*** Homeschool List ***

[Praise2Him]

Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to jump back in to tell about our awesome experience at AK last week. DH and I have done the Keys to the Kingdom tour and really enjoyed it. We wanted to take our kids on one, but most have a minimum age of 16, so we were waiting until the youngest turned 16. Well, a few weeks ago I found out about a tour at AK where the minimum age is 14, and DD just happens to be 14!

It's called "Wild by Design" and I signed us up for it for our last day at WDW. It was amazing! We both loved it! We weren't planning on starting school until mid-August, but after we got back home I decided to make that day our first day of school because I wanted to count it as school. It was so educational that I just couldn't stand not to have it included in our year! LOL She's in the process of writing a report about it now.

So for any of you who have older kids, it would be worth your while to invest in a tour while at WDW. I can't wait to do another one!

Lisa

 

[tigertam]

Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to jump back in to tell about our awesome experience at AK last week. DH and I have done the Keys to the Kingdom tour and really enjoyed it. We wanted to take our kids on one, but most have a minimum age of 16, so we were waiting until the youngest turned 16. Well, a few weeks ago I found out about a tour at AK where the minimum age is 14, and DD just happens to be 14!

It's called "Wild by Design" and I signed us up for it for our last day at WDW. It was amazing! We both loved it! We weren't planning on starting school until mid-August, but after we got back home I decided to make that day our first day of school because I wanted to count it as school. It was so educational that I just couldn't stand not to have it included in our year! LOL She's in the process of writing a report about it now.

So for any of you who have older kids, it would be worth your while to invest in a tour while at WDW. I can't wait to do another one!

Lisa

Would you mind sharing what it was? I have two kids that would be old enough. How much, how long, what was it like? I am looking for ideas of how to make some of this into school before and after our trip. Any ideas would be much appreciated!!! Tammy

 

[tigertam]

Ok, enough venting - please give me some opinions. I have to call my boss back either today or tomorrow. Thanks!!!![/QUOTE]


I could give lots of opinions, but my best advice has always come from my husband, so thats my advice.

Keep us updated.

 

[nuzmom]

Thank you to everyone for the input.

Yes, DH and I discussed (as always) it in depth. Basically, it boiled down to "what is our priorities?" We decided that we have been blessed in that God has always provided for our needs and even some of our wants. Do we really NEED the money or is it just WANTING the money. Well, it was WANTING and not NEEDING. That may have been ok if I didn't have to sacrifice anything to get it. But, I would be sacrificing time with my children and my relationship with them would suffer (I'm grouchy when I'm stressed with work). Maybe this could work out at another time, but right now, I had to say no. The best indication that this was the right decision for me is that I feel very "at peace" with it.

 

[disneymom3]

I was reading over on the community board the thread on post your real opinions and several people mentioned homeschoolers doing a disservice to their children. (Which really makes me laugh by the way!) But it got me to wondering....WHY do you think so many people have a problem with what we do?

I was going to start a thread over there along the lines of "Why do you have such a prob w/homeschooling, but I decided it would get too heated for me and make me cranky. LOL

So, I decided to ask in a kinder gentler atmosphere. I am not very well socialized afterall so I am not sure I could take it.

 

[TNKBELL]

I was reading over on the community board the thread on post your real opinions and several people mentioned homeschoolers doing a disservice to their children. (Which really makes me laugh by the way!) But it got me to wondering....WHY do you think so many people have a problem with what we do?

I was going to start a thread over there along the lines of "Why do you have such a prob w/homeschooling, but I decided it would get too heated for me and make me cranky. LOL

So, I decided to ask in a kinder gentler atmosphere. I am not very well socialized afterall so I am not sure I could take it.

It's funny but the most encouragement and opposition comes from the same people, Teachers! I have had teachers tell me that I was taking students away from them and hurting the economy, I have also had teachers say the best environment by far for learning was the home and parents make the best teachers. So I don't know if this helps, but I think that when people meet homeschooled children they are mostly impressed and realize that maybe homeschooling isn't as bad as they had thought.

 

[tigertam]

Thank you to everyone for the input.

The best indication that this was the right decision for me is that I feel very "at peace" with it.

Thanks for the update. I think you made the best decision!! Feeling at peace is the best indication that you and your husband made the right decision. I believe God will bless your decision.

 

[Praise2Him]

Tigertam,

There's a lot of info about the Wild By Design tour on Allearsnet.com, but here's the answers to some of your questions.

It was $98 for the 2 of us, with a passholder discount.

It lasted from 8:30 - about 12:30. A light breakfast is included about 10:30 (fruit, breads & pastries, drink).

The tour guide basically tells a lot of info about the planning and design of the park, lots of details about the architecture and such. Everything has a story, and he tells you what they are. He also showed us some Hidden Mickeys! You also meet with some of the animal keepers - we talked to one that works with the monkeys and one that works with the gorillas. They were so interesting to talk to. They talk about how they take care of the animals and you can tell they really love their jobs. Then you go on the safari ride, but they don't do the "regular" ride, they tell you lots of "insider" information about the animals, etc. The last thing is they ask you to fill out an evaluation form about the tour and they give you a Wild By Design pin.

It's a lot of walking and it was HOT when we were there. Definitely take a bottle of water with you! You don't go to DinoLand or the Conservation Station, but they do talk about them a little bit. He also told us about the new Everest ride.

Hope this helps!
Lisa

 

[mslil65]

Julie...I think it's fear. Fear of the unknown and that many people believe they "know" about homeschooling when they don't. And there's always accountability...people are afraid that homeschooled kids won't be able to function in society when they leave home. Perhaps they (non-homeschoolers) feel they would have to pick up the slack.
Homeschooling is gaining popularity but it's still "different" and differences make many people antsy.
I can't begin to tell you how many think I am crazy to not send my son to preschool. "What about socialization?" (I think they fail to realize the difference between socializing and socialization!) Many people are afriad of being different or afraid that their kids might not be popular or "normal" if they are homeschooled. I honestly believe that it's fear that drives so many people from even thinking about homeschooling.
I am scared to homeschool! Just the other day I posted that I feared maybe I wasn't doing it correctly...that my child might somehow miss out on something. There are so many "what ifs"...and yet, for me, they outweigh the "what-ifs" of traditional schooling. I went to private and public schools and was a straight A student...yet I dreaded going to school every day. My eldest son went to school from the age of 2 on (and is still in school) and I don't think he enjoyed much of his time there. I married a man whose father is a retired school principal and whose mother was a teacher...I know they'll have a hard time understanding. Yet I look forward to seeing my children thrive and have come to think that homeschooling is the answer I've been looking for. Homeschooling may not be for everyone, but I definitely think it has its merits and that more people should be open the idea of it. (And looking at the current state of public schools...ugh...I have a hard time thinking that sending a child to a traditional school isn't a disservice!)

 

[Praise2Him]

I've been surprised by how many homeschoolers are former teachers (like me!)

nuzmom: I also think that you made a wonderful decision. I quit my job to stay at home even though my kids are teenagers, but I felt like they still needed me! I wanted them to know that they came first with me, before anything else (except God or my husband).

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I was reading over on the community board the thread on post your real opinions and several people mentioned homeschoolers doing a disservice to their children. (Which really makes me laugh by the way!) But it got me to wondering....WHY do you think so many people have a problem with what we do?

I was going to start a thread over there along the lines of "Why do you have such a prob w/homeschooling, but I decided it would get too heated for me and make me cranky. LOL

So, I decided to ask in a kinder gentler atmosphere. I am not very well socialized afterall so I am not sure I could take it.

B/c of a preconceived notion and brainwashing that has occurred in our society that the only way to excel in society is to be institutionalized.

 

[nuzmom]

I just HAD to go over and read the post on the community board - thanks alot!!!!

Well, after reading through it, I just had to post. I may end up getting myself in hot water, but oh well - it's all "Lisa loves Pooh"s fault.

It's nice to be back among friends.

 

[sweet maxine]

I'm thinking about homeschooling my GS, but can't make up my mind what is best for him. School will start next week, so I have to make a decision soon. I saw in the paper that A Beka will be in my state next week, and I would like to go hear what they have to say. I'm still straddling the fence for now...

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Well, after reading through it, I just had to post. I may end up getting myself in hot water, but oh well - it's all "Lisa loves Pooh"s fault.

What did I do?


I know--is it b/c I'm a product of 10 public schools....come on, be honest. Am I out of the club??

 

[Brier Rose]

Well I just had to jump back over here to try and relieve some of my irritation at that thread on the CB!

GEEZ! Some people just can't or won't try to understand the way homeschooling works.

OK I may not be the best qualified to teach advanced Calculus or Chemistry or... blah...blah...blah, but darn it if I can't do it I can find somebody who can!!

Why do they think it's all or nothing? They think either you should an expert in all subjects with the same degree of education as a certified teacher, or you should be sending your kids to PS.

It's not that black and white! There are so many other ways to go about things. The only disservice I can see happening is if a homeschool teacher does not realize their limitations and seek outside help when needed.

Just because your not an expert in a subject does not mean you shouldn't be homeschooling, it just means you have to explore whatever options you need to to get the job done!

 

[JMSMommy]

I find it SOO funny that people ask me all the time "How are you going to teach him Calculus?" Ummm...he's in 1st GRADE! I don't know what we'll be doing in 10 years. But, when they don't get that answer, I ask if they think it would be okay for me to teach my son Calculus since I have a BS degree in Math.

So, they go off on the science labs and them learning Physics. I then ask if it would be okay for my Dh, who has a Masters in Engineering to possibly teach them Physics? I mean, he tutors high school students and college students in Physics now, might he be able to do it in 10 years. Chemistry? Biology? Hmmm...we both had A's in those, and our co-op has year long classes for them taught by a college professor (and HEY there's 2 community colleges nearby and 3 4 year universities that they might be able to go to for "credit" too).

Now ask me about art or English comp...and well...THOSE are my weak areas and I am planning on getting help for that from my cover school.

Socializing? Well....7 hours a day with 25 other kids HIS age sitting at desks. Is that "normal" socializing? Is that "normal" interaction in the workforce? DS6 has co-op 1 day a week, church 2 times a week, science classes 2 times a month for enrichment, then field trips and playdates. One playdate the group did a play for the parents after 3 hours. I see that as learning to work in a diverse group of ages and strengths/weaknesses on a group project...hey...THAT's what the workforce is looking for these days!

ugh...reminds me of a VERY heated debate I got into about homeschooling once. So many people do NOT know what is truly involved, and how many records I must keep (attendence, portfolio, mandatory testing, etc.).

 

[DreadpiratK]

I was reading over on the community board the thread on post your real opinions and several people mentioned homeschoolers doing a disservice to their children. (Which really makes me laugh by the way!) But it got me to wondering....WHY do you think so many people have a problem with what we do?

I was going to start a thread over there along the lines of "Why do you have such a prob w/homeschooling, but I decided it would get too heated for me and make me cranky. LOL

So, I decided to ask in a kinder gentler atmosphere. I am not very well socialized afterall so I am not sure I could take it.

In my experience, some people have a problem w/ homeschooling for two basic reasons:
1. It's different, and people are afraid of what's different. It somehow offends or threatens thier own ps education.

2. More often, on some level they see the benefits, and somehow feel guilty that they aren't making that kind of sacrifice for thier kids, so they feel a need to attack and discredit it to asuage that guilt.

OK, so that's soap box psychology, but there's some truth to it.

We've been at it now for 12 years, and find that opinions are changing as the general public becomes more aware of homeschooling. And the more familiar people are with it, that less antagonistic they are too it, particularly if they know some homeschooled kids.

"It's (homeschooling) not just for weird religious people anymore" - Buffy the Vampire Slayer

 

[westjones]

I'm thinking about homeschooling my GS, but can't make up my mind what is best for him. School will start next week, so I have to make a decision soon. I saw in the paper that A Beka will be in my state next week, and I would like to go hear what they have to say. I'm still straddling the fence for now...

I loved A Beka! I loved having the lessons on video (I know you don't have to do that, but for me it was so much better to have the video explain things and then I just went over questions and graded their work--we didn't send in the work to be graded, I did that myself).

If you decide to use this curriculum, I think you will be happy with it. I felt like every thing was covered very well for their grade levels. I didn't have to worry about a thing being missed.

It isn't an easy decision, just remember that you can always change your mind. We homeschooled for K-4th grades and even started 5th grade, but my DDs went to school in November because they really wanted to try it and I was feeling frazzled. They are going to 6th grade middle school in 2 weeks, and I am taking wait and see attitude this time. If we are not happy with what we see happening we will go back to homeschooling again (and will probaby use the A Beka video school again).

Good Luck!
DJ

 

[Brier Rose]

I'll second the ABeka Video/DVD program. Although I will say I think it depends a lot on the child.
My DD was board with watching the TV for that long, as she would rather listen to me explain it to her, but now my DS is another story!

The DVD program for him was a Godsend!

This year my DD is doing The Moringstar Academy , in case you want to check that out as well.

We don't start until Sep. 7, but from looking over everthing so far, we've been pretty impressed.

 

[westjones]

2. More often, on some level they see the benefits, and somehow feel guilty that they aren't making that kind of sacrifice for thier kids, so they feel a need to attack and discredit it to asuage that guilt.

I have thought this also. If homeschooling was really good, then they would feel like THEY should be doing it also, so it must be bad since they would never do that!

Honestly, for us, homeschooling was more about a 'life style choice'. It was about spending more time together as a family. It was so we could travel more often and take the girls places in off seasons when it is more enjoyable (like going to WDW in the fall when it is less crowded). It was about being able to try new things and really get into them without the stress of finding time after homework (like being on a dance team that practiced in the evenings).

As I said, we are not currently homeschooling because our kids want to try school and they want to be in the things at school that they offer (like the school basketball team and the swing choir that travels and competes). Fine, we are letting them do this as long as we see positive things from the experience. But I have decided not to go back to work and I am on 'stand by' if we decide this school experience isn't really what we want for our kids, and we may be back to homeschooling at any time.

It isn't just black and white. There is a lot of sides to homeschooling, and most people don't understand it....but more and more people are realizing that alternative forms of education isn't such a bad thing after all. So I hear both sides of it, but to those of you currently homeschooling....GOOD FOR YOU! These are great times for your kids! I would not have missed our grade schoool years homeschooling together for anything!

DJ