Homeschool Chat

[3princesses+aprince]

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.

Thanks for giving me a basic understanding. They have a meeting set up, that , like I said i will not be able to attend, but i'll find out more from the leader of the homeschool group now.

 

[lori1043]

We go to co-op and it is an amazing thing. Moms teach things that they are gifted at , or want to learn themselves, or even ones they want thier kids to take. We have about 100 families that particiapte in co-op. Tuesdays are reminiscent of my HS days for 4 hours-kids everywhere in the hallways of a church building that opens thier doors for us.We love it.

It is pre-K through senior year. Some of us are wondering if it will eventually turn into something like Veritas Academy or something.

My kids have taken everything from art and PE, to history and literature pockets to geography and book club. There are CPR classes and yearbook club, study hall and board game time(for those with an extra hour for younger kids while thier older ones take classes), botnay, biology, IEW classes, civics, Constitution, sign language, etc etc. It is a blessing.

I hope you are able to participate. My kids LOVE it.

I also hope that we find a good co-op wherever we move to in the Houston area.

Lori

 

[mrstamil]

I also recommend time 4 learning. If you pay quarterly, it's as low as $15 a month. Plus, I suspend our membership for the summer to save even more $. I believe there's a discount for additional children.

We had tried an EXPENSIVE school in the box, but my son would lose attention. Also, I had to answer the phone, the door, etc... it got too crazy. I felt like my entire life was spent trying to plan ahead, study tomorrow's lesson, keep his attention, find time for MY chores, etc.

He can work on T4L MOSTLY on his own, with some guidance from me when he doesn't understand. Also, the interactive lessons refresh MY memory on how to do the math. The cartoons DEFINITELY help keep his attention.

After using t4l for more than I year, I THINK I have figured out exactly how it works for us. My son signs in himself. For next year (6th grade), he has to complete 2 math lessons a day, and on M,W,F he has to complete 2 lessons of SS and LA, on T,Th he has to complete 2 science lessons a day. I also add in some writing on T, Th and Spellingcity.com EVERY day.

I've printed out ALL (a LOT) of the worksheets for the next year, and have them in a 3" 3 ring binder, separated by subjects. If his lesson says "resource" under it, he knows he has a worksheet to do.

With T4L can go into their folder and see how long they spent on their lesson and how their grades were. (If they spend 15 seconds on a lesson, you know they didn't do it, if their grades were low, you know they didn't understand and you can go over it again).

I add writing because I feel it's necessary. Currently, I'm using a 4 square workbook and add my own ideas for him to build on.

I add spelling city because it builds his spelling while making it fun. We tried a LOT of online spelling programs, and the others made him angry. With SC you can make your own spelling list according to their weaknesses, or use lists already there. They can hear the word (not a robot voice), hear the word spelled, play games with the words and even take an online test (I have him print his results so I can see the words he missed and retest later on just them).

At the end of the year I can print reports showing exactly what he covered, and what his grades were.

I like that this program helps him become independent. Also, he's learning that if he APPLIES himself, work can be FUN and it gets done a LOT quicker.

I also purchase "What Your ____ Grader need to Know" to make sure we're covering everything we should. Plus, he enjoys the added story time as I read to him from LA, SS, Science, Arts, etc.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

We go to co-op and it is an amazing thing. Moms teach things that they are gifted at , or want to learn themselves, or even ones they want thier kids to take. We have about 100 families that particiapte in co-op. Tuesdays are reminiscent of my HS days for 4 hours-kids everywhere in the hallways of a church building that opens thier doors for us.We love it.

It is pre-K through senior year. Some of us are wondering if it will eventually turn into something like Veritas Academy or something.

My kids have taken everything from art and PE, to history and literature pockets to geography and book club. There are CPR classes and yearbook club, study hall and board game time(for those with an extra hour for younger kids while thier older ones take classes), botnay, biology, IEW classes, civics, Constitution, sign language, etc etc. It is a blessing.

I hope you are able to participate. My kids LOVE it.

I also hope that we find a good co-op wherever we move to in the Houston area.

Lori

Thanks, a co op does sound nice. I'm sure my kids will love getting together with others to learn. I'm going to contact the leader of our HS group and see if I can get some more info on this particular co op and sign up for the fun.

 

[emh1129]

This might be old news (and I apologize if it is!) but we were in Staples yesterday afternoon and they had some GREAT prices!! Workbooks (all different levels, all different kinds) that were normally 3.95-6.95 were 50 CENTS. I think I bought 12 different ones. The kids like those sometimes.

Dry erase flash cards were marked down to 50 CENTS.
Dry erase placemat type things (math, writing, etc.) were 50 CENTS.
Lace cards were also 50 CENTS.
Huge flash cards were marked down from $10.49 to $2.49
There were so many deals, I'm sure that I'm forgetting some.. but really great prices to supplement homeschooling.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Hey you guys! Hope everyone's having a great Summer! I was wondering if anyone can send me the link to the WDW home school events page? I saw it on here once and can't find it now. Thanks.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Lori, just curious if your search for a new hometown was productive!! I wondered what area you searched and if you found anything that ya'll might like. Are you gonna try to be somewhere before school starts back up?

I got my older sons Algebra I Teaching Textbooks in yesterday!!! i was soooo excited!! He just looked at me like, are you kidding? We just got out!!!! Ha!! I love to have all my ducks in a row!!!

 

[Denine]

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!!!!!

That is exciting! Way to go!

 

[Denine]

Tomorrow will be the 2nd day with no school except for math.

DD is already saying she is going to miss science and reading and spelling etc..

I am signing her up for summer reading at the library tomorrow, so that takes care of that.

Does anyone know of some kind of science program or something that a 6yo can do by herself? She has Big Backyard magazines, but I need a break from teaching and would like her to do something independent if she can.
I do a lot of gardening, so she can learn about plants and stuff, but what else?

 

[disneytriplets]

Disney Triplets~
Well, if you are veering away from Sonlight becuase of the money, look at it as $333 per kid for the year.

You make a very valid point! Thank you for all your information!

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!!!!

No problem! Glad I could be of help!

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.

Thank you for this info! Yes, I did pick the newcomer package and I added two extra of all the consumable items. I started looking at the books and I'm thinking I can get them cheaper at Amazon. Many of the required books are on Amazon in the 4 for the price of 3 section.

Can I get to the used curriculum section on Sonlight by joining for the 30 day free trial? How much does it cost to be a member of the forums?

One big question I have with Sonlight is, which curriculum level is best for my kids? I've gone back and forth between the 4/5 and K. I read several times on the Choosing Sonlight Curriculum forum that there are sensitive materials in some of the books, but I don't know what core(s) these are in or what do they mean by sensitive. I'm guessing K is "safe"?

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.

Thank you for the input! It looks like I need to find out the rules for other libraries!

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

Thank you! I have a question about the Horizon's K math. What information is in the teacher's handbook? Is it just the answers or do they give you other information. I'm pretty sure I can handle K math so I wouldn't need it if it's just answers.


and now back to the researching and recalculating!

 

[Canyon girl]

Disneytriplets, I currently homeschool a 3rd grader (4th this fall) year round. I will add DS this fall in K. I started DD with Horizon Phonics and Math in K. Personally, at this young age, I really think that all the sitting down time they need is for Phonics (reading, writing included) and math. I read science and history books to my DD as well. I am returning to Horizon for my DS, but I have found Math U See in the interim and switch DD as well. I really like the approach of Math U See. It teaches to mastery instead of the cyclic nature of most programs. I would highly encourage you to look into it. www.mathusee.com. As for the contents of the Horizon math teacher's manual, there will be more than answers in it. Most teacher's manuals give you an idea or even script of what to say to teach your child. Having said that, most people that I have come across said that they didn't need the K teacher's manual to teach their children math at that level. So, next year, my DS will be taking Horizon Phonics program, Math U See Primer level, and listen in on some of his sister's science program (and be read K BJU science textbook) and history (read from K BJU history textbook). HTH

 

[DisneyMom5]

Hey you guys! Hope everyone's having a great Summer! I was wondering if anyone can send me the link to the WDW home school events page? I saw it on here once and can't find it now. Thanks.

Is this what you're looking for???

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

Thank you for this info! Yes, I did pick the newcomer package and I added two extra of all the consumable items. I started looking at the books and I'm thinking I can get them cheaper at Amazon. Many of the required books are on Amazon in the 4 for the price of 3 section.

Can I get to the used curriculum section on Sonlight by joining for the 30 day free trial? How much does it cost to be a member of the forums?

One big question I have with Sonlight is, which curriculum level is best for my kids? I've gone back and forth between the 4/5 and K. I read several times on the Choosing Sonlight Curriculum forum that there are sensitive materials in some of the books, but I don't know what core(s) these are in or what do they mean by sensitive. I'm guessing K is "safe"?

thanks: and now back to the researching and recalculating!

Depending on your kids, it's always better to go with a slightly lower rather than slightly higher. If they are going to be six in this school year, and can handle sitting through chapter books, K should be fine.

If not, go with the PK4/5.

If you get the free 30 day trial, you can access the for sale forum, I THINK.

I can't remember how much a yearly membership is. Mine is free for life, because I've purchased more than 4 or 5 whole cores.

There are different levels of memberships based on purchases, so keep that in mind when you are ordering.

Like I said, sometimes it is WAY easier (and actually cheaper, when you figure in the 10% discount AND free shipping) to buy an entire Core directly from Sonlight. Figure that out before you decide.

But I would never buy the Newcomer's. I think you can pick out your own math, handwriting, etc., and may not need all the science at once....you get my point.

As I said, it MIGHT not be cheaper to piece it together using NEW books. figure it out.

USED books, yes.

It is EASIEST to purchase an entire used Core than to piece it together.

If you decide on Core K, you probably can find one used.

And don't worry if it is older, or has the old science, or whatever. It was good then, it will be good now. Knowledge really doesn't expire. [Some books do get outdated, but you know what I mean.]

Hope that helps!

 

[Phalene]

I'm hoping someone can help me, even though I don't homeschool. My son just finished 1st grade at a wonderful charter school where he did Saxon Math 2. He loves math and has been basically begging me to get Math 3 for him, and I know Saxon has a homeschool program.

My question is where to purchase it. I see it for many different prices online but I'm unfamiliar with the website and company. I'm trying to find the best price for the home study kit, from a reliable company-does anyone have suggestions?

TIA!

 

[Temair]

I'm looking for some advice from you experienced homeschoolers. What is it like homeschooling while pregnant and with a newborn? I just recently found out I'm expecting my second child Due Feb 11, 2010. I am currently homeschooling DD who is 9 and doing grade 5 work. I'm considering the possibility of changing curriculum to A&O SOS so my daughter could have more independence and free me up to focus on the baby. Any advice would be great.

 

[DisneyMom5]

I'm looking for some advice from you experienced homeschoolers. What is it like homeschooling while pregnant and with a newborn? I just recently found out I'm expecting my second child Due Feb 11, 2010. I am currently homeschooling DD who is 9 and doing grade 5 work. I'm considering the possibility of changing curriculum to A&O SOS so my daughter could have more independence and free me up to focus on the baby. Any advice would be great.

I found that I had to sit a lot anyway, nursing the baby, so that was the perfect time to do school together. And, make the older child still feel special. Newborns are MUCH easier to school with than two year olds, so you might want to leave the more self-directed till then. Just a thought.

I also thought I'd take a lot of time off after each baby was born, but the older kids needed the structure of continuing school.

Blessings on the new baby!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I'm looking for some advice from you experienced homeschoolers. What is it like homeschooling while pregnant and with a newborn? I just recently found out I'm expecting my second child Due Feb 11, 2010. I am currently homeschooling DD who is 9 and doing grade 5 work. I'm considering the possibility of changing curriculum to A&O SOS so my daughter could have more independence and free me up to focus on the baby. Any advice would be great.

I think you should just expect to add in a little longer time in the day, though not too much. You will be feeding the baby and rocking for certain parts of the day, and you can still teach your daughter at this time. She is old enough to spend some time on her own after you get her started, but there are going to be plenty of opportunities to continue schooling her yourself!! I personally haven't done SOS,, I only know a couple of people who have done it. They seemed pleased with it, but I would rather have my kids be on the computer for less of the learning time, than more of it. But, if you check into it and are comfortable with it, it may work for you. For math, have you checked into Teaching Textbooks? That's what we use for our boys and we love it!!! Math is usually the longest part of a day, so having my time freed up with this subject has been a blessing. I hs all 3 of our kids, so that bit of help is welcomed. It's like having a personal math teacher/tutor. She would probably enjoy it. Congrats on the new little blessing!!!!

 

[mommyof2princesses]

Has anyone done the homeschool days in sept before? We are going to be there that week - Just made ressies!!! - and are going to buy the homeschool tickets...what a deal. Any feedback on the homeschool days!

 

[Nicolepa]

My girlfriend is looking for addition reading help for 2 of her boys for the summer. (She does not homeschool.) Does anyone have any thoughts on what would be good for them. They are going into 1st & 4th grade. She is thinking she needs something that allows her to step out of the picture a bit more.

I was thinking of an online game or something like that where they could "play" for 20 minutes a day or something.

Does anyone have any ideas for her? Thanks!

 

[DawnM]

I have only done January hs days, but we are going in September this year, just not during hs days....we are going the first full week of Sept (after labor day) as we have APs this year.

Dawn

Has anyone done the homeschool days in sept before? We are going to be there that week - Just made ressies!!! - and are going to buy the homeschool tickets...what a deal. Any feedback on the homeschool days!

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

I'm looking for some advice from you experienced homeschoolers. What is it like homeschooling while pregnant and with a newborn? I just recently found out I'm expecting my second child Due Feb 11, 2010. I am currently homeschooling DD who is 9 and doing grade 5 work. I'm considering the possibility of changing curriculum to A&O SOS so my daughter could have more independence and free me up to focus on the baby. Any advice would be great.

My girlfriend is looking for addition reading help for 2 of her boys for the summer. (She does not homeschool.) Does anyone have any thoughts on what would be good for them. They are going into 1st & 4th grade. She is thinking she needs something that allows her to step out of the picture a bit more.

I was thinking of an online game or something like that where they could "play" for 20 minutes a day or something.

Does anyone have any ideas for her? Thanks!

A suggestion for both of these is www.time4learning.com

I started time4learning this year for my DD10 because I was wanting her to be able to work more independantly. She has a wonderful imagination and sometimes a story or drawing take precedence over her current work. The time4learning curriculum engages her, so she stays focused. It also does the record keeping for you that might be helpful with a new little one.

For the second post...it is also a great way to focus on any area. My DS7 loves it. The feedback that it gives is very motivating. It is great because you can change the grade level up or down very easy. I have a friend that uses Calvert curriculum but uses time4learning for reading for her DD7 for extra help.

If you know a friend that has a time4learning list their name as referring and the will get a $20 check.