Well, PLEASE pray for our family!! I sent notes to all of our teachers today, letting them know our kids' last day at ps will be the day before spring break!!!! I did send a very lengthy letter, letting them know all the reasons why. I hope they understand, but either way, THIS is what's best for our family.



That's HILARIOUS!! It pays off to step out of the box sometimes And, yes, I'm SURE he remembers the conversation!

Sending prayers and good thoughts your way. Good luck in this wonderful journey!

 

[disneyelaine]

This may be in here somewhere, so forgive me if I'm repeating. I posted a thread a couple of weeks back that we are considering homeschooling starting next September. We have 2 children DD 10 and in 5th grade. DS 7 and in 2nd grade. DD is an average student DS has Asperger's Syndrome and is at about 5th or 6th grade academically. We are having a hard time deciding what to do with DD. But we have pretty much decided to HS DS. Anyone have 1 or more HS and 1 or more in some kind of traditional school? What is your experience?

Thanks

-A

I have 2 sons (17 and 14) and only homeschool my youngest. We started homeschooling when he was 10 and we really had no choice. He has asperbergers/apraxia/dygraphia/sensory and public school was just one huge stress and mess for him. My oldest stayed in public school and has done very well. At times I have had that fantasy of keeping them both home, but really that would not be best for EITHER son. They are great buddies together, but since my older son never wanted to be homeschooled anyway, we never really gave it much thought.

But every family homeschools for their own reasons. It has worked fine for us this way. Now if my older son had school issues or wanted to be home, we would have given it thought. But I believe what works for one child in the family, may not be right for the others.

 

[C&G'sMama]

Thank you everyone.

@Nicole PA. On the plus side DD gets out at 4:15 and when she goes to Middle school it will be 3:45 (they're at a charter school and they have a longer day) so if DP (she'd be the main home schooling parent) and DS wanted to be gone longer, I could pick DD by leaving work a little early (fortunately I have that flexibility).

They are at a charter school so if it didn't work for DS he could get back in with sibling preference (assuming an opening)

DD goes back and forth of what she wants to do. We're leaning on the side of HS him next year, leaving her at school for 6th grade and if pulling her makes sense, pull her mid-year, otherwise leave her there.

 

[Trixieplus2]

A few questions?

Today was our first day so........

My daughter is 5 but in Prek4 (Birthday in Nov)

We just pulled her out of public school.

How many hours a day should we be doing?

Should I keep records now or wait until next year?

What should we be doing?

She knows: Alphabet,numbers 1-20,colors,shapes etc. Is there a free prek4 curriculum somewhere that would give me a better idea of what to be doing? We started at 9 this morning. I printed worksheets off the computer. she did Aa Bb Cc and Dd tracing,coloring in writing them. We read the kidpack American reading books on animals from Africa (Zebra's and Giraffe's) copied the alphabet in upper case A-Z (for me to see what she knew she can do the whole thing exept G,W and S). Practiced writing her name and colored two pictures a (clown and Tinkerbell) took a nap and had snacks.

I'm out of stuff and she was upset and wanted to "do more homeschool" We ran out of stuff to do by 12. She was very unhappy I didn't have anything else for her to work on,

 

[robinsegg]

A few questions?

How many hours a day should we be doing?
At 5, formal academics can be as short as 1/2 hour to an hour. Keep the rest fun and interesting.
Should I keep records now or wait until next year?
Record-keeping is different state-by-state. I would guess that a child supposed to be in preK4 wouldn't *need* records kept . . . but I don't know your state.
What should we be doing?
Rhymes and songs are *great* pre-reading activities.
continue with number recognition, and add a bit (1+1) if you wish.
She knows: Alphabet,numbers 1-20,colors,shapes etc. Is there a free prek4 curriculum somewhere that would give me a better idea of what to be doing?
Look up Letteroftheweek.com. It's free and gives you a week of activities for each sound of the alphabet. We started at 9 this morning. I printed worksheets off the computer. she did Aa Bb Cc and Dd tracing,coloring in writing them. We read the kidpack American reading books on animals from Africa (Zebra's and Giraffe's) copied the alphabet in upper case A-Z (for me to see what she knew she can do the whole thing exept G,W and S). Practiced writing her name and colored two pictures a (clown and Tinkerbell) took a nap and had snacks.

I'm out of stuff and she was upset and wanted to "do more homeschool" We ran out of stuff to do by 12. She was very unhappy I didn't have anything else for her to work on,

Start having her do "home ec", following you around with your housework, making meals, sorting socks, etc. Have her "do school" with her favorite doll. Give her blank paper and let her draw/print what she wants. Go to the library and find picture books she might like the pictures in.

 

[C&G'sMama]

I have 2 sons (17 and 14) and only homeschool my youngest. We started homeschooling when he was 10 and we really had no choice. He has asperbergers/apraxia/dygraphia/sensory and public school was just one huge stress and mess for him. My oldest stayed in public school and has done very well. At times I have had that fantasy of keeping them both home, but really that would not be best for EITHER son. They are great buddies together, but since my older son never wanted to be homeschooled anyway, we never really gave it much thought.

But every family homeschools for their own reasons. It has worked fine for us this way. Now if my older son had school issues or wanted to be home, we would have given it thought. But I believe what works for one child in the family, may not be right for the others.

After being up 'til midnight (literally) with DS finishing homework last night, this is just ridiculous. It's a battle of the wills. He finished. He knows what he needs to do to keep this from happening again. But I'm tired, DP is tired. I know homeschooling won't be without it's unique set of challenges, but I honestly believe for this kid it will be easier and better for ALL of us.

 

[MiniGirl]

First off... Welcome to all those who have just started this amazing journey and to those who are considering it. You know, it has been such a blessing having my children home with me these past few years, and we are all closer and more relaxed for it.

This may be in here somewhere, so forgive me if I'm repeating. I posted a thread a couple of weeks back that we are considering homeschooling starting next September. We have 2 children DD 10 and in 5th grade. DS 7 and in 2nd grade. DD is an average student DS has Asperger's Syndrome and is at about 5th or 6th grade academically. We are having a hard time deciding what to do with DD. But we have pretty much decided to HS DS. Anyone have 1 or more HS and 1 or more in some kind of traditional school? What is your experience?

Thanks

-A

During our first year, we had our oldest (then 3rd grade) at home while the youngest (then 1st grade) stayed in school. Honestly, it was awful. We were still confined to the public school's schedule. My youngest was unhappy even though it was her choice to stay in school. We made her stick it out, but it was a long year with many tears. Of course, each situation is different, and I do know families with children that are at home while others are in school. For them, it works.

Start having her do "home ec", following you around with your housework, making meals, sorting socks, etc. Have her "do school" with her favorite doll. Give her blank paper and let her draw/print what she wants. Go to the library and find picture books she might like the pictures in.

Oh yeah, definitely. Around here, we call it "life skills." Doing laundry has taken on a whole new thrill. We will fold clothes together or, I will read to them while they fold clothes, or one or the other will read to me while I fold. We will clean and organize the pantry or a closet. My youngest (9 next month) loves to help cook dinner. I'm very proud of my girls and how self-sufficient they are becoming.

 

[justakrazymom]

Wow..had no idea there was a Homeschooling thread!!

I'm Alison..mom to 4 great kids.. we are in our 5th year of homeschooling.

Noah is 16.5 and we just graduated him
Declan will be 9 on Saturday and he just began 4th grade on Monday
Jadziah is 7 and in 2nd grade
Taejan is 5 and doing K5!

 

[cinderella1976]

FINALLY...I have found you all!!! A thread for home schoolers AND DISNEY ADDICTS!! Well, let me introduce myself....

My name is Jennifer and I am a first year home schooling mom to 3 awsome kids! We have had the benefit of experiencing all 3 "schooling choices"; private(loved it , however our pocket book did not ), public (hated it for MANY reasons )and now home school(we LOVE this choice). I should have done this from the beginning!! Now here we are with a 5th grader, 2nd grader and PreK.

Now let me elaborte on myself and our family.....
I am a DISNEY LOVING, scrapbook doing, love sewing disney boutique clothes sewer, home schooling MOM. Did I mention I also run an in-home daycare !!! I watch 3 additional outside children ages 2,2,4....ALL BOYS . Hilarious, I know !! So, how do I do it you ask? Well..... Actually, the truth is that it takes A LOT of planning ahead!!! And LOTS of caffine of course . I've already learned that the hard way! If I don't keep to a strict schedule, we crash and burn every time. Needless to say, all the "built in" days off I had (due to starting early) are ALL GONE My day starts at 5:30 AM with my first daycare child arriving at 6AM!! It ends with the last child going home at 6pm. In between is when we fit it ALL in. Sometimes we may have to extend into the evening with school because of daycare.
I am hoping to be coming to an end with daycare hopefully by the end of this year though! AMEN I'll explain all this on another post.
On to my husband.....
He is my best friend and husband of 15 yrs! He was a bit schepticle of the home schooling idea, only because he didn't want me to stretch myself too thin. Since starting he has been on board 100% and even helps with teaching if I need a break!!! What an awsome guy!! He is a computer geek at heart (IT Security Admin) and thought, initially, that most of their studies could and should be done via the computer. I, on the other hand, disagree given the age of my kids. But to please him, we tried a few subjects. Crashed and burned with SOS but teaching txt book works with oldest and we are currently using that. Everything else I teach for now. Bless his heart for trying to lighten my load
Our kids......well their the usual. Ya know...shy...talk tooooooo much, out going and weird like kids are. But they LOVE home schooling . I am sooo blessed. It does take a lot of energy keeping them on task sometime and for a split second on those days I reach that point....ya know the one....where for a split second we look at the clocks and wonder what time that school bus picks up... First years are rough, but I would't have it any other way

Well I guess we'll start with that. I'll save more for later.

Thanks for letting me share!
Blessings,
Jennifer

 

[cinderella1976]

Oh, almost forgot....we are trying to plan another trip to WDW in late October for the home schooling days. Has anyone been during this time of year??? Is it crowded??? We DO NOT want to go when it is crowded!! However, we are getting 40% off our room with PIN code and with the discount on tickets for HS days ....we really can't pass up!! We are a family of 5 on a budget and a mission! Any info would be great!

Blessings,
Jen

 

[Nicolepa]

During our first year, we had our oldest (then 3rd grade) at home while the youngest (then 1st grade) stayed in school. Honestly, it was awful. We were still confined to the public school's schedule. My youngest was unhappy even though it was her choice to stay in school. We made her stick it out, but it was a long year with many tears. Of course, each situation is different, and I do know families with children that are at home while others are in school. For them, it works.

I hate being confined to the school schedule! That is my biggest complaint about not having them both home. I hate all the stupid random days off, the 1/2 days etc. I could finish my year so much earlier if I was able to keep the schedule I want or take more field trips. I think we'd all be happier!

My daughter is the same as your youngest. She wants to be in school, but she is always disappointed when we go on a field trip or take a random day off to go to the park or a movie. She told her best friend that she was going to be HS'd for middle school. He went to his mom and asked her to be HS'd too. She called me asking if it was true and I said "This is the first I've heard about it." I told my daughter to take it up with her Dad.