Homeschool Chat

[LegoMom3]

I'm sure I've seen on here that some of you use this..... Just looking for some general opinions on it? Does it use "real" life terms? (for example I've used Math Mammoth in the past and while I really like the overall format, it's starting to get into these silly terms like "minuend" and "subtrahend"....NO one in real life uses those terms!! It's ok to introduce them to make the student aware of them, but I don't want my kids to have to memorize them just to be able to work the subsequent problems...Math is confusing enough for a struggling student)

Anyway, let me know if you use Singapore and what you think!

.

 

[SCHBR'smom]

I'm sure I've seen on here that some of you use this..... Just looking for some general opinions on it? Does it use "real" life terms? (for example I've used Math Mammoth in the past and while I really like the overall format, it's starting to get into these silly terms like "minuend" and "subtrahend"....NO one in real life uses those terms!! It's ok to introduce them to make the student aware of them, but I don't want my kids to have to memorize them just to be able to work the subsequent problems...Math is confusing enough for a struggling student)

Anyway, let me know if you use Singapore and what you think!

.

Sinagapore math is wonderful! One of the goals is to make math more intuitive, and I really see that happening with my children. This is our first year using it and we just finished up the 1A and 4A. Both children are doing well.

 

[DisneyMom5]

Sinagapore math is wonderful! One of the goals is to make math more intuitive, and I really see that happening with my children. This is our first year using it and we just finished up the 1A and 4A. Both children are doing well.

We've used Singapore math for years and really love it. I have recently had to switch one of my children to horizons because he has a TBI and we need less abstract and "out of the box" math and more concrete. But Singapore excells at the "out of the box" time math, which I think is better for real life application. (Even if it DOES stump mom sometimes.)

One thing I haven't focused on that Singapore is not as strong at is memorizing multiplication facts, and I am hoping to do so with my younger kids.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

For those going to Homeschool days in January that were interested in the 10 day ticket. They are going to make a 10 day ticket available for Homeschool days in January due to interest. They are not posting on the website however. They said they would contact me with the information on how to purchase the ten day ticket. If you are interested you can call them and give them your information or pm me and I will let you know when I hear from them.

 

[MaryAz]

Hi
I have lurked on this thread but now think I am ready to take the plunge. I have a daughter in K and I am just not happy with how school is going. I am interested in maybe pursuing a virtual school. The one I a looking at uses the K12 cirriculum. Does anyone have experieince with it? I think starting with a virtual school is a good first step for me instead of trying to set it all up myself. Any suggestions would be appreciated. My duaghter is reading chapeter books and doing simple math. Not to brag but to give you more info. Thanks

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Hi
I have lurked on this thread but now think I am ready to take the plunge. I have a daughter in K and I am just not happy with how school is going. I am interested in maybe pursuing a virtual school. The one I a looking at uses the K12 cirriculum. Does anyone have experieince with it? I think starting with a virtual school is a good first step for me instead of trying to set it all up myself. Any suggestions would be appreciated. My duaghter is reading chapeter books and doing simple math. Not to brag but to give you more info. Thanks

I have not tried a virtual school because I like more flexiblity than the one offered through our county. I like to being able to customize the curriculum to best serve your child and being able to adjust schedule to meet family needs.

I might suggest you look into a complete curriculum like Calvert School that you could do on your own. (Trust me it is more complete than you know...they even give you "teacher script") By doing this you can test your daughter and start her where she needs to be. We started when my daughter was 5. I ordered Calvert first and second grade. I copied some of the test in first grade and gave them to her to see where to start. We started on around lesson 120 for reading and around 40 for math. I doubled up on math to catch it up to her reading and she finished first grade by January. We finished second grade by September. We go year round so we can take off througt out the year. (Another reason I have not tried a virtual school) Disney is cheaper, less crowded, and cooler in January!

 

[Nicolepa]

Hi
I have lurked on this thread but now think I am ready to take the plunge. I have a daughter in K and I am just not happy with how school is going. I am interested in maybe pursuing a virtual school. The one I a looking at uses the K12 cirriculum. Does anyone have experieince with it? I think starting with a virtual school is a good first step for me instead of trying to set it all up myself. Any suggestions would be appreciated. My duaghter is reading chapeter books and doing simple math. Not to brag but to give you more info. Thanks

I am using k12 thru a Virtual School. This is our first year and so far we are loving it. My son is in 2nd grade. We will finish 2nd grade math by the end of the year and the rest of his classes by the end of March. If you finish by the end of March (date will vary by school) they will send you the next grade. I did this so that we can school year around.

It's really nice because you can go as fast as they want. I wish I had used this with my oldest (4th grade). She is in the gifted program in public school which has been a fabulous program. I am hesitant to pull her out because the program is so good but she is starting to say she wants to be hs'd because it looks like so much fun.

If you have any specific questions feel free to ask!

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

I am using k12 thru a Virtual School. This is our first year and so far we are loving it. My son is in 2nd grade. We will finish 2nd grade math by the end of the year and the rest of his classes by the end of March. If you finish by the end of March (date will vary by school) they will send you the next grade. I did this so that we can school year around.
If you have any specific questions feel free to ask!

That is great that you have to flexiblity to go year around. Are you using a private virtual school or one that is state/county funded? I would be interested in a virtual school that allows you to move at own pace and go year round. Thanks!

 

[Nicolepa]

That is great that you have to flexiblity to go year around. Are you using a private virtual school or one that is state/county funded? I would be interested in a virtual school that allows you to move at own pace and go year round. Thanks!

It is a state funded Virtual Academy. As long as you are enrolled for the following year you can work thru the summer. During the school year you have to meet minimum percentage goals based upon the number of school days in the month, but there is nothing stopping you from working ahead. The only caveat is that if you finish the work before the end of the school year but after the March cut off they will not send you new materials until the next fall so you have to come up with something for them to do. So I have him fast tracked to finish @ the required 95% by the cut off in March and then once I get the materials for the next year we will go back to the "regular" pace, but honestly so far the work has all been pretty easy for him. I've heard that 3rd grade it bumps up the workload a fair amount. I really hope that is the case.

Oh and he really loves the history. I mean begs to do it. The first 2 years were written by Susan Wise Bauer. She left K12 to write her Story of the world History books. The first two years of K12 are almost word for word her books. I bought them on Audio CD and my kids listen to them in the car. My son especially loves "his" history and my 4th grade daughter is jealous because he has learned all this history that she hasn't.

 

[sl_underwood]

I am in the first year of homeschooling my 6 year old son who has extensive delays due to drug/ alcohol exposure in the womb and early infancy and a traumatic brain injury due to abuse as a toddler. He came to us at almost 4 years of age and functioned as an infant. Currently, we are working at a Pre-k, early k level, though his language is at about 36 months and he has a very short attention span. Is there any curriculum that is designed to help children with special needs with math, handwriting and phonics. We purchased both Math U See primer (he just isnt getting it) and Handwriting without tears (trust me, there are tears, tantrums, and more) and today we are starting with our get ready for the code workbook. He knows all his uppercase letters, still learning lowercase, can write all letters with straight lines but curves throw him off. He can count to 10 consistently and can add with objects but if you give him numbers rather than objects, he doesnt get it. Any suggestions on how to teach and encourage a love for learning in a way that will foster a positive self image, as this is another thing he struggles with. Also, how do you maintain sanity when you are with a high needs child 24/7? Right now, I am feeling stressed and unsure I can do this for the long haul. He is just so intense all the time. I love this little boy with all my heart and want to help him grow into the person he was meant to be. I am just very overwhelmed with the responsibilty of it all.

 

[LegoMom3]

I am in the first year of homeschooling my 6 year old son who has extensive delays due to drug/ alcohol exposure in the womb and early infancy and a traumatic brain injury due to abuse as a toddler. He came to us at almost 4 years of age and functioned as an infant. Currently, we are working at a Pre-k, early k level, though his language is at about 36 months and he has a very short attention span. Is there any curriculum that is designed to help children with special needs with math, handwriting and phonics. We purchased both Math U See primer (he just isnt getting it) and Handwriting without tears (trust me, there are tears, tantrums, and more) and today we are starting with our get ready for the code workbook. He knows all his uppercase letters, still learning lowercase, can write all letters with straight lines but curves throw him off. He can count to 10 consistently and can add with objects but if you give him numbers rather than objects, he doesnt get it. Any suggestions on how to teach and encourage a love for learning in a way that will foster a positive self image, as this is another thing he struggles with. Also, how do you maintain sanity when you are with a high needs child 24/7? Right now, I am feeling stressed and unsure I can do this for the long haul. He is just so intense all the time. I love this little boy with all my heart and want to help him grow into the person he was meant to be. I am just very overwhelmed with the responsibilty of it all.

Wow, you have been given quite a responsibility!...but what an awesome privilege. I haven't dealt with this myself, but I would just encourage you to keep up the "natural", real-life learning and don't push "formal" stuff on him too soon. It's hard with any kid, but certainly more so in your situation. My youngest is almost 8 and he struggles with math concepts. He simply isn't ready for that yet, so we just do real-life math and he's learning but not being pressured to grasp stuff he's not able to yet. Workbooks or any kind of "school" math just throw him for a loop.

As far as you go, you NEED to find a way to get a break. Is there anyone who can help you for even just a few hours one afternoon a week? Just go out for coffee or to the library or whatever it is that you enjoy. If you don't get time to renew and refresh, you'll burn out in no time. It happens to all of us!

I hope you'll keep posting here! At the very least we're a good "ear" to listen!

.

 

[robinsegg]

Hi!
Livingbooks.com is a curriculum designed on the Charlotte Mason Method, and I've seen reports that the method is really good with special needs kids.
As far as writing . . . I've taught both my older kids to write using a dot-to-dot method. As they trace the dot-to-dot, they become more confident and start writing more. If your ds can make straight lines, maybe show him how a curve can be a series of short, straight lines?
As far as math goes, you've got MUS, so just help him play with the blocks until he starts understanding the number concepts. The idea that 2 green equals an orange will prepare him for the curriculum. Also, have him count the different squares on the blocks, then put a smaller color on top and have him count what's left. My ds7 knows that a plus sign means to "count them all together" . . . if you can have him "add" two blocks and see which block that "adds up to" (will make an entire base for), that's actually addition . . . just translate it to the numbers on a paper when he's comfortable with the concepts.

 

[sl_underwood]

Thanks. I dont have anyone really to watch him. Our families have been less than supportive once they realized we intended to keep our special needs boy and make him our own. They thought we should send him back to the foster care system and hold out for a perfect little baby. Right now, my husband is in charge all weekend long so I get a little break then but during the week its tough. We are doing alot of montessori stuff, lots of play. Will try to use the MUS blocks more and see if that helps any. Also will look into Charlotte Mason. One thing I forgot to mention is that my boy loves music. He will play our piano daily but there is no one in our area willing to teach him and I am not musical at all.

 

[wvdislover]

I am a parent of a special needs child, also (DD12), and yes, it can be quite challenging at times. But, it can be very rewarding at times, too! I didn't start hs mine till she was 10, almost 11, so I'll just offer you some ideas of what I would maybe try if I was in your shoes. Most of all, especially since he's having some frustration issues, I would try to make a lot of his "schooling" fun. At 6, as PP said, you don't have to do a lot of formal training, but you want him to understand that learning can be fun, and doesn't always have to be hard. Not sure about the requirements where you are, but here in WV, I just have to show that my DD is making progress from one year to the next. I don't have to show that certain skills have been obtained. The 5 areas I have to show progress in are language arts, reading, math, history, and science. We do a portfolio option, rather than standardized testing, as DD doesn't test well, and may not be learning the material being tested in, due to her issues.

We, too, have lots of tears some days, but other days can be fun and smiles and laughter. I don't get a break very often, so I enjoy the times I do have. Maybe take some time for yourself and read, take a short walk, go to the grocery store (it can be quite relaxing when you're alone!), etc.

I applaud you for taking on the challenge of raising this little boy, who I'm sure has won over your hearts, even if your family didn't agree about what you've done Stay strong and take the time to smell the flowers with your little boy. Hopefully, with your work, he can catch up developmentally, but if not, love him as he is, where he is, even on the days you just don't think you can love him (I know we have those days, sometimes) Good luck! Keep in touch here and keep us posted on his progress! Don't give up!

 

[wvdislover]

Oops! I almost forgot! Don't forget his love of music! Putting his learning to music can be a great learning tool!

 

[sl_underwood]

wvdislover- Thank you for your kind words. We do love him very much and couldnt imagine our lives without him. He is an amazing child who has suffered so much. I wish I had half his courage and resolve. However, sometimes his resolve can drive me crazy. LOL. The traits I admire most can sometimes be the hardest to deal with as far as school is concerned. He did do his Get Ready for the Code today and seemed to like it. We also matched alphabet cards, and played the three little pigs after I told him the story (trying to get him to retell but its not happening yet) He played the piano and we read a nursery rhyme that we are working on for memory. We went for a walk and gathered leaves and talked about the changing seasons. Came home and made leaf prints for art. What we do most days does not look like school. I listed him as Kindergarten this year hoping it would keep our social worker off our backs (they are very anti homeschool) As for the music, any suggestions on how to incorporate that? I am not the most creative, more of a logical thinker, did great in math and science, not so great with writing, art, etc. Never played an instrument and cant carry a tune. Any creative ideas would be appreciated.

 

[wvdislover]

wvdislover- Thank you for your kind words. We do love him very much and couldnt imagine our lives without him. He is an amazing child who has suffered so much. I wish I had half his courage and resolve. However, sometimes his resolve can drive me crazy. LOL. The traits I admire most can sometimes be the hardest to deal with as far as school is concerned. He did do his Get Ready for the Code today and seemed to like it. We also matched alphabet cards, and played the three little pigs after I told him the story (trying to get him to retell but its not happening yet) He played the piano and we read a nursery rhyme that we are working on for memory. We went for a walk and gathered leaves and talked about the changing seasons. Came home and made leaf prints for art. What we do most days does not look like school. I listed him as Kindergarten this year hoping it would keep our social worker off our backs (they are very anti homeschool) As for the music, any suggestions on how to incorporate that? I am not the most creative, more of a logical thinker, did great in math and science, not so great with writing, art, etc. Never played an instrument and cant carry a tune. Any creative ideas would be appreciated.

Do you have any kind of Parent-Teacher store nearby? There are lots of educational CD's out there...learn to music. He could learn his basic math facts to music, or maybe try something like Hooked on Phonics, which uses little tunes to teach reading. My DD loves Schoolhouse Rock, too (still a bit old for your little one, but it is still fun to watch!). Also, playing music in the background (classical) can be very calming while you're working and may help him be able to focus better/longer.

Sorry your social worker isn't more supportive. Seems like they'd want you to do what you could to help your child succeed and realize that not all children can succeed in the public school setting.

Are your older children able to help you with your little boy? He may sometimes learn better from them...peer influence Oh, and with the story retelling, rather than have him retell you the whole story, tell him a portion of the story, and then ask him questions about what you've told him so far or have him retell you just that portion of the story. The whole thing may be too much for him at this point

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

One thing I forgot to mention is that my boy loves music. He will play our piano daily but there is no one in our area willing to teach him and I am not musical at all.

You are more musical than you realize. I do not play any instruments but I tell my children that EVERYTHING has a rhythm/pattern. Raindrops, the tides, the revolution/rotation of the earth, seasons, your heartbeat,languages, your breathing, your steps, running, laughter, circle of life, the moon, the stars, multiplication tables, cell division, "at" words, "op" words, planets, sentences, stories, karate, horseback riding, ice skating, fractions, decimals, skip counting, clapping, history, popcorn, leaves, plants cycles, piano...you get the idea.

I know for me when I get my most frustrated IF I can remember my own advice and help my children find the rhythm or pattern for whatever it is they are trying to learn- We ALL are happier.

I enjoy taking videos or pictures. It is amazing how you can see the progress that way. Because we are with them every day we sometimes don't see the big picture, just the frustrations of that day.

My children take paino lessons but they enjoy picking out songs on their own. They pick out the songs that play in the background of video games. So even if he doesn't have formal lessons right now he is learning.

I feel like I am just rambling... You are awesome. You were created to do what you are doing.

 

[DisneyMom5]

I am in the first year of homeschooling my 6 year old son who has extensive delays due to drug/ alcohol exposure in the womb and early infancy and a traumatic brain injury due to abuse as a toddler. He came to us at almost 4 years of age and functioned as an infant. Currently, we are working at a Pre-k, early k level, though his language is at about 36 months and he has a very short attention span. Is there any curriculum that is designed to help children with special needs with math, handwriting and phonics. We purchased both Math U See primer (he just isnt getting it) and Handwriting without tears (trust me, there are tears, tantrums, and more) and today we are starting with our get ready for the code workbook. He knows all his uppercase letters, still learning lowercase, can write all letters with straight lines but curves throw him off. He can count to 10 consistently and can add with objects but if you give him numbers rather than objects, he doesnt get it. Any suggestions on how to teach and encourage a love for learning in a way that will foster a positive self image, as this is another thing he struggles with. Also, how do you maintain sanity when you are with a high needs child 24/7? Right now, I am feeling stressed and unsure I can do this for the long haul. He is just so intense all the time. I love this little boy with all my heart and want to help him grow into the person he was meant to be. I am just very overwhelmed with the responsibilty of it all.

My ds8 has a TBI due to an accident. We just work on what he can do and move on when he can. The beauty of homeschooling is I can use K materials in 2nd. grade, and that's ok.

wvdislover- Thank you for your kind words. We do love him very much and couldnt imagine our lives without him. He is an amazing child who has suffered so much. I wish I had half his courage and resolve. However, sometimes his resolve can drive me crazy. LOL. The traits I admire most can sometimes be the hardest to deal with as far as school is concerned. He did do his Get Ready for the Code today and seemed to like it. We also matched alphabet cards, and played the three little pigs after I told him the story (trying to get him to retell but its not happening yet) He played the piano and we read a nursery rhyme that we are working on for memory. We went for a walk and gathered leaves and talked about the changing seasons. Came home and made leaf prints for art. What we do most days does not look like school. I listed him as Kindergarten this year hoping it would keep our social worker off our backs (they are very anti homeschool) As for the music, any suggestions on how to incorporate that? I am not the most creative, more of a logical thinker, did great in math and science, not so great with writing, art, etc. Never played an instrument and cant carry a tune. Any creative ideas would be appreciated.

I think that sounds like a lovely day!

Some resources: www.hslda.org
They are HomeSchool Legal Defense Assoc. They have a special needs coordinator. The one I spoke to was AWESOME!
Her name is Diane Craft, and her website is:
http://www.dianecraft.org/
I use her brain gym manual and letter sounds flashcards with very good success.
There is also: http://www.nathhan.com/
They are an organization for homeschoolers with special needs students.
and their other branch is www.chask.org which promotes the adoption of special needs kids.

Read to him A LOT, and listen to music, and later you can listen to grammar songs, math songs, etc. My son's OT recommends a multi-sensory approach (touch 3-d letters, see the letters, hear the letters, type the letters, write the letter.)

It took a long time for me to figure out that ds did NOT have to be keeping up with anyone. He just needed to succeed at one task at a time and build on that.
Ask yourself "What do I need him to do in the future?" I need him to read, write, and do basic math. I need him to function in social and business situations. I need him to care for himself. You get the picture!

Blessings on your endeavor, he is a lucky child to have such dedicated parents!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

First off...big hugs to you!!! I know you are such a tremendous blessing to him, and he is to you too I know!!!!! WOW!!!! How wonderful!!! I am also a big fan of Charlotte Mason....try to read about her through the Karen Andreola books...I actually found one at my tiny library!!If not..lots to read about her method on-line.....basically, she loves to use real books...lots of nature study, and life-learning!! If anything, I slack on the nature thing...I encourage it, but I really love that she is a good book advocate. We learn so much through stories!!!! I think that would help you --especially if you can read to him for brief periods at a time,maybe several times a day. Classical music might help to keep him relaxed when he is having a hard time with certain parts of his day....just as background maybe. does he like to draw? I can't remember if you said that or not......maybe have him draw part of the story you are telling him...same as narration, or retelling really.
I hope you can find some way to maybe even take 15 min breaks here and there...sometimes thats all we need!!!!