Homeschool Chat

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Hi twoboys....I'm in MO too. Where are you? I'm in South St. Louis County.

Karen

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Karen, I'm out in Rolla now, but we just moved here from STL 5 years ago! I grew up there. Uh...I may know you, in fact!

I lived in South County too, Lemay at one time and Oakville. Were you ever in a homeschool group in StL?

My name is Karen too!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Homeschool Days question for anyone who might know this.

We went to HS Days last fall with a friend and her daughter. We got the 5 day park hopper passes (through the HS days program) and went to the parks starting the Thursday before the actual hs days, finishing up our trip to WDW with the hs days. Following me so far?

I'm planning a family trip for Jan. 2010 and based on previous dates, I believe they will be having a HS Days on Monday and Tuesday Jan. 11th & 12th. We plan on getting there on the 6th or 7th and doing something similar, BUT, I don't know how long the tickets are good for. Can they only be 5 days out from the actual homeschool days or can it be longer? We were hoping to start going to the parks on Wed. the 6th but I'm not sure if the tickets will work that soon and not sure how it works. Anyone who has bought tickets through the homeschool days that has any idea, let me know! Thx!

 

[Denine]

Hello everyone.

We have been doing practice tests for the CAT which I ordered yesterday. This will be DD's first standardized test, so I am glad I got the practice book.

I have the test scheduled to come so I can give it the week of April 6th.

Is there really any writing on the 1st grade test?

The practice tests don't cover science and social studies, but I believe they are covered on the actual test.

 

[Praise2Him]

BUT, I don't know how long the tickets are good for. Can they only be 5 days out from the actual homeschool days or can it be longer? We were hoping to start going to the parks on Wed. the 6th but I'm not sure if the tickets will work that soon and not sure how it works. Anyone who has bought tickets through the homeschool days that has any idea, let me know! Thx!

I think I remember someone who went last year saying that they were good for 14 days.

 

[bellebud]

I'm still looking for NYer's - anyone... anyone....

alright, i'm sure someone will come along at some point, but I just wanted to say how happy and excited I am dh and I decided to homeschool dd9 and ds7. we're going to have them finish up the year at their catholic school, so ds can receive his communion (since dd did - we want them to be *even*) and this gives me time to get things in place, since this just popped up this week.

DH was pretty happy when I told him the money we'll save being able to travel whenever we want (we love to travel), instead of only during 'high' season.

I already feel "free" (even though we haven't started yet). My mom is even excited since she just retired and lives a mile from us, and always says she's getting bored being retired. she can come hang w/ us. the kids can't wait too.

I'm trying to read everything I can, but I still haven't found the NY convention - is there one is pretty much every state, every year? can someone direct me?

so glad this thread is here!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Here are some sites to get you started, some of them may even have state info for you:

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/

http://www.homeschooloasis.com/art_deschooling_tips.htm

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp

http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere/default.asp?bhcp=1

http://www.homeschool.com/

 

[HA_Mom]

I'm in NY and debating whether or not to homeschool next year as well. My son will be making his first communion this year and I would like him to finish up. My decision is not made yet though. I had an IEP meeting today and his ADD traits are really getting in the way of his classwork. He isn't on any medication right now. (I need to do more research on that!) He does fine in small group resource room but not in the classroom. I'm not sure if I can get my DH on board though. I'll also be eagerly awaiting someone's advice on homeschooling in NY.

 

[bellebud]

Here are some sites to get you started, some of them may even have state info for you:

thank you so much for the sites!

I'm in NY and debating whether or not to homeschool next year as well.

My ds7 can be somewhat hyper, but does well in school (grades are fine and isn't hyper in school), but when he gets home, watch out! It's like he can't control himself at times. I'm hoping homeschooling will help him w/ this. Our lives are SO hectic and stressful in the mornings and after school, and while most children handle it fine (like my dd), I think the stress really gets to my ds. He has even started making this funny motion w/ his head/neck - he says he's cracking his neck because it feels funny... my friend who is a nurse saw him doing this when we went away together for a weekend, and she thinks it might be a tick. He's never had a tick before, but she tells me there's another boy in our neighborhood who is a super-high achiever and very pushed by his mom, and he's had many ticks over the past few years, so she's seen them a lot. I've specifically asked ds "are you doing that on purpose?" and he says yes (like he *knows* he's doing it), but I'm concerned it's a tick. I just don't know, but all his stress is adding up to things I don't like, and again, I'm hoping the slower pace and no stress of homeschooling allow him to relax.

I'm also so excited about allowing my children to follow their interests and learn in their own styles.

Last night I found a meeting w/ a local group i'll be attending in 2 weeks. I couldn't be more excited!!!!! I can't wait to meet other local families who homeschool - hoping the little bit of nervousness I have left about this goes away!

 

[dvcbnd]

I'm still looking for NYer's - anyone... anyone....

alright, i'm sure someone will come along at some point, but I just wanted to say how happy and excited I am dh and I decided to homeschool dd9 and ds7. we're going to have them finish up the year at their catholic school, so ds can receive his communion (since dd did - we want them to be *even*) and this gives me time to get things in place, since this just popped up this week.

DH was pretty happy when I told him the money we'll save being able to travel whenever we want (we love to travel), instead of only during 'high' season.

I already feel "free" (even though we haven't started yet). My mom is even excited since she just retired and lives a mile from us, and always says she's getting bored being retired. she can come hang w/ us. the kids can't wait too.

I'm trying to read everything I can, but I still haven't found the NY convention - is there one is pretty much every state, every year? can someone direct me?

so glad this thread is here!

I have some info on Catholic conferences if you're interested. I rec'd this information thru Seton's newsletter. There are two conferences located in our area, but unfortunately they are not in NY. One is taking place in Harrisburg, PA on April 18th and the other one is taking place in Berlin, NJ on April 25th. If anyone would like the contact info, just let me know.
I haven't been to one as of yet, so I can't help with any insight as to how they are. We would like to attend one in the future.

 

[dvcbnd]

Glad you and the kdis enjoyed it! We leave Monday to go to VA and we will be in CW tuesday and wEd, then on Thursday we will be at Jamestown and fri Yorktown. My kids are excited to go.

Can't wait to hear all about your trip!!

 

[Belle & Ariel]

Try searching "Literature Unit". These are full units with several different activities across the subjects for each book. Most should include quizzes and vocabulary etc.

This is my first post to this thread, since I recently decided I would be homeschooling my ds next year for kindergarten. I have been researching a lot and have gotten over that initial overwhelmed feeling, but I do still have a few questions. Does anyone make their own curriculum instead of purchasing one? Also, in schools that use Abeka curriculum they have two different phonics programss for Kindergarten, K and AK(advanced). Does anyone know which one of these the homeschool version is? The reg. version spends quite a while on the letter sounds, while the advanced version only reviews them and goes straight into reading within a few weeks if that helps anybody out.

Thanks, Amanda

Abeka has a 4 year old Kindergarten program and I would bet the advanced K is for kids who have done that.

 

[DisneyMom5]

I didn't realize there was still a homeschool chat hanging around!
We live in Michigan and homeschool our seven children (5 are currently school aged, but the other two think they are doing school also. LOL)

Always glad to meet other homeschoolers, especially WDW fanatics!

 

[HA_Mom]

My DS chews on things when stressed. Drives me crazy since if he can't find anything better he'll chew at this fingernails/fingers. I got the results back from his educational testing and he can do everything that he is supposed to be able to do at his age but only if he's not distracted by other kids in the room. Like that's going to happen in a room full of elementary school kids!

I'm going for a meeting with his Dr. to see if any meds/therapy can help his since he isn't too keen on the idea of homeschool. But if that doesn't work, he's coming home for next school year.

 

[HA_Mom]

Sorry don't know how to quote. I received by son's educational report and it seems like he can do the work if he is allowed to test/work alone. He gets distracted by the other kids. He doesn't want to homeschool right now so I am going to talk to his doctor about meds/therapy for his ADHD.
If that doesn't work, then he and I will have no choice but to try homeschool next year.

FYI for anyone in NY, if you want services through your district (ie OT, Speech), you have to make the request to the CSE by June 1 for the following year or they can deny you just on the fact that you asked/applied after June 1.

 

[fabumouse]

HA Mom - well, that's the sneaky thing about ADHD - it often comes with very bright kids who can keep up with the school work until about the third grade and who wants to wait until their child is hopelessly behind before medication and/or homseschooling? Good luck!

 

[momforchrist7778]

I received an email message from a homeschool friend that has a homeschool relative in NH. I thought I would share it since it could possibly have ramifications for us later.




Dear friends,

I don't normally send out a mass email, but you are homeschooling families, so I thought you would want to see this. This excerpt was included in a recent email with a relative of mine homeschooling in NH. They have had infringements in the past, but this is far worse. I apologize that this didn't get sent until during the actual meeting, but will you please pray over this. It could certainly have ramifications for us down the road.

Thanks,
Kelly



Please be praying for NH homeschoolers on Wednesday the 11th. We are facing a terrible proposed homeschooling law
(House Ed. Comm Hearing at 1:00) which is super regulated. Hoping to defeat it in committee before it comes up for vote
in March.

I am working doubletime helping to organize talking points, HSLDA lawyers coming, and directing messages! We've got NEA'ers
proposing legislation regularly- every session- but this one is by far the worst, a doozie!

This is a spiritual battle, too. If this passes, among many other problematic points, Superintendents will be given
the right to deny homeschooler the right to homeschool for any reason, including because they don't want to approve Christian resources.
Honestly, it's unbelievable! We will also have to test at school annually , provide a detailed portfolio review annually-- both at homeschooling
parents expense ($75 + $42 per child!), and they are removing the DOE as a fall back reporting agency in case the family and Superintendent
disagree as to what makes an "appropriate educational program". House Bill: HB367 and 368.

Oh Kelly-- please have everyone you know pray over this one. Our speakers need wisdom, composure and to make articulate points. The enemy
needs to be bound and rendered impotent, and may the Lord be with us as we try to legally homeschool our children in freedom. It's a battle!

I am so glad that we moved !!!! Hi everyone ....I am Sarah! I have been homschooling since Dec. 2007 after the kids had been in public school. We originally started in NH but were on our way to Texas so I just took them out of school for the move and homeschooled until we left. I love homeschooling and go on the UFT homeschool get together at Disney though I am missing it this year by 1 week! We are going September 15-29 with free dining and my DS (11) is paying for the entire trip himself!

 

[MiniGirl]

So, tell me.... what does a typical day in your homeschool "look" like?

This is our first year homeschooling, and we have been enjoying ourselves and lately, we have gotten lazy. The past several weeks we haven't finished our work and have been playing catch-up. I even took one week "off" a couple of weeks ago to get caught up. My dd has been wanting to do nothing but play on the computer and watch tv. Getting her to do anything else has been a fight that, quite frankly, I haven't felt like fighting. I'm feeling a bit better now, and have told my girls that I am limiting their tv and computer time. Right now, we only homeschool our oldest. Next year we will homeschool both and I really feel the need to develop a schedule of some sort now while it is just 1 at home. I do understand that flexibility is one of the great joys and advantages to homeschooling.

So, would you be willing to share your schedule -- especially if you have more than 1 at home?

 

[HomeschoolMama]

Anyone else have a perfectly capable, yet uninterested reader? My son is 6.5 and hates "baby" stuff. All the normal reading things I've tried aren't working- the cute laptop, the phonics sets, starfall.com, the phonics dvds...

I don't know what to do. I have been patient with him leading me (which is so not my nature), but I feel like he's just being lazy at this point.
Anyone have any ideas?

 

[dvcbnd]

So, tell me.... what does a typical day in your homeschool "look" like?

This is our first year homeschooling, and we have been enjoying ourselves and lately, we have gotten lazy. The past several weeks we haven't finished our work and have been playing catch-up. I even took one week "off" a couple of weeks ago to get caught up. My dd has been wanting to do nothing but play on the computer and watch tv. Getting her to do anything else has been a fight that, quite frankly, I haven't felt like fighting. I'm feeling a bit better now, and have told my girls that I am limiting their tv and computer time. Right now, we only homeschool our oldest. Next year we will homeschool both and I really feel the need to develop a schedule of some sort now while it is just 1 at home. I do understand that flexibility is one of the great joys and advantages to homeschooling.

So, would you be willing to share your schedule -- especially if you have more than 1 at home?

I can't help in giving what our "typical" day would be like, because right now our days seem to be a bit chaotic. In fact, I found your post somewhat comforting, because we've been falling behind also. Reading your post made me feel like I'm not alone and I found it reassuring.
I'm also trying to get the kids to catch up. Thank goodness for flexibility. We seem to be working at many different times of the day (even weekends), just to catch up.
My ds7 is being a somewhat difficult. He just wants to spend his time playing and seems to be giving me a struggle when it comes to schoolwork. My dd9 is more cooperative and does what she needs to do.
As for me, I'm feeling a bit of the winter blues myself and seem to have less energy. Maybe, this is rubbing off on the kids. This is our first winter homeschooling, so I'm curious as to if anyone else is going thru what we're experiencing.