Homeschool Chat Part III

[disneymom3]

We go year round as well, but we did start our new planners last week. We will be taking two weeks off at the beginning of Sept. for vacation so I wanted to get some accomplished before then.

We took the whole summer off this year....BAD plan! We started back up two weeks ago and I'm pretty sure my youngest forgot all the math he ever learned. We'll be taking a week or so off in Oct. (To go to WDW, of course!) so my high schooler for sure needed to get a good start. Especially since I want her to graduate in mid May!

 

[Ellester]

We took the whole summer off this year....BAD plan! We started back up two weeks ago and I'm pretty sure my youngest forgot all the math he ever learned. We'll be taking a week or so off in Oct. (To go to WDW, of course!) so my high schooler for sure needed to get a good start. Especially since I want her to graduate in mid May!

Exactly why we go year round! The one year we took a longer summer break I was about ready to throw in the towel, I was so frustrated at how much they forgot!

 

[Ellester]

Saw this recently, a sad reflection on the state of education in the US. http://t.nbcnews.com/business/only-1-4-act-test-takers-have-college-career-skills-6C10962838

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

I notice that even when we take a week off, my youngest (1st grade) already has difficulty with his math skills and such. Now whenever we take time off (vacations), we bring work with us, even if it's just a quick review at night before bed in the hotels or on the plane or car rides. It's helped so much.

 

[chris31997]

Well time to start school again We had a death in the family and had to go home. School for the most part went on hold. DD did bring some so she did not get too far behind

 

[Aunt Stepody]

I am thinking about having student ID's made for my children this year. Have any of you done this? Who did you use?

 

[diamondpixienc]

This may be the wrong place to ask this so please forgive me. Ok, are there any homeschool curriculums for 3yo's? I am looking for something structured or at least have her with a firm grasp of letters/ basic phonics. Can someone point me in the right direction. TIA

 

[DisneyMom5]

This may be the wrong place to ask this so please forgive me. Ok, are there any homeschool curriculums for 3yo's? I am looking for something structured or at least have her with a firm grasp of letters/ basic phonics. Can someone point me in the right direction. TIA

Get Ready, Get Set, and Go for the Code are great for letters/phonics.
I also swear by Rod and Staff Preschool. They are Menonite, and some of the pics have ladies with caps, but the program is solid info and very uncluttered.
Math, Pre-reading skills, and other skills.

Wanted to add that Sonlight also has a couple of Preschool Cores.

That said, I'm not a believer in structured school for 3 year olds...I just like to have stuff on hand for when mine is in the mood to "do school" like the big kids.
Reading a lot to them, talking about letters, and shapes, and colors, counting stuff you see...that all goes a long way towards early learning.

 

[Happiest mommy]

Hi all finally sent in my LOI scared but excited i'm waiting now for the paperwork/forms from the DoE here in NYC we have to report, signed up for Time4learning, a few homeschool groups and have plenty of supplements to try DD8 is so excited and VERY happy wish me luck guys newbie and learning the ropes

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Hi all finally sent in my LOI scared but excited i'm waiting now for the paperwork/forms from the DoE here in NYC we have to report, signed up for Time4learning, a few homeschool groups and have plenty of supplements to try DD8 is so excited and VERY happy wish me luck guys newbie and learning the ropes

Good luck!!! It won't be easy or fun all the time, but it will be well worth it!!!

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Are there any MUST-DO homeschool conventions that you all go to? Please share the name and location or where you check for conferences and the like! Thanks!

 

[disneymom3]

I am thinking about having student ID's made for my children this year. Have any of you done this? Who did you use?

Homeschool buyers Co-op. has them at a very reasonable price.

 

[disneymom3]

Well time to start school again We had a death in the family and had to go home. School for the most part went on hold. DD did bring some so she did not get too far behind

I'm sorry about you family's loss.

For the 3 year old, Walmart has som fun colorful little workbooks that I used with my youngest when he demanded school like the big kids. Before Five in a Row is nice to do. Based on books with little activities to do each day. However, I am a big believer in play dough, blocks, books and little games like Go Fish or Candyland.

 

[Happiest mommy]

DisneyMommyMichelle thanks! I remember you doing a review of
Time4learning, how did you find it?

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

As far as Time4Learning, my kids found it very engaging with the colors and animations but it was not very challenging. The plus side was that it let you access 1 year ahead and 1 year behind for each student, so this helps a bit!

I've bee asked to review their SpellingCity.com site next, I just have to find some time to get it in! hahaha!

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

QUESTION!!
Does anyone have any experience with binding from Office Max or Kinkos? I need to have a 50 page book photocopied and then bound into 3 books. I already have the book loose (off it's original binding).

 

[::danielle::]

QUESTION!!
Does anyone have any experience with binding from Office Max or Kinkos? I need to have a 50 page book photocopied and then bound into 3 books. I already have the book loose (off it's original binding).

I have experience with binding from most of the major office supply stores (Fed Ex Office, Office Max, Office Depot, Staples). I've had bindings cut off books and replaced with spiral binds.

Fed Ex Office is the most expensive. Keep an eye on the Sunday ads. The stores often run a 20-30% off coupon for copy and print services.

Good luck!

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Cool thank you!!! I have a 10.00 off coupon from Office Max on an order of at least 30.00. How are they price-wise?

 

[::danielle::]

Cool thank you!!! I have a 10.00 off coupon from Office Max on an order of at least 30.00. How are they price-wise?

Other than Fed Ex Office, I find the rest to be comparable with each other.

 

[MonsterWDWmom]

First time homeschooler here, first day is tomorrow I have two daughters that are 3 and 5. My 5 is in kindergarten and my 3 year old I will be doing preschool. I am nervous about doing this as I want to give my kids the best education possible and I hope I am able to do that!