Homeschool Chat

[Disney Mommy 3]

Thanks... good advice. Luckily (and I don't say this about much else here!), we are in California and if what I have read is correct, can file as a charter school and be fairly free of restrictions on how we teach.

Well that's great! Do you have to register or log a certain amount/number of days? We actually don't, but I try to keep close to what we were used to...our first'semester'.(when we start in July and til Nov) is about 18 weeks..the 2nd 'semester' is usually 14 or so.....we don't get public school holidays but we discuss things like Columbus day...and we do take off Good Friday..but we have around 180 days..give or take.. and then we enjoy a few months of summer fun until it's toooooo hot to breathe down here. I just schedule a week off here and there as we need it...

 

[Denine]

We don't school year-round. But after about a month or so off, DD is ready to get back to school, even if I am not! We don't take many individual days off, but we travel often and don't take any work with us.

I agree with read every chance you get. That is why I am excited about starting SL, lots of read-alouds and books for DD to read herself.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

We don't school year-round. But after about a month or so off, DD is ready to get back to school, even if I am not! We don't take many individual days off, but we travel often and don't take any work with us.

I agree with read every chance you get. That is why I am excited about starting SL, lots of read-alouds and books for DD to read herself.

Let us know how you like SL...I have looked at it,but it just gets tooo expensive for 3 grade levels!! LOL... I do love their reading lists tho'!

 

[adisneymama]

Well today was a much rougher day for us. The math I am having her work on is hard for her and she is getting frustrated. We have to do a lot of repetition with her due to her seizure disorder, so we have spent a lot of time on math today. I'm just trying to get her to memorize math facts. She can add anything you give her if she has scratch paper and a pencil though, so I guess I really shouldn't be that hard on her. I just think of how much faster she will be when she just "knows" that 6+6=12 KWIM? Unfortunately, our district doesn't teach math this way and even our neighbors child who is in 2nd grade reading at a 5th grade level still has to have paper and pencil to add and subtract. One of the many reasons we are no longer doing public school. We also did a lot of language arts today and she did great with that. She also did great with science today. It was just the math. We just finished up by reading two books that I let her pick. Oh and she also worked on handwriting. It's funny when we work on it and I see it isn't taking that long I feel like we aren't doing enough, but then when I type out what we have done, it looks like a lot! I guess that is the difference of not having the disruptions that a typical classroom has?

 

[Kimberly Hill]

I'm just trying to get her to memorize math facts. She can add anything you give her if she has scratch paper and a pencil though, so I guess I really shouldn't be that hard on her. I just think of how much faster she will be when she just "knows" that 6+6=12 KWIM?

Mia is still in private school until the end of the school year and she too is struggling with math facts. Disney Princess addition and subtraction flash cards from Dollar Tree to the rescue! She's much happier working on math facts when she can do it with Belle, Aurora, and Cinderella. Can't blame her!

 

[adisneymama]

Hey thanks for the tip! We have to make a trip out tomorrow when we finish up school anyway, so I'll see if I can find them!

 

[Nicolepa]

Well today was a much rougher day for us. The math I am having her work on is hard for her and she is getting frustrated. We have to do a lot of repetition with her due to her seizure disorder, so we have spent a lot of time on math today. I'm just trying to get her to memorize math facts. She can add anything you give her if she has scratch paper and a pencil though, so I guess I really shouldn't be that hard on her. I just think of how much faster she will be when she just "knows" that 6+6=12 KWIM?

I have been trying for a year to find something for my son so he would be willing to memorizing his facts. This is an area that I feel K12 could have such potential and they really fail. I finally found a game on the itouch that he loves and it tracks which facts he's fast/accurate etc. It's called math facts. If you don't have a touch or Iphone try

http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/Mathmagician/maths1.html

My son would not do flashcards. He fights it tooth and nail so I had to find something else. Also you could take the flashcards and play war. Take the flashcards and your dd has to tell you what the numbers are and which is larger. You can start with a few facts and as she learns those add more.

 

[tolyvisChrist]

Hi everyone!! I am a homeschool mom with 4 dds. We have been homeschooling since the beginning - going on 8 years now! We took our first family vacation to WDW in 2005: 14 days, rented house with heated pool, 10 day hopper pass, and only one rainy day It was the best vacation we ever had/ will have. My dh wants to go back in 2009, but I just know it won't be the same. Anyone ever feel that way? Like another trip will somehow lesson the wonderful memories from the first?

Anyways, someone mentioned wanting to know what we use for math. I started with A Beka for my first 4 years. My oldest daughter did great with it, but my second was drowning. So, for 4th grade we switched to Bob Jones; she liked it and did a little better with it, but I didn't like it. Now, they are both in Saxon. They both hate math. So, the question is: Do I keep switching curriculums until I find one they love? Or do I just make them tough it out? Many other hs moms have adviced me to tough it out, because switching math curriculums too many times can be very bad. You end up missing too much. So, I think we are sticking with Saxon.

And the question on lapbooks: we did one on sled dogs that I downloaded for free from Currclick. My girls did enjoy it. They are very creative and love cutting, pasting, coloring, etc. But it was very time-consuming. I don't think I would ever buy one. That's my $.02.

Well, I think I've gone on long enough! I look forward to getting to know everyone and hearing more about WDW and homeschooling!!

Dani

hello Mrs. Dani ! I was just wandering through this forum(being a homeschooled child) and thought I would tell you that I'm doing Saxon algebra, and this man has a tendency to instruct in a very confusing manner so my mom bought a DIVE CD. A math instructor, almost like a tutor, goes through the lessons and reteaches them. We call him 'Mr. Man' in our house. Whatever his name may be he clarifies so many hours of confusion for me !
The CD's are kind of a tad bit expensive at $50 and granted I didn't pay for it I would say it was a trade out for many hours of frustration and tears. This way you don't have to switch curriculum !

God Bless 1

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

great post. We bought the DIVE cd, also. They also have them for the sciences now.

 

[pyrxtc]

How do you start homeschooling ? My DD13 is doing terrible in school and I know it's because she didn't transition well from 5th to 6th. She is used having someone remind her about her work and just leaving her alone doesn't help her. I'm really considering homeschooling her for 8th grade but am unsure of how to start. I am in NH. I have Googled and checked out the states page on home-school laws but don't really understand them.

What are the basics and where would I get the curriculum. She learns like me and it has to be hands on stuff. Also, she is doing stuff in math that I didn't even do in high school so I wouldn't know how to explain it and no math books thru school so no explanations for me to help her.

 

[bellebud]

I finally found a game on the itouch that he loves and it tracks which facts he's fast/accurate etc. It's called math facts.

thanks for this info!!! I'm adding this to both kids itouch's today!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

How do you start homeschooling ? My DD13 is doing terrible in school and I know it's because she didn't transition well from 5th to 6th. She is used having someone remind her about her work and just leaving her alone doesn't help her. I'm really considering homeschooling her for 8th grade but am unsure of how to start. I am in NH. I have Googled and checked out the states page on home-school laws but don't really understand them.

What are the basics and where would I get the curriculum. She learns like me and it has to be hands on stuff. Also, she is doing stuff in math that I didn't even do in high school so I wouldn't know how to explain it and no math books thru school so no explanations for me to help her.

First off..hopefully someone here from your state can help you look through your state requirements and make sense of it!Have you went to the website:Home-School Legal Defense Assoc...known as the HSLDA? They usually make it simpler to understand state-by-state.
As far as curriculum there are soooo many it's easy to get bogged down...now is a good time to hit those websites and start researching what you like...check out your local libraries and see if they have any books you can look through to explain homeschool methods and different approaches. I use Christian book.com (Or christianbookdistributers) for most of my books...they have a large site and the shipping is always fairly quick.
For her having such a struggle in math..you need to back her up a grade level or two and see where she began to struggle. We use Teaching Textbooks and I can't brag on them enough!! They are coming out with 3rd grade this year, just came out with 4th this year and go all the way up...they have an on-line placement test to kind of give you an idea of where she might need to be. Also, they have a # you can call if you are unsure.These are 2 brothers who are Harvard guys, and developed the 1st math curriculum strictly for hsers...not for private school and hs....that is a big help for parents who are weak in math...or have a student that is not getting it....you watch a lecture, then he solves some problems on there with you and then you do the daily lesson...it comes with a solutions cd so if you just can't get it you can see it step-by-step. My little daughter is not up to teaching Textbooks yet,,but we use Rod & Staff...it's a good solid math and I love the way it is laid out! Repetition, but not to the point you go crazy....I have also used Horizons,ABeka, Saxon,and Bob Jones...these 2 can not be beat in my opinion!!
Language Arts...Rod & Staff--again..solid core curriculum...very thorough! in fact, this is so complete you could stretch it to 2years or do it every other year depending on your state requirements. (For the grammar part anyway)...
History depends on what you like...we like lots of library books, biographies, historical fiction....I am using TruthQuest History and love it! We have used Mystery of History and loved it too...Beautiful Feet books have a good program also---all these are Christian curriculums(if thats what you want)
Science....we love Apologia!!!!
Over the summer have her read as much as possible...even tho she's struggling in math...reading good books always seems to strengthen all the other areas.....she can just read some short books for fun..but try to through in a few classics:Anne of Green Gables, Tom Sawyer, Alice, Robin Hood...even if she listens to the longer ones on cd......kids can never read toooo many good books!! Hope you arent overwhelmed and I helped a tiny bit..
Depending on days required by your state, you may want to start this year mimicking the school calendar, then tweaking as you want to so you can find what works for your family.
Remember: you are her mom and if you feel this is what's best for her, it is!! Don't become intimidated by what people say (& someone is ALWAYS happy to share there disbelief in HSers!! )...lots of people here can help you!

 

[pyrxtc]

well, reading is her #1 subject. She goes through about 20 books a month and all of them are books well above her age. back in 4th grade, her reading level and comprehension tested as 12th grade level. language arts is easy for her, so simple that she gets bored doing it and needs something tougher. Science is a little slippery but it all goes back to the math. She is a history lover like I am and lots of history right here in New England. It would be easier to keep to the schools calendar since my two younger kids would be following that while in public school. I would help her more but it is so hard for me to do that when she never brings books home (they are not allowed to leave the classroom with them) so I know where they are in the book. or even to see the example problems in the book either.

 

[Denine]

Mia is still in private school until the end of the school year and she too is struggling with math facts. Disney Princess addition and subtraction flash cards from Dollar Tree to the rescue! She's much happier working on math facts when she can do it with Belle, Aurora, and Cinderella. Can't blame her!

We have those too!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

well, reading is her #1 subject. She goes through about 20 books a month and all of them are books well above her age. back in 4th grade, her reading level and comprehension tested as 12th grade level. language arts is easy for her, so simple that she gets bored doing it and needs something tougher. Science is a little slippery but it all goes back to the math. She is a history lover like I am and lots of history right here in New England. It would be easier to keep to the schools calendar since my two younger kids would be following that while in public school. I would help her more but it is so hard for me to do that when she never brings books home (they are not allowed to leave the classroom with them) so I know where they are in the book. or even to see the example problems in the book either.

I would love to live up in the New England states!!! All that historical stuff amazes me!!!! Well....except for getting her back on track with math...you won't have any trouble. Just check into those websites and see what you think...they are by no means the only ones!!! Just what I know and have used! A good book I use when picking Curriculum is the 100 Top Picks for Homeschool by Cathy Duffy...it covers sooo much curr and gives websites and descriptions...you can view some of the pages on line at her website..

 

[mommyoftwo08]

Hi,
I'm hoping some of you can help me. I've recently been homeschooling my preschooler and next year I will be co-oping with my 1st grader. He's still in a private K this year.
Anyway - I'm interested in registering him for the homeschool day in January next year, but am extremely confused. Is registration open for that yet? We're AP holders, do we still have to purchase tickets to gain access? I'm not sure how soon I need to register before classes fill up.

If someone can forward me in the right direction I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks so much!

 

[TSRE]

Well that's great! Do you have to register or log a certain amount/number of days? We actually don't, but I try to keep close to what we were used to...our first'semester'.(when we start in July and til Nov) is about 18 weeks..the 2nd 'semester' is usually 14 or so.....we don't get public school holidays but we discuss things like Columbus day...and we do take off Good Friday..but we have around 180 days..give or take.. and then we enjoy a few months of summer fun until it's toooooo hot to breathe down here. I just schedule a week off here and there as we need it...

We have to set up a calendar, but anyone checking on it would be on a drop-in basis, not like a regular check. At least that is how I understand it - I am new like I said, so anyone from CA that has found differently, please let me know! We could get funding from the state if we went with a public charter school as opposed to a private school of 2 kids (I mispoke earlier), but I don't want to be at the mercy of whatever teacher we are assigned, so we are going to do it on our own. I am going to aim for roughly the same # of days, or more actually, but less time per day. It is super hot in the summer here, also, so I think I am going to use those stifling afternoons to get some stuff done. Maybe I need to come up with some stuff that can be taught in the pool!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

We have to set up a calendar, but anyone checking on it would be on a drop-in basis, not like a regular check. At least that is how I understand it - I am new like I said, so anyone from CA that has found differently, please let me know! We could get funding from the state if we went with a public charter school as opposed to a private school of 2 kids (I mispoke earlier), but I don't want to be at the mercy of whatever teacher we are assigned, so we are going to do it on our own. I am going to aim for roughly the same # of days, or more actually, but less time per day. It is super hot in the summer here, also, so I think I am going to use those stifling afternoons to get some stuff done. Maybe I need to come up with some stuff that can be taught in the pool!

Math facts and trivia quizzes!! Ha!!

 

[love__goofy]

Hello all,
We are leaving for Disney in about 4 weeks I wanted to teach my elementary homeschooled children a little bit about each country in Epcot. Does anyone have any fun activities they have done to help bring a countries culture more memorable for the kids? Thanks in advance for the ideas!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Hello all,
We are leaving for Disney in about 4 weeks I wanted to teach my elementary homeschooled children a little bit about each country in Epcot. Does anyone have any fun activities they have done to help bring a countries culture more memorable for the kids? Thanks in advance for the ideas!

Well.. first off watch all the disney movies about each area you have! Then they will know where to look for characters to meet & greet!! We love Aristocats, so France is exciting for us to hopefully run into Marie...and of course Belle!!! I know we havejust gotten a small book at the library with lots of pix for each country and talk about the weather and food they would experience if they lived there.My kids really latch onto the Disney movies tho--the details are so true to the area that is depicted they recognize that..... My favorite(other than meeting characters in France!) is the UK area! It is just so quaint and tidy!! and of course, for us to see Alice or Mary Poppins is a special treat! OH!! Duh...the globe!! I have one who loooves to find everything on the globe, so he is the locater! ha!! Have a wonderful time...I have only been in May once and it was really great!!!