Homeschool Chat

[hsingmomto3]

Anyone got a suggestion for a Science and History that I can do for both a 4th grader and 1st grader (next year)
We tried Story of the World and it's ok I guess but I feel like there isn't enough and I hate looking for the suppliment material that is suggested.
Science we have been doing the animal kingdom own our own with Lapbooks. We have enjoyed it but again I want something that is all put together and doesnt have me searching for supplimental material. I guess I need Science in a box

You should check into winterpromise. I am doing Animal and their worlds with a 3rd grader and K...oh and a toddler/preschooler. They also have a history program and other different programs too. I like how I just have to open the guide book and go. Makes it much easier. With doing these programs everything is in the package. And all you need to gather is supplies that you need for projects. You don't have to do all the projects and you can pick and choose which ones you want to do and when. Its a nice program. I winterpromise lol

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

I've always used the Comprehensive Curriculum books from Sam's, as either a supplement, or as homeschool material (that's all we started with when we pulled DD11 out of school last year). It seems better for review than actual in-depth learning. However, you could use it to work on language arts skills, since the school didn't have any books for that. As for reading, just have your kids read books from the library or books you already have at home (if you're like me, you already have your own library at home!), and then pull spelling words out of those books, or make up your own spelling lists. Glad to hear your first couple of days have gone well. Have a great trip!

I think that too. They're nice for "busy" work. I was always good at Language Arts in school so I can teach that pretty well as long as I have an age appropriate guide to help me. We do have a ton of books. Probably 500 or more. I have a huge bookcase underneath the staircase and it's full. I have to use the public library too. My oldest can read a book like Kingdom Keepers in less than two hours! At his age it would have taken me a week. He joined a book club yesterday. He has read that book twice already. Thankfully I wont have a problem with that. I just have to do reading at the end of the day. I wish I could find some Disney "field trip" ideas.

 

[graygables]

Time 4 Learning??? Anyone use it?

We're using Math U See, which I love, and have been lapbooking some, but with my crazy WDW College Program hours, plus my grad school work, homeschooling hasn't been as consistent as I like. Fortunately, DDs are pretty good about unschooling and have done a great job so far, but I'd like to redirect them to a bit more structure. I looked into Time 4 Learning as a possibility for language arts, social studies, and science. Any thoughts?

 

[avic77]

I have been working the younger kids' Curriculum list for next year. I was about to go post it on a Homeschool Forum but for some reason it will not let me sign in! I have tried to reregister with a different email adress but it still doing that same thing
So I am coming here to beg for advice and suggestions for next years curriculum. This is what I have for DS(almost)7. He will be doing mostly 1st grade stuff.
Phonics
Adventures in Phonics level A and B (i just want to run through A as a refresh) by Chritian Liberty Press
Reading
Chritian Light Reading Grade 1
English/Grammar/Language Arts
First Language Lessons (we have been doing this a little this year and DS loves the poem memorization)
Spelling
Building Spelling Skills Grade 1(Christian Liberty Press)
Handwriting
Christian Liberty Press Handwriting with Diligence
Math
Alpha Omega Lifepacs Grade 1
Science
I HAVE NO CLUE YET
I will be doing Science with my DS7 and DD10 together so this one is tricky
History
Chritian Liberty Press History for Little Pilgrims
DD10 wants to do her own History this year so we will not be useing Story of the World again.
Spanish maybe
Kidspeak Spanish CDROM
Art maybe
Creativity Express CDROM

It seems like alot but this year the kids were done within 3 hours and I want them to have a well rounded education.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Victoria~
Sounds like you have it all together!! I have some of the CLP books for science/nature (C L Nature Readers). Have you looked into Apologia for your Science? We use that and we looooove it!!!!! I am sure you've done tons of curriculum scouting, but we use A Reason For Handwriting and that's great too! I am not familiar with the handwriting you are using. That was just a little peek into what has worked for us in that area!!! I think A Reason For ...also has some Science kits that you can do just for fun projects...I am going to be looking into that for some summer fun!!!!

 

[avic77]

Victoria~
Sounds like you have it all together!! I have some of the CLP books for science/nature (C L Nature Readers). Have you looked into Apologia for your Science? We use that and we looooove it!!!!! I am sure you've done tons of curriculum scouting, but we use A Reason For Handwriting and that's great too! I am not familiar with the handwriting you are using. That was just a little peek into what has worked for us in that area!!! I think A Reason For ...also has some Science kits that you can do just for fun projects...I am going to be looking into that for some summer fun!!!!

We did handwriting without tears this year and liked it but both kids are pretty good at handwriting and It's not something I feel I should invest alot of money on. So We are just going to use the ones from Christian Liberty Press this year as they are only $7.25. I would prefer to save moeny there and spend more in Math or Science.
I am looking at Apologia Exploring Creation with Astronomy or R.E.A.L Science Earth and Space

 

[wvdislover]

Hi everybody! Just wanted to let you know, I just found out the dates for September Homeschool Days at WDW are going to be September 21-22! They don't have any details about programming yet, but the dates have been scheduled. Can't wait!

 

[Disneynut5]

Hi everybody! Just wanted to let you know, I just found out the dates for September Homeschool Days at WDW are going to be September 21-22! They don't have any details about programming yet, but the dates have been scheduled. Can't wait!

Cool! WE are going Sept 19-27 so we will be there. Can't wait to find out what they have planned and see if it fits into our schedule.

 

[avic77]

I have been watching this Thread here on the Dis boards and boy does it make me happy I am Homeschooling my kids!

 

[wvdislover]

Cool! WE are going Sept 19-27 so we will be there. Can't wait to find out what they have planned and see if it fits into our schedule.

We'll be there Sept 17-27! Maybe we'll see you there!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Hi everybody! Just wanted to let you know, I just found out the dates for September Homeschool Days at WDW are going to be September 21-22! They don't have any details about programming yet, but the dates have been scheduled. Can't wait!

What is that all about? I'd love to hear more.

 

[graygables]

What is that all about? I'd love to hear more.

This last one in January was held at the Studios. There was a speaker, Vicky Beeching (contemporary Christian artist and C.S. Lewis expert). My girls LOVED listening to her speak/sing. They also received a goody bag with CDs and Narnia stuff. They offered 2 classes, one was production where they saw the ToT storyboards, rode the ride, and did several activities, learning about editing, forced perspective, facade, etc. The other class I'm fuzzy on since mine didn't take it. From what I understand, they rotate parks, so the Sept ones will most likely be somewhere else.

My girls said it was well worth it, so I'm hoping WDW hires me permanently or I get my professional internship and we can be here in Sept, too!

 

[DawnM]

I am looking into this as well. My oldest son is struggling in a couple of areas and I think he will like this.

I plan to have them play with the sample lessons this week and then decide if I should subscribe.

Dawn

Time 4 Learning??? Anyone use it?

We're using Math U See, which I love, and have been lapbooking some, but with my crazy WDW College Program hours, plus my grad school work, homeschooling hasn't been as consistent as I like. Fortunately, DDs are pretty good about unschooling and have done a great job so far, but I'd like to redirect them to a bit more structure. I looked into Time 4 Learning as a possibility for language arts, social studies, and science. Any thoughts?

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Hello fellow homeschooling DISers! I had no idea this thread was here!!!

My daughter and I went with another homeschooling friend & her daughter to WDW Homeschool Days last Sept. 2008(it was at AK) and it was fun! AND, the park ticket prices were amazing, so we've scheduled a Jan. 2010 trip for the whole family, IL's included, during the time I think they will have a Jan. 2010 Homeschool Days. The 3rd mon & tues is MLK day so I'm guessing the 11th & 12th which is the 2nd mon & tues of Jan. I hope I guessed the right days b/c I'm planning on those cheaper park tickets!

I have 3 children, 8, 13, & 14 and we've been homeschooling since my oldest was half way through 2nd grade and I pulled both of them out. My youngest has never been to school. We were very eclectic over the years, using lots of different resources. This year we're using Oakmeadow (Oakmeadow.com) and I love it, but, I'm not sure if I'll use it for high school too. Still researching that, I have until fall, right?!?!?

I love homeschooling, I would never go back. Spending every day with my kids has taught us all so much about each other and although it can be tiring sometimes, I can't imagine the alternative. We've got a great homeschool group in our area and have parties and weekly playgroups/field trips.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

This last one in January was held at the Studios. There was a speaker, Vicky Beeching (contemporary Christian artist and C.S. Lewis expert). My girls LOVED listening to her speak/sing. They also received a goody bag with CDs and Narnia stuff. They offered 2 classes, one was production where they saw the ToT storyboards, rode the ride, and did several activities, learning about editing, forced perspective, facade, etc. The other class I'm fuzzy on since mine didn't take it. From what I understand, they rotate parks, so the Sept ones will most likely be somewhere else.

My girls said it was well worth it, so I'm hoping WDW hires me permanently or I get my professional internship and we can be here in Sept, too!

That's sounds great. My kids would love something like that. Where can I read more about it? Is there a link somewhere?

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Here is where we found the info:

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

 

[desparatelydisney]

From what I understand, they rotate parks, so the Sept ones will most likely be somewhere else.

Join us September 21 and 22 for a trip around the "World" with Disney Homeschool Days at Epcot®. You will be inspired with a special guest speaker series and will encounter eye-opening experiences around every corner through self-guided education materials.

 

[Denine]

Join us September 21 and 22 for a trip around the "World" with Disney Homeschool Days at Epcot®. You will be inspired with a special guest speaker series and will encounter eye-opening experiences around every corner through self-guided education materials.

That sounds awesome, but we aren't getting there until the 25th of September, bummer.

 

[bellebud]

I hope someone here can help me. I had another thread on the family board about my ds's recent 1st reconciliation (titled *catholics - what do you think about this*) ... anyhow, I'm 99% sure i'm pulling my dd9 and ds7 out of school and homeschooling them.

I'm in NY, and am feeling overwhelmed about this (as i'm sure most everyone does at first). I've read lots of homeschooling sites, and tried to join what seems to be the only local group for me, the Orange County homeschoolers yahoo group, but they won't let people join who aren't actually homeschooling yet (which I understand), and they emailed that they have a few people who are willing to talk to people who haven't taken the plunge yet. So I'm waiting to hear back from them.

I'm nervous to pull my kids out 'right now' - the paperwork I guess is what's confusing. If I pull my kids out now, I'd have to get them year-end assessed, right? In june?? And a 4th quarter report submitted??? I was thinking of letting them finish the end of the year, just so everything's neat and tidy. But dh is finally on board woohoo: ), and is saying "if we're going to do it, let's just do it! why wait????"

I'd love to just 'do it', but I feel like I'm doing something wrong or illegal.

I'd love to hear from any NY people who have dealt w/ the same paperwork and regulations I'll be dealing with.

tia if anyone can help me!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I really feel for you, I read your thread the other day and didn't respond, but my heart went out to your son. It's awful and completely unacceptable to call a child stupid! And if you heard THAT, what have you NOT heard that has been said to him?!

Well, NY is a slightly more difficult state to homeschool in, but many do it! I live in Missouri, so I can't help you with the law, but it CAN be done and you can do it! Testing and keeping records, etc. is a breeze once you get a good idea of what to do, I'm sure you will get a lot of help from the homeschoolers in NY.

What I can tell you is that we've all been there in some way or another. We've all been scared to take that plunge, to just do it! I've met people who regretted waiting, who wished they had homeschooled sooner, but I have never met someone who regretted homeschooling once they made the choice. READ, READ, READ, books, websites, anything you can get your hands on. The more you know about it, the less nervous you will be! It's not as hard as it seems from the outside and it will be a wonderful journey for you and your children.