*** Homeschool List ***

[Denine]

Thanks for the info. I was just curious. Most likely, I will not keep the pre-k manual. I am thinking about using SL when DD is older. Right now, I like the pre-k program and the K program that calvert offers.

 

[seven dwarfs]

Just joining. We homeschool our kids! Last year was my first year. My twins are 6. This year my triplets start pre-k! We use Bob Jones sat program. Love it so far. Lots of work but great for the kids.

 

[5disneyfreaks]

I would like to join this list. I have three children that I homeschool. I use Switched on Schoolhouse for the older two and different types for the youngest. She is going into 4th grade and is legally blind. The other two are going into 10th and 8th grade.
I am looking forward to going back and reading all the info listed here.
I hope everyone has a magical day.

 

[5disneyfreaks]

Just joining. We homeschool our kids! Last year was my first year. My twins are 6. This year my triplets start pre-k! We use Bob Jones sat program. Love it so far. Lots of work but great for the kids.

You Go!

 

[jaycns]

Welcome to all of the new faces that have stopped by recently! I love this thread!! It's a bit of fun mixed up with bit of inspiration and a few very good suggestions all in one!

 

[Denine]

Just received the Winter Promise catalog yesterday. I only looked at it some, but it looks like a neat program. It is similar to SL in that it uses real books but it also adds the fun activities. I need to look through it more. You buy a core curriculum and then add on LA and math.

Twins and triplets?????? More power to you!

 

[disneymom3]

Denine--I have heard really good things about Winterpromise.

I am still on my quest to figure out how I am going to do Colonial History for all three of my kids. I have found some good stuff aimed at 5th grade and particularly like the looks of the K12 program but think the boys would be bored. So far I am planning my own unit but am struggling with it.

I got DDs math for next year, and it looks hard but interesting--Everyday Mathematics. I think she is going to like it. Pretty soon I am going to list the stuff I am done with on ebay. I have heard they are getting picky about the whole teacher's manual thing though. LIttle worried about that.

Anyone have any resources for kids info on Yellowstone? We are going in Sept and I have a couple of websites we have done and a Kids Nat'l Geographic we got this last year but am not finding much. We did a long unit on volcanoes last year and the kids are very excited about the animals we will see. I am looking for anything about the history, geography and the animals like tracking, lifestyles etc.

 

[4kidsandadog]

I'm interested!

 

[Kewz1]

Can anyone tell me what the first book we read in Core 5 is? I haven't gotten my Instructor's Guide yet and I'm trying to get organized. Haha!

Thanks!

Kristen

 

[Denine]

Glad to hear about Winterpromise. It seems a lot of people combine it with SL. That seems like a lot of money to me! I only have one child and will not be needing any curriculum for more. I guess if you have several children it is not as bad. It looks like Winterpromise covers 3 grade levels at a time with each core.

 

[4chitlins]

I would be interested in getting info about homeschooling my kids

 

[disneymom3]

Denine--no kidding! That would be very expensive!

4chitlins--the best place to start would be by doing a search for homeschooling laws in your state. That way you can learn the laws, etc for where you live. The next thing I did when looking into this, was to go to Yahoo and find a local web group that could offer support, encouragement and answer questions. Why are you looking into it? How long have you been considering homeschooling?

 

[jaycns]

What is Winterpromise? And how did I ever miss hearing about something to homeschool with? I thought I had heard of them all (maybe not actually touched it or even know anybody who did but at least heard of it).


4CHITLINS,

DISNEYMOM3 had some great advice for a starting point for investigating home schooling your kids. The only thing I would add to it is just jump right in and start asking questions. No question is too dumb or too minor or too big. Most homeschoolers that I know are more than happy to talk your ear off about what has and has not worked for them, why they homeschool, what they like to use to teach each subject, their co-ops, etc, etc, etc!! **As long as the reason for the person asking is not to judge them (not that you are doing that, just the only way I have seen otherwise helpful women clam up fast as can be)**

 

[rjthkids]

I would like to join this list. I have three children that I homeschool. I use Switched on Schoolhouse for the older two and different types for the youngest. She is going into 4th grade and is legally blind.

Hey 5Disneyfreaks,

I couldn't help but see your post and want to respond! My daughter is also blind and we homeschool. Not too many homeschoolers with blind children, I'd love to pick your brain, as my daughter is younger than yours (kindergarten age this year).

Does your daughter read braille or is she reading print? I'm starting to really mine for some good curriculum that specifically teaches to the best way that makes sense for uncontracted braille, not just brailling phonics books etc. into braille. I'd love to hear any resources you've used!

 

[GotFids]

Count me in! I home school my 10 y/o daughter. This is her 2nd year through our public school system. They supply all the curriculum, administer state tests and keep her documents. They also offer classes that she can attend for getting together with other home schoolers. I'm so glad I found them and now this thread!

 

[Belle5]

Has anyone here ever read "Government Nannies" by Cathy Duffy?

Does anyone else worry about letting the government into our homeschools? I worry that what is offered as "assistance" to homeschoolers my be a foot in the door to coming in and taking over. I do believe that the "veteren" homeschoolers tend to be much more cautious than those who have more recently decided to homeschool. I think we remember the things that the schools were doing to the families in the 80's.

Flame suit donned...anyone?

 

[4kidsandadog]

Oh yes... I am very wary of gov't "help." The less "help," the less I have to worry about unwanted control/interference. Call me paranoid. I guess I would classify as a "veteran," since my oldest is 14 and has never attended school (but she is starting her freshman year at a Christian school this fall).

 

[OceanAnnie]

I am still on my quest to figure out how I am going to do Colonial History for all three of my kids. I have found some good stuff aimed at 5th grade and particularly like the looks of the K12 program but think the boys would be bored. So far I am planning my own unit but am struggling with it.

I got DDs math for next year, and it looks hard but interesting--Everyday Mathematics. I think she is going to like it. Pretty soon I am going to list the stuff I am done with on ebay. I have heard they are getting picky about the whole teacher's manual thing though. LIttle worried about that.

Hi Julie, I saw a cartoon series by Disney on Colonial times. I haven't seen it in awhile. It was done well and was interesting. If it still comes on it could be a fun way explore the topic.

Here's a list of books on Colonial times (scattered titles apply throughout) on this website: http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/recommended/social_studies/bk_PreK-2.shtm

HTH!

 

[GotFids]

Belle5: I understand how you would be concerned about government involvement, but as a somewhat educated mother, I realized that I had a choice in my child's education. I looked into all the other homeschool methods and felt a bit out of my league. I'm not a teacher by profession, and having the utmost respect for teachers, I didn't feel qualified to go it alone. The program we are in is actually a group of christian teachers (the school district doesn't seem to care) that allow you to either use your own curriculum, or theirs. Many of the families use bible based teachings and many make up their own. As long as we provide them with 2 pages of work per subject each month, that's all they request. Quite a lot of families are practicing muslims and feel much more welcome there than at regular public schools. No one is being forced to study any single set of materials. If that is the big bad "government help" that was being referred to, then I'll take it, with pleasure.

 

[disneydude]