*** Homeschool List ***

[SeeDisney]

Earthfairies --- I'm guessing 10, hey I actually do know of several very large homeschool families with tht many kids.

God bless them!!!!

 

[earthfaries]

Earthfairies --- I'm guessing 10, hey I actually do know of several very large homeschool families with tht many kids.

God bless them!!!!

10 and one on the way. I paused it and counted! Wow, that's amazing. You'd pretty much have to be pregnant all the time!

 

[DawnM]

Our Psych said the same thing and added, "you have to let go of the apron strings at some point." Sorry, but I don't agree. It is our JOB to protect them. School is not real life. How many of us put up with coworkers taunting us or being rude to us and just have to learn to "deal with it!" I certainly wouldn't.

Most professionals are not FOR homeschooling. I should know, I am a public school counselor! But I now homeschool. I didn't used to be for it, until I had a son who is much like your daughter.

Every day he went to school was sheer torture for him. I felt like I was throwing him to the wolves daily. As a child they have no control on what we make them do, it is only as adults that we have control over what we do and don't do. As a school counselor I watched kids tortured (internally is what I am referring to mostly) for 8 hours a day. They hated school, they had few to no friends, kids picked on them or whatever. It pained me deeply because these kids had no choice but to endure it.

Your child has many, many years to learn to not let kids get to her. Talk to any adult who was teased, bullied or was generally miserable in school and they will tell you that as adults they still feel the pain and misery they endured in school. It doesn't go away.

I am not trying to be forceful, it is just something I feel very passionately about. Just because a "doctor" says it, doesn't mean that he knows what is best for your child. Your child is your child and it is in your best interest to protect your child. In fact, go to 5 different psychologists and get 5 different suggestions. It is not an exact science, and much of it is personal perception of the individual giving you their advice.

Dawn

Hi Lori--Thanks for your reply. We've added a new med and some therapy to our "regimen" recently. As of right now, things are going ok. We're still contemplating the homeschooling thing, but have decided to put a hold on it, per doctors' advice. At this point, we need to help my DD10 be a little more assertive (in a positive way) and not let the other kids get to her. Her psychologist told her to try counting to 10, while breathing deeply when someone says something offensive to her, rather than responding immediately. She tried it the other day, and it seemed to work. We'll see. We're trying to teach her to deal with the world and don't want her to think she can just "run away" when life gets tough, which she really has a strong tendency to do. I'll let you know if I need to talk to your sister. Thanks again!
Missy

 

[wvdislover]

Dawn, don't think I've given up on the idea. It's still there. We're finding that our DD is not as "tortured" as I first made it sound. As I walk her to class each day, I find that other students are greeting her in a friendly manner, either as a reply to my DD's "hello" or that they are making the first move. I don't think it's b/c I'm standing there, as kids today don't really seem to base their behavior on the presence of an adult these days, anyways. Today, I even had one of my DD's acquaintances stop me and tell me how much she liked my DD's sweater she wore today. I told her to please tell my DD and she says she already did. My DD is bad about presenting the "doom and gloom" side of life, without seeing the positive things that happen in her day. She's also under the impression that if she homeschools, it will be all fun and games, with no work, e.g. "I wish I homeschooled so I wouldn't have to do math." She also thinks that she'll get to be with her other friends who homeschool and do homeschooling with them. I have tried to convince her otherwise, but I don't think she believes me. If we homeschool, it will be school, still. She'll still have to work, and unfortunately, she doesn't always work well for me, but she will do her work for her special ed. teacher I don't know...I still need to get through the holidays. Only 3 1/2 more days of school

 

[TNKBELL]

Our Psych said the same thing and added, "you have to let go of the apron strings at some point." Sorry, but I don't agree. It is our JOB to protect them. School is not real life. How many of us put up with coworkers taunting us or being rude to us and just have to learn to "deal with it!" I certainly wouldn't.

Most professionals are not FOR homeschooling. I should know, I am a public school counselor! But I now homeschool. I didn't used to be for it, until I had a son who is much like your daughter.

Every day he went to school was sheer torture for him. I felt like I was throwing him to the wolves daily. As a child they have no control on what we make them do, it is only as adults that we have control over what we do and don't do. As a school counselor I watched kids tortured (internally is what I am referring to mostly) for 8 hours a day. They hated school, they had few to no friends, kids picked on them or whatever. It pained me deeply because these kids had no choice but to endure it.

Your child has many, many years to learn to not let kids get to her. Talk to any adult who was teased, bullied or was generally miserable in school and they will tell you that as adults they still feel the pain and misery they endured in school. It doesn't go away.

I am not trying to be forceful, it is just something I feel very passionately about. Just because a "doctor" says it, doesn't mean that he knows what is best for your child. Your child is your child and it is in your best interest to protect your child. In fact, go to 5 different psychologists and get 5 different suggestions. It is not an exact science, and much of it is personal perception of the individual giving you their advice.

Dawn

I agree! Everytime I have sought "Professional advice" we have been disappointed. I have to pray and seek advice from people I respect and share the same values with in order to find a solution. As mothers, it is our JOB to protect and nurture our children, we have been given an instinct to know what is best for our children, far too often we allow the influence of society to override these instincts. Society calls us "overprotective", "sheltering", etc... take out some letters and you have Protective Shelter, isn't that what all children need?? Isn't that what WE need?

I am constantly reassured when participating in group activities with our Homeschool group and witness all the children of different ages playing and interacting with each other in a joyful and respectful manner. I am in awe especially of the teenagers who are so helpful and able to look me in the eye and haven't seen a singel eye-roll in any of them! Not to say they are perfect, just much different than the school children I have worked with.

 

[lori1043]

Dawn, I agree with you and glad you approached the subject as I was about to until I read your posts.

On another note-the video is HILARIOUS!!! I sent it out to everyone on my email list-even non homeschoolers-b/c that is the impression they all have anyway!!!

Lori

 

[MeetingMickeyin2006]

Just resubscribing!

Does anyone else here use Abeka?

 

[Ellester]

This is going through my homeschooling network --- it's hilarious!!!!



Click here: Homeschool2
http://www.doublesharpevideo.com/HomeSchool2/Homeschool2.html

Oh my goodness! That was SO funny! My kids have been singing it all day.

Had a busy weekend here. My mom came to visit and her car broke down on the way home. She had to leave her car in SC, the timing belt broke while she was on I-85 ! Thankfully, she has AAA and was able to get it towed. She had to rent a car to get the rest of the way back to Charlotte though. She was already too far away for us to come to her rescue. Her car won't be ready until at least tomorrow. Then, she spilled a diet coke in the rental's cup holder, not realizing that her cell phone was in there and fried it! At least she finally made it home safely.

Nothing schoolwise to report here. We are officially on Christmas break, no school until January! Hurray!

 

[beautybelle]

Has anyone ordered a full deluxe curriculum from the homeschool supercenter? If so tell me about the pros and cons of using the pre-packaged curriculum and what I should expect. Ive been looking at it and it doesnt seem to be too bad and the cost isnt bad either. Also thinking about unit studies as well. Any info on these subjects would be most helpful. thanks.

 

[DawnM]

Well, I will be thinking of you. It isn't an easy decision.

But I will say that we do find homeschooling fun. I can make it whatever I want, which I like. The kids have been very responsive to rewards, including a week of no complaining will get you a trip to the museum with the homeschool group, etc....

Some people don't do rewards, but seriously, I would not have worked had they not paid me!

Dawn

Dawn, don't think I've given up on the idea. It's still there. We're finding that our DD is not as "tortured" as I first made it sound. As I walk her to class each day, I find that other students are greeting her in a friendly manner, either as a reply to my DD's "hello" or that they are making the first move. I don't think it's b/c I'm standing there, as kids today don't really seem to base their behavior on the presence of an adult these days, anyways. Today, I even had one of my DD's acquaintances stop me and tell me how much she liked my DD's sweater she wore today. I told her to please tell my DD and she says she already did. My DD is bad about presenting the "doom and gloom" side of life, without seeing the positive things that happen in her day. She's also under the impression that if she homeschools, it will be all fun and games, with no work, e.g. "I wish I homeschooled so I wouldn't have to do math." She also thinks that she'll get to be with her other friends who homeschool and do homeschooling with them. I have tried to convince her otherwise, but I don't think she believes me. If we homeschool, it will be school, still. She'll still have to work, and unfortunately, she doesn't always work well for me, but she will do her work for her special ed. teacher I don't know...I still need to get through the holidays. Only 3 1/2 more days of school

 

[Ashley Kees]

I was wondering if I could get some help, and this sounds like the place. My husband and I decided when our first daughter was born, that we would homeschool. We have many reasons, the primary one being safety, but also due to the ATROCIOUS "teaching" methods used in our area schools. I won't get into all of it, but we both went through our local school system (we started dating in HS) and then both went through teacher training in college here in Texas, and we just lost ALL faith in public schools. Anywho...fast forward 4 years, we now have 3 kids, the oldest is 4 and will be required start formal schooling of some kind in August.

The district we live in is very supportive of homeschoolers, and Texas (thankfully) is pretty easy to homeschool in, so our problem is not logistical, it is DD4. Sweetheart has been prepped by MIL, who is VERY offended that we are going to homeschool, about how GREAT regular school is, and all the fun she will have. Now, she cries almost daily about why she can't go to the regular school. Honestly, she thinks that school is a bus ride (which wouldn't happen anyway, we live across the street from the school), recess, and coloring. That's all MIL has told her about.

So, now I am so upset. MIL has been read the riot act by DH, and curbed in her attempts to alienate DD, but if she went behind our backs once, I don't think she'll have qualms about doing it again. Meanwhile, I feel like the Wicked Witch of the West forcing my child to homeschool when she literally BEGS me to go to regular school. Have any of you dealt with this? What do I do? I am ready to throw in the towel already and just be at the school as much as possible, but DH is still adamant about Homeschooling. HELP ME PLEASE!!

 

[TNKBELL]

I was wondering if I could get some help, and this sounds like the place. My husband and I decided when our first daughter was born, that we would homeschool. We have many reasons, the primary one being safety, but also due to the ATROCIOUS "teaching" methods used in our area schools. I won't get into all of it, but we both went through our local school system (we started dating in HS) and then both went through teacher training in college here in Texas, and we just lost ALL faith in public schools. Anywho...fast forward 4 years, we now have 3 kids, the oldest is 4 and will be required start formal schooling of some kind in August.

The district we live in is very supportive of homeschoolers, and Texas (thankfully) is pretty easy to homeschool in, so our problem is not logistical, it is DD4. Sweetheart has been prepped by MIL, who is VERY offended that we are going to homeschool, about how GREAT regular school is, and all the fun she will have. Now, she cries almost daily about why she can't go to the regular school. Honestly, she thinks that school is a bus ride (which wouldn't happen anyway, we live across the street from the school), recess, and coloring. That's all MIL has told her about.

So, now I am so upset. MIL has been read the riot act by DH, and curbed in her attempts to alienate DD, but if she went behind our backs once, I don't think she'll have qualms about doing it again. Meanwhile, I feel like the Wicked Witch of the West forcing my child to homeschool when she literally BEGS me to go to regular school. Have any of you dealt with this? What do I do? I am ready to throw in the towel already and just be at the school as much as possible, but DH is still adamant about Homeschooling. HELP ME PLEASE!!

Ashley, is there a local homeschool group that gets together? You could take her to some of those functions where she can meet other hs kids. I have always told my DKs that I would be happy to let them go to school, they just wouldn't have as much time to "play". It really has helped to be involved in hs activities, also the DKS do things at church. I know some families buy thier kids desks, just like at school, another thing you can do is take her on a bus ride on the local city bus.(if you think that would help?) How about telling her she gets to spend more time with you and her siblings? Not to mention vacation off-season when other kids go to school. Another bonus for us, when DH is off work, we don't have school. This has been a welcome respite for the DKS!!! I know how you feel, my MIL doesn't get it either!! She often replies.."Oh, you still do that?" Fortunately, we don't see them super often. I hate to suggest this, but is it possible to limit her exposure to MIL? There will always be people that don't understand us, no matter what we choose to do!!
I'll be praying for you!!

 

[DawnM]

I agree with you!

My 7 year old liked school and asked to stay for the rest of this year. I told him that was fine but that the rest of us would be doing activities with other homeschoolers many days and he would have to take the bus home and stay with the neighbors until we got back from whatever activity we would be involved in. He quickly decided to come back home!

Sooooo....that being said, I would make K the most fun you can make it (some even say that K should be learning primarily with games anyway) and do as many activities as you can with a homeschool group. Let her make a friend or two and see if she stops asking about going to school (I wouldn't bring it up with her either!) See what happens.

Dawn

Ashley, is there a local homeschool group that gets together? You could take her to some of those functions where she can meet other hs kids. I have always told my DKs that I would be happy to let them go to school, they just wouldn't have as much time to "play". It really has helped to be involved in hs activities, also the DKS do things at church. I know some families buy thier kids desks, just like at school, another thing you can do is take her on a bus ride on the local city bus.(if you think that would help?) How about telling her she gets to spend more time with you and her siblings? Not to mention vacation off-season when other kids go to school. Another bonus for us, when DH is off work, we don't have school. This has been a welcome respite for the DKS!!! I know how you feel, my MIL doesn't get it either!! She often replies.."Oh, you still do that?" Fortunately, we don't see them super often. I hate to suggest this, but is it possible to limit her exposure to MIL? There will always be people that don't understand us, no matter what we choose to do!!
I'll be praying for you!!

 

[lori1043]

All of us have gone through a similar situation like that-different degrees of it I am sure, but there are always the people, family or otherwise, who think we are crazy(like in the funny video). My mom and MIL thought we were crazy, until my kids had a "family show off night" and showed them what they are learning(KONOS is great for that kind of stuff and kindergarten in a prime year for KONOS, even though it spans more years). We did a midieval(sp??!!) theme and our kids were telling them things they did not know! And after our oldest did wonderfully on the Stanford, it really proved to them that we were doing okay and not ruining our kids. I also let them know(for my own selfish reasons ) all the feild trips and extra activities we do-PE, field day, spelling bee(that they went to), museums, etc. My kids are not home bound- just homeschooled!
When it comes down to it- YOU are the boss and maybe try not to allow your MIL's get into your heart. If this is something you think is best for your kids, then do it. And you have a wonderful opportunity to make kindergarten LOADS of fun-I mean, it takes about an hour to "school" and all the other time to play and learn through other means. We love KONOS and any unit studies.

We are getting back to that soon.

BTW- any ideas about learning about the countries in EPCOT before we head there in Feb???

Lori

 

[TNKBELL]

This has been going through my homeschool group email list! Too Cute! I had to share!!


The 12 Days of Homeschool
To the tune of "Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the first day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Can you homeschool legally?"

On the second day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the third day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the fourth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the fifth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "YOU ARE SO STRANGE! What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the sixth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "How long will you homeschool, YOU ARE S0 STRANGE, what about P.E. , do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the seventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you homeschool legally?"

On the eighth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E. do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you homeschool legally?"

On the ninth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "They'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E. do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you homeschool legally?"

On the tenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "What about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the eleventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "I could never do that, what about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the twelfth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Can they go to college, I could never do that, what about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the thirteenth day of homeschool I thoughtfully replied: "They Can go to college, yes you can do this, they can have graduation, we don't like the prom, we do it cuz we like it, they are missing nothing, we'll homeschool forever, WE ARE NOT STRANGE!, We give them P.E., and we give them tests, they are socialized, AND WE HOMESCHOOL LEGALLY!

On the fourteenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "How can I get started, why didn't you tell me, where do I buy curriculum, when is the next conference, WILL PEOPLE THINK WE'RE STRANGE? I think we can do this, if you will help us, can we join P.E. and we'll homeschool legally."

 

[disneymom3]

Love the video and the song. One more day of school till we are off for Christmas break. And this year Daddy has almost that whole time off of work too. How cool is that??

 

[earthfaries]

I got the schedule in an email today for Disney Homeschool Days...I'm so excited...19 more days until we leave!!!

Here it is...

9am park opens
10am - speaker series begins in the Norway pavilion theater
*Monday ~ Lee Wilson, attraction and show engineer
*Tuesday ~ International Speaker from World Showcase
11am - Dismiss speaker ~ Lunch Break, if you aren't doing a Y.E.S. program, you are free to wonder the park and use your educational materials throughout the park
Y.E.S. program ~ Meet at 12:30 at Tip Board in Future World, program 12:45-3:45.

Sounds great, can't wait

 

[Ashley Kees]

Ashley, is there a local homeschool group that gets together? You could take her to some of those functions where she can meet other hs kids. I have always told my DKs that I would be happy to let them go to school, they just wouldn't have as much time to "play". It really has helped to be involved in hs activities, also the DKS do things at church. I know some families buy thier kids desks, just like at school, another thing you can do is take her on a bus ride on the local city bus.(if you think that would help?) How about telling her she gets to spend more time with you and her siblings? Not to mention vacation off-season when other kids go to school. Another bonus for us, when DH is off work, we don't have school. This has been a welcome respite for the DKS!!! I know how you feel, my MIL doesn't get it either!! She often replies.."Oh, you still do that?" Fortunately, we don't see them super often. I hate to suggest this, but is it possible to limit her exposure to MIL? There will always be people that don't understand us, no matter what we choose to do!!
I'll be praying for you!!

Unfortuately, MIL lives, literally, 3 miles away and we see her at LEAST once a week. She seems to be getting better, but that has happened before. And we are having trouble finding a homeschool group that isn't uber-religious out here. We aren't homeschooling for religious reasons, and the few I have come into contact with tend to start preaching at me. I don't know. It really helped just to talk about it on here. I've tried telling DD that she gets to stay home with family, that she doesn't have to stay in the same building for hours at a time, and that she gets to do more fun things, but then she comes back with, "But Mommy, I WANT to have a teacher that isn't you!" which totally hurts and makes it hard to argue with. I guess I need to just stop wavering and start with the whole homeschool plan I've been getting together for the last few years. Maybe if she starts and sees what it is like she'll get into it. Talking about the abstract is hard for 4 year olds. Thanks so much for your suggestions, and for letting me vent.

 

[doulacandice]

I think it's fantastic we have such a great group of home schooled families here!! I home schooled my older two and just recently put them back in public school in Oct.. I wanna pull them now and home school but I thought I would let them finish the remaining year, so no one gets suspicious. I had put them back in PS because after the birth of my son I had really bad PPD and was very overwhelmed going from 3 kids to 4. Dh and I thought that was best for them..

Yeah, I was wrong. Anyways, so in the spring I will be doing a withdrawl and they will be home with me.

As far as curriculum's we used, we used a lot of Abeka, Explode the Code, Math U see and a little Bob Jones. I found Abeka didn't work really well with my kids, esp my oldest.. He needs something more laid back so I did away with Abeka math for him all together..

 

[doulacandice]

This has been going through my homeschool group email list! Too Cute! I had to share!!


The 12 Days of Homeschool
To the tune of "Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the first day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Can you homeschool legally?"

On the second day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the third day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the fourth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the fifth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "YOU ARE SO STRANGE! What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the sixth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "How long will you homeschool, YOU ARE S0 STRANGE, what about P.E. , do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the seventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you homeschool legally?"

On the eighth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E. do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you homeschool legally?"

On the ninth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "They'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E. do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you homeschool legally?"

On the tenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "What about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the eleventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "I could never do that, what about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the twelfth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Can they go to college, I could never do that, what about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the thirteenth day of homeschool I thoughtfully replied: "They Can go to college, yes you can do this, they can have graduation, we don't like the prom, we do it cuz we like it, they are missing nothing, we'll homeschool forever, WE ARE NOT STRANGE!, We give them P.E., and we give them tests, they are socialized, AND WE HOMESCHOOL LEGALLY!

On the fourteenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "How can I get started, why didn't you tell me, where do I buy curriculum, when is the next conference, WILL PEOPLE THINK WE'RE STRANGE? I think we can do this, if you will help us, can we join P.E. and we'll homeschool legally."

That is GREAT!! I can't even begin to tell you how many times I have been asked this! I thought about making little brochures and just handing them out when I get questioned. LMAO