Homeschool Chat Part III

[norrodh]

OMG, I so agree. My DH has his own business, so we could go anywhere...I wonder if I could use that as a selling point...lol!

Actually people from other states do belong to the homeschool group and just get together with the group when they are in town! you can find it by googling or looking for it on the yahoo groups! Every month they have a meet up at Disney somewhere, like Epcot alot as there is so much to learn there and one time at the Fort Wilderness stables to learn about the horses. There is also a moms night out monthly which I never got to cus of my crazy hours at Disney. Look into it though!!

 

[norrodh]

Really sorry to hear you're going through this. I don't know of any formal studies but I think it would be important for you to be able to show that your son has plenty of social interaction. My DS16 is very involved at church, meets up with friends as often as he can talk me into it, along with co-op last year and a choir. Is your son active outside the home? I certainly don't think the kind of socializing kids are getting at school is beneficial but you may have to show that your son has sufficient contact with the outside world.

Are you members of HSLDA? I'm surprised to hear you say they wouldn't help. I would think they could at least provide you with info about defending homeschool but I could see how the custody thing could muddy it up, especially if there are other issues involved. Sorry you have to go through this and I will pray for your family.

I know there was a public school teacher who recently wrote a book about the public schools and how they are not good for our kid's self-esteem or learning. If I find the name of it, I will let you know. This guy spoke here in Orlando not too long ago. You could also pull up articles that people wrote about their kids and how well they did with homeschooling. Does your son want to be homeschooled? I know in Florida, at age 16, they can make their own decision. Also, do you know anyone who has homeschooled and their kids went onto college or something like that, that could come and testify? I will also pray for you and your son. Custody can get so dirty but you have to look out for the best interest of your son. I know its one of the best things we could have done for our son. He was starting to get in with the wrong group and now he is back on track and we couldnt be more proud of him. He doesnt have the peer pressure anymore!! Good Luck and Godspeed!!

 

[Belle0101]

Thank-you to everyone who responded to my issue of custody and my right to continue homeschooling.

I don't fault the HSLDA for not getting involved. Like the rep told me, the real issue is custody and the tool to get that away from me is homeschooling. I checked the Rutherford Institute and they have the same policy.

There are reasons why I have always had full / sole legal custody of DS. His bio dad has very limited, ordered by the courts, contact with him. I'm starting to feel that this is something he doing's to get even with me for some perceived aggreviance. It's still very frightening for me because if I get in front of a judge that is not homeschool friendly ...

If I can brag on my son for a wee bit, in public school he was doing awful. He had a .93 GPA when I finally pulled him out. He just took the IOWA state testing and except for 1 subject which we hadn't covered yet, he scored 13+ in everything. He was in 10th grade at the time of the testing. The subject we didn't cover yet, because he had it in public school, was Algebra, and he scored a 9.6. I plan to teach that to him this year. Well, planned I should say.

And I don't mean that "na-na, my kids better than yours". Not at all!! I just use it as proof, proof to me at least, that he is thriving in homeschool. Bio dad wants him placed in a school that ranks #162 out of #308. That's the bottom 50%. How can that ever be a good idea? The public school in my community ranks #59 out of #308. Huge difference.

DS has never been social. He always complained that other kids picked on him, talked bad about him and he was bullied. I've got documentation from the school on that.

He's a little more social now but it's a long process. He loves our homeschool co-op group and the other kids are always inviting him over.

Sorry to be so long winded. I wanted to answer some questions / update on what I could. It's a very difficult time for me but I know in my heart that homeschooling is best for him.

 

[graygables]

There are reasons why I have always had full / sole legal custody of DS. His bio dad has very limited, ordered by the courts, contact with him. I'm starting to feel that this is something he doing's to get even with me for some perceived aggreviance. It's still very frightening for me because if I get in front of a judge that is not homeschool friendly ...

Something I learned in my divorce many moons ago is that it is a big chess game, played by attorneys who get paid by the hour. My ex filed for "sole custody" of 2 DDs, one of whom he had molested (and we had CPS testimony). Even though my attorney reassured me it was all part of the "game", I lost so much sleep and hair and years off my life waiting for the court date. We were even prepared to leave the country, if need be.

As hard as it is (believe me, I know) try not to let it worry you. Just keep on doing right by your son. It is clear the court already sees something in the SD (sperm donor) that triggered the current situation, so if you can keep your calm, cool, and collected hat on, I believe you will be OK. I'll be praying for you to have peace.

 

[norrodh]

Thank-you to everyone who responded to my issue of custody and my right to continue homeschooling.

I don't fault the HSLDA for not getting involved. Like the rep told me, the real issue is custody and the tool to get that away from me is homeschooling. I checked the Rutherford Institute and they have the same policy.

There are reasons why I have always had full / sole legal custody of DS. His bio dad has very limited, ordered by the courts, contact with him. I'm starting to feel that this is something he doing's to get even with me for some perceived aggreviance. It's still very frightening for me because if I get in front of a judge that is not homeschool friendly ...

If I can brag on my son for a wee bit, in public school he was doing awful. He had a .93 GPA when I finally pulled him out. He just took the IOWA state testing and except for 1 subject which we hadn't covered yet, he scored 13+ in everything. He was in 10th grade at the time of the testing. The subject we didn't cover yet, because he had it in public school, was Algebra, and he scored a 9.6. I plan to teach that to him this year. Well, planned I should say.

And I don't mean that "na-na, my kids better than yours". Not at all!! I just use it as proof, proof to me at least, that he is thriving in homeschool. Bio dad wants him placed in a school that ranks #162 out of #308. That's the bottom 50%. How can that ever be a good idea? The public school in my community ranks #59 out of #308. Huge difference.

DS has never been social. He always complained that other kids picked on him, talked bad about him and he was bullied. I've got documentation from the school on that.

He's a little more social now but it's a long process. He loves our homeschool co-op group and the other kids are always inviting him over.

Sorry to be so long winded. I wanted to answer some questions / update on what I could. It's a very difficult time for me but I know in my heart that homeschooling is best for him.

See that just goes to show how good homeschool is!! What you just posted is what you need to tell the judge and show him the proof!! Also, dont ever be embarrassed to brag about your children - your his mom and you have every right to!!!! Good Luck and will be praying for you and him and that the judge does the "right" thing by your son by keeping him with you and continue his homeschooling!!!

 

[chris31997]

Thank-you to everyone who responded to my issue of custody and my right to continue homeschooling.

I don't fault the HSLDA for not getting involved. Like the rep told me, the real issue is custody and the tool to get that away from me is homeschooling. I checked the Rutherford Institute and they have the same policy.

There are reasons why I have always had full / sole legal custody of DS. His bio dad has very limited, ordered by the courts, contact with him. I'm starting to feel that this is something he doing's to get even with me for some perceived aggreviance. It's still very frightening for me because if I get in front of a judge that is not homeschool friendly ...

If I can brag on my son for a wee bit, in public school he was doing awful. He had a .93 GPA when I finally pulled him out. He just took the IOWA state testing and except for 1 subject which we hadn't covered yet, he scored 13+ in everything. He was in 10th grade at the time of the testing. The subject we didn't cover yet, because he had it in public school, was Algebra, and he scored a 9.6. I plan to teach that to him this year. Well, planned I should say.

And I don't mean that "na-na, my kids better than yours". Not at all!! I just use it as proof, proof to me at least, that he is thriving in homeschool. Bio dad wants him placed in a school that ranks #162 out of #308. That's the bottom 50%. How can that ever be a good idea? The public school in my community ranks #59 out of #308. Huge difference.

DS has never been social. He always complained that other kids picked on him, talked bad about him and he was bullied. I've got documentation from the school on that.

He's a little more social now but it's a long process. He loves our homeschool co-op group and the other kids are always inviting him over.

Sorry to be so long winded. I wanted to answer some questions / update on what I could. It's a very difficult time for me but I know in my heart that homeschooling is best for him.

Document everything. Have all your test scores. The reports from the school. May even want to look into having the parents write a letter to the court on your behalf about your son and his interaction with thier children. You might even have your son research something he is intersted in and write a report about it for the judge. Anything to show that your son is learning and growing.

As a mom, you can always brag It is in the book

I hope it all works out for you

 

[MiniGirl]

Just giving the thread a bump, but also asking a question....

Are any of you a member of the homeschool buyers co-op? There are several buys that are ending soon, and I'd love to hear your opinions of some of these products if you have used the. Specifically, I am talking about the Discovery Streaming membership

https://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/index.php?option=com_hsbc_epp_order&Itemid=1036&c=1

And the Atelier Art program...

https://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/index.php?option=com_hsbc_epp_order&Itemid=1588&c=1

Are any of you familiar with these?

Thanks.

Also, how is the planning going? We have been doing a little bit here and there over the summer, but not as much as I had hoped. I think we are going to jump back into things next week, though. At least that is the plan right now.

 

[wvdislover]

I recently purchased the Discovery Streaming...I've used it a few times, but so far I love it! There are SO MANY videos and pictures on there! We're not doing school yet, but I've used it to show my DD's stuff about questions they've asked. DD9 wanted to know how they make money, so we went on there and found 2 or 3 video clips about how they make money. Also watched a 45 minute video about Mary and Catherine for history with DD14, right before we finished school this spring. If you can afford it, and think you will use it, I think it's a good investment!

 

[jacksmomma]

Anyone seen pocket charts anywhere for a reasonable price? I got all excited when, while reading a blog I saw Target had them in their $1 spot, but alas the post was a year old.

 

[AmandaRG]

Hello! We start hsing our oldest next week. She starts the big kindergarten! I am nervous and excited all at the same time! Our youngest will do preschool at a local church 3 days a week this year while I get this thing going. I may leave her in two days a week next year, as they have a great pre-k also.

We are planning a Disney trip in the fall (cruise followed by one day at MK). Does anyone know of fun work that can be done in correlation with the visit?

 

[Nanu57v]

Anyone seen pocket charts anywhere for a reasonable price? I got all excited when, while reading a blog I saw Target had them in their $1 spot, but alas the post was a year old.

No, I just saw a blog post they were there again!

 

[chris31997]

Hello! We start hsing our oldest next week. She starts the big kindergarten! I am nervous and excited all at the same time! Our youngest will do preschool at a local church 3 days a week this year while I get this thing going. I may leave her in two days a week next year, as they have a great pre-k also.

We are planning a Disney trip in the fall (cruise followed by one day at MK). Does anyone know of fun work that can be done in correlation with the visit?

Not sure what your cruise itenery is but you could look into more cultural excursions, and things to show or "teach" about sea life. You could have your kindergardener do a journal or take pictures. Give them a disposable camera and have fun with it. For MK, not so sure about that one. Animal Kingdom you have the animals and Epcot you have the differant countries.

Or you could just take a vacation and have fun and call it a field trip


We are in the process of moving. Our school year will be about 8-10 weeks late in starting. When we go home to visit family, we will occasionally do something "educational". Oldest DD, who is 14, will have reading to do while we are on vacation. DS, who is 5, nothing really. When we get to our new home, Japan. We will take time to explore while we get settled and that will all be counted towards school.

I guess what I am saying, go on your cruise, take lots of pictures, and have fun. Leave offical school work at home

 

[chicagoshannon]

Hello! We start hsing our oldest next week. She starts the big kindergarten! I am nervous and excited all at the same time! Our youngest will do preschool at a local church 3 days a week this year while I get this thing going. I may leave her in two days a week next year, as they have a great pre-k also.

We are planning a Disney trip in the fall (cruise followed by one day at MK). Does anyone know of fun work that can be done in correlation with the visit?

We're starting Kindergarten next week too. I say just have fun on the cruise.

 

[bellebud]

I have books... "vacation eduation Epcot" and "vacation education Magic Kingdom"... I honestly haven't read through both yet, so it may not be age appropriate for a 5 or 6yo, but for anyone else here, they're a cool addition to our bookshelf. They may give you ideas though.

If you wanted, you could pull out a US map, show your dd where you live, where you'll be going, even on the cruise. You could talk about the Atlantic Ocean a bit, and maybe show her on a globe all the other oceans. Nothing too deep, just a general overview.

Navigating the ship will be a 'lesson' it itself.

You could print out a map of the MK now, and go over it, and bring it with you. My ds always loved maps (my dd, not so much).

Think about things she loves. Does she love numbers and money? Give her a little spending money and let her keep track of it.

Bring a notebook and have her tell you her best parts of each day - write them down for her, let her draw a pic to go w/ it (if that's her thing - that would have been my artistic dd's *thing*).

My ds would have wanted to know 'how' the ship works, or what an engine room looks like (so we would have found pics on-line beforehand - doubt they'd have let us into the engine room).

Go w/ her interests, and you can find plenty of 'fun' things to experience together, without it being 'school work'.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!

 

[AmandaRG]

There is a detective game on board, and we may use that for some, and she can work on math/numbers when we hand out our FE gifts. I didn't know if anyone had come across Disney themed worksheets. I may get my artistic-type hubby to come up with some fun stuff!

 

[Mama Who]

Anyone else having homeschooler schadenfreude? While all the schoolers are complaining about ridiculous supply lists and one of the local districts went back to school on Monday, DS and I are enjoying some lazy summer days.

What's your favorite thing to not have to do this time of year?

 

[bellebud]

Anyone else having homeschooler schadenfreude? While all the schoolers are complaining about ridiculous supply lists and one of the local districts went back to school on Monday, DS and I are enjoying some lazy summer days.

What's your favorite thing to not have to do this time of year?

my favorite thing is knowing my kids aren't going anywhere 5 days a week, for 9 hours a day, come September... they'll still be here w/ me!

 

[graygables]

What's your favorite thing to not have to do this time of year?

Go on a frantic obligatory vacation with half the country. We'd rather school in the a/c and vacation in the autumn when it's quiet and calmer. Nothing like enjoying the Food & Wine Festival on a sunny October morning.

 

[chicagoshannon]

Go on a frantic obligatory vacation with half the country. We'd rather school in the a/c and vacation in the autumn when it's quiet and calmer. Nothing like enjoying the Food & Wine Festival on a sunny October morning.

This is my favorite too! We'll be in Disney last week of Sept.

 

[RellaSprinkles]

my favorite thing is knowing my kids aren't going anywhere 5 days a week, for 9 hours a day, come September... they'll still be here w/ me!