*** Homeschool List ***

[lori1043]

Don't get me started-we even had trouble with American (AG) club we started. There is good and bad in everything and everyone-I CHOOSE to look at the good.
My cousin doesn't "do" Disney for whatever reasons and she has lightened up since then...BUT I gave her my perspective from my DD10's Make a Wish trip back in 2002- see one of those and how Disney and GKTW and Proctor and Gamble, etc, etc(the sponsor list is LONG) treats THEM- and you will choose to see the good. It was a magical, wondrous, healing and even spiritual trip for our family.

I say phooey on them -Life is too short.

Hope i don't get booted off for that very opinionated post!!

Lori

 

[lori1043]

I can't wait to hear about our fellow Dis'ers "homeschool days" WDW trips!!!

I will be pricing it all for the September one!! Just want to see if it is "do-able" financially!

Lori

 

[lori1043]

wow-I must have run everyone off

well..... I ordered a flashmaster and will order the Story of the World after our trip!

Thanks..............Lori

 

[TNKBELL]

wow-I must have run everyone off

well..... I ordered a flashmaster and will order the Story of the World after our trip!

Thanks..............Lori

I'm still here! Just nothing important to say!!
I can't wait to hear back from our friends too!!!

 

[graygables]

I gotta vent!!! 9yo 4th grader has been giving me quite a bit of lip lately about doing her schoolwork. We use Switched on Schoolhouse so that I don't have to be as tied up with it since I've got my own business and now school (going for a Master's) to deal with. She's been whining about how much she hates school and she's not been doing her work. She's been clicking through and just taking 0s, so I have to go back and manually reset them. Anyway, she's griping loudly in the background while I'm talking to my mother who then says, "Well, it's just time for Little Miss to go to public school." Sorry, not happening. I cannot get through to my mother that even IF I wanted DDs to go to public school (and I used to be a PS teacher, so that would be over my dead body), there is NO WAY with my current schedule/life that it could be done. I'd have to drive her every day, only, I'll be out of town for 1/3 of the year this year. I'm also looking to do the WDW CP next Spring, so who would drive her back and forth every day then? We don't have busing and we don't live where the kids can walk (rural area/highway/rivers). It's so frustrating when my mother's solution to every little thing is to put DDs in public school.

 

[dizcrazee]

My daughter is in fourth grade also, and she really needs my full attention for at least a portion of her school time each day in order to fully enjoy and benefit from it. Although she does some computer based learning (games and such), I don't think she would be able to stay focused on a computerized program very long at her age.

I also work from home (teaching online part time), but a big part of the homeschool process for us is spending time together, working on something productive and educational. I understand that your time is limited, but maybe you could try doing some one-on-one reading or projects with her each day to add some variety to her program. Successful homeschooling definitely takes a commitment of time from the parent. In my experience, children that age still want and need some time with mom. They also benefit from a more varied instructional approach - books, videos, hands-on projects, etc. That would enrich the experience for both of you and might be enough to change her attitude in a more positive direction.

 

[lori1043]

My 4th grader is very independent, But DOES get bored if we don't have some changes every so often. We love unit studies and they may take a few days with no other work(when break is needed) or we do them in an our or two each day for about a week or 2. Then sometimes we just go back to basics for a bit.
My 2nd grader needs more time from me-esp when it comes to directions. She S having to go back to something for corrections. So to eliminate meltdowns(she's been prone to it ) I sit by her a while and check in with her every 15 minutes or so. She WANTS to be independent BUT cannot be yet. We are learning as we go along with her- i have threatened school to her but she LOVES homeschooling, yet she is needing more structure and I am BAD about that. Well, she's gonna get it. I need it too! Although next year is the last year I would even consider PS for her. We liked the PS our older one was in for K and 1st, and it only goes up to 3rd. She'll be in 3rd next year. I will try anything and everything b/f that is a consideration for her though. DH agrees. She gets frustrated easily. So I get frustrated with her. It is loads better than last year!!

Hope your situation pans out- your cup seems to be overflowing! AND I know how you feel when family or a good non HS friend says, "oh just put them in school, that'll cure that problem"!

We are doing what we feel called to do-I wish you much success!

Lori

 

[tnmomof4]

I just found this thread so I haven't had a chance to read much of it. I am home-schooling my kids this year. I have two sons ages 11 and 9 (fifth and fourth grade). I also have twins that are four. It is just the kids and I.

My older boys had been in a private school, and I had a lot of complaints about many different things. So I decided that home-schooling them would be the best choice. Well....It is a lot harder than I expected.

Actually, the hardest thing for me is just to maintain any kind of schedule. The teaching part is going great. I think they are doing better. They are getting good grades. I love being able to spend lots of time on the things that they had been struggling with. I use all ABeka, and both the kids and I like it a lot. They had Saxon math and hated it, so they are both doing good in math now. My 11 year old really has a hard time reading, and I love being able to spend the time working with him.

It just seems like staying on a daily schedule is impossible. There are a lot of days I just feel like a failure because we didn't get every subject done and the laundry isn't done or there are dishes to be done. I would love any suggestions!!!

BTW... We are going to Disney in November.

 

[TNKBELL]

I just found this thread so I haven't had a chance to read much of it. I am home-schooling my kids this year. I have two sons ages 11 and 9 (fifth and fourth grade). I also have twins that are four. It is just the kids and I.

My older boys had been in a private school, and I had a lot of complaints about many different things. So I decided that home-schooling them would be the best choice. Well....It is a lot harder than I expected.

Actually, the hardest thing for me is just to maintain any kind of schedule. The teaching part is going great. I think they are doing better. They are getting good grades. I love being able to spend lots of time on the things that they had been struggling with. I use all ABeka, and both the kids and I like it a lot. They had Saxon math and hated it, so they are both doing good in math now. My 11 year old really has a hard time reading, and I love being able to spend the time working with him.

It just seems like staying on a daily schedule is impossible. There are a lot of days I just feel like a failure because we didn't get every subject done and the laundry isn't done or there are dishes to be done. I would love any suggestions!!!

BTW... We are going to Disney in November.

This is the HARDEST part for any homeschool parent, but they are doing better!!!! Isn't that amazing??? Even with our flaws, we are still better suited to teach our children than anyone else!! Hang in there!! I have talked with numerous parents of college students that were homeschooled, they felt the same way!! Thier children are THRIVING in college and have become leaders to thier peers because of thier ability to be independant thinkers!!! If you feel discouraged, you are human! Try to find a homeschool group in your area and attend the meetings...it is so reassuring to talk to other homeschoolers!!!

Whenever I get discouraged, I remind myself what I am preparing my children for, primarily Heaven, but also for life, if we teach them how to use resources and how to be resourceful, they will be fine!! It's ok if they can't remember every historical fact or detail, as long as they have the ability to look it up and learn from it, that's really the point. So often I have heard people say, your children seem so happy and innocent. They also have become good friends with thier siblings and are so helpful to me!! Of course, things aren't perfect(mostly ME!) but I can say that I truly believe that I am doing God's will and that is of extreme comfort!! A book that I read that was helpful was " A Mother's Rule of Life" by Holly Pierlot. I have implemented some of her ideas and that has helped, but overall I struggle everyday with my feelings of failure, but I honestly think I would also if my children were in school. The time we have to spend with our children is so brief and it flies by so fast, I know that I will never regret this time with them, even in our most heated battles and messy house! LOL

 

[sha_lyn]

ITA about the scheduling. Its so easy to get out of sinc and so hard to get back into routine. However I really trying to force my self to realize that not everyone is a morning person. Both kids and I are all night owls. Why oh why do I think we have to be in bed by 10 and doing school work by 8 just because that's what is considered "normal". Will it really make a difference if we do school work from 11-4 instead of 8-1?

I just bought for way too long the mainstream argument that "oh they need to get up early so they will be used to it when they go to college or have a career."

So what if some days (like today) are spent reading or watching the History Channel.

Anyway...so what I started doing was to divide up each of our textbooks, workbooks etc into 6 sections. As long as we complete a section in each, every 6 weeks we are right on track.

 

[lori1043]

I so agree with both of you! I admit that homeschooling is just about the only thing I do that I KNOW is God's plan for my family-everything else, well, sometimes it can be cloudy for me.

As far as schedule goes, as I said, my youngest-DD8- seems to need it-I don't!!! She has always been like this though, since birth-but I have tried to mold her to my more laid back schedule ways-NOT working out as well as planned... -o well. Maybe I NEED to be more scheduled!

Lori

 

[disneymom3]

Can anyone comment on the Flashmaster or on "Story of the World" series by Susan Bauer????

Like it, don't like it, worth the money??? Stuff like that.

Thanks ahead of time!!

Lori

Love SOTW. The ideas in the activity books are great for the first two and okay for the third. Haven't done the fourth yet as she recommends it for somewhat older kids and I have a K and 2nd as well as my 6th grader. The story books themselves are excellent and my kids also really love listening to it on CD in the car. I learned like crazy like TNK says and we had a lot of fun. The way it is all presented makes it very interesting and memorable for the kids. I am so surprised at how much my kids have retained.

 

[DisneyDizzy]

Hi all!

I'm homeschooling my son, 6. I LOVE it but I do have an issue and I could use some sound advice or just some encouragement! I feel I can't take it to our friends in our new co-op. We've recently moved to a new state and are in an apartment while our house is for sale. The apartment is great and there are lots of amenities but no kids. My son is an only child. I've been taking him to co-op classes and on field trips with groups in the area. However, I feel like we are doing nothing but running and not accomplishing much.

Plus, I enjoy the HOME part of homeschooling more than anything. He's a very happy and well adjusted child but I know he's been lonely since we moved out of our neighborhood and two states away. He used to have some friends that would just come over or he would go there. Now, I feel like I have to provide friends to him to keep him from being lonely. The running is driving me crazy plus, I'm not really crazy about the co-op but it seems our only means to meet other kids. We haven't found a church here yet.

So, my long drawn out question is how do you handle it when they get lonely? Does anyone else homeschool an only child and how do you handle those times when they just need someone else? I feel so guilty if I don't get him out and with other kids but at the same time I get so TIRED of not only providing the education but the friends, too. I do hope it eases once we are in a more kid-friendly environment and out of the apartment but with the housing market in our old state, it may be a year before we can move.

Any advice?

 

[lori1043]

Hi, I 've never been in your shoes but I can try some advice that you can take or leave... it can go eith er way in my eyes...

He is 6, you can slack a little on school if you really think it is more important for him to see friends. On another note, you homeschool probably b/c you enjoy spending time with him. If it were me, I may, MAY enjoy the time you have at home while you all are transitioning. You will always remember this transition time and when you get tinto a neighborhood, he can start creating friendships and you may be in a differnt area, different co-op. It is ashame you don't feel comfy there-I am sorry. I guess if I knew I may nt be in the same area, I wouldn't push the friendships thing, but if you are I can see where you are coming from-but you have options. Another HS group possibly??

Either way you go, try to be confident in your decision and enjoy your time-don't be miserable-and I don't know your son's personality, but I bet he will transition better than you and that friends will fall into place easier than you think.

If you are a religious person, then I say pray about it!

Lori

 

[dvcbnd]

Hi, maybe someone out there can help me. My DH and I have finally decided - we're going to start hs'ing our 2 youngest beginning in Sept (2nd and 4th gr). They are currently in a private catholic school. My oldest will be graduating in June from the 8th grade (he's been in the same school for the past 10 yrs. since pre-k) and will continue onto a catholic hs. He wants to try it for a year and then reconsider hs'ing. We can no longer afford a private education for all 3 of our children and public school is not an option.
Anyway, my problem is this - my mother. She is already starting with the negative comments about hs'ing and I know that she thinks we're crazy. She's not happy about us writing a letter to our principal stating that we're not going to reregister them for next year and that we are planning to hs them. I think that she was hoping a miracle would happen and that we would be able to afford keeping all 3 of them in catholic school. Is there anyone out there who has experienced a similar situation? I'm sure that this is just the beginning and the negativity will increase when more family/friends find out, especially since we live in the nyc area. It doesn't seem to be the "norm" here. I think that she's embarrassed and is worried about what other people will say and think. She's missing the whole point and I don't know what to do. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[sha_lyn]

What tiny bit of negativity I had from family in the beginning was quieted by my aunt who has taught public school for yrs.
Here's my fav Homeschool board http://www.mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?f=50
There's usually at least 1 thread going about negative comment from family, how to balance socializing and school time, how to find friends etc.

 

[dvcbnd]

What tiny bit of negativity I had from family in the beginning was quieted by my aunt who has taught public school for yrs.
Here's my fav Homeschool board http://www.mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?f=50
There's usually at least 1 thread going about negative comment from family, how to balance socializing and school time, how to find friends etc.

Thanks Sha Lyn!! I just checked out that website and I like it alot.
I know that it's going to be very useful to me. I can't thank you enough!

 

[DisneyDizzy]

Hi, I 've never been in your shoes but I can try some advice that you can take or leave... it can go eith er way in my eyes...

He is 6, you can slack a little on school if you really think it is more important for him to see friends. On another note, you homeschool probably b/c you enjoy spending time with him. If it were me, I may, MAY enjoy the time you have at home while you all are transitioning. You will always remember this transition time and when you get tinto a neighborhood, he can start creating friendships and you may be in a differnt area, different co-op. It is ashame you don't feel comfy there-I am sorry. I guess if I knew I may nt be in the same area, I wouldn't push the friendships thing, but if you are I can see where you are coming from-but you have options. Another HS group possibly??

Either way you go, try to be confident in your decision and enjoy your time-don't be miserable-and I don't know your son's personality, but I bet he will transition better than you and that friends will fall into place easier than you think.

If you are a religious person, then I say pray about it!

Lori

Thanks. He LOVES the co-op classes. It's just me being uncomfortable around all the other Moms. I think that we need to get our behinds out of bed Sunday morning and get to Church. Between Church and Wednesdays co-op, maybe he'll start making some friends.

And then maybe I can not play so many legos and Transformers.

 

[Sparkie]

I decided to let my DD homeschool starting Jan. 2008. This is a first for us. She is 11th grade. I am thinking now that I'm in over my head. Her classes:
Bible- 25 questions per month with scripture references

Anatomy2 - she had Anatomy and physiology at public school in 10th grade and mommy is a nurse so I think we can handle this one

Spanish1- She works at JohnnyRockets and 6 of the cooks are from Mexico so we have readily available tutors. She is going to help one of them learn English in exchange for him helping her learn Spanish.

OJT - On the job training- she gets a credit for going to work

Fine Art- She gets a credit for her dance classes- she dances 6 hours a week- this plus the job were a big factor in deciding to homeschool. Time management and all. Plus the decline in general in the Public school system in our area.

OK Here is the KICKER:

She wanted to take PHYSICS!!!
She is very good with math. Has had Alg. 1, Alg. 2 with Trig. , Geometry and was the only 10th grader inducted in to Mu Alpha Theta. She wanted pre-cal with the home school program but they didnt offer.

But.... Mommy didnt take physics in highschool or college

So now I am a 41 year old highschool physics student. So far I have read 1/2 of chapter 1 and understand most- didnt try the math though- nurses only need basic algebra and my brain was already tired.

Any physicists or engineers out there? Or any suggestions from more seasoned homeschool moms?

 

[bebelle]

I don't what text you using but we love Dr. Jay L. Wile's science books pulished by Apologia Educational Ministries. They are very self-directed and include an email and website for help with questions or problems.