*** Homeschool List ***

[learnhome]

I would be very interested, count me in!!! I am on my 5th year of homeschooling. I have three children, ages 11, 8 and 5........and, we are planning our very first family trip to Disney for January 2007.......OH I cannot wait

Chris

 

[WeLuvDisney05]

Hi! Another homeschooling family here! We have 2 dd's. We are wrapping up our 2nd "official" year. I independently HSed my 6 yo for K last yr & this year we were a part of the Florida Virtual Academy. Next year my 4 (almost 5 yo) will be thrown into the mix (we're going to try the virtual academy with her as well). It's nice to see so many other Disney luvin' homeschoolin' families out there!!!

~Kristi

 

[Denine]

I thought I had decdied that I was going to use Calvert. I had done a lot of research. But, I received the Sonlight catalog yesterday and I like it too. I even looked at their website and decided that it wasn't for use.

I have a couple of questions:

1. Are any of you that use SL Catholic? I don't know how the evangelical Christian approach is different. I am certain I would have to supplement this area.

2. With Calvert, you can get transcripts and records that you would need. How does this work with SL?

As you can tell, I am brand new to this. I am going to start pre-k with DD in the Fall. I don't think I am going to use a boxed curriculum, but I did like the book selection in SL.


Another question. When is DD going to sit still long enough to read to her? She is 3-1/2. I am lucky if I can read to her for 5 minutes without her playing and not listening. I do read to her before her nap and before bed, but she won't let me any other time. Am I just expecting too much from a 3yo?

Bumping in hopes of getting an answer.

 

[jaycns]

Denine,

Welcome to the wacky, sometimes pull your hair out hard but always WONDERFUL world of home schooling!

I don't have any information about the publishers you asked about.

However, I have been home schooling my boys for the past five years (OH MY...have I really been at it that long ) and wanted to offer a few suggestions.

First of all for pre-K none of my boys really did anything much more than to listen to great stories (both modern kids books with pictures and sometimes very silly themes) and the classics (like the original Peter Pan and The Jungle Book among many others). Along with the books we also do a lot of math manipulative work. Not written math skills but learning the fundamentals through the use of counting bears, tangrams, shape sets, etc. When my kids are about 4 (and they show the interest) we start using Saxon K math. It's very easy and again, heavy in the "move three more bears into the line for the slide, now how many bears are waiting".

My youngest just turned 5 a few weeks ago so I plan to start him with K work next year. However, he is doing a few things this year. I do the above mentioned Saxon K with him (we have been doing it for about 3 months now) every other week day. We also let him join in on fun science experiments and I encourage him to listen in when we do history (although it is not required and he rarely does so). For the most part I just try and have lot of educational toys around for him to play with. Puzzles, art sets, board games, sewing with yarn cards, etc. I think that is all most 3/4 year olds need (there are exceptions and if your child is one of them, you more than anyone will know that).

As far as making time for reading with my youngest I have his "book basket" (it's just a small wicker basket **about the size of an Easter basket** that I got from Walmart) and every night I fill it with three books and he picks an additional three books to add to the basket (when he wanted to read The Giving Tree every single day for two weeks we did). I usually pick books that are children's book classics, deal with a theme we are talking about (like dinosaurs or Easter) or are suggested reading for that age group. He is free to chose anything his little heart desires (I want to inspire a lifetime love of books). Each day we read every book in the basket. Some days it takes a bit more time...some days we zip right through. The rule in our home is that his basket has to be empty by the end of the day when it is time to pick the books for tomorrow. By using a basket, Dad can grab a book and read it to him, his older brother can read to him, and I can see just how much progress we are making each day.

As far as carving out time to work on long books with no pictures (we are currently reading the original Jungle Book) we established a special time in the day where all of the boys sit down, grab a snack and listen as I read. I usually read about 15-20 minutes each day. My youngest is allowed to have Legos or a sketch pad with him but he must be silent and he has to be able to tell me what is going on in the story if I ask him. Our family has come to cherish the time when we sit down together and read. We usually do it in either mid afternoon or mid morning.

I know it doesn't really help you on the curriculum end of things...but in my opinion (and again only you know what your child needs so I am speaking of my kids and others I know) at 3 and 1/2 the best curriculum is to start to spark their curiosity and work on a few of the fundamentals along the way if they show an interest with good books, some math manipulatives and a bunch of fun learning toys/games/projects.

Good luck...you will find the things that are just your teaching style and your child's learning style. If you are anything like me you won't find them on your first try or even your second...but in time everything will fall in place! GOOD LUCK!!

PS we really like the Sonlight readers and have many friends who are very pleased with that program.

 

[mello]

We love SL's books! We've been using them since oldest ds was 7 and younger ds was 5. I'd definitely use their pre-k program. We've got a just-turned-3yo right now, and she likes to look at books, and be read to, but her attention span is still really short. We'll likely gather up books I'd like to have read to her and put them in a basket next school year, but that will be the extent of her schooling til she's 4 or so. She likes to do her "table work" (coloring) when she sees the boys doing theirs, but of course it only lasts a few minutes. When she's 4 I'll probably get the SL pre-k workbooks and let her begin slowly working through them in very small increments, but again, nothing very formal. There are some neat Montessori materials out there for 3-4-5yo's too, and I've been collecting a few of those - sandpaper letters & numbers & counters, matching games, etc. so we can start playing some learning games with her. Role playing - house, dolls, etc., and art - playdough, painting, sidewalk chalk, etc. are all preschool too.

Just wanted to say that one of the most enjoyable things in life was sitting with my younger son when he was 5-6yo and learning to read. It was so much fun being there when that lightbulb came on and he could suddenly read! That was when I knew that homeschooling was worth it.

PS: I know there are families who are Catholic on the SL forums, you could ask about that there, but offhand I'd say it shouldn't be a problem at all. Catholics are Christians after all!!! I'd say that most of the materials aren't overt Christian doctrine per se anyway. There is at least one story of about a different missionary at each level, and the history has ideas and themes relating to various religions that you would want to discuss with your child. During the middle ages there's content relating to Martin Luther and the split between Protestants and Catholics. For me, it really helped explain the similarities and differences, and why it all came about. I think it was good for my kids to realize that we share a common heritage. And, we're not there yet, but at the high school level I believe there's a research project or something where you choose to delve into protestantism or catholicism? I know I've noticed books relating to each. Definitely check out the SL forums for more answers on this.

Welcome to homeschooling, and feel free to pm me if you have any other questions about SL!

 

[disneymom3]

Denine, I answered you awhile back when you were trying to figure out a curriculum choice for your DD that I would not go with ANY formal curriculum for preschool. And actually I wouldn't even do one for K either. It is just not necessary and NOT worth the money IMO. I think you have a lot of time to think about this before you make any decisions. Try doing a search for discussion groups of each curriculum you are considering but be wary that most people on those discussions LOVE their curriculum and it might be more confusing than a help!!

As for reading, have you taken DD to a library storytime. There are some out there with awesom librarians who really bring the story to life. Then you can get the same books or similar books and try reading them at home. I think it is very much to expect a 3 yo to sit and listen to a regular book without pictures. My famous story is that when DD was in K she was reading chapter books at about a third gr level. She went to the library at school and checked out a book and when she went to renew it got in trouble because the librarian said Kers couldn't check out anything but picture books. Now, while that was a stupid restriction, it does bring up the point that exposure to picture books for a good long time is what little ones need. My 4.5 yo is just starting to get to the point where he will actually sit and listen to books like Magic Treehouse or A to Z Mysteries. He is in the room when I read the History and Science books for the older two, but he is usually doing a puzzle, Legos, etc. As the above poster stated, he just has to stay quiet. And he does remember more than I expect most times.

I was not aware that Sonlight actually taught religion. I just thought it was from a Christian worldview. I know there are a few really good Catholic programs out there. A friend of mine used one and she and I are going to a homeschooling conference this weekend so I will ask her what it is.

 

[ptrbryant]

We've used St. Thomas Aquinas Academy (they're in California) for our Catholic homeschool curriculum for the past five years---love them! They tailor the curriculum to the individual child's strengths and weaknesses, you can call and talk to an advisor any day about any question whatsoever and, while we just have one child, one of their specialties is bringing children of different ages together for the day's studies.

Two other Catholc homeschool curriculum services that I've always heard good things about are The Kolbe Academy and Seton Homeschool...if you do a search, you can check out each of the websites, inc. St. Thomas Aquinas'.

Feel free to pm me if you have any more questions!

Karla B.

 

[Denine]

Thanks for everyones input!

I had no intention of doing a pre-k program and probably won't. I just like the books that SL was offering. DD gets to pick her naptime story and we have a 365 bedtime story book that we read at night. She loves to color and is actually pretty good at staying in the lines. I haven't taken her to story time at the library because it is at naptime. She really needs that nap! She loves her sidewalk chalk and bubbles. We do simple math with objects around the house. I just really want her to sit and listen to stories. I am an avid reader, when I have the time.

When does all this get less confusing?!

Now that it is getting nice out and we can go for walks, we point out things in nature.. the different kinds of birds and their names, the leaves and trees and everything else. She is going to help me plant a garden this year and help care for it. Can't wait to go to WDW in 2 weeks. There we can point out the different countries and foods.

I will have to check out the Catholic HS sites. I have looked at Seton and that was a bit much for me. I am not Catholic, DH is and we are raising DD Catholic. I am Protestant, but am considering converting.

I should mention that DD likes books and often has one in bed with her, she just doesn't want to be read to. She is starting to write her ABC's. We tell her if she wants to read she needs to learn them.

DH likes Calvert better because it is more "traditional". I liked what I saw in SL because it didn't use traditional textbooks. I never did well in history unless I was learning it in a story. I have actually learned more history as an adult reading historical novels.

I know I have time to do research and make a decision.

Isn't there a book that describes all the different HS programs available? I can't remember what it is called or who wrote it.

 

[jaycns]

Denine,
HAVE FUN AT DISNEY!! You are right, Disney is a great classroom! Honestly, my kids learn so much at all of the parks (well MK might be pushing it, but they learn what magic is there ). We are the kind of family that stops and does everything (which is why we need at least two days at each park one day to "learn" and one to go ride crazy).

If your dd loves books you really might want to take another look at Sonlight. Another book I would reccomend is A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver De Mille and The Well Trained Mind by Bauer/Wise. You can find a lot of information at their site. www.peacehillpress.com

Another good idea is to get a homeschool catalog like Rainbow Resource
http://www.rainbowresource.com/index.php

A good "starting off" book (and this may be more what you are looking for) is Mary Pride's Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling.

Another great catalog is Love to Learn www.lovetolearn.net The family that puts this catalog out writes reviews up for each and every item and really does take the time to review them personally. I have learned a lot by just shopping that catalog!

Good luck in whatever you chose! It's a grand adventure!

 

[ptrbryant]

I second the recommendation for Rainbow Resources...it's incredible! A bit overwhelming at first, but it has reviews on all their products and it's as thick as a metropolitan phone book!

Both DH and I are converts to Catholicism and we also thought Seton was a bit too much...St. Thomas' is very creative, hands-on and classical-based. We've covered Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and, this year, Ancient Rome in amazing depth for the grade levels---and it's been fun! They also have an epmphasis on the fine arts--in addition to the usual reading, writing and math.

Good luck and try to enjoy getting things all set-up! Remember, you can always adjust things as you go---one of the benefits of not offering a "cookie-cutter" education.

Karla B.

 

[Denine]

Thanks again. I am waiting till Rainbow comes out with their new catalog in June. I have more curriculum catalogs to send for. I am glad I have the time, but I almost want to get started now even though DD is not ready! I am also glad we can try different things.

I just got Debra Bell's book on Homeschooling and there was a part in there about learning styles. I have read other things, but this actually made sense. I could easily identify mine, DH's and DD's learning styles and they are all differnt. DD is the first one described, "I dare you to teach me", can't remember the name right now, but it explains very much why DD won't sit long enough for me to read to her. I am going to see if I can find the book she referenced.

Also can't wait for WDW so DD can get out and run and do and have fun!

 

[jaycns]

Have fun exploring the catalogs! Don't forget to order your free Love To Learn catalog...it's my very favorite!!

 

[Jesussavedme]

Please add me to your list, this is great!
I've homeschooled at Disney MANY times! Epcot is invaluable for geography!!!!!

Will be homeschooling my 2 year old,
used to homeschool my 13 year old.

 

[Jesussavedme]

Hope you all enjoy this...very cute!

You Know You're A Homeschool Mom When...

You get to change more than diapers, you get to change their minds.

When a child busts a lip, and after seeing she's okay, you round up some scotch tape to capture some blood and look at it under the microscope!

You find dead animals and actually consider saving them to dissect later.

Your children never ever leave the "why?" stage.

When your teenager decides to take one community college course, and comes home and asks you why the teacher wrote "At" on his paper. (A+)

You ask for, and get, a copier instead of a diamond tennis bracelet for your wedding anniversary.

Your kids think reading history is best accomplished while lying on the floor with their head resting on the side of their patient dog.

Your husband can walk in at the end of a long day and tell how the science experiment went just by looking at the house.

You never have to drive your child's forgotten lunch to school.

Your child will never suffer the embarrassment of group showers after PE.

The only debate about the school lunch program is whose turn it is to cook.

You never have to face the dilemna of whether to take your child's side or the teacher's side in a dispute at school.

If your child get's drugs at school, it's probably Tylenol.

Your neighbors think you are insane.

Your kids learn new vocabulary from their extensive collection of "Calvin & Hobbes" books.

Your formal dining room now has a computer, copy machine, and many book shelves and there are educational posters and maps all over the walls.

You have meal worms growing in a container....on purpose.

If you get caught talking to yourself, you can claim you're having a PTA meeting.

Talking out loud to yourself is a parent/teacher conference.

You take off for a teacher in-service day because the principal needs clean underwear.

You can't make it through a movie without pointing out the historical inaccuracies.

You step on math manipulatives on your pre-dawn stumble to the bathroom.

The teacher gets to kiss the principal in the faculty lounge and no one gossips.

Your honor student can actually read the bumper sticker that you have put on your car.

If your child claims that the dog ate his homework, you can ask the dog.

Some day your children will consider you to be a miracle-working expert and will turn to you for advice.

Your kids refer to the neighbor kids as "government school inmates."

You can't make it through the grocery produce department without asking your preschooler the name and color of every vegetable.

You can't put your produce in your cart without asking your older student to estimate it's weight and verify accuracy.

You live in a one-house schoolroom.

 

[learnhome]

Another great catalog is Love to Learn www.lovetolearn.net The family that puts this catalog out writes reviews up for each and every item and really does take the time to review them personally. I have learned a lot by just shopping that catalog!

I AGREE!! This is a great catalogue!! Also, if you like Love to Learn, you will probably like TIMBERDOODLE!! They are very similar, and I love the educational games and thinking games they have to offer!!

Oh, BTW - My name is Chris, and I am a homeschooling mom to three kiddos ages 11, 8 and 5. I have been homeschooling for 5 years, and I LOVE IT!! I am a relaxed homeschooler - not totally unschooler (although, lately we look like unschoolers!!) I've used miquon math (which is just amazing, and sold for a very low price at timberdoodle) and Singapore math, again, a great program for a low price.I also love Teach YOUR CHILD TO READ IN 100 EASY LESSONS! This uses the DISTAR method of reading, and It is a few minutes a day sitting with your child on your lap! YOUR CHILD WILL BE READING BY A THIRD GRADE LEVEL upon completion! It is amazing. Of course, nothing works the same for every child. But, I liked it very well!! phonics pathways is another great program, History of the World (all volumes) and FIAR (for my littlest, she loves to read!!) The boys love anything Captain Underpants - or magazines, and reading is reading to me - I am involved in our local homeschooling organization, and we do many co-op classes, letterboxing, field trips, gym classes, etc.!! I believe nature is the best classroom!! We are planning our first FAMILY trip to Disney for Jan 13, 2007 (I've been before, well - a million years ago as a child )
I can't wait! My copy of The Passporter came a few days ago, and I am even MORE excited (if that is possible) - actually, I think I am more excited than my kids!!

It is nice to meet all my fellow homeschoolers

Chris

 

[learnhome]

You Know You're A Homeschool Mom When...
Your neighbors think you are insane.

Your kids learn new vocabulary from their extensive collection of "Calvin & Hobbes" books.

Your formal dining room now has a computer, copy machine, and many book shelves and there are educational posters and maps all over the walls.

You have meal worms growing in a container....on purpose.

You live in a one-house schoolroom.

STILL LAUGHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris!!!!

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

Jesussavedme- THAT WAS GREAT!!!!

 

[Denine]

Loved the you know you're a homeschool mom...!

I ordered so many catalogs yesterday that I don't even remember which ones!

I will look at the latest links.

Lets see, Epcot= world geography and social studies and history and arts and crafts (kidcot stops) and some science
Animal Kingdom= science
MGM= art appreciation
Magic Kingdom= PE (running to all the rides)

Can anyone tell I'm excited to go in less than 2 weeks?

 

[disneymom3]

"Government school inmates"......

Okay so, last fall the day after we pulled DD back out of school to return home, we were going to the Renneisance Festival as a family for education day. On the way there we saw our local school bus on its way to the school. I was feeling a bit snarky and said, "Oh, look. Those poooor children have to go to school and sit in a classsroom all day while WE get to go to the Ren Fest." On the way there, we saw several busses and every single one my youngest would say, "Oh those poor poor children." He was only three at the time and it just came out so funny and he was so sincere.


Loved the rest of the list too!

 

[Denine]

What are your must-have books about homeschooling?