*** Homeschool List ***

[TNKBELL]

I expect this thread to pick back up soon, with school starting soon!!!
I still haven't totally put together my curriculum and have been praying for divine intervention!!!

 

[Mommy2Lots]

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[TheFlame]

I am so excited to find a HS board on my favorite website!

I HS my dd12 last year for the first time(6th grade). She was in public school k-5 and I was very disappointed. She then would have gone to a FAILING(for 4 consec. years) middle school before I pulled her out. My ds7 is still attending public school(2nd grade this year) but I will probably pull him out before the year is over. His ele. school is pretty good(small town values) but it is still a public education and I am trying to organize one child before I bring home another one. He will miss 5 days in Oct. for our WDW trip and then 4 more if we go back in Jan. and I don't think that will go over too well with the school or teacher!

Another reason we HS is that we love the freedom of going on vac. when everyone else is in school! We have 2 poultry farms and can only travel when we sell and that never coincides with holidays or the pub. school system! Also, we have found we love going places in the off season. Rates, crowds and prices are lower!

I am not very HS savvy. I didn't choose 1 Curr. last year and found I am not organized for that!

I would ask for help choosing a Curr. that my child will be excited about and I can keep on schedule.

I will still be using Horizons this year but that is the only decision I have made! Do you guys use one core Curr. or many kinds? I love to get advice and help because I am in dire need of it! (7th grade this year)

Have a great day!

 

[Denine]

We are going to be starting back up next week. We are starting Kindergarten. I am excited to teach DD how to read.
Since we finished PK in March we have been doing a music program and work books and now summer reading at the library.
We only have 4 more music lessons left. It has really mostly been exposure for her. We will do it again in a couple of years, but more in depth.

 

[Ellester]

I would ask for help choosing a Curr. that my child will be excited about and I can keep on schedule.

Welcome to our happy little post! Public middle school scares the pants off of me. We had pretty much decided that public middle school would never happen for our kids before we even considered hs'ing! Now we're entering our third year of hs'ing and there is no way I'd consider sending my kids to public middle school.

Anyhoo, we are using Sonlight this year. We did it our first year and really liked it. We took last year off to do an American Girl unit study. The kids liked it, but I think we are all looking forward to getting back to Sonlight. We use Math-U-See for math and Apologia for science. Have you been able to attend a nearby conference or curriculum fair? I've found being able to see the stuff really helps decide. At your daughter's age, I would try to have her assist in the selection process. If you get buy-in from the get go half the battle is won! I have several friends who took their kids to the curriculum fair with them to let them have a large say in what they would study next.

I would think the learning opportunities on a farm would be endless! And it is nice to be able to travel whenever without having the school board give you the evil eye!

 

[disneymom3]

Hi to the new faces and welcome to the thread!!

I have been thinking about all you guys lately and wondering how everyone's summer is going. GreatLakes--how has your new schedule worked out? Are you and the kids liking it?

We have mainly taken the summer off. There are so many great opportunities for the kids around here that we get some good stuff in and just put school on the back burner for a couple of months. The kids have gone to VBS at another church and ours is next week, DD had Girl Scout Camp, DS1 had Mad Science camp, the littlest one is involved in a weekly class for 4-6 yos, lots of park activities and my summer Bible Study where the boys come with me, DD is taking tennis lessons. And on it goes!

As of this week we are getting a little more structured. I have come up with a card/folder system. I noticed the kids were getting into the "I'm bored" and bickering mode so I decided we needed some shaking up. Each has a folder with a variety of cards in it each day. The cards are green, yellow, or red. The green cards are cards they can do as many times as they want--things like geoboard pictures, reading, solitaire, legos etc. Then they have the yellow ones which MIGHT be able to do more than once. These are chores or jobs as we call them--for instance today DS has empty all upstairs trash cans and DD has 20 min cleaning her room. They are also things like Do a science experiment, Leapster, play a game with mom, etc. They must do all of their green cards and all of their yellow cards to earn their red cards. The red cards are restricted things like gameboy, computer time, choosing a tv show of their own(i.e. DD likes cooking shows and the boys don't, youngest DS likes Blue's Clues and the bigger kids don't.) So far, it is working really well. I am going to have to come up with more green card activities though.

I am wondering if anyone has a good writing program to recommend other than Writing Strands. I am looking for something that will bring more structure to DDs writing assignments. I need suggested topics like opinion papers, informational, ideas etc. I was looking at LLATL, but her vocab, grammar and spelling are all WAY ahead of her writing skills. I need something at a 6th or 7th grade level.

 

[disneymom3]

I would ask for help choosing a Curr. that my child will be excited about and I can keep on schedule.

I will still be using Horizons this year but that is the only decision I have made! Do you guys use one core Curr. or many kinds? I love to get advice and help because I am in dire need of it! (7th grade this year)

Have a great day!

I use several different things together. I find that that allows me to meet each of the kids at the level they are at for each topic. As I posted above I am running into trouble just in getting a comprehensive LA program. For DD going into 6th grade but above that for learning, I am using Wordly Wise for vocab, Easy Grammar 56, Spelling Power and daily writing assignments that I make up. Sounds like you are good for math, but many posters have suggested Teaching Textbooks and that is what we are going to be doing this next year. We are actually going to be doing science through a new co-op we are joining. With two friends I am also writing a geography curriculum for the US that we will be doing this year both at co-op and at home. (We plan to sell it so I will let you guys know more about it when it's done.) We are using Rosetta Stone for Spanish through our public library.

For something all together, I would say a big part depends on your DD. Does she like hands on projects? If you are Christian, My Father's World has a nice mix of literature and hands on. I think it might be hard to ignore all the religion stuff if you're not though. Maybe not, I haven't looked at it with an eye for that. As mentioned above Sonlight is very popular in the homeschooling community. WinterPromise is one that seems to be shaping up well though it was not a good fit for our family last year. (Too many paperbased activities and not enough genuine hands on.) Abeka and K12 are options as well.

 

[TheFlame]

Welcome to our happy little post! Public middle school scares the pants off of me. We had pretty much decided that public middle school would never happen for our kids before we even considered hs'ing! Now we're entering our third year of hs'ing and there is no way I'd consider sending my kids to public middle school.

Anyhoo, we are using Sonlight this year. We did it our first year and really liked it. We took last year off to do an American Girl unit study. The kids liked it, but I think we are all looking forward to getting back to Sonlight. We use Math-U-See for math and Apologia for science. Have you been able to attend a nearby conference or curriculum fair? I've found being able to see the stuff really helps decide. At your daughter's age, I would try to have her assist in the selection process. If you get buy-in from the get go half the battle is won! I have several friends who took their kids to the curriculum fair with them to let them have a large say in what they would study next.

I would think the learning opportunities on a farm would be endless! And it is nice to be able to travel whenever without having the school board give you the evil eye!

Thanks so much for the encouragement! I have not considered the h/s conf. or fair, I guess I thought that my catalogs and the internet would give the same kind of info I would get there, but now I think that you are right. My dd would probably like going and LOOKING at the curr. instead of me doing all of the work and expecting her to like it.

We live above Gainesville in Gillsville(near Commerce, Ga). I saw you were from Columbus. Any info. on homeschooling in Ga would be greatly appreciated.

I used Horizons for math, SOS for science and history, a mix for lang. arts-Wordly Wise, A Reason for Handwriting, Dr. Aardsma's spelling drill and finally the dreaded Easy Grammar & Daily Grams(needless to say we hated this!) I did my own curr. for Bible study and want a more structured program this year! I wonder if part of our problem is too many different kinds of material? I was afraid to choose one kind and be stuck with it! I think my mindset is still in public school mode with everything structured and graded. I wish I could change this but I don't know how?

I am afraid of not doing what she needs for her grade level and her falling behind.......but, behind who? I don't really know what I need now besides advice except maybe time to see what works for us!

What are you kids ages and grade levels? How do you set up your curr. and your daily work schedule? I have so many questions! I feel like this is my first year again!

Maybe you guys can help ease my fears! I just want to not fail my child. Public school already did that and I couldn't mess up any worse than they did! At least I have the comfort of knowing that I am going in the right direction with God at my side. Now if He would only choose the curr. and make her want to learn!

God bless you and thanks for the advice and hopefully future advice to come!

 

[Brier Rose]

Hi Everyone!!

Hope you all are enjoying your summer!

It's that time of year again where we all start picking out curriculum for the coming school year. (do we ever REALLY stop tho?)

DD will be starting 9th grade this year, so I'm feeling the pressure more than usual to choose the "right" things.

I've been looking over the requirements for several of the colleges that she is interested in, and have a question I hope maybe you all can help with.

For Science..she is required to have a ....Life Science with Lab, and a Physical Science with Lab.

We are using an online school called Keystone National High School, and they do offer a Biology Lab..but only at 1/2 credit.

Any ideas how I can make sure I meet the requirements?

 

[TheFlame]

I use several different things together. I find that that allows me to meet each of the kids at the level they are at for each topic. As I posted above I am running into trouble just in getting a comprehensive LA program. For DD going into 6th grade but above that for learning, I am using Wordly Wise for vocab, Easy Grammar 56, Spelling Power and daily writing assignments that I make up. Sounds like you are good for math, but many posters have suggested Teaching Textbooks and that is what we are going to be doing this next year. We are actually going to be doing science through a new co-op we are joining. With two friends I am also writing a geography curriculum for the US that we will be doing this year both at co-op and at home. (We plan to sell it so I will let you guys know more about it when it's done.) We are using Rosetta Stone for Spanish through our public library.


It sounds like I am kinda doing what you are. Mixed-up! I did it for the same reasons. In public school she was all A's and B's and them she comes home to school and I find according to Horizons prep. test she is a grade level behind in math!
Then I realize she can't spell very well or even write a decent paragraph let alone a book report! She didn't learn anything in lang. arts for the past 5 years of public school! We hated Easy Grammar and that is my struggle this year. If I don't go with one kind of curr. then Grammar is my biggest worry. I like Wordly Wise and the spelling drill cd. She needs to relearn the basics- grammar, punc. and basic writing skills! HELP! Thank goodness she loves to read and does that really well! Her book reports were another story!

Can you guys(Ellester & Disneymom3) give me a run down of your Curr. choices, the subjects you will cover this year and your grade level?

Thanks so much!

 

[Ellester]

TheFlame: Always a pleasure to meet a fellow Georgia homeschooler! And, you are in luck! You missed the GHEA conference in May, but there is another one coming up in a few weeks you might be interested in: http://www.georgiahomeschool.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=15 It's closer to you too (the other one is down by the Atl. airport, this one is in Cobb Co.). As far as Georgia advice, just make sure your attendance is sent in each month! I actually scan and e-mail mine so it's not too much of a pain. This is our first year in Georgia (we were in NC before that) so I'm not sure but I think we have to file another "Notice of Intent" this fall. I have to ask some veterans though.

My girls are 9 and almost 6 and my little guy is 3. The girls are going into 4th and 1st. Sonlight lays their curriculum out day by day, so we use their schedule. Last year with our unit study, I just planned ahead week by week. On Mondays I give my older dd a sheet listing what needs to be accomplished for the week. I find she does much better knowing what's expected for the week. Otherwise I would get her constant negotiating: "can I do double math tomorrow if we skip it today? if I do all my workbook today, can I have the rest of the week off? etc." With the sheet she can manage her own "seat work" with minimal direction from me. I do have say on when we do the "mom led" work. Since my younger dd can't read well yet, I just tell her what we're doing when (she's also a more compliant child when it comes to school, at least so far!). I try to get the day started by 9 or so and then we're usually done by lunch time.

You will not fail your child. You are doing the best thing possible for her education! If you don't belong to a local homeschool group, I would highly recommend finding one. The GHEA site lists four in Hall county. (I should have known you're near Gainesville since you mentioned the poultry farm!) My local groups are invaluable in terms of advice, support, and good ole' friendship. It's nice to talk to other moms who don't look at you like you have three eyes when you mention homeschooling! Are there any other homeschoolers in your church? You can always start your own informal group if there are no good fits available.

Glad to see this thread on the first page again!

 

[TheFlame]

I use several different things together. I find that that allows me to meet each of the kids at the level they are at for each topic. As I posted above I am running into trouble just in getting a comprehensive LA program. For DD going into 6th grade but above that for learning, I am using Wordly Wise for vocab, Easy Grammar 56, Spelling Power and daily writing assignments that I make up. Sounds like you are good for math, but many posters have suggested Teaching Textbooks and that is what we are going to be doing this next year. We are actually going to be doing science through a new co-op we are joining. With two friends I am also writing a geography curriculum for the US that we will be doing this year both at co-op and at home. (We plan to sell it so I will let you guys know more about it when it's done.) We are using Rosetta Stone for Spanish through our public library.

For something all together, I would say a big part depends on your DD. Does she like hands on projects? If you are Christian, My Father's World has a nice mix of literature and hands on. I think it might be hard to ignore all the religion stuff if you're not though. Maybe not, I haven't looked at it with an eye for that. As mentioned above Sonlight is very popular in the homeschooling community. WinterPromise is one that seems to be shaping up well though it was not a good fit for our family last year. (Too many paperbased activities and not enough genuine hands on.) Abeka and K12 are options as well.

I am reposting this because I don't know what I am doing! I am just learning how to post so please have patience with me!

It sounds like I am kinda doing what you are. Mixed-up! I did it for the same reasons. In public school she was all A's and B's and them she comes home to school and I find according to Horizons prep. test she is a grade level behind in math!
Then I realize she can't spell very well or even write a decent paragraph let alone a book report! She didn't learn anything in lang. arts for the past 5 years of public school! We hated Easy Grammar and that is my struggle this year. If I don't go with one kind of curr. then Grammar is my biggest worry. I like Wordly Wise and the spelling drill cd. She needs to relearn the basics- grammar, punc. and basic writing skills! HELP! Thank goodness she loves to read and does that really well!
Her book reports were another story!

Can you guys(Ellester & Disneymom3) give me a run down of your Curr. choices, the subjects you will cover this year and your grade level?

Thanks so much!

 

[Ellester]

Didn't know if you guys had seen this. "Better Late Than Early" should be required reading for every homeschooler!


Notification of Death
Dr. Raymond S. Moore


Dr. Raymond S. Moore passed away Friday, July 13, 2007, at the age of 91 after having suffered a massive stroke on Father’s Day. He is survived by his wife Bernice Reid Moore; brother Charles and two sisters Loraine Webster and Helena Reid; son Dennis Moore; and daughter Kathie Moore Kordenbrock, her husband and three sons.

Over the past several decades Dr. Raymond & Dorothy Moore (deceased) were known and loved as homeschooling pioneers. Together they authored numerous books on homeschooling. Raymond was a missionary, a world traveler, lecturer, author, educator, and a consummate gentleman. His highest goal was to serve God as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. His family and friends knew him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend.

Two memorial services are planned in celebration of his life:

August 11, 2007, 4:00 p.m. Tentative
Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church
10501 SE Market Street, Portland, OR 97216-2951
(503) 252-8080

August 18, 2007, 4:00 p.m.
Central Seventh-day Adventist Church
6045 Camellia Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 457-6511

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Raymond S. & Dorothy N. Moore Memorial Scholarship Fund at Weimar Institute, Weimar, CA 95736.

“…for them that honor Me I will honor…” I Samuel 2:30

It is at times like these that our hope of heaven is so sweet.

 

[disneymom3]

I am reposting this because I don't know what I am doing! I am just learning how to post so please have patience with me!

It sounds like I am kinda doing what you are. Mixed-up! I did it for the same reasons. In public school she was all A's and B's and them she comes home to school and I find according to Horizons prep. test she is a grade level behind in math!
Then I realize she can't spell very well or even write a decent paragraph let alone a book report! She didn't learn anything in lang. arts for the past 5 years of public school! We hated Easy Grammar and that is my struggle this year. If I don't go with one kind of curr. then Grammar is my biggest worry. I like Wordly Wise and the spelling drill cd. She needs to relearn the basics- grammar, punc. and basic writing skills! HELP! Thank goodness she loves to read and does that really well!
Her book reports were another story!

Can you guys(Ellester & Disneymom3) give me a run down of your Curr. choices, the subjects you will cover this year and your grade level?

Thanks so much!

If she didn't like Easy Grammar--we do but didn't do the Daily Drills--you might look into Grammar Tales. It is a more fun format that I think I will use with my boys. Another one that a lot of people seem to like is Writing STrands for writing. DD didn't because the guy kind of writes in a way that he is being funny and DD did NOT think he was funny! She thought he was a dork. So that didn't work out too well. I am going to be spending some time on Amazon tonight and will let you all know if I find anything that looks promising.

For the year DD is doing
US Geography/Social Studies (created by Journey Through Learning)
Math 7--Teaching Textbooks
Meet the Masters Level 2 for Art Appreciation
Language Arts:
Easy Grammar
Wordly Wise
McGraw Hill Reading 6
And something or other for writing.....
For science she is doing this through our new co-op as well as Journalism and an elective of either art or mechanical engineering the first semester and drama or woodworking the second semester.
Phy ed is done at co-op as well as gymnastics weekly.
For music she takes piano and we listen to this series called The Lives of the composers that all the kids really like.

Meandtheboys also has older kids and I am sure she will be along here soon and can also give you some feedback. We also have a couple of veteran homeschoolers that check in from time to time and are great about giving suggestions, ideas and support.

 

[TheFlame]

Julie- Thanks so much for the post! Your information was invaluable!

I have never even thought to look on Amazon for HS materials. Where do I start?

 

[meandtheguys2]

Ellester, thank you for posting that information. Dr. Moore's book was the first I read when considering homeschooling. We didn't follow everything in his books, but the basic information has served us well.

 

[disneydreamin-gang]

I have not checked on here for awhile. Homeschooling for 16 years and amtaking a new direction this year. Have any of you used Charlotte Mason Method before? It's new to me but I think it will work better for my 2 little ones with ADD/ADHD, bipolar and one with PDD.
Any helpful hints would be great. It kinda scares me a little to walk out in new territory.

 

[graygables]

re-checking back in ourselves. We have decided to leave e-schooling (too many constraints on our time) and are reverting to traditional homeschooling. Because of the way our lives are at the moment, we went with Switched On Schoolhouse for this year, which I'm hoping isn't a huge mistake. DDs are both very computer-oriented and do well with learning most things on their own. It is a bit of a shock to our system, though, having to pay for everything ourselves now. Too bad there isn't a tax break for people who choose to homeschool...

 

[disneymom3]

Ellester, thank you for posting that information. Dr. Moore's book was the first I read when considering homeschooling. We didn't follow everything in his books, but the basic information has served us well.

Hey I knew you would be along soon. TheFlame needs help with older kid stuff. Have any ideas for her?

Ellester--I too wanted to say thanks. The Better Late Than Never book saved my sanity last year. I had not heard about his death. What a wonderful contribution he made!

 

[Blackunicorn]

re-checking back in ourselves. We have decided to leave e-schooling (too many constraints on our time) and are reverting to traditional homeschooling. Because of the way our lives are at the moment, we went with Switched On Schoolhouse for this year, which I'm hoping isn't a huge mistake. DDs are both very computer-oriented and do well with learning most things on their own. It is a bit of a shock to our system, though, having to pay for everything ourselves now. Too bad there isn't a tax break for people who choose to homeschool...

We were just considering e-schooling, but the strict schedule was one of our concerns. Bleh...I was really hoping to just have an easy year where someone else put together the curriculum...