Homeschool Chat

[disneytriplets]

Hi! I posted several months ago when I started to look into different curriculum and now I’m back looking for help. Quick background, I will be homeschooling my triplets for Kindergarten. I was doing a preschool program for them called Mother Goose Time. I really enjoyed this program because it came with everything I needed and there was minimal prep. I think I’m looking for a curriculum using real books instead of text books and some workbooks but not workbooks for every subject, every day.

I’ve been really looking into Sonlight. I love that everything comes together with the instructors guides and it seems easy to use. But I have a few issues:
1. Kindergarten will cost about $1000 if I buy the readers. I checked our local library and they only have 1/3 of the necessary books. The preschool program I did cost about $700 a year, but it also came with lots of craft supplies.
2. I’m not sure how my kids will do listening to me read books that are not picture books. At this point they aren't interested in books without pictures.
3. I don't believe there are many/any hands-on crafty things.
4. The Bible portion seems to have a mix of good and bad reviews.

My Father’s World was mentioned a few posts back and I found their curriculum interesting and the price was great. I like how they include character traits into each lesson.
1. I read reviews stating the curriculum was very slow and lacked a good phonics/language program.

Can anyone give more insight on either of these curriculums or suggest something different? Might I be better off “creating” my own curriculum by piecing each subject together from various vendors? I am attending a curriculum/book fair in two weeks so I will be able to get my hands on some things, but it is small and not many curriculums vendors will be attending (Some of those attending are Alpha Omega, BJU, Math-U-See, A beka).

I welcome ANY suggestions!!! My head is spinning with all this info!

 

[Corinne Johnson]

How many hours should we spend on school?
I say all of them AND none at all.
We are always learning, kids and adults. We read blogs, articles, magazines, newspapers, and books all the time (no schedule, no limits).
I suggest (my personal opinion only) that you lay out your school year goals and plans based on what you want to accomplish, rather than how many hours or minutes per day. But, if you want to finish book Z in nine months, then break it down into X pages per day, and you spend how ever much time it takes.
One of the great things about homeschooling is that your kids can learn naturally, not in a prefabbed time slot. Sometimes, it's okay to skip school and play trains and cars all day, or sit on the porch and finish reading that novel because you just can't wait to see how it ends. That's life and it's wonderful.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

How many hours should we spend on school?
I say all of them AND none at all.
We are always learning, kids and adults. We read blogs, articles, magazines, newspapers, and books all the time (no schedule, no limits).
I suggest (my personal opinion only) that you lay out your school year goals and plans based on what you want to accomplish, rather than how many hours or minutes per day. But, if you want to finish book Z in nine months, then break it down into X pages per day, and you spend how ever much time it takes.
One of the great things about homeschooling is that your kids can learn naturally, not in a prefabbed time slot. Sometimes, it's okay to skip school and play trains and cars all day, or sit on the porch and finish reading that novel because you just can't wait to see how it ends. That's life and it's wonderful.

Well Said!!!!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Disney Triplets~
Well, if you are veering away from Sonlight becuase of the money, look at it as $333 per kid for the year. That's not bad. Abeka is gonna run that much for sure, if you get the teacher guides and the all inclusive package. We started with ABeka because we were familiar with it. Kindergarten/1st grade is good. Wonderful basics for math and solid phonics course. But...it starts piling up really quick. We quit using it because they were (in my opinion) cramming too much at a time. I like a slower pace, that I can increase as I need to. My daughter is a year older than your triplets--we did Explode the Code last year, and we are using the Horizons workbook #2 right now. She was pretty bored with ETC--but we did books A, B, and C, and #1 this last year, so it was time for a little change!!! I am using Singapore Math 1A (did Horizons, didn't like it) right now and after this will probably go to Rod & Staff math. Another good program for phonics/ reading is by Sandi Queen--Language Lessons for the Very Young. I will be using this after we finish this workbook. All these are slow and not a haried pace--if you want to do 4 pages one day and one the next, it's up to you.

I just add lots of books that we like as family reads. anything at the library and any classic or favorite books you already have. If they like art and craft stuff, the ABeka art books do have a lot of fun stuff!! Just remember that you can pick and choose with ABeka, you DON'T have to buy the whole kit or the dvds!! I know our local rep. is pretty pushy about that. He tries to sell you the whole kit---even if you have some already!!! Just take your time and visit websites.
I love Cathy Duffys 100 Top Picks (I have the book too), Homeschool Review, and CBD.com. They are still young, just read lots of good stories and have fun!! Don't get too overwhelmed. Make sure you know your states hs laws and if you need to keep track of days/times or anything like that.

 

[bumbershoot]

I am attending a curriculum/book fair in two weeks so I will be able to get my hands on some things, but it is small and not many curriculums vendors will be attending (Some of those attending are Alpha Omega, BJU, Math-U-See, A beka).

I just wanted to thank you for reminding me that the homeschool fair in my state is coming up soon. I almost forgot! Thank you!!!!

 

[wahmtexas]

so excited I found this thread on here, I homeschool my 2 children in Texas and work with Work at Home United part time to fund it LOL
I love to communicate with other homeschoolers and am looking forward to the conversation

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Hey!! Welcome!!! We are neighbors!! I love to see people from Texas here!!! We are glad to have you.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Just wondering if there is anyone else here from the St. Louis, MO area?

 

[crocko]

Just found this thread. My wife and I are homeschooling and are in the OKC area in case anyone is a nearby DISer.

 

[DisneyMom5]

Hi! I posted several months ago when I started to look into different curriculum and now I’m back looking for help. Quick background, I will be homeschooling my triplets for Kindergarten. I was doing a preschool program for them called Mother Goose Time. I really enjoyed this program because it came with everything I needed and there was minimal prep. I think I’m looking for a curriculum using real books instead of text books and some workbooks but not workbooks for every subject, every day.

I’ve been really looking into Sonlight. I love that everything comes together with the instructors guides and it seems easy to use. But I have a few issues:
1. Kindergarten will cost about $1000 if I buy the readers. I checked our local library and they only have 1/3 of the necessary books. The preschool program I did cost about $700 a year, but it also came with lots of craft supplies.
2. I’m not sure how my kids will do listening to me read books that are not picture books. At this point they aren't interested in books without pictures.
3. I don't believe there are many/any hands-on crafty things.
4. The Bible portion seems to have a mix of good and bad reviews.

My Father’s World was mentioned a few posts back and I found their curriculum interesting and the price was great. I like how they include character traits into each lesson.
1. I read reviews stating the curriculum was very slow and lacked a good phonics/language program.

Can anyone give more insight on either of these curriculums or suggest something different? Might I be better off “creating” my own curriculum by piecing each subject together from various vendors? I am attending a curriculum/book fair in two weeks so I will be able to get my hands on some things, but it is small and not many curriculums vendors will be attending (Some of those attending are Alpha Omega, BJU, Math-U-See, A beka).

I welcome ANY suggestions!!! My head is spinning with all this info!

There is NO way you should have to spend $1000 on K even with Sonlight. Do NOT get the new comer's package (if that's what you are looking at). Get the core, decide what math, LA, and Science you want to use, or just get some of the science books, and if you don't want the map and timeline, don't get it.

Look it over carefully and see what you really need and what you don't!
I believe in getting full cores from Sonlight, when possible, because I like to support such a great company. [Their customer service is second to none.]

BUT, there is a used Sonlight forum on the Sonlight boards, and you can get some really good deals. Not to mention there are full cores on ebay. Sometimes it's an older version, but still good. You could upgrade a couple of books for what you save if you have to have the newest.

Not to mention, it is reusable for all your kids, and, if you don't have a lot of kids, resaleable if you keep it in good condition.

Happy to answer any other questions about Sonlight, or saving money while still buying the cores.

 

[DisneyMom5]

Oh, and wanted to add: it's easy to find hands on matching your subject for free on the internet.

BUT...if you want a more hands on approach, Winter promise is getting really popular with people who like Sonlight with extras.

Hope that helps!

 

[littlepeppers]

Ok, I need to know where you all are getting those cook countdowns in your signatures.

 

[lori1043]

Ok, I need to know where you all are getting those cook countdowns in your signatures.

double click on one and it should bring you to the website.

 

[Temair]

I'm contemplating A&O SOS for next year. I'm looking for something more independent for my DD so that when #2 is born I don't have to worry so much. Anyone like or not like A&O SOS? Any other suggestions for more independent curriculum? And other general advice for homeschooling while pregnant or with a newborn?

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Can I ask what exactly a Homeschool co op is? I got an email from the leader of my new homeschool group and there is a meeting next week to find out all about it and sign up if we want to. Well, I have to work that night. I am going to email her back with questions, but i figured i'd start here so I don't look like a total dum dum. I want to have some idea on what one is.

Thanks so much!

 

[DisneyBrat]

Just wanted to share with all my Dis friends my son has finished homeschooling Yes after many years of hard work we've gotten to the light at the end of that tunnel. Now if we can only get him through college we will be even more estatic LOL

Just had to share this before I burst!!!!!

 

[disneymom3]

Can I ask what exactly a Homeschool co op is? I got an email from the leader of my new homeschool group and there is a meeting next week to find out all about it and sign up if we want to. Well, I have to work that night. I am going to email her back with questions, but i figured i'd start here so I don't look like a total dum dum. I want to have some idea on what one is.

Thanks so much!

GEnerally a co-op is where you go to gather with other families to have the kids learn certain subjects together. Sometimes the moms take turns teaching, some have hired teachers, it will just depend. The co-op we are in now has about 25 families with kids ages infants through about 10th grade. (For now, anyway.) Our babies and toddlers just play but have an actual room where they are while the moms are either in mom's time or teaching or assisting. Our moms who teach are paid a small amount for doing that. Our preschool is run much like a traditional preschool with gym time, art, circle time etc. Our K-3 have art, music, gym and another class the topic of which changes year to year. As the kids get older they have more and more choices for electives but everyone has gym and everyone does the theme of the year's class which we call Discovery.

I have also been in a co-op where the moms taught or assisted the whole time and the kids stayed in the same class all morning--so you taught all three subjects that were being learned instead of just being the gym teacher and having the kids come to you. That was a lot harder and I honestly left pretty wiped out. So did my kids.

Let us know what you find out. My kids have made some wonderful important friends in co-op that they get together with year round.

 

[disneymom3]

I’ve been really looking into Sonlight. I love that everything comes together with the instructors guides and it seems easy to use. But I have a few issues:
1. Kindergarten will cost about $1000 if I buy the readers. I checked our local library and they only have 1/3 of the necessary books. The preschool program I did cost about $700 a year, but it also came with lots of craft supplies.


My Father’s World was mentioned a few posts back and I found their curriculum interesting and the price was great. I like how they include character traits into each lesson.
1. I read reviews stating the curriculum was very slow and lacked a good phonics/language program.

I love My Father's World for Kindergarten. I think their phonics program is great and actually with one of my boys I didn't use it at all because he wasn't ready for even what they had. (See below for more on that.) The built in science is awesome and the favorite part for my kids.

However, my best friend uses Sonlight and LOVES it. She has four little boys and just adds things on her own for hands on stuff. She doesn't buy the whole core from Sonlight. She uses what books she can from the library. (Be sure to check into all library systems in your area. Usually you can join other counties or what have you with your card from you local system. I belong to three.) And then she also finds a lot of books off of Amazon, ebay or Rainbow Resource for quite a bit less.

Picking up soapbox...

Thank you....can you pass it over here now? Thanks.

I agree very much with graygables. To me, as a homeschooler for 8 years with kids in 8th 4th and 2nd this next year, I would never spend more than 45 min doing table work at a preschool/kindergarten age and especially in preschool that would only be if they WANTED to do table work.

We spend so much time and energy in this country freaking out about early early early and miss the fact that the country that scores highest in literacy rates year after year doesn't start their kids reading until the age of 7. Parents are actually discouraged from working with their kids at home. (That would be Finland by the way.) Singapore out scores the US by miles on math...have you seen their Kindergarten math curriculum? It's a lot about looking at a picture and talking about it etc. And yet, by the time you get to about the middle of first, it's a year ahead of most US curriculums. And the kids GET it.

Hang out on the couch and read books about all kinds of interesting things--fairy tales from other lands, tall tales, books about snakes, whatever turns your kids on. Lay on the floor and play board games or card games or whatever. Go for walks, visit museums that have hands on areas. Play with playdough and finger paint and shaving cream. Plant a garden--do it inside if it's winter. Add random kitchen ingredients together and see what happens. (Accidentily discover what happens when you put baking soda into lemon juice.) Follow a simple recipe. Do household chores like sorting laundry and emptying the dishwasher.

As the school days get longer and recess gets cancelled for table work, our kids continue to get more and more overweight. I don't think it's a coincidence.

Graygables, I am now done with your soapbox, thank you.

 

[DawnM]

Sonlight

We are long time Sonlight users. I have always bought used. We are big time into staying out of debt. We buy almost nothing new, ever.

I have found great deals. I got a Sonlight 1st grade, including science for $150. It was 7 years old....but my thinking is: if it worked 7 years ago, it is still good!

I have friends who only buy the Instructor's Guide and use the library, paperback swap, garage sales, etc...to get what they can, and then get the rest on Amazon.

I found Cores 3 and 4 complete for $125 each last year and snagged up both years because it was such a good deal.

Our yearly budget up until now has been $300/year for actual curriculum.

We have an upcoming Kindergardener this year. This is what we are doing so far (found most items at the used curriculum store.)

Horizons K math ($5 each book, you DO NOT need the teacher guide for K)
Veritas Press language arts workbook ($9 barely used)
100 EZ Lessons ($12)
Sonlight Core (used with previous kids, maybe $100 when purchased used)

The rest of the time he listens in on the older boys' lessons and then we will learn things like months, days, that sort of thing.

Dawn

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Hi, I just discovered a great website. It cost 19.99 for a year subscription but it is pretty cool.

We homeschool year round but I wanted to concentrate on DS reading/writing and DD math this summer. This website generates some really cool activities.

www.edHelper.com