Homeschool Chat Part III

[poohguys]

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.

Thanks for the feedback lucigo. It is just hard to break the mindset of what "school" is after ds going to public school for the last 8 years. It is great to be able to spend the one on one time and discuss different topics and see ds really learning.

 

[theduck619]

Anyone adopted children from a Eastern Europe and homeschool them?

 

[wunkmom]

I've got several friends who've adopted from Ukraine. Sadly, none of them are on the dis.

 

[poohguys]

DS would like to learn German instead of the Spanish that they were teaching when he was in the public school (in which he learned nothing!) Has anyone ever used the Duolingo website to have your children learn a foreign language? Do you have another website or program that you would recommend?

TIA

 

[rlu929s]

Without having the time to do a ton of reading I thought everyone could provide some insight into the costs etc. We have a ton of families at our church that our homeschooling their children for various reasons. We've at times thought about it mainly as we here more what goes on at schools. Granted our public schools are the best rated in our area.

With that being said we are trying to find out what kind of costs we might incur. My wife currently stays at home with our 4 year old and but works 8 hours per week. We have a 7 year old in 1st grade currently in public school.

We've thought of some of the obvious things, such as a dedicated class room (we have the room), curriculum (Abeka), and funds for educational field trips.

What other things should we consider. Obviously, you don't get to quit paying taxes (we live in a high tax county) and I can't think of many cost savings and my wife would have to quit working the 8 hours per week, so we'd see some income decrease.

Lots of questions as we wonder how you can do it and still afford those Disney trips. I will say not having to jack with asking "permission" to take your kid out of school to vacation at a better time is appealing.

 

[DisneyMom5]

Without having the time to do a ton of reading I thought everyone could provide some insight into the costs etc. We have a ton of families at our church that our homeschooling their children for various reasons. We've at times thought about it mainly as we here more what goes on at schools. Granted our public schools are the best rated in our area.

With that being said we are trying to find out what kind of costs we might incur. My wife currently stays at home with our 4 year old and but works 8 hours per week. We have a 7 year old in 1st grade currently in public school.

We've thought of some of the obvious things, such as a dedicated class room (we have the room), curriculum (Abeka), and funds for educational field trips.

What other things should we consider. Obviously, you don't get to quit paying taxes (we live in a high tax county) and I can't think of many cost savings and my wife would have to quit working the 8 hours per week, so we'd see some income decrease.

Lots of questions as we wonder how you can do it and still afford those Disney trips. I will say not having to jack with asking "permission" to take your kid out of school to vacation at a better time is appealing.

You can spend as much or as little as you want, really. Many people sell their curriculum, so used is always an option.
My advice is to start with the basics and build. I went crazy buying all these nifty kits and manipulatives and just...stuff, and we never used most of it.
Get into a routine and then figure out what else you'd like to add.
And the Library is a GREAT resource.

 

[sweetlovin']

DS would like to learn German instead of the Spanish that they were teaching when he was in the public school (in which he learned nothing!) Has anyone ever used the Duolingo website to have your children learn a foreign language? Do you have another website or program that you would recommend?

TIA

I had my kids learn conversational french (so not writing it) and conversational chinese through Rocket French/Chinese. I have also used Rosetta Stone, but that wasn't as useful or as easily picked up as the other program. There is one that I know people like, but as I was listening to it, it was helpful for how to pick up a woman or ask someone to go for a drink, but not so much with things I would use daily.

 

[Lora]

Without having the time to do a ton of reading I thought everyone could provide some insight into the costs etc. We have a ton of families at our church that our homeschooling their children for various reasons. We've at times thought about it mainly as we here more what goes on at schools. Granted our public schools are the best rated in our area.

With that being said we are trying to find out what kind of costs we might incur. My wife currently stays at home with our 4 year old and but works 8 hours per week. We have a 7 year old in 1st grade currently in public school.

We've thought of some of the obvious things, such as a dedicated class room (we have the room), curriculum (Abeka), and funds for educational field trips.

What other things should we consider. Obviously, you don't get to quit paying taxes (we live in a high tax county) and I can't think of many cost savings and my wife would have to quit working the 8 hours per week, so we'd see some income decrease.

Lots of questions as we wonder how you can do it and still afford those Disney trips. I will say not having to jack with asking "permission" to take your kid out of school to vacation at a better time is appealing.

I'm sure you've seen those commercials for a certain credit card that tallies up the cost of various items and then concludes with the final experience being "Priceless". Well, that's kind of how I would tally up the homeschool expenses.

It's actually kind of difficult to pin down the exact educational expenses because life and "education" overlap so much for us, but here's my version of the commercial...

Books & Curriculum for two students $x/year; Private Lessons and Choir/Band tuition for two students $x/year; Field trips and sports fees $x/year...

...being with your child and learning side by side with them for 18 years,
finding "teachable moments" at the grocery store, in the car, at the park,
cuddling up on the couch and reading several novels a year together,
allowing your child to explore areas of interest (music, sports, filmmaking, dance, history, whatever) for HOURS a day, being able to teach your child how to really "socialize" in public - in real-life situations with people of all ages...and this could go on....

Priceless.

Yes, as homeschoolers, we typically have to do with one income what many families do with two. There are choices that have to be made. In the end, most of the stuff you'll have to give up will not be missed. I am convinced now more than ever that we have done the right thing for our family. I have one in college and one still in high school and am convinced that they would be different students and people if they had gone to public school.

You mentioned your church, so with that topic brought up by you, I feel comfortable recommending to you the documentary film, "IndoctriNation". It is an eye-opener.

 

[chris31997]

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!!

That is the nerd coming out in me It does make everything sooo nice until the computer decides to crash So make a back up regularly

Anyway, back to the credits. DD will stay with Liberty while we are here, Dh is in the military. Her credits will transfer right over and she will go from dual enrolled to college student.

As for you and your kiddo: usually credits will transfer. There is a catch, it depends on accreditation of the schools and number of credits required for diploma and if school has that class. Here accreditation can be very important. Generally speaking, the general ed classes should transfer without an issue. Specialty classes might be more difficult.

 

[chris31997]

Without having the time to do a ton of reading I thought everyone could provide some insight into the costs etc. We have a ton of families at our church that our homeschooling their children for various reasons. We've at times thought about it mainly as we here more what goes on at schools. Granted our public schools are the best rated in our area.

With that being said we are trying to find out what kind of costs we might incur. My wife currently stays at home with our 4 year old and but works 8 hours per week. We have a 7 year old in 1st grade currently in public school.

We've thought of some of the obvious things, such as a dedicated class room (we have the room), curriculum (Abeka), and funds for educational field trips.

What other things should we consider. Obviously, you don't get to quit paying taxes (we live in a high tax county) and I can't think of many cost savings and my wife would have to quit working the 8 hours per week, so we'd see some income decrease.

Lots of questions as we wonder how you can do it and still afford those Disney trips. I will say not having to jack with asking "permission" to take your kid out of school to vacation at a better time is appealing.

Homeschooling is priceless as PP said. I would not change this strange wonderful journey that we have been on. It has given us the ability to channel school into what our kids are interested in, expose our kids to new and exciting things(many times old things and remove the tech toys from their hands )

As for paying for vacations, Disney and all, we save. It is a group effort. The trip has to be paid for before we go

For you and your wife, I would suggest you put your wife's pay check away and not use it for awhile. See if you can live on just one pay check. Make a monthly budget and see if the 2 of you can live alittle more frugally to pay for the sports, books, and field trips.

 

[Ellester]

Without having the time to do a ton of reading I thought everyone could provide some insight into the costs etc. We have a ton of families at our church that our homeschooling their children for various reasons. We've at times thought about it mainly as we here more what goes on at schools. Granted our public schools are the best rated in our area. With that being said we are trying to find out what kind of costs we might incur. My wife currently stays at home with our 4 year old and but works 8 hours per week. We have a 7 year old in 1st grade currently in public school. We've thought of some of the obvious things, such as a dedicated class room (we have the room), curriculum (Abeka), and funds for educational field trips. What other things should we consider. Obviously, you don't get to quit paying taxes (we live in a high tax county) and I can't think of many cost savings and my wife would have to quit working the 8 hours per week, so we'd see some income decrease. Lots of questions as we wonder how you can do it and still afford those Disney trips. I will say not having to jack with asking "permission" to take your kid out of school to vacation at a better time is appealing.

Dues for any homeschool groups you join, miscellaneous office supplies (pencil sharpeners, globe, maps, white board, printer ink, etc. pencils, paper and such you would be paying for either way), any outside lessons. It can be done quite inexpensively. Honestly, I think we come out ahead since I am not buying tissues and glue sticks for an entire class! I don't have to deal with fund raisers, class party and teacher gift collections, "required" t-shirts to wear on overpriced field trips, book fairs, etc.

 

[The6ofUs]

You can save money on trips to Disney by going with an organized group. Carolina Homeschooler has one every year. The next one is in September. Here's a link to the website: http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/atravelwdw.html

 

[sweetlovin']

You can save money on trips to Disney by going with an organized group. Carolina Homeschooler has one every year. The next one is in September. Here's a link to the website: http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/atravelwdw.html

Are you a part of that group? My son really wants to do the Carolina Italy trip next March I'm in ATL, but I got an invite.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

everyone has been right to say that the amount you WANT to spend is what you can and will spend. We buy a total curriculum, so we are priced a little higher than most and then I add in their lessons and classes they take to that as well. HOWEVER, my 3 were in a private school prior to this and we are still spending WAY LESS than the tuition! Hahaha!!!

 

[wasnotafan]

You can spend as much or as little as you want, really. Many people sell their curriculum, so used is always an option.
My advice is to start with the basics and build. I went crazy buying all these nifty kits and manipulatives and just...stuff, and we never used most of it.
Get into a routine and then figure out what else you'd like to add.
And the Library is a GREAT resource.

+1. As the years go by you find out that what you thought was necessary really isn't.

 

[sweetlovin']

Check in How is everyone doing? Has everyone started back into their routines?

We have a crazy semester filled with a lot of outside activities. So far, the first week was a little crazy, but getting back into groove can always be challenging. My older kids signed up to be in a musical, so we have added that to the middle of our day.

When you have a second check in and tell us how it is going for you

 

[kc10family]

Without having the time to do a ton of reading I thought everyone could provide some insight into the costs etc. We have a ton of families at our church that our homeschooling their children for various reasons. We've at times thought about it mainly as we here more what goes on at schools. Granted our public schools are the best rated in our area.

With that being said we are trying to find out what kind of costs we might incur. My wife currently stays at home with our 4 year old and but works 8 hours per week. We have a 7 year old in 1st grade currently in public school.

We've thought of some of the obvious things, such as a dedicated class room (we have the room), curriculum (Abeka), and funds for educational field trips.

What other things should we consider. Obviously, you don't get to quit paying taxes (we live in a high tax county) and I can't think of many cost savings and my wife would have to quit working the 8 hours per week, so we'd see some income decrease.

Lots of questions as we wonder how you can do it and still afford those Disney trips. I will say not having to jack with asking "permission" to take your kid out of school to vacation at a better time is appealing.

One thing I have heard from many folks is, for your first year buy a "box set" that you think would work for you. There are many different box sets out there and the price ranges. Next, what would you be paying for field trips at a brick and mortar school? What could you do for free in your area? Do they already play sports or participate in other things? That price wont change.

For me- my kids are in private distance learning and that price came down because it is not as much as the private brick and mortar school they went to. Field trips as combine with family trips because I want us all to see x-y-z anyway. My kids still participate in after school things and that price has not changed.

 

[chris31997]

One thing I have heard from many folks is, for your first year buy a "box set" that you think would work for you. There are many different box sets out there and the price ranges. Next, what would you be paying for field trips at a brick and mortar school? What could you do for free in your area? Do they already play sports or participate in other things? That price wont change.

For me- my kids are in private distance learning and that price came down because it is not as much as the private brick and mortar school they went to. Field trips as combine with family trips because I want us all to see x-y-z anyway. My kids still participate in after school things and that price has not changed.

What is a "box set"?? Is it where like for aBeka, it has ALL the student books and then some and ALL the teacher manuels??

I would suggest that you get books for all the subjects you want to teach, ie Math, English, History, Health,...... for the student. Then for the teacher get only the books absolutly needed to teach. Meaning do you really need the teacher History manuel?? Do you need the teacher manuel for Math or will the Answer Key work??? Are you gonna test in all subjects??? Can you just get the teacher test key anwser book and make copies and color out the answer??

Free things are musuems, concerts, grocery store, restraunt, parks, doctor visit, check into the local tourist/gov't website. We use dr visits as a learning oppurtunity. We also have memberships to our favorite local attractions for discounts. Look for Founder's Day events, appreciation days for free events at attraction that are expensive.

We count sports toward school and the kids have always been active doing something.

 

[kc10family]

What is a "box set"?? Is it where like for aBeka, it has ALL the student books and then some and ALL the teacher manuels??

I would suggest that you get books for all the subjects you want to teach, ie Math, English, History, Health,...... for the student. Then for the teacher get only the books absolutly needed to teach. Meaning do you really need the teacher History manuel?? Do you need the teacher manuel for Math or will the Answer Key work??? Are you gonna test in all subjects??? Can you just get the teacher test key anwser book and make copies and color out the answer??

Free things are musuems, concerts, grocery store, restraunt, parks, doctor visit, check into the local tourist/gov't website. We use dr visits as a learning oppurtunity. We also have memberships to our favorite local attractions for discounts. Look for Founder's Day events, appreciation days for free events at attraction that are expensive.

We count sports toward school and the kids have always been active doing something.

Sonlight is one program that has a “box set”, everything you need for the year comes to your door in a box.

From the Sonlight website….
All you need in one easy-to-order package
· Your entire curriculum for the year.
· Daily lesson plans for the entire year.
· A Program with History, Geography, Language Arts, Read-Alouds.
· Hand-picked Readers, Handwriting, Math and Science.

The folks in our home school support group tell everyone for the first year to find a “box set” you think will work for you so you can have a worry free first year and not be concerned about “did I get what my child needs”. During that first year assess what works for you and your child’s style of learning and what does not work. After the first year most of the folks said they found they were more comfortable to put together a curriculum that worked for them and did not need to buy everything a “box set” came with.
Again, I do not home school this way but wanted to pass on the insight from those in the support group we are in. I do think is great advice.

 

[jacksmomma]

I can speak to the working piece. We homeschool DS and I work part time with DH working full time. It is totally doable though it does require a little more planning and dedication. Is it possible for her to work on the weekend? If so there is your answer. If not, could the kids stay with grandma or someone while she works her one day (I am assuming a 1 day, 8 hour shft)? You would not do school that day and then do school on a weekend day. That is the great thing about homeschooling, there are no rules. You do not have to follow a traditional week schedule if it does not work for you.

This may have already been mentioned, but what state are you in? That can really dictate what and how you homeschool if you are in a stricter state.