Homeschool Chat

[Ashley Kees]

I just had to share with people I knew would appreciate this, DM and DMil just don't get it, you know? I was (as ever) at Half Price Books last week doing my weekly loadup, and happened into the educational section. After browsing the seemingly endless array of SAT and GRE prep books, I gazed upwards to the topmost shelf, where I saw a large aqua box covered in 1's. I nearly scaled the shelf to grab it down! Once I had it in my hot little hands, I stood for nearly a full minute (I'm sure) with my mouth literally hanging wide open. A used, but fully complete Saxon Math 1...which my eldest will need in a matter of months...for, get ready for it...$14.00!! BEFORE my educator discount!!! I almost hid it under my shirt getting it to the register, so sure was I that someone would try to snatch it out of my hand! After discount and tax, $13.64!! I checked it out, and all I will need is a new meeting book ($13.50 on Saxon site, I KNOW I can get a better price on eBay). Total price with tax for Ashley $28.25...new from Saxon, $96.50 pretax!! Can we say banana dance? I think we can!!

 

[Ashley Kees]

Hi everyone. I have been thinking about asking you all a question for weeks now, but wasn't sure if I should since I don't homeschool. I like to supplement my children's education at home. Our school does not offer language classes until 6th grade. My son age 7 has been taking spanish lessons from a great tutor, but she just moved to Texas last week. I've known for a month that she was leaving, but I can't find another tutor. Have any of you ever used Rosetta Stone? If not do you know of another good spanish program? My boys are 6 and 7. I was planning on starting the 6 year old with the tutor next summer. I do not know spanish so I'm not much help to them. I'm just so upset that the tutor (who was also a good friend) has moved away. A computer program can't replace her. Also Rosetta Stone is very expensive. I would love to hear from someone who has used it before making the purchase. Thanks in advance.

I use Hooked on Spanish, my daughters are 4 and 5. We have been using it twice a week for 3 weeks, and they have greetings, colors, and counting to 10 down. I have the three-level basic system, and really like it.

DH has Rosetta Stone and likes it, but I would say it's not for little ones unless they have a good grip on reading already. However, a dear friend of mine actually has a PhD in how kids learn (educational theory and psychology, something like that) and says that Rosetta Stone is a great tool once you're old enough, because it simulates immersion, and that's really the best way to learn.

Hope this helps.

 

[Ellester]

Hi everyone. I have been thinking about asking you all a question for weeks now, but wasn't sure if I should since I don't homeschool. I like to supplement my children's education at home. Our school does not offer language classes until 6th grade. My son age 7 has been taking spanish lessons from a great tutor, but she just moved to Texas last week. I've known for a month that she was leaving, but I can't find another tutor. Have any of you ever used Rosetta Stone? If not do you know of another good spanish program? My boys are 6 and 7. I was planning on starting the 6 year old with the tutor next summer. I do not know spanish so I'm not much help to them. I'm just so upset that the tutor (who was also a good friend) has moved away. A computer program can't replace her. Also Rosetta Stone is very expensive. I would love to hear from someone who has used it before making the purchase. Thanks in advance.

Some public library systems have Rosetta Stone available online for free for their members. When we lived in NC, our library offered it. You might ask your local library.

I've used it (the free version) for Tagalog (Filipino) and enjoyed it, but I agree that it is much better for a strong reader. We will probably buy the Homeschool version sometime in the next year as dd10 has expressed an interest.

 

[Ellester]

I just had to share with people I knew would appreciate this, DM and DMil just don't get it, you know? I was (as ever) at Half Price Books last week doing my weekly loadup, and happened into the educational section. After browsing the seemingly endless array of SAT and GRE prep books, I gazed upwards to the topmost shelf, where I saw a large aqua box covered in 1's. I nearly scaled the shelf to grab it down! Once I had it in my hot little hands, I stood for nearly a full minute (I'm sure) with my mouth literally hanging wide open. A used, but fully complete Saxon Math 1...which my eldest will need in a matter of months...for, get ready for it...$14.00!! BEFORE my educator discount!!! I almost hid it under my shirt getting it to the register, so sure was I that someone would try to snatch it out of my hand! After discount and tax, $13.64!! I checked it out, and all I will need is a new meeting book ($13.50 on Saxon site, I KNOW I can get a better price on eBay). Total price with tax for Ashley $28.25...new from Saxon, $96.50 pretax!! Can we say banana dance? I think we can!!

Gotta love a bargain! Good for you!

 

[Mickeypooh99]

I use Hooked on Spanish, my daughters are 4 and 5. We have been using it twice a week for 3 weeks, and they have greetings, colors, and counting to 10 down. I have the three-level basic system, and really like it.

DH has Rosetta Stone and likes it, but I would say it's not for little ones unless they have a good grip on reading already. However, a dear friend of mine actually has a PhD in how kids learn (educational theory and psychology, something like that) and says that Rosetta Stone is a great tool once you're old enough, because it simulates immersion, and that's really the best way to learn.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info. My boys have already done jump start spanish and learned colors, greeting, and numbers. I'm really looking for something more challenging for the 7 year old. He is a really advanced reader. We had him skip from 1st to 3rd grade this fall with the full support of the school. His reading is tested at 6th grade level. (Sorry, I'm not trying to brag, just stating facts) My 6 year old is more an average reader so he probably will not be ready for Rosetta Stone yet. Maybe I will try the hooked on spanish for him.

Good idea on checking the library. I think I will do that.

 

[Belle4mygrl]

Thanks for the info. My boys have already done jump start spanish and learned colors, greeting, and numbers. I'm really looking for something more challenging for the 7 year old. He is a really advanced reader. We had him skip from 1st to 3rd grade this fall with the full support of the school. His reading is tested at 6th grade level. (Sorry, I'm not trying to brag, just stating facts) My 6 year old is more an average reader so he probably will not be ready for Rosetta Stone yet. Maybe I will try the hooked on spanish for him.

Good idea on checking the library. I think I will do that.

ummmm don't apologize for bragging about your child. I praise you in your efforts. Just send me some of that knowledge on how you did it.

 

[NHWX]

How about Power Glide? We're doing ours without teacher support mostly because a) I couldn't afford it and b) I need to get a family friend to tutor. (Still haven't gotten that going yet.) I think it would be fine if you didn't need to show written competency. I simply can't correct the suggested written work so I'm not having my son do it. Our friend who will tutor will be tasked with that part.

NHWX

 

[sha_lyn]

We have both the Jr and the regular version f Pwoer Glide Spanish. DS learned a lot with the regular versioin. I believe he did it for 8 & 9 grade.
I've started the Jr version with DD 2x )k & 2nd I believe)and found she just wasn't getting it. I'll probably give it one more try this yr

 

[Belle4mygrl]

Thank you Disney Mom 3 for the warm welcome and info.

I did look up the Explode the code. The price seems decent.

 

[Mickeypooh99]

ummmm don't apologize for bragging about your child. I praise you in your efforts. Just send me some of that knowledge on how you did it.

I just apologize because some people don't like it when I talk about my DS and his grade skip. I get people saying he should be with his age peers, and that I am pushing him. I never push him. He just loves to learn, and I don't know how he got to be that way. He asks me to homeschool him during the summer, because he doesn't want to waste all summer playing. He would rather go to the book store than the toy store. He would rather read than watch tv. If he wants to learn, then I want to give him the chance.

I have never heard of power glide spanish. I will check into that too. Thanks.

 

[Neesy228]

Hi everyone...not a homeschooler yet, but seriously thinking about it!

My DS7 was recently diagnosed with dyslexia. He's in second grade and I've suspected he was since kindergarten, but couldn't get the school to react until they went through all the "proper channels"....so, finally here we are. The problem, now, is that they don't have any solid multi-sensory methods in place at his school to teach him.

I could go on...but what I'm really hoping is that someone on this thread is also teaching a dyslexic child in a homeschool setting? I could really use some guidance and pointers!

TIA!

 

[Tink215]

Hi all, I have been on these boards forever, But recenty due to some issues with my little one and her school I have decided that i am going to homeschool her...
First a little about us, we are a Family of 2 girls 7 & 4. I am a SAHM but was a former Preschool teacher. Hubby is a Police Officer....

Since Hubby has real odd hours he never sees the girls awake....and its been tougher the longer the kids are in school, he asked me during the summer to do research the Home Schooling scene as several of his coworkers and some of our friends do it...I really never gave it thought cause I never thought I was smart enough to do it...While doing my research I have come to realize this is something I can defenitley do with my children but said I would do it next year so I would be totally prepared and had all my resources in hand and in place....

Next school year my DD's will be entering 3rd grade and Kindergarten.....But I am having issues with the school were the little one attend VPK(Voluntary Preschool)SO Her last day will be on Halloween, if I even make it to that date....

My Oldest suffers from some serious Testing anxiety and While she is in 3rd grade she will be taking the F-cat, a standerised test that pases or fails your child.....This will be my number one reason for Homeschooling along with a long list of other things......

My question to you all is How do you talk to your children about Homeschooling, My kids dont seem very excited about it....How do I make it exciting and a positive thing....

ALso how do you handle the "WHy on earth are you doing this" With the family, Like Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, Most of them are not liking that we are homeschooling and are rather upset with us. I try and educate them about is as much as possible, i was called a Hippie the other day by a family member and my neighbor and I got into a very heated discussion cause she said i am not qualified to do this......

Sorry its long, Didnt mean it to turn out so long.....

Thank you for Understanding....

Tink215

 

[Belle4mygrl]

Tink, I have been homeschooling my children for the past 6 years. You will come into contact with people who disagree with what you do almost weekly. Fortunately, my family has been respectful of my decision but complete strangers will tell me why it is important for me to send my children to school. I politely listen and then tell them "I know what is important for my child and my family." And I leave it at that.

I am new to this thread so I am positive the vets on here can give you better advice.

Good luck.

 

[sha_lyn]

Tink....
My family was/is pretty supportive especially after my aunt (a PS teacher for almost 40 yrs) spoke highly of homeschooling.

However I did lose a friend and have ran into many negative comments. The most negative being right here on the DIS.

I tried to save the IRL friendship but her comments were so negative that I had no other choice. IE she said that the only reason people homeschool is because they are too lazy to get their kids up to get on the bus.

I used to let the negative DIS'ers get to me too, but I've realized that I can't let their ignorance affect me negatively.

 

[lori1043]

Shalyn- AWESOME bargian!!! Gotta love Half Price books!

I found the entire American Girl collection at one in Dallas(in fact i hit 2 or 3 of them after my bargain find!!!) for about $65-70. There are 6 books of like 9 historical characters at $6 each. So that would have been $324 plus tax if i'd paid reg. price. This was when DD10 just started getting into it about 3 years ago. She has read every last one and DD8 is now working on them. I wish we had Half Price books here!! I can barely pay full price for the Julie books b/c of that experience!

Lori

 

[sha_lyn]

Shalyn- AWESOME bargian!!! Gotta love Half Price books!
I found the entire American Girl collection at one in Dallas(in fact i hit 2 or 3 of them after my bargain find!!!) for about $65-70. There are 6 books of like 9 historical characters at $6 each. So that would have been $324 plus tax if i'd paid reg. price. This was when DD10 just started getting into it about 3 years ago. She has read every last one and DD8 is now working on them. I wish we had Half Price books here!! I can barely pay full price for the Julie books b/c of that experience!

Lori

Huh?

 

[taximomfor4]

Been lurking for a few days but decided to finally post here. My 10yr old dd is in 5th grade now. Every year, she has a lot of trouble at school. Has some special needs (qualified for services in preschool, but not in K-5). Fighting for testing, to get a 504 or an IEP, has been a losing battle every year. I think she might have a Nonverbal LD.

Now that next year she is to move up to middle school, I am sure she won't be able to handle it. She already moves at too slow a pace, can't remember to turn in homework (3 zeros in ONE class, last week. All work she'd done!) I can't go to school with her and turn it in for her.

Anyway, I am staring at the very real possibility of homeschooling her. Scared to death, and she LOVES being with her friends at school (is popular). Just can't have her butting her head against the wall (figuratively speaking) daily.

Anyone here have experience homeschooling a kid who'd prefer to go to school? Due to NVLD?

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

OK...here's my situation. DS is 10. We have him in a private school (he's been there since age 3) and we're staring middle school in the face.

His school is unique as they do a lot of outward bound curriculum and that's starting to become a HUGE problem for us as DS's asthma has gotten substantially worse over the past 2 years. I can't see breaking his spirit and forcing him to sit in a public school classroom for the next 3 years with 1 field trip (maybe) per year when he's used to a experiential form of education (with field trips at a whim!). At the same time...because of his asthma, I'm scared to death to have him gone camping and backpacking for a week or two at a stretch roughing it with no electricity and being several hours away from home and medical help! I've looked at other private schools in the area and I just don't like them....reputation for most of them is either a) kids in school all day and then 4+ hours of homework per night OR b) extraordinarily snobby with tuition at $22,000+ per year !

I had a long conversation with a friend of mine who homeschools her 2 kids WHILE she works full time (her parents are VERY supportive and help her during the days) and she assures me that I can do it too. Quitting my job is NOT an option...where I work, my DS will have free college tuition or 1/2 of my University's tuition to use at ANY other accredited institution in the world! Yeah...no quitting there!

DS has always been a self-directed learner. Socially, he's very much an extrovert and we've addressed to his satisfaction how we will keep him in touch with his friends and help him expand his social circle through enrichment activities (art, drama, foreign language, PE, etc.).

Hubby is very supportive and so are grandparents. So, what are my worries...well (and please forgive me for saying this...I mean no harm or insult to anyone and I apologize for the judgementalism) I always thought that homeschooled kids were from "Christian Fundamentalist" homes and that's just not us! I honestly don't want a Christian focused curriculum and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for me. Also, I'm worried about transition to high school. Have any of you ever faced the "judgement" of teachers/administrators when your child transitions to high school? How were you able to substantiate that your child was achieving grade level expectations?

Sorry, I never thought I would lean toward this and am surprising myself for even considering it. But the options seem so limitless that I'm kicking myself for judging others who have/are homeschooling and for never having a more open mind.

Hmmm...and I thought I was progressive. Ah well....as you can see this is very much a new process for me and I'd sincerely appreciate hearing why others have selected this option, how your children have benefitted and how they have also maybe "lost" somethings in the eyes of others.

I appreciate your patience and again (kicking self here) apologize for my previous attitude. Let's just say that this mom has A LOT to learn!

K

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

bumping...looking for ideas.

 

[Ashley Kees]

Huh?

I think she meant me (Ashley). I got an awesome deal on Saxon Math at HPB and posted on the prior page.