Homeschool Chat

[thebeesknees]

I so need some advice. I'm still trying to figure out what to do for this years curriculum. I thought I knew what I was going to do.

Well since I'm now expecting a baby and due in February I'm thinking about going to more independent self directed curriculum. Like CLE or A&O SOS, or Lifepacs. What I'm looking for is a program that DD could use through middle and high school. Preferably a curriculum that would challenge my DD, and let her work at her own pace. And a curriculum that is good, solid, and has them ready to head to college or university.

My friend uses Lifepacs with her kids (15 and 9) and really likes them. The kids are mostly self-directed, and of course, she looks things over and helps them out when they need it. I'd definitely look into it. The other option is to take a month off when the baby comes and start school in the fall a week or two early, then go a week or two later in the spring. Most of my friends who've had newborns have done this successfully, and once the family establishes a good routine after the baby comes, they continue their homeschooling as before. The baby sleeps a good bit at first, anyway, so you can get a lot done then. By the time it's awake more during the day, it will be summer and you can just start up as usual in the fall. Good luck to you!

 

[Praise2Him]

We used Lifepacs in high school. They are very good for self-directed learners.

 

[chicagoshannon]

hi everyone. We started pre school this week. Right now I'm just trying to incorporate things into play like color review with her toys. We're learning to use scissors at the moment and starting to trace. Once she gets the tracing down I'll start with the curriculum I bought. She can cut with the scissors but needs me to help her hold the paper.

The way she's going with her letter sounds and sounding out words she'll be reading before she's 3. Oh and within the last 2 weeks the 1:1 counting has kicked in. She has also started with the "why" questions so we're having fun learning with that. lol

 

[pooh'smate]

I am 99% sure I want to start homeschooling my dd this year. She will be turning 4 in August. She already knows her colors, most of the alphabet by sight, and numbers by sight. She can almost write her name and spellsome words like car and noand on. She taught these to herself. We do read to her all the time. I have only really looked at sonlight. Is this a good prek program anybody have anything else I should know or tips? I am trying to read through the thread but it is slow going.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Hi Pooh'smate, I don't really have much advice on a pre k program, just wanted to say welcome and congrats on deciding to homeschool. This will be our first year as well!! My youngest will be doing a Kindergarten curriculum, we're using mostly Abeka.

 

[littlepeppers]

Where are we going wrong?

We are splittine our 2nd gd. Calvert lessons 1/2 right now. They are taking us longer than a whold day is supposed to. We are spending 3+ hrs on them. Is everyone just getting by w/ the lessons & going through the motions? I'm making him think & learn? Is he just that slow?

Maybe it is our review from prev. days that is eating our time. I think the teacher in me is making him do too much. God help us when we start whole days on Aug 7th. (when everyone esle starts school)

 

[MomTo4+more]

I am 99% sure I want to start homeschooling my dd this year. She will be turning 4 in August. She already knows her colors, most of the alphabet by sight, and numbers by sight. She can almost write her name and spellsome words like car and noand on. She taught these to herself. We do read to her all the time. I have only really looked at sonlight. Is this a good prek program anybody have anything else I should know or tips? I am trying to read through the thread but it is slow going.

In my opinion there is plenty of time coming for more "formal" schooling. In those preschool years, it's enough to read lots of good books together, explore outside, do fun craft projects, build with blocks, visit museums and farms, plant a garden. . . With what your daughter already knows, it is clear that you are teaching in everyday life. She is learning! If you enjoy the time you have together and give her a rich environment to explore, she will keep learning. She will love learning and have a strong relationship with you! That will have set the stage beautifully for successfuul homeschooling. I don't think a pre-K program is really necessary.

That said, I did a formal preschool curriculum with my oldest. With my middle child, we did some things because she wanted to "do school" like her sister. I am starting K with my youngest this year. He has mostly explored and played, but is just as ready as the girls were.

Most of what I used for pre-K I found on-line for free. Google Enchanted Learning, Danielle's Place, and DLTK. Do a search for free preschool curriculum. You will find a plethora of options. My children enjoy Starfall.com for phonics and reading. In addition to on-line materials, we have enjoyed workbooks from Kumon and Rod and Staff.

Enjoy your daughter, and enjoy this homschooling journey!

 

[chicagoshannon]

I am 99% sure I want to start homeschooling my dd this year. She will be turning 4 in August. She already knows her colors, most of the alphabet by sight, and numbers by sight. She can almost write her name and spellsome words like car and noand on. She taught these to herself. We do read to her all the time. I have only really looked at sonlight. Is this a good prek program anybody have anything else I should know or tips? I am trying to read through the thread but it is slow going.

I bought Horizon's preschool materials. Haven't used them yet. BUT, I kind of wish I would have gone with Hands on Homeschool.

Right now we're working on fine motor skills like cutting (have a Kumon book) and learning to trace. We also use letters to make words and sound them out. Another skill to work on in Pre K is the 1 to 1 counting, where she can point to the items and count them correctly 1...2...3 instead of just going 1234567 and counting all her numbers when there are only say 3 object there. Also make sure she learns lower case letters as well as upper case.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Little Peppers...that does sound like a long day!!! Maybe you should shorten the review, or just cut it out. Does he seem to get it the day before when that IS the lesson? If so, just move on the next day. You will know when he isn't getting something. You can always do random review or ask him simple ?S during the day, but I would let him move on. If not, by the time you do a full day,it's gonna be ALL day. That's too long for a younger student. I like the Charlotte Mason idea that around 15 minutes of actually doing a subject is plenty. Once you teach the days theme, let him work on it for 15-20 minutes...not any longer. After that, they lose interest and they just get slower.If he doesn't get finished, so what? He can finish the next day or come back to it later in school time. This will also help you see if he is kind of dawdling, or if he is just really thinking it through and taking his time!!!Of course, the older they get that time can be stretched...my daughter is doing first grade now, and I notice that even when she is all full of steam and begging to do math or letters or whatever, after 15 minutes, maybe 20 she starts saying I am tired. Meaning, I am outta concentration here....let's quit!!!! They are just too young to vocalize (&don't even understand)about the concentration!! Try that and see how he does. I even put out the little timer for one of mine somedays!!!

 

[DisneyMom5]

Little Peppers...that does sound like a long day!!! Maybe you should shorten the review, or just cut it out. Does he seem to get it the day before when that IS the lesson? If so, just move on the next day. You will know when he isn't getting something. You can always do random review or ask him simple ?S during the day, but I would let him move on. If not, by the time you do a full day,it's gonna be ALL day. That's too long for a younger student. I like the Charlotte Mason idea that around 15 minutes of actually doing a subject is plenty. Once you teach the days theme, let him work on it for 15-20 minutes...not any longer. After that, they lose interest and they just get slower.If he doesn't get finished, so what? He can finish the next day or come back to it later in school time. This will also help you see if he is kind of dawdling, or if he is just really thinking it through and taking his time!!!Of course, the older they get that time can be stretched...my daughter is doing first grade now, and I notice that even when she is all full of steam and begging to do math or letters or whatever, after 15 minutes, maybe 20 she starts saying I am tired. Meaning, I am outta concentration here....let's quit!!!! They are just too young to vocalize (&don't even understand)about the concentration!! Try that and see how he does. I even put out the little timer for one of mine somedays!!!

I totally agree! Review is only an issue if they're not retaining, OR, it's been a long break. Hope you get things worked out!

 

[bumbershoot]

Just venting...

I can't choose a curriculum for kindergarten-age work. I think I've heard of them all, but I can't decide. What makes it harder is that so many of them are religious and we are NOT, and while hubby would just leave it out, I just wish the religious stuff was add-on...not stuff you have to leave off. Harumph.

And I don't even WANT to do a curriculum yet, not really. I was in Montessori until I started 1st, and that wasn't kindergarten. It was a great school in Maria's tradition, but b/c I was there for only 2 years, and because things were presented in a way so different from the school I went to for 1st, i didn't even realize for YEARS that I was doing addition and subtraction before 1st grade...didn't know I knew it b/c it was shown so differently, LOL.

I'm digressing. I feel the need to get a system b/c of DS. He wants it. Craves it. He learns SO differently than I did/do. He begged for workbooks and specific learning time when he wasn't even 4 yet.... He wants to officially learn something, and I'm trying to meet his needs...but I just can't decide.

And I was forgetful, and ended up being in CA during the big WA homeschool thing...and forgot to tell hubby to go to it. Neither one of us has actually put hands on any of the books of the different curricula, and that would make such a difference.


I don't really want internet-based stuff. DS gets a bit of computer time, and I don't feel that he needs to do his learning work there...

Oh, and I'm shy and hate the phone, so I don't want to actually CALL these places to talk, LOL.

Aughhhh.

Vent done. Thanks for reading.


Oh wait...two (sets of) questions.

Can you do K12 without doing it online? You do actually get books and worksheets, right?

and

Does Kumon have an actual program (not at their facilities) that could be used as homeschool work? Or are they only a tutoring company and a company that puts out books that DS loves to learn from?

 

[LorieDisneyLover]

Just venting...

I can't choose a curriculum for kindergarten-age work. I think I've heard of them all, but I can't decide. What makes it harder is that so many of them are religious and we are NOT, and while hubby would just leave it out, I just wish the religious stuff was add-on...not stuff you have to leave off. Harumph.

And I don't even WANT to do a curriculum yet, not really. I was in Montessori until I started 1st, and that wasn't kindergarten. It was a great school in Maria's tradition, but b/c I was there for only 2 years, and because things were presented in a way so different from the school I went to for 1st, i didn't even realize for YEARS that I was doing addition and subtraction before 1st grade...didn't know I knew it b/c it was shown so differently, LOL.

I'm digressing. I feel the need to get a system b/c of DS. He wants it. Craves it. He learns SO differently than I did/do. He begged for workbooks and specific learning time when he wasn't even 4 yet.... He wants to officially learn something, and I'm trying to meet his needs...but I just can't decide.

bumbershoot,

Have you looked at Calvert's curriculum? They are not religious ... online is not required and you can order either online or a phone call.

We did K12 several years back and you do get physical books ... but I thought it was still too much online stuff for me ... most of the teacher's materials are online ... and I enjoy being online a lot ... but for homeschooling I enjoy having the physical books and manuals. It seemed I was constantly going back and forth online and in the books and it wasn't all 'in one place.'

Calvert provides all you need in the box they send you ... however, there are online activities too IF you choose to use them. The lesson manuals are well laid out with specific day to day activities.

Lorie

 

[SCHBR'smom]

I haven't picked all our curriculum, yet, but we are doing some schooling already. We've, also, been looking at maps and I just bought a globe. The kids LOVE it. DS was asking me to do a geography lesson today. I'm glad they are getting excited about it.

 

[bumbershoot]

bumbershoot,

Have you looked at Calvert's curriculum? They are not religious ... online is not required and you can order either online or a phone call.

We did K12 several years back and you do get physical books ... but I thought it was still too much online stuff for me ... most of the teacher's materials are online ... and I enjoy being online a lot ... but for homeschooling I enjoy having the physical books and manuals. It seemed I was constantly going back and forth online and in the books and it wasn't all 'in one place.'

Calvert provides all you need in the box they send you ... however, there are online activities too IF you choose to use them. The lesson manuals are well laid out with specific day to day activities.

Lorie

I've looked into Calvert...I can't totally figure out their pricing structure, and what the online support cost really is...looks spendy! Of course, they all are.

Which then, after my vent, brought me to the K12-online charter school pages, and I got really tempted. But I'm kind of an all or nothing person, which I'm trying to work on really I am, and that feels like quitting or something, to me, in my mind, for us. I hear others talk about it, and it sounds so cool, but for me and my son, when I think about it, it sounds negative. Stupid of me. I mentioned it to hubby and mentioned the whole "then it taps into school funds so it's free" and he just about fainted in joy.

I sent an online message to them, and they're having an ice cream thing next week, so maybe I'll go meet up with some people, talk about what the day to day difference is, doing it "through" a school district.


Back to Calvert, I really like the idea that day to day lessons are nicely set out.


It's funny, most of my family and friends think I'm a big 'ol hippie (I'm actually only sort of one...vegetarian but I kill spiders or order my Buddhist hubby to kill them, poor dude, I have wildly varying political views, etc etc etc etc), and if they knew about unschooling I'm sure they would think I'd be drawn to that...but neither DS nor I are! We want structure, and I can't yet seem to find a structure (what the heck are they "supposed to" learn by the time they are 18, anyway? lol...I can't find that on the WA school district's info website anymore, they moved it!), we both love workbooks (me just to zoom through the pages and have a stack of finished things...DS b/c they feel official to him)...but he REALLY doesn't "get" the concept that he actually is learning even when he doesn't think he is. He also has these fabulous innate/intuitive grasps of things like numbers, and until he thinks about it he can do addition and every so often subtraction...and no matter what, I do not want to mess that up!


I'm just blathering at this point. Thank you for the Calvert suggestion.

 

[Nicolepa]

IWhich then, after my vent, brought me to the K12-online charter school pages, and I got really tempted. But I'm kind of an all or nothing person, which I'm trying to work on really I am, and that feels like quitting or something, to me, in my mind, for us. I hear others talk about it, and it sounds so cool, but for me and my son, when I think about it, it sounds negative. Stupid of me. I mentioned it to hubby and mentioned the whole "then it taps into school funds so it's free" and he just about fainted in joy.

I sent an online message to them, and they're having an ice cream thing next week, so maybe I'll go meet up with some people, talk about what the day to day difference is, doing it "through" a school district.

Bumbershoot,

Definitly go to an info session. I was totally not going to do K12 and then I went to an info session (two actually) and fell in love with the program. My son is going into 2nd grade and he will be doing WAVA this year. We just got our books this week. I can't wait for his courses to get loaded online so we can get our school year started.

From what I have seen for K-2 (or 3) most of the work is done online. You print out their evaluations, they take them and then you enter the score into the system. K-3 most of the instruction is done by you, in 4th they are expected to be more self guided in doing their work.

You can also get a demo account and that gives you full access to the program for a week or so w/o committing to it.

 

[Beavers5]

I've looked into Calvert...I can't totally figure out their pricing structure, and what the online support cost really is...looks spendy! Of course, they all are.

We are using Calvert's 5th grade full curriculum with ATS, PK curriculum, and Spanish enrichment this year. With no discounts, our cost would have been $1700. We qualified for partial financial aid and used a coupon code from Facebook (I think it expires today) and our price ended up at $1100. We paid $285 down and pay $98/month for 9 months. With the coupon code (INSPIRE), you could save $30 off of ATS and they will waive the payment plan fee. For Kindergarten, I would probably skip the ATS service. I hadn't intended to get it for my 5th grader, but he is at a point where he works much better if accountable to someone other than me.

PS If you add Calvert to your facebook, you will receive updates on specials and discounts.

 

[MomTo4+more]

I have been using The Well-Trained Mind for all three of my children. This will be our 7th year homeschooling. The Well-Trained Mind is not a boxed curriculum, but a guide to help you define your philosophy of education and choose curriculum that fits with it. They have curriculum suggestions and some curriculum that has been written by the authors. I love that it gives me enough structure balanced with freedom to make my own choices. My children are learning with it and enjoying the process. You can google it and find places to order the book on-line as well as a forum where you can "meet" other moms using it and get lots of insight.

As you try to decide which cussiculm to settle into, you could print out free worksheets on-line and make your own starter workbook.

 

[andrychowski]

Hi everyone,

I stopped by a long time ago, but haven't been by lately. I am a homeschooling Mom of 4 (10, 8, 6, and 4). We are planning a DW trip for December and I would love to "count" some of the activities we do toward their school year. I know states have different laws, but PA is pretty strict. We have to be pretty specific with what we do and we must get evaluated at the end of the year.

So, what things have you found in DW that you have been able to count toward your school year?

 

[NHWX]

Hi everyone,

I stopped by a long time ago, but haven't been by lately. I am a homeschooling Mom of 4 (10, 8, 6, and 4). We are planning a DW trip for December and I would love to "count" some of the activities we do toward their school year. I know states have different laws, but PA is pretty strict. We have to be pretty specific with what we do and we must get evaluated at the end of the year.

So, what things have you found in DW that you have been able to count toward your school year?

I'm not sure what PA requires but a couple things come to mind...

Math: Your 6 and 8 year old could practice math skills by figuring out the correct change ahead of time. Your 10 year old could practice some multiplication skills too. "If everyone gets a Mickey bar, how much will it cost? If Dad has a $20, will it be enough? If not, how much more does he need?"

Lit/Social Studies: Since you're going when the Christmas story tellers will be in Epcot, you could certainly count listening to the stories as either social studies or literature. If you talk with the CMs about their countries, I'd count that as social studies too, at least for the 6 and 8 year old. And if you talk with CMs at AKL about their homes, I'd count that too. Also at Epcot, look at the display that's in the American Pavilion. There's been some mighty amazing artifacts in there.

Music: If you listen to the concert in the evening at Epcot, I'd count that as music. And listening to the Voices of Liberty, the German band, etc. should also count. Once when we stayed at AKL in a standard room, we were right off the lobby (with a poor view). One night we discovered that after the restaurants had shutdown, the CMs would jam on native instruments down near the entrance to the fire pit area. That was a great experience!

Depending on whether or not you drive, you might be able to include some geography during your travel time. If nothing else, you can get some spelling done during travel time. Or silent reading! That's a big favorite for us.

NHWX

 

[NHWX]

bumbershoot,

We used K12 in middle school as independents. We used art or music, lit, history and science. I did like it but occasionally I'd trim down the large amounts of writing that they seemed to require.

I think they did a very good job of preparing the kids for high school. When my ds16 started in public high school, he took the Honors English test and submitted a K12 paper as his writing sample. He got in with no problem. And I think that ds13 will have no problem with the first half of his World History course at our state's virtual charter school. It's a good measurement in some ways but poor in others: our high school's not very good and the charter school is pretty varied in it's offerings.

I'd definitely take a look at it, especially since you'd be able to talk with the K12 people directly.

NHWX