*** Homeschool List ***

[merryweather's twin]

Well I have a few more questions. We looked at alot of programs online for 7th grade. It is so hard to tell what you are getting without seeing it. I went to the review website and read them all for every company out there. I also read every page of this thread for ideas.
I like Glencoe but DS did not. I would like to see which of the 5-7 programs we have it narrowed down to you all who have tried a few like the best.Or if you think something else is better. I want to try to go with one company this year but am open to any suggestions.
A Beka (online reviews seem good)

Life Pac (seems like most parents use this around here but the reviews online stink)
A2( DH found this and loves books so this is his pick but it worries me)

Rod and Staff (Good reviews online)

American Publishing work texts (seem most like what I used before, but is it enuff?)

Basic not boring workbooks (with the A2)or some other reading

A Time for Learning (with workbooks for other subjects)

I would like to keep it under $300 to start. (We have a WDW trip coming up on the 31st if this month and this is a last minute decision. )LOL.
I have also looked at Math U See and Easy Grammar but need help with all the other subjects if I go that way.
Sorry for asking for help over and over but the local support group is less than supportive due to my 3 girls being in public school. And we need to order quick to start soon.
As for requirements we live in Mo and have to do 1000 hours 600 in the 5 basic subjects and keep a time log and a daily plan. I think we need to be able to show some daily work if requested and progress yearly if requested.
Thanks Bobbie

 

[Lora]

Well I have a few more questions. We looked at alot of programs online for 7th grade. It is so hard to tell what you are getting without seeing it. I went to the review website and read them all for every company out there. I also read every page of this thread for ideas.
I like Glencoe but DS did not. I would like to see which of the 5-7 programs we have it narrowed down to you all who have tried a few like the best.Or if you think something else is better. I want to try to go with one company this year but am open to any suggestions.
A Beka (online reviews seem good)

Life Pac (seems like most parents use this around here but the reviews online stink)
A2( DH found this and loves books so this is his pick but it worries me)

Rod and Staff (Good reviews online)

American Publishing work texts (seem most like what I used before, but is it enuff?)

Basic not boring workbooks (with the A2)or some other reading

A Time for Learning (with workbooks for other subjects)

I would like to keep it under $300 to start. (We have a WDW trip coming up on the 31st if this month and this is a last minute decision. )LOL.
I have also looked at Math U See and Easy Grammar but need help with all the other subjects if I go that way.
Sorry for asking for help over and over but the local support group is less than supportive due to my 3 girls being in public school. And we need to order quick to start soon.
As for requirements we live in Mo and have to do 1000 hours 600 in the 5 basic subjects and keep a time log and a daily plan. I think we need to be able to show some daily work if requested and progress yearly if requested.
Thanks Bobbie

What troubles me most about this is that your local group is not supporting you. I don't know the background on that, so I don't quite understand the issue. I was going to suggest that you try to find others who use the stuff you're looking into. I always welcome new homeschoolers (or even those who have been around a while) to come see anything that I use in my home. I also usually have a curriculum share night once a year so we can all look at each other's stuff. It is so easy to get sucked into buying lots of curriculum that just does not end up working for you.

I have only used a couple of the things you've listed. I use Rod and Staff for English only because I like the format (simple, to the point, well structured, inexpensive). I add to that some vocabulary building (Wordly Wise) and creative writing (Writing Strands) among other things.

For math, we have used Miquon (grades 1-3), Singapore (4-6). For 7th and up, I have heard good things about Teaching Textbooks, but I have not tried it. I have supplemented math with the Key to... series and I have DD(7th grade) using those exclusively now until she's ready for Jacob's Algebra - probably in January(??).

For history, reading, science, etc. I've used Sonlight since K for my girls. I know it's pricey, but it is well worth it to me. I love, love, love the books. We are a bit behind in getting through the SL "cores". We will be starting "4" soon with my 5th and 7th graders.

I wish I could help you more than that. I know it's incredibly confusing if you're trying to buy things online with not much support.

 

[LegoMom3]

.....Sorry for asking for help over and over but the local support group is less than supportive due to my 3 girls being in public school. ....

Find another group! Or start your own. We home school but have had some of our kids in the local ps at times. I've come across people like that and there's nothing I hate worse than "home school snobs" who think of you as a lesser person/parent because you - *gasp!!* - put your child in the public school system! Home schooling works for some, not so much for others. Very much an individual choice and I hate when someone looks down on me for my decisions in this.

Ok, off soapbox.

We are using Math-U-See for the first time this year. It looks great on the demo DVD. My son really struggled with math in the ps and is a very hands-on learner, so I'm hoping this program will be good for him.

I'd love more opinions on LifePacs!! I had heard of so many people using them that that's what I got for Language Arts this year....Am I going to regret it??!

Rod & Staff is also very popular but I shied away from it because on their web site they promote the KJV-only Bible version which I won't use or subject my kids to (we don't talk that way, so I don't expect them to memorize verses or learn Bible stuff that way!). That was disappointing to me, too, because they seemed to be very economical.

 

[mousehouselover]

One of the million reasons I HS is due to these LEAP standardized tests. The teachers are so wigged out about them that they focus on that all year-it sure takes kids away from the LEARNING experience they could be having.

We are members of HSLDA for protection JUST IN CASE!

BTW-I like that vial idea-, but we have a FLYjournal that everything is in that we need to know. If DH is with the kids and a problem arises, he can refer to that. I may still look into that though!

Lori

I hate all the focus on standardized tests too. There is so much more to learn than just the test material. Sadly though, school ranking and funding are tied into how well the students so on the exams so they are going to push the tests.

Isn't Marla great? I haven't been on her lists in a while but I loved the inspiration and motivation she provided every day. Housework done incorrectly still blesses my family!

 

[nuzmom]

I've been told that the laws here in PA are somewhat "tough", but I'm "ok" with them. We need to keep a daily log and show 180 days of schooling. There an option to doing hours, but I don't know of anyone who does. We must file an affidavit every year stating our intent to homeschool along with our objections for the year and there's a deadline for filing. Each child has to have an "evaluation" at the end of the school year, in the home I believe. There are requirements to be considered an "evaluator" (like being a certified teacher), but you choose who you want to use. Standardized testing is required in 3rd, 5th, 8th, and 11th grades. A porfolio with evaluator letter, std test results, and a sampling of the education that the child recieved (ie - worksheets and such) must be turned in each year to the school district. They are allowed to copy whatever they want to and then return. There is a lot of discussion whether the daily log is also required to be submitted in the portfolio (I think it is).

My most time consuming "paperwork" is keeping a book list of the books the boys read and filling out the daily log. I would do the log anyway because it's a way for me to plan their work load and to tell them what to get done each day. If you don't keep the portfolio up to date, it can take a huge amount of time to put together.

merryweather's twin - I can't help you too much with those curriculum choices, but I can say that we like the following:
Math U See up to 3rd grade and then like Saxon
Easy Grammar
Wordly Wise 3000
All Apologia sciences
Writing Strands
MCP Phonics

 

[lexeka]

Find another group! Or start your own. We home school but have had some of our kids in the local ps at times. I've come across people like that and there's nothing I hate worse than "home school snobs" who think of you as a lesser person/parent because you - *gasp!!* - put your child in the public school system! Home schooling works for some, not so much for others. Very much an individual choice and I hate when someone looks down on me for my decisions in this.

Ok, off soapbox.

We are using Math-U-See for the first time this year. It looks great on the demo DVD. My son really struggled with math in the ps and is a very hands-on learner, so I'm hoping this program will be good for him.

I'd love more opinions on LifePacs!! I had heard of so many people using them that that's what I got for Language Arts this year....Am I going to regret it??!

Rod & Staff is also very popular but I shied away from it because on their web site they promote the KJV-only Bible version which I won't use or subject my kids to (we don't talk that way, so I don't expect them to memorize verses or learn Bible stuff that way!). That was disappointing to me, too, because they seemed to be very economical.

Hi there,
I personally was very disappointed in the LifePacs. I am unsure what grade your child is, but my daughter did 2nd Grade with them last year. It is a "self-teach" curriculum. We decided to switch curriculum this year and have found that my daughter will have to do 2nd Grade Language Arts again because the other curriculms taught more in 2nd Grade than LifePac.

My dd was very bored with their Geo/History and Science.

Sorry it wasn't postive.....

 

[lexeka]

Well I have a few more questions. We looked at alot of programs online for 7th grade. It is so hard to tell what you are getting without seeing it. I went to the review website and read them all for every company out there. I also read every page of this thread for ideas.
I like Glencoe but DS did not. I would like to see which of the 5-7 programs we have it narrowed down to you all who have tried a few like the best.Or if you think something else is better. I want to try to go with one company this year but am open to any suggestions.
A Beka (online reviews seem good)

Life Pac (seems like most parents use this around here but the reviews online stink)
A2( DH found this and loves books so this is his pick but it worries me)

Rod and Staff (Good reviews online)

American Publishing work texts (seem most like what I used before, but is it enuff?)

Basic not boring workbooks (with the A2)or some other reading

A Time for Learning (with workbooks for other subjects)

I would like to keep it under $300 to start. (We have a WDW trip coming up on the 31st if this month and this is a last minute decision. )LOL.
I have also looked at Math U See and Easy Grammar but need help with all the other subjects if I go that way.
Sorry for asking for help over and over but the local support group is less than supportive due to my 3 girls being in public school. And we need to order quick to start soon.
As for requirements we live in Mo and have to do 1000 hours 600 in the 5 basic subjects and keep a time log and a daily plan. I think we need to be able to show some daily work if requested and progress yearly if requested.
Thanks Bobbie

I personally would stay away from LifePac. We used it last year at the suggestion of a good friend. (Her family writes some of it, I found out and she is not "teaching" her kids, so since it is a 'self-teach' curriculum it works for her). My dd was bored silly last year. She didn't like ANYTHING about it and I, too, found it very "dumbed" down. Not what your child should/could be learning at whatever age it is designed for. Friends of ours in MD use the First Grade LifePacs to teach Kindergarten and still didn't find it worthy.

I have heard GREAT things about Rod & Staff but have never used them. I used Sonlight two years ago but it was not a good match for dd or I.

We are trying Bob Jones for LA, Science, History and Spelling. We are using again and I wish they had a FULL Set of curriculum, Horizons for Math & Penmanship and for youngest dd for PreK.

Good luck!

 

[LegoMom3]

Thanks for the honest opinions on LifePacs. I do appreciate it! I think I'll have a good long look through the books this weekend; it's not too late to put it on eBay (where I got in the first place) and get something else! I love Bob Jones but for us, it's pricey. Hmm, we may be back to the drawing board!

 

[lexeka]

Thanks for the honest opinions on LifePacs. I do appreciate it! I think I'll have a good long look through the books this weekend; it's not too late to put it on eBay (where I got in the first place) and get something else! I love Bob Jones but for us, it's pricey. Hmm, we may be back to the drawing board!

I ordered my Bob Jones off EBay and saved a TON of money. I had to buy a couple workbooks from BJ but I saved a lot on Ebay. Whatever one you choose, check Ebay out. You might find a great deal! And good luck!

 

[lexeka]

We have 2 ways to register as a homeschooler-1. private school or 2. home bound public schooler

1. private-can choose own curriculum!(this is what MOST , if not all that I know of use), all you do is write a letter telling them under some law # that you are "such and such" academy/homeschool and you have ?? students and you promise to school 180 days. Do not need to do anything else!

2. home bound public- I guess for a homeschooler that wants to use free curriculum provided by the school system. Or for those who may have children that cannot attend school due to a major illness. They keep track of scores and test in 3rd, 4th, 8th, and high school level.

One of the million reasons I HS is due to these LEAP standardized tests. The teachers are so wigged out about them that they focus on that all year-it sure takes kids away from the LEARNING experience they could be having.

We are members of HSLDA for protection JUST IN CASE!

BTW-I like that vial idea-, but we have a FLYjournal that everything is in that we need to know. If DH is with the kids and a problem arises, he can refer to that. I may still look into that though!

I love all the viewpoints and conversation ya'll have had today. It's wonderful-and what an oportunity to LIVE in all those places and really experience different cultures.

Lori

Hi Lori,
I just read the bottom of your signature and PRAISE GOD in reference to your daughter!

 

[crazymomof4]

I've come across people like that and there's nothing I hate worse than "home school snobs" who think of you as a lesser person/parent because you - *gasp!!* - put your child in the public school system! Home schooling works for some, not so much for others. Very much an individual choice and I hate when someone looks down on me for my decisions in this.

I totally agree. Occasionally feel this "snobbery" bc. we send the kids to public school for K-6 then homeschool our kids after that. It works for us! We've always said that if we see a need to pull a child out and homeschool sooner, we would. I know some who do the reverse- homeschool until highschool and then send to public school. Even though it's the exact opposite of how we do it, I'd never question that choice! One of the finest points of homeschooling is that it is SO customizable!

 

[pixiepower1971]

Just wanted to chime in on LifePacs and Time for Learning. My DD 11 (6th grade this year) used LifePacs for Bible and Social Studies part of last year. Both are on my list to sell this year...she never finished them. She hated them! She did not like Time for Learning either. DD9(4th grade this year) enjoyed Time for Learning last year but I would not use it for a complete curriculum. I would use it to supplement.

 

[merryweather's twin]

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the help and support, and I am off to do more research and hopefully order something tonight . I will let you all know how it goes. Bobbie

 

[Poohtigeey]

I'm so excited to find this thread! Homeschoolers & Disney lovers! Yeah! I start homeschooling my son (Kdg 5 1/2, almost 6) on MONDAY Little nervous! I'm ready to go. I put together my own curriculum this year so I could customize it to him. I'm finding that we will be through required Kdg studies by Dec. My question is, we're in Ohio so I don't have to report my schooling until next year. Will they question my curriculum if it's ahead of what they would have been teaching? (Hope that makes sense). TIA.

 

[lexeka]

I'm so excited to find this thread! Homeschoolers & Disney lovers! Yeah! I start homeschooling my son (Kdg 5 1/2, almost 6) on MONDAY Little nervous! I'm ready to go. I put together my own curriculum this year so I could customize it to him. I'm finding that we will be through required Kdg studies by Dec. My question is, we're in Ohio so I don't have to report my schooling until next year. Will they question my curriculum if it's ahead of what they would have been teaching? (Hope that makes sense). TIA.

In MT (and I believe other states, too), when you register him/her at the age required you tell them what grade they will be doing. This year our daughter would be in 2nd in ps. But she is doing 2nd grade Math (and also L.A.) and the rest third. So they had us put down both grades for her.

I would ask when you register but usually it's not an issue.

Good luck!

 

[Mommaof3]

I don't come to the family board often, but I was very glad to find fellow home schoolers! We have home schooled for about 16 years now! One is finished and our twin boy are starting 10th grade. (I need to order books, but have not decided everything yet) Anyway, glad to find this. We are in Texas and I am a certified teacher with 8 years in public schools. Happy to answer any questions if I can.

 

[lori1043]

Hi Lori,
I just read the bottom of your signature and PRAISE GOD in reference to your daughter!

you cannot imagine how much it means to me!! She is a leukemia survivor and was diagnosd at 2 years 10 months, went thru 2.5 years of chemo. I jump for joy at the amazement that God has allowed us to keep her here w while longer!!

Lori

 

[merryweather's twin]

I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone . We just ordered A2 as our main base and Spectrum Math, Complete curriculum Geography and Maps, Basic not Boring L-Arts and Science. I hope this will be a good start. Bobbie

 

[disneyelaine]

I have a question. Does anyone have opinions of Bob Jones vs. Calvert vs. Sonlight. We are doing Sonlight core 3 this year, but I've been looking at the other two and was just curious to hear if anyone has experience with any of these 3. This is our first year homeschooling my 5th grade son. He is on the autism spectrum, has speech apraxia and handwritting issues. We will be doing most of our learning orally. We tried SOS last year and it was a complete failure, so that is one curric. down the drain. He loves computer for playing, but definately not for doing school. I see it getting expensive finding the right fit for him. Thanks!

 

[lexeka]

you cannot imagine how much it means to me!! She is a leukemia survivor and was diagnosd at 2 years 10 months, went thru 2.5 years of chemo. I jump for joy at the amazement that God has allowed us to keep her here w while longer!!

Lori

Our daughter has had elevated white cell counts for most her life. They discovered it when she was close to six months of age and we've had to go to cancer specialists and the like ever since. She will be four in Oct. and they've never been able to figure it out. We worry about bone marrow damage, though.
Her cells have been as high as either 38 or 48 thousand and she generally runs in the 22-25 thousands. So you can see why they were worried about leukemia.

I am so happy for you; cancer in any form is a horrible and tragic disease but especially with little ones. God Bless you and your family.