Homeschool Chat

[Nicolepa]

I have the opposite reaction. LOL I hate their 2nd grade history but think the math is ok. LOL It seems to follow the math curriculum for our public school so maybe that is why. Just goes to show that everyone needs to look into more than one curriculum before deciding. What math program are you thinking of going to?

We are going to go back to Saxon. I used it last year to after school my son and he did pretty well with it.

There are 2 problems with K12. The first one is that the teachers guide gives absolutly no instruction as to how to teach the concept. (I've heard this complaint a lot from other users.) For 2nd grade this wasn't really an issue, for 3rd grade it has been. I've spent a lot of time on the internet learning how to teach concepts. Pretty sad IMO considering that math are strong points for both me and my son.

The other problem, and it's what's leading to his frustration right now is that they spend no time working on learning the facts tables. You have one lesson on each # and then it's done. It was litereally 2 weeks and then they are expected to be able to do these long problems that require knowing them. We are going to finish the lessons that we need to. (Picking and choosing the ones he can do w/o frustration.) Then we are going to spend the summer working on all of his facts tables.

There is also no spirialing/review. They teach a concept and then expect that it is mastered.

 

[queenbeaz]

queenbeaz...I am using HoD this coming year...got all of dd's stuff and part of my ds11s....I looooove looking thru that guide book!!! Can't wait to jump in!!!

It's a GREAT program! It just didn't work for us. I hope it works for you!

Praise2Him & Gerberdaisy - thanks for the info on the college program and graduation. Very cool. I also did not know that they have a homeschool days at WDW. I've never seen that listed anywhere. Maybe I missed it. I'll just go looking again.

 

[graygables]

May I vent?

On another message board I go to, someone innocently came on and asked for input/advice from homeschoolers. She's considering it. OF COURSE, other posters come on and tell us all how horrid we are, how it's nigh on impossible to educate at home unless you are a PhD and have 60 hours per week to dedicate to it. One even said that homeschooled children are "ill-mannered" !!! I happen to know these particular people do not like the choices I have personally made in my life (and aren't afraid to snark at me in public about it). Why can't people just mind their own beeswax and stop commenting where they aren't welcome???

Whew. I think I feel better now. Back to not educating my ill-mannered, socially inept, feral children.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

It's a GREAT program! It just didn't work for us. I hope it works for you!

Praise2Him & Gerberdaisy - thanks for the info on the college program and graduation. Very cool. I also did not know that they have a homeschool days at WDW. I've never seen that listed anywhere. Maybe I missed it. I'll just go looking again.

http://disneyyouthgroups.disney.go.com/wdyp/programs/programOverview?page=YESProgramOverviewPage

The deals are amazing. We got 10 day park hoppers plus the Homeschool Class "Engineering Behind the Magic" (which was awesome) for $179!!! They don't list the ten day tickets on the website. You have to call and get the pricing and then enter that in the text box when you order.

Wish we could go in September. I believe the dates are Sept 7-9. Hoping for next January (dates are 24&25). When you order your tickets you put in your arrival and departure dates for Orlando. Your tickets are then valid 7 days prior and after those dates. So if you want to do anything else while you are there you have plenty of time.

Also, this year they have tried something new called Open Enrollment that is a lot like Homeschool days. It was all of January and select dates in June and July.

 

[dis-happy]

May I vent?

On another message board I go to, someone innocently came on and asked for input/advice from homeschoolers. She's considering it. OF COURSE, other posters come on and tell us all how horrid we are, how it's nigh on impossible to educate at home unless you are a PhD and have 60 hours per week to dedicate to it. One even said that homeschooled children are "ill-mannered" !!! I happen to know these particular people do not like the choices I have personally made in my life (and aren't afraid to snark at me in public about it). Why can't people just mind their own beeswax and stop commenting where they aren't welcome???

Whew. I think I feel better now. Back to not educating my ill-mannered, socially inept, feral children.

You know when my moment came? When my dd was accepted into the college of her first choice, majoring in a difficult major and being inducted into the honor society her sophomore year. She'll be graduating next year. Guess her K-12 homeschool education preperation wasn't so bad after all!

Try not to let the naysayers get you down!

 

[GoofyG]

So i'm kind of likeing this ACE program. Today I was just telling ,my mom I wish I could meet with someone and look at the books. Then tonight my aunt introduces me to this lady. We were talking about sensory and thing going on with My DD4, and at the end of the conversation she mentioned she had homeschooled and used ACE.

She is bringing some 1sta dn 2nd grade books to her church tomorrow to give to my aunt for me to look at. I'm so excited, I want to make sure I make the right decision.

Also, I have some other things going on right now, if anyone has extra prayers could you say one for me. I have some major decisions to make about some things. It is stressing me.

 

[mariezp]

May I vent?

On another message board I go to, someone innocently came on and asked for input/advice from homeschoolers. She's considering it. OF COURSE, other posters come on and tell us all how horrid we are, how it's nigh on impossible to educate at home unless you are a PhD and have 60 hours per week to dedicate to it. One even said that homeschooled children are "ill-mannered" !!! I happen to know these particular people do not like the choices I have personally made in my life (and aren't afraid to snark at me in public about it). Why can't people just mind their own beeswax and stop commenting where they aren't welcome???

Whew. I think I feel better now. Back to not educating my ill-mannered, socially inept, feral children.

Now why do people have to behave like that? And, they consider themselves better educated????

I guess I have been pretty fortunate. I have a really small family and while they may not all approve they seem to have better sense than to challenge me with the evils of homeschooling. We've also never had any problem at church even though I am sure not all agree with our schooling method since we have quite a few public school teachers. Outside of those two groups of people I guess I really wouldn't put much stock into anything negative anyone had to say anyway. When you get right down to it the proof is in the pudding and, graygables, I bet your kids are none of the things you described!

Glad you could come here to vent. We all need that some days! This little thread is a wonderful source for information but I think it is great that we can also throw in a little support for each other along the way.

Loved hearing about the school program opportunities in the park. I had no idea! And, I think it would be great to go for homeschool day but, alas, September is too hot for our liking! Last time we tried Sept. we hit a heat wave at DL and it got up to 107.... which was hotter than back at home in Texas! So, no homeschool day for us!

Just curious.... any homeschoolers going to DL in November? We could do a mini meet!

Oh.... and GoofyG, I will be more than happy to send some prayers your way! Hope things work out well for you.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Loved hearing about the school program opportunities in the park. I had no idea! And, I think it would be great to go for homeschool day but, alas, September is too hot for our liking! Last time we tried Sept. we hit a heat wave at DL and it got up to 107.... which was hotter than back at home in Texas! So, no homeschool day .

Homeschool Days are in September and January. January weather is very nice! Yes, September is too hot but I know my daughter would love the theme of the September classes so it we be tempting to do a quick trip if we had the funds.

 

[robinsegg]

Now why do people have to behave like that? And, they consider themselves better educated????

Most people I've known to act like that do so because they're insecure and need everyone else to make the same choices they do to make them feel good about them. Therefore, if someone chooses differently, these people feel attacked and very insecure and try to defend their choices by making different choices sound horrible.

 

[Nicolepa]

So i'm kind of likeing this ACE program. Today I was just telling ,my mom I wish I could meet with someone and look at the books. Then tonight my aunt introduces me to this lady. We were talking about sensory and thing going on with My DD4, and at the end of the conversation she mentioned she had homeschooled and used ACE.

She is bringing some 1sta dn 2nd grade books to her church tomorrow to give to my aunt for me to look at. I'm so excited, I want to make sure I make the right decision.

You will have to let us know how you like them. They look interesting but I am having a hard time navigating their site and figuring out prices and such.

 

[Nicolepa]

May I vent?

On another message board I go to, someone innocently came on and asked for input/advice from homeschoolers. She's considering it. OF COURSE, other posters come on and tell us all how horrid we are, how it's nigh on impossible to educate at home unless you are a PhD and have 60 hours per week to dedicate to it. One even said that homeschooled children are "ill-mannered" !!! I happen to know these particular people do not like the choices I have personally made in my life (and aren't afraid to snark at me in public about it). Why can't people just mind their own beeswax and stop commenting where they aren't welcome???

Whew. I think I feel better now. Back to not educating my ill-mannered, socially inept, feral children.

Yes, because we know that all teachers in the public school system have PhD's and spend 60 hours per week working.

 

[GoofyG]

You will have to let us know how you like them. They look interesting but I am having a hard time navigating their site and figuring out prices and such.

I like that they are accredited program. I will let you know more when I find out more. They had a diagnostic test to take to see where your kid should start. My DD6 tested 2nd grade for English and the end of 1st grade for math. They have your kids take a test and they set up where they think they should start. I hope to know more later in the week.

 

[littlepeppers]

Yes, because we know that all teachers in the public school system have PhD's and spend 60 hours per week working.

Sorry for the rant, but those people make me angry!!

You would not believe the amount of uncertified teachers teaching in the public schools. There is actually another certification that teachers are supposed to have or be working on to teach called "highly qualified". There are even fewer teachers that have this, especially in a highschool setting. It is a pain for a secondary teacher to be highly qualified in every subject they are asked to teach from year to year.

The 60hrs of work may be true, assuming they are a good teacher. I didn't have time to spend w/ my own kids b/c I was always doind things for children that weren't mine.

I can also tell you that the ability to teach is a "Gift"and many teacher don't have that gift You can teach the skills necessary to teach, but putting them into a effortless looking lesson can't be taught.

Don't let people tell you that you aren't qualified b/c you didn't attend classes to teach you how to write a silly piece of paper outlining every word & worksheet. You only need the "GIFT"! If people say anything like this to you, suggest to them to go substitute in their child's school & see the chaos going on in classrooms because people can't be taught to teach. Then invite them to your wonderful classroom.

 

[BelleRocks]

Speaking as someone who used to have serious doubts about homeschooling, I think alot of the prejudice has to do with the bad examples of some parents who are homeschooling for the wrong reasons or with the wrong attitude. T

Just from what I am learning, the success of the indiv child has so much to do with the attitude and committment of the parent. I know a family who is considering HS because "they want to have more time for vacations, and why should their kid learn things like history and math that they won't even need" ?????

On the flip side, I think the majority of HS parents are committed to their kid's education and work TWICE as hard as public school parents do to make their kid's schooling a success. Unfortunately, a few bad apples give the whole thing a bad reputation. I HAVE met homeschooled kids who didn't get the education they needed or deserved. When those examples were all I knew, it gave me a bad taste for HS. Now, I realize it had more to do with the parents than the concept of homeschooling.

I think people make a snap judgment based on a few extreme examples rather than realizing that all methods of schooling depend both on the kid and how much effort is put into it.

Honestly, I think those of us that are anguishing over are-we-making-the-right-choice and spending hours trying to find the right resources, are clearly "qualified" to do HS. It's the ones who never ask these questions and never do the research that might have some issues. JMHO!

 

[robinsegg]

I think people make a snap judgment based on a few extreme examples rather than realizing that all methods of schooling depend both on the kid and how much effort is put into it.

This is *definitely* true!
Last year, a woman in our Sunday School class looked at a hs family of 4 kids and said that the fact they weren't really spending time with anyone but the 4 together was because they were homeschooled and socially backward.
Hubby and another hs mom looked at her and said "are you kidding me? have you seen our kids" Her daughter is in the local jr. orchestra, very respectful, has lots of friends they bring to church, etc. Our kids never meet other kids that they don't consider "friends" (at least for a while ) and are very social with people of all ages.
The 4 kids in question had parents going through a divorce and had some other issues like that, and the girl was having lots of asthma problems around that time!
Snap judgments happen *all* the time, on both sides of the fence.

 

[Dannielle_1]

Another question to you experienced Homeschoolers. How do you organize yourself? Do you prepare a week at a time/month at a time, over the summer? How do you keep track of all those ideas you run across out there and then apply them to what you do (eventually)?

DS has one more year before K and I'm planning on doing homeschooling "lite" this year (leaning towards FIAR), but lots of research on my end to make my decisions for K. I just don't know what to do/how to keep track of all those ideas I've read up on so far. I just keep bookmarking into my "homeschool" favorites file. I currently feel like I'm on information overload.

And I'm not sure if you are allowed to post this info here, if not you can PM... Anyone visit a good Homeschool Message Board?

Thanks!!!

 

[robinsegg]

Another question to you experienced Homeschoolers. How do you organize yourself? Do you prepare a week at a time/month at a time, over the summer? How do you keep track of all those ideas you run across out there and then apply them to what you do (eventually)?

DS has one more year before K and I'm planning on doing homeschooling "lite" this year (leaning towards FIAR), but lots of research on my end to make my decisions for K. I just don't know what to do/how to keep track of all those ideas I've read up on so far. I just keep bookmarking into my "homeschool" favorites file. I currently feel like I'm on information overload.

And I'm not sure if you are allowed to post this info here, if not you can PM... Anyone visit a good Homeschool Message Board?

Thanks!!!

I keep mine in a notebook (or several notebooks, depending on which I have with me at the time )

As far as how do I plan? I do an overview of the entire curriculum over the summer, so I have an idea of what we're doing, where we're going, etc. Once a week, I plan the next week of school. That way, if we've run behind or ahead for some reason, I can work around that and not have 3 months of school already planned and have to "adjust".

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

May I vent?

On another message board I go to, someone innocently came on and asked for input/advice from homeschoolers. She's considering it. OF COURSE, other posters come on and tell us all how horrid we are, how it's nigh on impossible to educate at home unless you are a PhD and have 60 hours per week to dedicate to it. One even said that homeschooled children are "ill-mannered" !!! I happen to know these particular people do not like the choices I have personally made in my life (and aren't afraid to snark at me in public about it). Why can't people just mind their own beeswax and stop commenting where they aren't welcome???

Whew. I think I feel better now. Back to not educating my ill-mannered, socially inept, feral children.

ha!! I know what you mean!

Also, I have some other things going on right now, if anyone has extra prayers could you say one for me. I have some major decisions to make about some things. It is stressing me.

Of course! I would be happy to pray for you! Asking for the Lord to give you guidance and wisdom and the peace to know you are doing His will!!

Speaking as someone who used to have serious doubts about homeschooling, I think alot of the prejudice has to do with the bad examples of some parents who are homeschooling for the wrong reasons or with the wrong attitude. T

Just from what I am learning, the success of the indiv child has so much to do with the attitude and committment of the parent. I know a family who is considering HS because "they want to have more time for vacations, and why should their kid learn things like history and math that they won't even need" ?????

On the flip side, I think the majority of HS parents are committed to their kid's education and work TWICE as hard as public school parents do to make their kid's schooling a success. Unfortunately, a few bad apples give the whole thing a bad reputation. I HAVE met homeschooled kids who didn't get the education they needed or deserved. When those examples were all I knew, it gave me a bad taste for HS. Now, I realize it had more to do with the parents than the concept of homeschooling.

I think people make a snap judgment based on a few extreme examples rather than realizing that all methods of schooling depend both on the kid and how much effort is put into it.

Honestly, I think those of us that are anguishing over are-we-making-the-right-choice and spending hours trying to find the right resources, are clearly "qualified" to do HS. It's the ones who never ask these questions and never do the research that might have some issues. JMHO!

I totally agree...the negative situations will always get more limelight...that's what the rest of the Hsing community is judged by more often than not! Sad but true....I just know that I am doing what I feel is right, pray for the Lord to help me and do the Best I Can!!! I don't answer to or for any other families...just mine...I am confident that I am raising children to be just as educated as their peers....and I know what we are strong/weak in and can adjust accordingly.... I really have so much more freedom than a teacher trying to keep 20 or 30 kids all on one level. My kids are free to excel as much as they can!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Another question to you experienced Homeschoolers. How do you organize yourself? Do you prepare a week at a time/month at a time, over the summer? How do you keep track of all those ideas you run across out there and then apply them to what you do (eventually)?

DS has one more year before K and I'm planning on doing homeschooling "lite" this year (leaning towards FIAR), but lots of research on my end to make my decisions for K. I just don't know what to do/how to keep track of all those ideas I've read up on so far. I just keep bookmarking into my "homeschool" favorites file. I currently feel like I'm on information overload.

And I'm not sure if you are allowed to post this info here, if not you can PM... Anyone visit a good Homeschool Message Board?

Thanks!!!

Hey Danielle,
I am not sure what your state requires for record keeping...that is the most important thing...it will dictate how much you need to keep up with! As far as scheduling, some curricula will actually come with teacher manuals/guides that are mapped out and I just date them. Other times, I have used a school calendar for each kid...you know the kind you get that are from July to May of the next year? Each child has one and I fill it in usually one semester at a time....by subject. Use a pencil!!! I have had days that we decided to take off and have to change it up a bit....
FIAR is great...especially for K..you don't really need to 'schedule' too much...just go by the guide. Maybe make notes in your daily planner to make sure you have all the books you need from the library if you don't own them yet!

 

[A&E'sMom]

We're going mid september - the 16th - 25th. Woo hoo Free Dining! And that brings me to this question:
Is there a place where I can find a list of all the animals in AK? My kids don't know we're going, but I'm making this a learning experience as always! I was planning on having a checklist with us to play the "who can spot the most animals" game. ( a regular occurance when we hit zoos or aquariums - it's a favorite of ours). I also want to be able to do a teaching lesson about these animals and the habitats they live in and have them do a research project about the animal of their choice. All while unknowingly preparing them for a trip to Disney!

I didn't read far enough to see if someone had already answered your question, but I googled it and found this list: http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_anim.htm

That's an awesome idea, and as a third year HS'ing mom, I am going to borrow your idea for our upcoming trip in September!