Homeschool Chat Part III

[poohguys]

I just want to chime in on this. My daughter is in 7th grade. One of the biggest joys of HS is being able to zone in on what your child needs. I do not use a single program. I pick and choose different curriculum based on my daughters needs.

I started HS in the middle of 4th grade. We needed to play catch up on some things and were leaps and bounds ahead in others. I did have the advantage of being a public school teacher for years but on the high school level. I also have a tendency to overbuy and there are times you need to tweak what you are doing.

As of today, we are using books intended for 6th through 10th grade. She is way ahead on verbal skills so we are using 10th grade Wordly Wise, for example. We just started at 5th grade and have completed each text. I also purchased a 6th grade Daily Grams quite a while back but never finished the book so we are finishing it up now. Nothing wrong with spending 5 minutes a day going over good grammar skills and making sure you know the rules.

I use Saxon math but needed some review of fractions and decimals and picked up something else to just zero in on those skills for a month or so and got right back to the rhythm of Saxon and are over half way through what would be 8th grade math.

It is always a challenge but you are one on one and able to go as fast or as slowly as needed. It is a journey you will be glad you took. Best of luck.

Thanks for the reply Grammyof2. We need to sit down this weekend and really come up with a plan. DS is behind in math so we are going to start from 5th grade and work up. As Sweetlovin' said about her DS not knowing the parts of speech, neither does mine. So we have to concentrate on grammar. He is also behind on knowing how to make a proper outline and write a paper. Science and Computers he can probably teach himself-lol. He is practicing programing in C++ and HTML. He usually does very well with spelling and grammar. Social studies comes easy too. Hopefully in a few weeks we will have this in full swing. I am sure I will have more questions.

 

[Grammyof2]

Poohguys remember that the "rules" in HS are a bit different. Your son can write a paper on whatever interests him. It doesn't have to be assigned, per say. I found that when my daughter could write on something that interested her the mechanics came much easier. I never assigned a subject until just very recently. The internet is your friend and there are tons of resources to use.

Don't get caught up in we have to get this done by a certain date. If it takes longer, that is what it is. On other things you will find you can zoom right through.

Use that science and computers to your advantage. Any way you can find to imput the subjects they know and love into what they NEED to know is wonderful.

My child loves art, cooking and movie making. I try to use that whenever possible. She is also very visual so I use that to the advantage. On almost any subject or assignment she will at some point pull up a video or recipe that refers to it. If she wants to turn her science into a "recipe" I encourage it. I wanted her to use her cursive writing, which turned into her learning on her own calligraphy, which became making art pieces. All that intertwined with knowing the dimensions and math needed to size out the pieces.

This will be a learning experience for the whole family so don't be discouraged when a day or week goes awry. Trust in yourself.

Edited I see you are in NJ and so am I. We are a HS friendly state. Enjoy the ride.

 

[MommyBryn]

Hi all! I couldn't remember if I was a part of this thread at any time or not...

We are homeschooling my older 2 (7y and 5y), just starting with my 3 year old a bit, and we have an almost 7 month old. My MIL homeschooled her 6 kids over a 30 year timeframe and she lives across the road from us so I have some great support from her. We take a sort of "eclectic" approach, as I adore the CM method but really value the unschooling approach as well, so we focus mostly on reading/writing and math, while science is a living subject, we do tons of book reading, and Bible is always our primary subject. (actually we love the SCM stuff and we're doing Genesis through Deuteronomy, so that gives us history and geography too!) We really simplified this year and it's been a huge blessing.

My husband went to the local community college here as most of his "high school" starting at age 15/16, ended with his A.A. (and so while he doesn't have a "high school degree", he has a GED/AA and started out 2 years ahead of the game), so he was able to get into a university easily and before most others his age, and finish faster with all those credits already under his belt. We will probably take the same approach if college is a main goal for our children.

 

[pitterpint23]

Hey all! Saw this and was inclined to post. I'm looking into homeschooling my DS. (Almost 2) we're starting abc mouse after Christmas and hoping to continue with school from home afterwards. I'm looking for help as far as which program worked for your children. Thank you!

 

[superchime]

Hey all! Saw this and was inclined to post. I'm looking into homeschooling my DS. (Almost 2) we're starting abc mouse after Christmas and hoping to continue with school from home afterwards. I'm looking for help as far as which program worked for your children. Thank you!

When my boys were 2 and 3 (and even 4) I loved "Tot School" http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/totschool.html My kids both had so much fun with the tot trays and other hands on activities.

 

[sweetlovin']

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Home schooling on a remote Fiji Island We love home school

 

[sweetlovin']

Hi sweetlovin. I have a question for you. With your 7th grader ahead in some subjects and at grade level in others how do you teach? I mean do you use a program and just work ahead in the areas that you need to? Do you pick different programs to use for each subject area? We are ready to get started, but not sure where to start...... Thanks

I'm sorry, I was in Fiji and Australia.

Yes - I did different things. I bought the Well Trained Mind and tweaked the high school for him. His sister (5th) is really ahead in grammar, so I have them both in Analytical Grammar. I have 7th grader in Apologia Biology with all the labs, Algebra Life of Fred, history I have the History of the World Ancient times, and writing he takes a few writing high school classes that are for home school kids in the area.

Hope that helps and sorry I am just seeing this

 

[sweetlovin']

Thanks for the reply Grammyof2. We need to sit down this weekend and really come up with a plan. DS is behind in math so we are going to start from 5th grade and work up. As Sweetlovin' said about her DS not knowing the parts of speech, neither does mine. So we have to concentrate on grammar. He is also behind on knowing how to make a proper outline and write a paper. Science and Computers he can probably teach himself-lol. He is practicing programing in C++ and HTML. He usually does very well with spelling and grammar. Social studies comes easy too. Hopefully in a few weeks we will have this in full swing. I am sure I will have more questions.

Before he did the writing class, my son did the Writing in Excellence for middle schoolers. He said the guy was a little corny, but he also went over the parts of speech while teaching better writing skills ie outlining, stronger sentences... My son said it helped. Nico is going to take a video programing class these next two weeks in Dec. He loves computers and C++ would be right up his alley as well.

Feel free to ask away. I am not leaving town again until late Jan and it looks like others have the same opinions and great insight.

 

[poohguys]

I'm sorry, I was in Fiji and Australia.

Yes - I did different things. I bought the Well Trained Mind and tweaked the high school for him. His sister (5th) is really ahead in grammar, so I have them both in Analytical Grammar. I have 7th grader in Apologia Biology with all the labs, Algebra Life of Fred, history I have the History of the World Ancient times, and writing he takes a few writing high school classes that are for home school kids in the area.

Hope that helps and sorry I am just seeing this

Wow, I hope you all had a great time, I love the picture you posted. I have always wanted to go to Australia.

Well we are on our second week of Homeschooling and DS has really been in to it. The first week for "computers" he helped me set up our tracking system and showed me some websites that we could use to make up quizzes/test that can be taken on the computer. I was able to get the spelling, grammar and science books that he had been using from the school since they were writing in them and could not be reused. We also have the math workbook but have not been using it. We have been focusing on reviewing the math areas he is weak in right now. We are also doing Social Studies, reading, writing and health/PE right now. Still need to get more in to music, art and Spanish. I feel like we are not spending enough time only about 4 to 4 1/2 hrs a day Does that seem about right? I would thing as things get more advanced more time will be required. I guess the public school day was only 6 hours at least an hour of that was lunch, homeroom, study hall so maybe we are not too far off. I requested The Well Trained Mind book from the library. Can't wait to check it out.

Anyways we will see how this works out and make adjustments as we figure things out. Sorry this is long. Thanks for sharing.

 

[DreadpiratK]

While I don't have any experience with either of those, I'd just like to add something. Try not to focus too much on accreditation. It's a word that gets thrown around a lot, but there is really no benefit in enrolling in an accredited homeschool program. What will impress colleges is your child's transcript showing what classes they have completed, not whether the organization proctoring the classes is accredited. Just my $.02.

This is absolutely true. We have 3 older kids, all HS'd K-12, all now in or through college. My kids were accepted at Schools like RIT, MIT, RPI, Clarkson and Cornell. DS1 just graduated from RIT with a degree in computer engineering, and DS2 is still at Clarkson studying Engineering and Math. We never once used anything 'accredited', except maybe incidentally. I don't believe a single college or university asked for any of that.

The biggest thing I think was test scores. Personally I think schools put too much weight on test scores, but that's the reality of it. We found that once schools saw their scores and found out they were home schooled, they were even more interested in them and actively recruited them. My oldest had MIT RPI and RIT kind of competing for him by offering more and more scholarships.

For anyone considering homeschooling, don't let college admissions deter you. Despite what PS teachers might tell you, home schooled kids have an advantage over public schooled kids when it comes to getting into college.

 

[5disneykids]

Hi all!
I'm on here, for the first time, researching for our upcoming Disney trip (our 9th) and I come across this homeschooling thread! How exciting, Disney and homeschooling, 2 of my favorite things! We've been hs'ing our kids for 6 years now (ages 12, 10, 9 and 6, one on the way), so it's been since kindergarten for all of them.

I was just going to browse through, but the I saw sweetlovin's post mentioning soccer I wonder if we are in the same area...My oldest also is in a soccer training program where he goes from 1 - 5:30 Mon-Thurs, and again 6-8 T, W, Th... Is that what your son does? Then of course weekends lol, games, futsal, all that stuff! He just returned from Madrid (he went without us) where he trained with Real Madrid & Athletico Madrid for 10 days, and has been invited to train with West Ham in England in April. Our 5th is due 4/4 so I don't think it'll work out for those dates, so we're in the process of rearranging his travel dates.
Are you guys going as a family to Holland?

 

[5disneykids]

Mother - son time in Holland (working around the soccer schedule, of course!), how cool!
We're in the Dallas area is your son playing in the Developmental Academy league (USSDA)? My oldest and youngest (a girl) do tons of soccer, and my middle 2 boys do year round swim team, Jiujitsu & different rec sports through the city (basketball right now). We are definitely lacking music, but next year we are changing co-ops, to a fine arts focused one. There, the kids will get music, drama, etc & it fits our schedule.

We're planning our disney world trip for Sept 6, the baby will be about 5 months.
I love the ideas on this board for disney nights during the countdown to our trip! We've never done anything like that, but I know it'll make the time fly by. Starting in like Feb. or so, I'm thinking we'll do a disney movie night about every other weekend and work in some disney game /craft nights... I also want to try to incorporate some of the original books into our days, as read alouds...we'll see.
Anyone ever done stuff like that?

 

[sweetlovin']

Mother - son time in Holland (working around the soccer schedule, of course!), how cool!
We're in the Dallas area is your son playing in the Developmental Academy league (USSDA)? My oldest and youngest (a girl) do tons of soccer, and my middle 2 boys do year round swim team, Jiujitsu & different rec sports through the city (basketball right now). We are definitely lacking music, but next year we are changing co-ops, to a fine arts focused one. There, the kids will get music, drama, etc & it fits our schedule.

We're planning our disney world trip for Sept 6, the baby will be about 5 months.
I love the ideas on this board for disney nights during the countdown to our trip! We've never done anything like that, but I know it'll make the time fly by. Starting in like Feb. or so, I'm thinking we'll do a disney movie night about every other weekend and work in some disney game /craft nights... I also want to try to incorporate some of the original books into our days, as read alouds...we'll see.
Anyone ever done stuff like that?

When my kids were really little we rented Pinocchio, Snow White, Bambi, movies we didn't own. This was the way we introduced them to the characters. I think I might have gotten the idea from the DIS in 2003? So, many moons ago, I did the movie thing. I don't think I ever have done the crafts though.

 

[StuckInKS]

I may be late to the party, but I just discovered this and have to shout it to the world: Click N Read Phonics and Hands on Equations now have apps for android and Kindle!! This makes homeschooling on the go a little easier for us now and I thought it was tremendously exciting, so I want to make sure that everyone who could benefit from this knows about it

Anyone know of any other good apps for android and Kindle that actually teach, rather than just serve as a practice?

 

[lucigo]

Wow, I hope you all had a great time, I love the picture you posted. I have always wanted to go to Australia.

Still need to get more in to music, art and Spanish. I feel like we are not spending enough time only about 4 to 4 1/2 hrs a day Does that seem about right? I would thing as things get more advanced more time will be required. I guess the public school day was only 6 hours at least an hour of that was lunch, homeroom, study hall so maybe we are not too far off. I requested The Well Trained Mind book from the library. Can't wait to check it out.

Anyways we will see how this works out and make adjustments as we figure things out. Sorry this is long. Thanks for sharing.

Don't compare what you are doing with public school, so much time is wasted on herding kids around. Even 2 hours of 1:1 quality time is better than what they get in a typical classroom.

 

[bcbmommy]

We're in our first year of homeschooling our 16, 14, 10 and 2-year-old. While I'm so very thankful to finally be on this homeschooling journey, I will admit, it's extremely overwhelming to begin later in their school careers. I'm really starting to stress about my oldest dd's transcript, ACT, scholarships, CLEPS, etc. ugh. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry. I've researched so much, but I really don't know where to start with all of it. I'm naturally ADD, but trying to organize all of this is sending me over the edge, so to speak. Is there anyone here who is going through all of this right now? I'm hearing that junior year is THE year to get prepared for college, and we're right in the middle of it now.
My dd is interested in a private Christian college in Missouri, that costs $27,000 per year. My dh and I differ on our ideas about paying for it. He has no problem paying, but I really think she needs to work hard to get scholarships. I think if Mom and Dad just shell out the money for everything, how hard will she be willing to work? And I've heard of homeschooling students who have gotten full rides, and then some, so I know it is possible.

Just wondering if there's anyone else in the same boat...

 

[chris31997]

We're in our first year of homeschooling our 16, 14, 10 and 2-year-old. While I'm so very thankful to finally be on this homeschooling journey, I will admit, it's extremely overwhelming to begin later in their school careers. I'm really starting to stress about my oldest dd's transcript, ACT, scholarships, CLEPS, etc. ugh. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry. I've researched so much, but I really don't know where to start with all of it. I'm naturally ADD, but trying to organize all of this is sending me over the edge, so to speak. Is there anyone here who is going through all of this right now? I'm hearing that junior year is THE year to get prepared for college, and we're right in the middle of it now.
My dd is interested in a private Christian college in Missouri, that costs $27,000 per year. My dh and I differ on our ideas about paying for it. He has no problem paying, but I really think she needs to work hard to get scholarships. I think if Mom and Dad just shell out the money for everything, how hard will she be willing to work? And I've heard of homeschooling students who have gotten full rides, and then some, so I know it is possible.

Just wondering if there's anyone else in the same boat...

Okay, take a deeeeep breath. It will be okay.

We are graduating our first this year What helped was Excel. I made a spreadsheet for everything school related for DD. Her life turned into a spreadsheet. Grades, volunteering, reading, dance, everything.

Then when it came time to "apply" for dual enrollment thru Liberty University(online was a must/needed with us). All I had to do was find an example of a transcript and follow that. Liberty worked with me and walked me thru what they needed.

I would contact the school your DD wants to attend and talk with them. See if she can dual enroll(class as high school and college credit sametime) and then roll right into full time status. You could also ask them about their requirments for homeschoolers to enroll with them.

As for paying, maybe a compromise with DH could happen. A combo of scholarships/parents/her working to pay could happen.

 

[bcbmommy]

Thank you!! A spreadsheet sounds like a great idea! Don't know why I haven't thought of that. I have so many little pieces of papers lying around, which isn't very efficient.
Regarding Liberty University...when your dd goes to college, will those transfer? Is that what I need to ask her future college, or are you saying she could take online classes from that particular college now?
So much to think about! I think I will get started on that spreadsheet, though.

Thanks much!!

Okay, take a deeeeep breath. It will be okay.

We are graduating our first this year What helped was Excel. I made a spreadsheet for everything school related for DD. Her life turned into a spreadsheet. Grades, volunteering, reading, dance, everything.

Then when it came time to "apply" for dual enrollment thru Liberty University(online was a must/needed with us). All I had to do was find an example of a transcript and follow that. Liberty worked with me and walked me thru what they needed.

I would contact the school your DD wants to attend and talk with them. See if she can dual enroll(class as high school and college credit sametime) and then roll right into full time status. You could also ask them about their requirments for homeschoolers to enroll with them.

As for paying, maybe a compromise with DH could happen. A combo of scholarships/parents/her working to pay could happen.

 

[weHEARTmickey]

Hi all! I haven't posted on here in *FOREVER*!!! I am needing some info on where to get discounted software, like MS Excel or Office? I remember getting a great deal years ago by uploading my homeschooler ID card as proof. I didn't hang onto that website, so I'm clueless!

Anyone able to provide information ASAP? It's for a homeschool mom friend who needs to make the purchase BY TOMORROW!!! TIA.

 

[DawnM]

Absolutely not true.

I think there is more to your sister's story.

We in the homeschooling community are NOT worried one bit about being denied college for our children because their high school was not accredited.

And please know that many, many students attend private schools that are not accredited.

After working in the public school as a high school teacher and guidance counselor for 17 years, I can absolutely say that students do not always come out of any school with full knowledge of what they should know in an "accredited" class.

Please do some more homework on this for your own knowledge so that you don't give info out that is not accurate.

I am not 100% positive that this is not true, but I do know that my nephew was denied college entrance because his mother had created a transcript that he had taken classes yet they weren't from an accredited school thus the college would not count them. The accrediting makes sure that the content that is supposed to be in the class IS in fact in the class. If the class/school is not accredited it could be teaching anything for a said course.