*** Homeschool List ***

[GreatLakes5]

Love that list...among my top irritations when we first began was the quizzing my kids would receive. From family, especially! And heaven forbid they get their 9-times tables wrong in second grade.

We definitely don't get the same lee-way as traditionally schooled counterparts.


As for finding books - Amazon.com is carrying a lot more homeschooling-type books than they have in previous years. Rainbowresources.com works well if you know the title you're looking for. EBay does have quite a few re-sellers, again search by specific title.

The Hirsch books are great - probably a bit advanced in terms of what the average school would be teaching (or could possibly teach) in one year. I have them too - sometimes I have to set them down and hide them for a while because I get overwhelmed.

 

[Mason7AK]

I recently posted a couple of questions about homeschooling (with special needs kids). Just thought I would report back in to let you all know that as of last Wednesday we are home schoolers! I got all my materials in (thanks for the tips) and saw no reason to wait until Thanksgiving break like I planned. Especially since my DS5's Kindergarten teacher has called me TWICE in the last two weeks to tell me he is "falling behind" and will probably have to repeat Kinder next year! He is paraplegic with hydrocephalus and has trouble with fine motor skills - and all they had him doing was constantly tracing letters for the last nine weeks! He was in tears from homework stress every night and is already much happier working at home with me. My DD6 was pretty much being ignored in her resource class. I went to the school on 5 different occasions and showed up at her classroom unannounced. Four of the five times, she was sitting in her wheelchair in the middle of the room, with no one around her, doing nothing. Made me so upset! (She is severe CP and non-verbal). I think they both will be happier and get so much more out of home school! We had great days on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. So we are off to a great start.
Angela

 

[Praise2Him]

That is wonderful! Congratulations and have fun!

 

[aprincess'smommy]

Recently my Dh and I have decided to homeschool our DD3 for K4 in the 08-09 school year .This was a very difficult decision as we live in one of few fantastic school districts in the state. We have been praying with two other families as well over this, as I will be their children's facilitator as well. The other two girls will be 5. I am a certified teacher in early childhood and elem ed. so the actual teaching won't be a problem. We have already decided on A Beka Academy for curriculum. I still have a few questions for anyone on here from Alabama that will PM me. I wouold just like some information on cover schools and whether A Beka counts as a cover school. I was just wondering, because some of the things they offer overlap . Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[tidblgrrer]

Hello --

We are doing the WDW thing in December so will miss the homeschool days -- has anyone been there on those days? Is there something special about them? Thanks

 

[DawnM]

Wait, what homeschool days?

Dawn

Hello --

We are doing the WDW thing in December so will miss the homeschool days -- has anyone been there on those days? Is there something special about them? Thanks

 

[TNKBELL]

Disney's Y.E.S. program. I have researched it and it is a great deal much more affordable than regular price admission and includes an educational program and the chaperone is free(with so many students) I have tried to generate interest in doing a meet at WDW with fellow diser homeschoolers but it just hasn't worked out....YET!

There is a website that describes the program in detail..just do a search on google.

 

[DawnM]

Well, I am interested! I know there is a group from SC that goes in September so that they can also take advantage of the free dining.

We stay off-site for more room anyway since we have over 4 people in the family, so we haven't gone then yet.

Dawn

Disney's Y.E.S. program. I have researched it and it is a great deal much more affordable than regular price admission and includes an educational program and the chaperone is free(with so many students) I have tried to generate interest in doing a meet at WDW with fellow diser homeschoolers but it just hasn't worked out....YET!

There is a website that describes the program in detail..just do a search on google.

 

[DawnM]

My children were homeschooled for the past 4 years (K-3 for my oldest). I went back to work this year and put them in school. They have been there for 45 days and we are pulling them back out.

No need for me to go into detail but it has not been all that positive for us. My last day was Friday and my children will come home at Thanksgiving. I have already received phone calls from 3 people at the school asking me not to pull them out, blah, blah, blah. They are not homeschool friendly. I am not looking forward to going in to fill out the paperwork.


Dawn

 

[disneymom3]

Mason and Dawn--congrats on making the decision to start or to go back to homeschooling. I hope that it goes well for you and is the improvement that you are counting on.

Sha_lyn--good list! Thanks for sharing it here. My favorites are 15 and 20. Drives me batty when people blame personality issues on whether the kid was homeschooled. I actually said to someone recently, "So the reason you are acting like a jerk is because you went to public school?" They weren't impressed, but honestly I am sick and tired of defending our choice. I don't attack other people for sending their kids to whatever school system they choose no matter how crappy I think it is. And believe me, the local schools are totally crappy!

We are cruising along pretty well here this school year. It blows me away how well DS7 is reading! Last year at this time he could not figure out blending to save his life. Today at co-op he was reading the categories in their geography logbooks to the other kids when they didn't know what they said. Amazing what a difference a year makes and a good much needed reminder for me that even though the local school would have branded him as behind expectations, it doesn't mean there was anything wrong that simple time would not take care of.

 

[DawnM]

We live in "the best" school for our area and I still think it is crappy.

Dawn

Mason and Dawn--congrats on making the decision to start or to go back to homeschooling. I hope that it goes well for you and is the improvement that you are counting on.

Sha_lyn--good list! Thanks for sharing it here. My favorites are 15 and 20. Drives me batty when people blame personality issues on whether the kid was homeschooled. I actually said to someone recently, "So the reason you are acting like a jerk is because you went to public school?" They weren't impressed, but honestly I am sick and tired of defending our choice. I don't attack other people for sending their kids to whatever school system they choose no matter how crappy I think it is. And believe me, the local schools are totally crappy!

We are cruising along pretty well here this school year. It blows me away how well DS7 is reading! Last year at this time he could not figure out blending to save his life. Today at co-op he was reading the categories in their geography logbooks to the other kids when they didn't know what they said. Amazing what a difference a year makes and a good much needed reminder for me that even though the local school would have branded him as behind expectations, it doesn't mean there was anything wrong that simple time would not take care of.

 

[TNKBELL]

I just wanted to share an email I received this morning from Disney


With Disney Theme Park Adventures the “World” is your playground. Bring your youth group of 10 or more to receive significant savings off admission to any of our four Walt Disney World ® Resort Theme Parks all year long!



Save 30%* or more off regular Theme Park admission

with your Youth Group!



Winter and Spring Events

Holidays at Disney
Select Dates November 2007-January 2008

ESPN The Weekend
February 29, 2008-March 2, 2008

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
March 19, 2008-June 1, 2008

Star Wars Weekends
Check back for confirmed dates


Check out our Calendar of Events for a complete listing of all Walt Disney World Special Events.

There’s so much to do, you won’t want to miss out! For more information or to buy your tickets online, visit www.DisneyTPA.com/fall, call your Student Travel Planner, or call toll-free at 1-866-441-1581 today!

 

[TNKBELL]

Mason and Dawn--congrats on making the decision to start or to go back to homeschooling. I hope that it goes well for you and is the improvement that you are counting on.

Sha_lyn--good list! Thanks for sharing it here. My favorites are 15 and 20. Drives me batty when people blame personality issues on whether the kid was homeschooled. I actually said to someone recently, "So the reason you are acting like a jerk is because you went to public school?" They weren't impressed, but honestly I am sick and tired of defending our choice. I don't attack other people for sending their kids to whatever school system they choose no matter how crappy I think it is. And believe me, the local schools are totally crappy!

We are cruising along pretty well here this school year. It blows me away how well DS7 is reading! Last year at this time he could not figure out blending to save his life. Today at co-op he was reading the categories in their geography logbooks to the other kids when they didn't know what they said. Amazing what a difference a year makes and a good much needed reminder for me that even though the local school would have branded him as behind expectations, it doesn't mean there was anything wrong that simple time would not take care of.

I just wanted to share a thought I had about homeschooling, my 5th and 3rd grade DS' have been memorizing the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost and the last few lines state

"Somewhere ages and ages hence,
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference."

Isn't that the truth with homeschooling? It's not the road that is heavily traveled but isn't it making a profound and wonderful difference??

 

[nuzmom]

TNKBELL - thanks for the poem quote!!!

 

[disneymom3]

tnkbell--very true! Love that poem.

Also regarding the Disney field trips, if anyone plans to go in Oct or November next year, I would like to put together a group to do one of the classes they offer and to go in on tickets together. The prices for educational groups are quite a difference. Anyone, Please PM me if you will be going around that time and perhaps we can work something out.

 

[Shmu]

I just wanted to share a thought I had about homeschooling, my 5th and 3rd grade DS' have been memorizing the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost and the last few lines state

"Somewhere ages and ages hence,
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference."

Isn't that the truth with homeschooling? It's not the road that is heavily traveled but isn't it making a profound and wonderful difference??

Yes it is a road less traveled and seems to be a lot bumpier but oh so worth it. My oldest is in his last year. We have home schooled him all the way through. I want to encourage all of you with younger ones. Yes it's hard. Yes we doubt ourselves. Yes family and friends don't understand. We have had a difficult road but entering into our last year with him I can look back and say that this road less traveled has made all the difference in the young man he has turned out to be. If God has called you to travel this road, stay on it. It will be worth it.

 

[lori1043]

I told you previously that my DD's and I started an American Girl club-it is called the Christian American girl club b/c we are all Christians-different faiths, but what does that matter, right??!!

Anyway- we had a fundraiser today for a church in a Katrina devastated area that still is in the rebuilding process. This was some little girls idea and here we had 20 girls and thier moms make cookies and other yummy creative treats come together, have fun and raise $190 in about 30-45 minutes!! I am THRILLED and know that it is a testimony that God loves to work through His children.

I originally told them even if all we raised was enough to buy them a toilet paper holder, that it would be worth it. I joked today that we could get a case of them PLUS the toilet paper that goes on it!!

Had to share, I am proud of the girls-they did most of the selling!

Lori

 

[earthfaries]

Disney's Y.E.S. program. I have researched it and it is a great deal much more affordable than regular price admission and includes an educational program and the chaperone is free(with so many students) I have tried to generate interest in doing a meet at WDW with fellow diser homeschoolers but it just hasn't worked out....YET!

There is a website that describes the program in detail..just do a search on google.

Well, I am interested! I know there is a group from SC that goes in September so that they can also take advantage of the free dining.

We stay off-site for more room anyway since we have over 4 people in the family, so we haven't gone then yet.

Dawn

Have you guys checked out Disney Homeschool Days at Epcot January 14&15,2008??? Here is the link www.disneyhomeschooldays.com

This is like you mentioned above, but this year will be the first time individual families can buy the discounted tickets without going with a group. I know that there is a group that goes from the Carolinas during labor day week. I don't want to go in those crowds and heat, but hated passing up the deals! Now we can go as a family during a slow time and also get to listen to the Y.E.S. guest speakers, etc. and attend the programs. You can buy as many tickets at the student price you want~ you don't have to match children to adults like you do with organized groups. We are going in Jan. and got great prices on our 5 day Disney tickets! We are also going to two Y.E.S. programs in addition to the Disney organized activites. I hope Disney does this everytime now~selling tickets to individual families once a year in addition to offering the group discounts.

Anyone else going to DHSD @ Epcot???

 

[TNKBELL]

Have you guys checked out Disney Homeschool Days at Epcot January 14&15,2008??? Here is the link www.disneyhomeschooldays.com

This is like you mentioned above, but this year will be the first time individual families can buy the discounted tickets without going with a group. I know that there is a group that goes from the Carolinas during labor day week. I don't want to go in those crowds and heat, but hated passing up the deals! Now we can go as a family during a slow time and also get to listen to the Y.E.S. guest speakers, etc. and attend the programs. You can buy as many tickets at the student price you want~ you don't have to match children to adults like you do with organized groups. We are going in Jan. and got great prices on our 5 day Disney tickets! We are also going to two Y.E.S. programs in addition to the Disney organized activites. I hope Disney does this everytime now~selling tickets to individual families once a year in addition to offering the group discounts.

Anyone else going to DHSD @ Epcot???

Thank you so much for sharing this!! I'm doing some major number crunching to see if we can go!

Do you know if you just purchase the 5 day 1 park per day tickets does that include admission to the homeschool days?? Or are those seperate tickets that you must purchase in addition to your 5 day tix?

 

[earthfaries]

Disney's Y.E.S. program. I have researched it and it is a great deal much more affordable than regular price admission and includes an educational program and the chaperone is free(with so many students) I have tried to generate interest in doing a meet at WDW with fellow diser homeschoolers but it just hasn't worked out....YET!

There is a website that describes the program in detail..just do a search on google.

Well, I am interested! I know there is a group from SC that goes in September so that they can also take advantage of the free dining.

We stay off-site for more room anyway since we have over 4 people in the family, so we haven't gone then yet.

Dawn

Thank you so much for sharing this!! I'm doing some major number crunching to see if we can go!

Do you know if you just purchase the 5 day 1 park per day tickets does that include admission to the homeschool days?? Or are those seperate tickets that you must purchase in addition to your 5 day tix?

If you purchase the 5 day tickets, it comes with the Homeschool Days admission and the speaker series both days. BUT you have to of course use your ticket on epcot on those two days. Like we bought the 5 day single park passes~6 of them~ We are going to Epcot Mon. and Tues., and AK, MGM and MK the other three days. The only thing you have to purchase seperately is the program if you want to go. It is $24.00 a person. My son wanted to go to Ocean Discoveries on Monday and Everyday Chemistry on Tuesday so we just purchased two tickets to each~one for him and one for me to accompany him each day So for the 6 of us to have 5 days in the parks, the DHSD and both programs it was only $804.00 and that includes tax You can't beat $118.00 a person for 5 days at Disney!!! I got an email for the 2008 group prices, and the 5 day tickets are now in the 200's!!! I believe when you order tickets through them you also get a Y.E.S. book and pin ~ you can take the book around the Worlds and talk and interact with people from that country and learn a lot of cool stuff. The ticketing manager said last year was so amazing she is taking her daughter out of school those two days just to hear the speakers!
It will be great, we really can't wait

Feel free to ask me anything else you may need to-here or PM me. I have researched and been on the phone with them for almost a month now!