Homeschool Chat

[bellebud]

I have 3 daughters, they will be in K, 2nd, and 4th grade. We are officially starting tomorrow, but today we were getting everything in order and ended up taking out some books and doing a few things.

My head was spinning... if one wasn't talking the other one was..... if one didn't need my help, the other one did.... I'm getting a little, ok very nervous. I hope I can give them all of the attention they need and I hope they can all concentrate on their own work when someone else is asking a question. It seemed like every time dd5 spoke, dd8 or dd10 would stop what they were doing to listen, now I know that's not going to work.
How do you do it, how does it all work out. Maybe i'm thinking too much into this and we'll all be just fine once we get the hang of it ????

Maybe for certain subjects, they need to be separated so they can work in peace.???

i'm working this out w/ my 2 kids now - we're fairly new to hsing, so i'm still getting used to everything. Just yesterday I made them 'mini offices'... I found the idea on a lapbook site. They separate the kids, give them privacy, and information sheets they can refer to (google mini office lapbook). But it's definitely challenging when we're sitting around the diningroom table, they're asking for help at the same time, distracting each other, telling each other to "shhhhhh!". I hope you get some responses - I need some help in this area too!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I have 3 daughters, they will be in K, 2nd, and 4th grade. We are officially starting tomorrow, but today we were getting everything in order and ended up taking out some books and doing a few things.

My head was spinning... if one wasn't talking the other one was..... if one didn't need my help, the other one did.... I'm getting a little, ok very nervous. I hope I can give them all of the attention they need and I hope they can all concentrate on their own work when someone else is asking a question. It seemed like every time dd5 spoke, dd8 or dd10 would stop what they were doing to listen, now I know that's not going to work.
How do you do it, how does it all work out. Maybe i'm thinking too much into this and we'll all be just fine once we get the hang of it ????

Maybe for certain subjects, they need to be separated so they can work in peace.???

They will adjust, remember this is new to them! For us, we spread out. We have NEVER been sit-at-the-table kind of homeschoolers, but if they FEEL like sitting at the table, that's fine. Sometimes they are on the couch, sometimes one at the table, one at the couch, one in their room doing something. Homeschooling for us was about NOT doing it like the school b/c we think the school system has failed and don't want to make the mistakes they have made (not that everything they have done is failure).

Take the time to ease into it, don't push too hard, try to relax and have fun! Learning doesn't have to be a chore and there's no set of rules that you have to follow. It can be nerve wracking when they all need you at once, but my kids have learned that they have to wait their turn while I'm helping another. It gets easier!

 

[Incredimom3]

I have 3 daughters, they will be in K, 2nd, and 4th grade. We are officially starting tomorrow, but today we were getting everything in order and ended up taking out some books and doing a few things.

We just started our 6th year of homeschooling. Previously, my girls had been in a small Christian school. Our first year of homeschooling, my daughters were in the same grades as your girls. I wanted a Christian curriculum and I used the complete Abeka curriculum for each of them. After 2 days, we were all in tears. It was just too much. Hang in there. Going from traditional school to home school is a huge transition. It can be very freeing, but remember, that it doesn't have to look like "school." I made up a chart for the girls with a list of what they were to do/read each day. Working through their charts helped them learn independence. Math and grammar takes the longest for us as we have three different levels. If I worked with one child, the other two had to read or work on worksheets. I also decided to abandon K and 2nd grade science and social studies and had the younger ones sit in with the oldest for those subjects.

This year, we're covering unknown ground as we begin homeschooling high school. In some ways it's scary, but the rewards are tremendous. My daughters are very confident, able to interact with adults and other children, and they are not brought down by some of the negative aspects of traditional school. In addition to traditional schoolwork, they are also confident in the kitchen and around the house.

If you have a state home school organization, perhaps they can put you in contact with a local support group. My support group has provided encouragement and ideas for me, and it has been a source of wonderful friendships for my children. Don't try to go it alone!

 

[Lora]

Anyone going Homeschool days signing their kids up for YES classes?

I PM'd you again about this, but wanted to post here also.

We signed up today for one of the YES classes. We booked this week at WDW almost a year ago without knowing that 1. homeschooling days would be going on at WDW and 2. that my hsing sister and her family would be joining us.

I had forgotten that this event was even going on while we were going to be there. Many thanks to Anabelle for posting this.

Any one else going?

 

[herodrx1]

We are doing HS days and the YES programs. The MK YES program sounds AMAZING!! I can hardly wait.

 

[jacksmomma]

We are doing HS days and the YES programs. The MK YES program sounds AMAZING!! I can hardly wait.

I have never heard of the YES programs so I just googled it...how neat is that?! I cannot wait until DS gets just a little bit older. We will defiantly take part in that.

 

[Denine]

Anyone use visual mapping programs for learning on the computer? We are supposed to do a lot of different things on one, but we don't have that software. I just looked and it is $60 for the software. DD is learning the stuff in her computer lessons, but they want an actual program so we can do other things as well.

 

[SCHBR'smom]

What are you using for computer lessons?

We've just started homeschooling and I haven't figured out what to use for computers, yet. Thanks

 

[Denine]

What are you using for computer lessons?

We've just started homeschooling and I haven't figured out what to use for computers, yet. Thanks

We use Calvert and each grade has computer lessons that come with the rest of the program.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Thanks to all who replied to homeschooling more than more than 1. I think I will have them spread out and see if that works a little better, which i'm sure it will. Even if they can hear each other talking I think if they're not sitting at the same table they'll pay less attention to it. We are all working on the same History and Science curriculum so I'm really only worried about Language arts and Math. So, I think i'll figure it out some how.

I also like the idea of making a schedule and letting them know what they have to do.

 

[graygables]

My girls will be at the MK YES program, but alas, I will be opening one of the All Stars resorts that day. One of my older DDs will be dropping them off. I might be able to take my lunch to come pick them up, however, so maybe we can have a mini-DIS-meet!

 

[*Toadstool*]

We are. We started using Horizons last week. It's a good curriculum but the crafts aren't really hands on. So far they are all coloring, cutting, and pasting.

I"m 99% sure we're going to order Hands on Homeschooling this week (she fills all her orders on Wednesdays so I have til then to decide)

Others on here have said before five in a row is good but there isn't really a description or sample of it online so I'm hesitant to order it.

Thanks for the info. Hands on Homeschooling looks really neat. The Five in a Row website has me totally confused on what you need to order. I'll try to look at it again after some sleep.

 

[jacksmomma]

We always talk about what the kids are learning and what they are reading...what are you reading?

I just finished up The First Year of Homeschooling. It was good. It addressed a lot of my fears and helped me understand other parts of the process. I am about 3/4 of the way through The Well Adjusted Child This book is great! As a former middle school teacher I am well aware of the "socialization" that goes on in schools, but this book has really shed some light on parts of the process I had never thought about. It is very encouraging and uplifting and is constantly reminding me that I am doing the right thing for my family.

 

[graygables]

We always talk about what the kids are learning and what they are reading...what are you reading?

Managing People is Like Herding Cats 'nuff said.

 

[chicagoshannon]

Thanks for the info. Hands on Homeschooling looks really neat. The Five in a Row website has me totally confused on what you need to order. I'll try to look at it again after some sleep.

I just ordered Hands on Homeschooling yesterday. I hope to have it by the end of next week. I"ll let you know how I like it once it arrives.

 

[Denine]

I have plenty of homeschool books to read, but I am reading Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon. Her new book comes out next month.

Thanks to the Dis'r that is letting me have her copy of a visual mapping software!

Disney and homeschooler's are the best!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Thanks for the info. Hands on Homeschooling looks really neat. The Five in a Row website has me totally confused on what you need to order. I'll try to look at it again after some sleep.

If you just can't figure it out, pm me and I will help you out!! Mainly, just figure out what age bracket you want...for example if they are pre-k, get Before Five in a Row...if they are K or early elem, and this is your first go(which it is) just order Volume 1 of Five in a Row. That's it...unless you want the little laminated discs that go on a world map. I have these and we really loved them...as you read each story, find the little picture(disc) that matches your story, cut it out, and put it on that country on your map. My kids really learned a lot like that. I can show anyone anytime where the Yangtze River is in China!! Might make me money on a trivia ? someday!! Ha!!!!!

As far as reading...i always refer back to some of my hs books, but right now I am reading a book on Esther, and looking through Honey For a Childs Heart again for book suggestions. I love that book!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I feel like I am in the Homeschool Twilight zone! 4th grade is kicking my hiney! It is a big step up from 3rd grade! I'm enjoying it--but whew, K-3 was a cinch. We do the Classical Method, so my daughter just transitioned trivuums...don't ask me which one, I know what I read, but not well enough to share specifics.

I think I am fine tuning on how we will do her math--b/c her pace is KILLING ME!!!! She said it wasn't possible to do it faster and challenged me. I haven't taken the challenge, yet. I don't want to scare her.


But the rewards are great--despite the...start to this school year. She says that she enjoys homeschooling.

And after Bunko night with my friends and hearing about our "good" public school that is now faced with bussing, I am happy that my children will not be exposed to inappropriate lessons that are wayyyyyyyyy beyond their years. and more .

But--I'm tired!!!

But by golly--I'm going to be an expert on 4th grade as will she by May.

 

[littlepeppers]

Thought HS would spare us the SWINE FLU, but we have 2 DH nephews confirmed w/ it & DH brother & neice being tested.

THEY WERE HERE (at my house) SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hoping they get better soon & I will be keeping a close eye on my 2.

 

[*Toadstool*]

Thought HS would spare us the SWINE FLU, but we have 2 DH nephews confirmed w/ it & DH brother & neice being tested.

THEY WERE HERE (at my house) SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hoping they get better soon & I will be keeping a close eye on my 2.

There are sooo many people that are telling me so and so has swine flu. One of my close friends just found out late tonight that her little boy has it.
I'm now wanting to lock Hannah up inside.

If you just can't figure it out, pm me and I will help you out!! Mainly, just figure out what age bracket you want...for example if they are pre-k, get Before Five in a Row...if they are K or early elem, and this is your first go(which it is) just order Volume 1 of Five in a Row. That's it...unless you want the little laminated discs that go on a world map. I have these and we really loved them...as you read each story, find the little picture(disc) that matches your story, cut it out, and put it on that country on your map. My kids really learned a lot like that. I can show anyone anytime where the Yangtze River is in China!! Might make me money on a trivia ? someday!! Ha!!!!!

Thanks! I could never figure out what things were for what ages.
I'm going to try to look at both of them again tomorrow, and make a decision.

I just ordered Hands on Homeschooling yesterday. I hope to have it by the end of next week. I"ll let you know how I like it once it arrives.

Thanks! I would appreciate it.