Is there a way to try homeschooling in the summer?

[ChitownFamily]

If your intent is to re-enroll both children in the fall, I really wouldn't plan anything too "book learning" for the summer. Both kids probably need the break from the day in, day out long hours of regular school and are looking forward to having fun. Play time, outdoor time, creative time, and simple boredom (aka unscheduled) time are highly underrated, but highly valuable, especially for young kids.

So, if you want to get a Math skill trained or another skill tackled, I would do it on a "fun" only path - find a rainy day video game/app that makes the learning drill secondary (but allows the repetition to ingrain the facts). If you want a "unit" study, ask the kids if they could learn about anything, especially something they know they wouldn't learn about in school, what would it be and how would they learn it...and go from there. I had a child interested in cats and dogs and we had a heckuva unit study, visiting the local animal shelter, organizing a K-9 demo field trip, writing to the guide dogs site and getting a comic book and personal letter back, meeting a read-to-me dog, watching animal pet safety videos, reading lots of fun books, etc (and finally adopting a cat from the animal shelter). It may not be what you think is important to learn, but encouraging a child to follow a path to what they want to know will encourage them to do more of the same in the future (and you might learn something along the way - I sure know a ton of stuff now about cats and dogs!

this. this is why i also asked if the adventure box idea would work for you, but you didn't respond.

Here are two different ways, I would look at a fun unit on cats. Use homeschool share (free) basically does all the prep work for you. http://www.homeschoolshare.com/cats_lapbook.php

OR put it together yourself, here's what i would put into a fun unit/adventure box about cats for example:
1 novel 4th grade appropriate about cats,
2-3 non fiction books about cats (the library is my best friend),
a how to draw a cat step by step (internet)
A cat craft (could be DIY or kit- hobby lobby- stained glass cat, sewing a simple cat etc)
a blank book (http://www.amazon.com/White-Hardcov...r=8-1&keywords=write+your+own+book+white+kids),
a cat recipe (silly kitty litter recipe & include ingredients) http://allrecipes.com/recipe/kitty-litter-cake/)
If you wanted to include math, google cat math 4th grade, it's amazing what will turn up (http://www.math-salamanders.com/math-word-problems-for-kids.html)
a cat crossword
A diagram of a cat to label body parts etc. (using scientic research)
at the end of the week, your child could make a presentation on poster board, in person or using technology to share what she has learned about cats.

you can purchase ebook/workbooks on Scholastic http://www.scholastic.com/home/

I had to create lesson plans for 4 years when i worked in early childhood, i wanted to share what i would do because what's second nature to me is foreign to other parents. I think it's really fun to do things like this with my kids. (i might have a problem) LOL. but it's so ingrained in me...

 

[kohlby]

That is what I don't want to happen. I don't want to get cornered into it and have no idea what I am doing. I have no intention of homeschooling either child next year. I do feel though that depending on how social things go with DD9 we may need to make a change at some point, and I don't want to have no plan.

For the summer though, I am looking into Math U See for my DD7. She will be left in the dust in 2nd grade if she cannot add single digits in her head quickly. They have already moved on to adding 2 digit numbers!

And for my DD9, I want to explore how she best learns. So she told me science is her favorite subject, specifically animals (furry animals...cats mostly but others as well) so I am going to look for some different biology materials. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Since you have no intention of homeschooling next year, I wouldn't use this as a trial of homeschooling. Also, even if you were, most kids need a deschooling time so I still wouldn't jump into it this summer. That being said, I do think it's important to do something over the summer to prevent brain-drain during the long break. I'd approach it as not wanting them to lose momentum over the summer, which is different than homeschooling. Have them read books on their reading level that they're interested in. Many libraries have summer reading programs. Answer your children's questions and help them seek out info for topics they're interested in. As for the child who you think is behind, talk to her teachers and see what they recommend. Ask them how much review is at the start of second grade too. If the main concern is getting her add/sub facts down, then one place to look is computer games. There's a lot out there for these.

Since you are considering homeschooling at some point, take the time to make yourself familiar with some of the options out there. See if there's a local homeschooling group that you can join. There are a couple groups in my area that welcome those thinking about homeschooling as well. It would allow you to talk to real homeschoolers and get an idea of how things go for them. There are so many different great ways to homeschool that it's helpful to talk to several people to get a better range.

*About MUS, Alpha is not all add and Beta all sub. Alpha is single digit while Beta is multiple digit. But, I still wouldn't suggest using that this summer between public school years - as it is very worksheety and will likely feel too much like school.

 

[worm761]

Thank you for the replies so far. At the very least I want DD7 to understand the 1st grade math concepts this summer. She is going into 2nd grade and she cannot answer what is 4+3 without manipulatives, a number line, or her fingers after an entire 1st grade year at a top elementary school. I would also like her to pick a topic of interest to explore this summer to develop a love of learning.

As for my DD 9 with Aspergers, I want to find ways she is most comfortable learning. She is very bright but inflexible. I am going to let her pick a subject/topic of her choice (it will most likely be science related) and figure out a way she would most like to learn about it (that will be the hard part...figuring out how to make it exciting and not seem like work!)

I have real concerns about public school education, especially middle school and high school. The schools here are top notch, yet girls are cutting themselves and drugs at parties are the norm. There is also immense pressure on kids to perform well. Then there is the whole Common Core thing that MD has embraced and I do not embrace!

I feel like I have 2 years (if that) to figure out what is best for DD9. I have read about so many aspergers kids and adults that said school was torture for them. And kids with social issues don't need to be socialized by a bunch of rude, snotty, overachieving, cutting, druggie, bullying peers. Ok, that is worse case....there are good kids out there. But with each passing year they become more clique-ish and less accepting.

Just a suggestion but your issues seem to be that DD7 needs some extra help to get where you want her but overall does good in school. Suggestion for her: do some enrichment over the summer.

DD9: Talk to her and see what she wants. If you want to do a trial run at homeschooling over the summer with her that is a good idea. You can pull her out of school just before school starts if it works. But you don't have to homeschool BOTH. You can homeschool only one. Do what works best for each child.

I homeschooled DS in elementary. Then I had to go back to work so he went to a small Catholic school for 6th and 7th. Then he came home for 8th to graduation and did school via the virtual school here in Florida. This worked best for him because he didn't like having to listen to mom as a teacher and was handing in crap work because he thought I would be soft. We butted heads a lot and the virtual school was the solution that worked best for him.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Since you have no intention of homeschooling next year, I wouldn't use this as a trial of homeschooling. Also, even if you were, most kids need a deschooling time so I still wouldn't jump into it this summer. That being said, I do think it's important to do something over the summer to prevent brain-drain during the long break. I'd approach it as not wanting them to lose momentum over the summer, which is different than homeschooling. Have them read books on their reading level that they're interested in. Many libraries have summer reading programs. Answer your children's questions and help them seek out info for topics they're interested in. As for the child who you think is behind, talk to her teachers and see what they recommend. Ask them how much review is at the start of second grade too. If the main concern is getting her add/sub facts down, then one place to look is computer games. There's a lot out there for these.

Since you are considering homeschooling at some point, take the time to make yourself familiar with some of the options out there. See if there's a local homeschooling group that you can join. There are a couple groups in my area that welcome those thinking about homeschooling as well. It would allow you to talk to real homeschoolers and get an idea of how things go for them. There are so many different great ways to homeschool that it's helpful to talk to several people to get a better range.

*About MUS, Alpha is not all add and Beta all sub. Alpha is single digit while Beta is multiple digit. But, I still wouldn't suggest using that this summer between public school years - as it is very worksheety and will likely feel too much like school.

My bad--you are correct!

Gamma and Delta split mulitplication and division. We are in beta now and it seems all subtraction. ;-)

 

[mhfrau]

It would definitely be to see how I can handle it...as in handling being w the girls 24/7 and seeing if they will listen to me, especially the 9 year old. I never thought about not handling the curriculum. I am college educated, I have a Masters Degree. Sure I would have to relearn some things I have not done in years (like trig) but to my knowledge lots of homeschoolers do not have college degrees and they educate their children just fine. As for foreign language, I am sure something like using Rosetta Stone is better than HS Spanish. I took Spanish from 7th to 10th grade and 1 year in college and I cant speak Spanish at all! And yes I received A's in those classes.

I homeschooled my son from the second half of 8th grade through the end of the 1st semester in 9th grade because I felt like he was lacking a strong foundation. Best decision we ever made! Although, we left it up to him if he wanted to return to public school, which he did, the pull of girls was just too strong But, I wanted to say that you are so right about the Rosetta Stone thing. We used the Homeschool version and in one year, he completed German 1-5 and is fairly fluent. Since he got zero high school credit for his homeschool experience, he ended up taking French in public high school to satisfy his language requirement and after 2 years, even making all A's, he can't speak a lick or really understand a great deal. I think Rosetta Stone is awesome!

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Since you have no intention of homeschooling next year, I wouldn't use this as a trial of homeschooling. Also, even if you were, most kids need a deschooling time so I still wouldn't jump into it this summer. That being said, I do think it's important to do something over the summer to prevent brain-drain during the long break. I'd approach it as not wanting them to lose momentum over the summer, which is different than homeschooling. Have them read books on their reading level that they're interested in. Many libraries have summer reading programs. Answer your children's questions and help them seek out info for topics they're interested in. As for the child who you think is behind, talk to her teachers and see what they recommend. Ask them how much review is at the start of second grade too. If the main concern is getting her add/sub facts down, then one place to look is computer games. There's a lot out there for these.

Since you are considering homeschooling at some point, take the time to make yourself familiar with some of the options out there. See if there's a local homeschooling group that you can join. There are a couple groups in my area that welcome those thinking about homeschooling as well. It would allow you to talk to real homeschoolers and get an idea of how things go for them. There are so many different great ways to homeschool that it's helpful to talk to several people to get a better range.

*About MUS, Alpha is not all add and Beta all sub. Alpha is single digit while Beta is multiple digit. But, I still wouldn't suggest using that this summer between public school years - as it is very worksheety and will likely feel too much like school.

I guess I was unclear. I had no intention of 9 to 4 school all summer long or anything. Out of 10 weeks of summer, there are 5 weeks where they have camp Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. So 15 days of camp total. We will go to the pool many of the other days, play outside etc. My girls will watch way too much TV in addition (they watch too much all year long!). On the days they don't have camp I would like to devote an hour or so to learning. This will be my "homeschooling trial." Will I be able to keep them engaged for an hour? Will they learn? Will they refuse anything that seems like work? I need to know the answers to these questions so I have to try. I do not think an hour of learning will be too much even if there are worksheets involved. Does this make sense?

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Just a suggestion but your issues seem to be that DD7 needs some extra help to get where you want her but overall does good in school. Suggestion for her: do some enrichment over the summer.

DD9: Talk to her and see what she wants. If you want to do a trial run at homeschooling over the summer with her that is a good idea. You can pull her out of school just before school starts if it works. But you don't have to homeschool BOTH. You can homeschool only one. Do what works best for each child.

I homeschooled DS in elementary. Then I had to go back to work so he went to a small Catholic school for 6th and 7th. Then he came home for 8th to graduation and did school via the virtual school here in Florida. This worked best for him because he didn't like having to listen to mom as a teacher and was handing in crap work because he thought I would be soft. We butted heads a lot and the virtual school was the solution that worked best for him.

Thank you for the suggestions, very helpful. I have heard of the FL virtual school, seems like there is nothing like that in MD. The virtual school uses a traditional approach, correct?

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

this. this is why i also asked if the adventure box idea would work for you, but you didn't respond.

Here are two different ways, I would look at a fun unit on cats. Use homeschool share (free) basically does all the prep work for you. http://www.homeschoolshare.com/cats_lapbook.php

OR put it together yourself, here's what i would put into a fun unit/adventure box about cats for example:
1 novel 4th grade appropriate about cats,
2-3 non fiction books about cats (the library is my best friend),
a how to draw a cat step by step (internet)
A cat craft (could be DIY or kit- hobby lobby- stained glass cat, sewing a simple cat etc)
a blank book (http://www.amazon.com/White-Hardcov...r=8-1&keywords=write+your+own+book+white+kids),
a cat recipe (silly kitty litter recipe & include ingredients) http://allrecipes.com/recipe/kitty-litter-cake/)
If you wanted to include math, google cat math 4th grade, it's amazing what will turn up (http://www.math-salamanders.com/math-word-problems-for-kids.html)
a cat crossword
A diagram of a cat to label body parts etc. (using scientic research)
at the end of the week, your child could make a presentation on poster board, in person or using technology to share what she has learned about cats.

you can purchase ebook/workbooks on Scholastic http://www.scholastic.com/home/

I had to create lesson plans for 4 years when i worked in early childhood, i wanted to share what i would do because what's second nature to me is foreign to other parents. I think it's really fun to do things like this with my kids. (i might have a problem) LOL. but it's so ingrained in me...

This is FANTASTIC! Thank you so much. Looking into all of this now!

 

[Svhadden]

And for my DD9, I want to explore how she best learns. So she told me science is her favorite subject, specifically animals (furry animals...cats mostly but others as well) so I am going to look for some different biology materials. Any suggestions are appreciated!

For your science-loving child, you might want to check out Apologia's Exploring Creation series. It is a Christian curriculum, though, so not sure if that's your cup of tea. But it's a great option for kids who enjoy science, and it gives your child the freedom to choose what they'd like to learn about, which then motivates and empowers them. She might be particularly interested in Apologia's Land Mammals text. My oldest (DD, 13 yrs old), loves science/nature, and has absolutely loved Apologia. She chose her science curriculum for 3 yrs. Because this is her last year of middle school, we will adhere more closely with high school prep this coming year.

I have two, my oldest that I've mentioned, and a son who is not quite 8 yrs old, and we've homeschooled since the beginning, so I have no advice on transitioning from public school, etc. But I absolutely second the advice of a PP, who gave so many creative ways to learn that don't involve a textbook (singing, multiplication tables, playing in mud puddles, drawing what they find, etc). We think our kids aren't learning if they're not sitting down with a workbook, but that's not the case at all. It s very challenging for me as a parent because I'm incredibly task-oriented, but giving my kids more freedom in what and how they learn has helped them immensely.

My main piece of advise would be this--DONT STRESS lol. I know that's difficult, but your kids will pick up on it and may become stressed over it themselves. After choosing a couple of tools to use over the summer, trying to keep it light and a bit casual may help you and your kids. Believe me, no one has fun when there is major stress and anxiety in loved. Best of luck to you!

Edited to add--for math prep, you may want to check out CTC Math. It's totally web based so no books to keep up with, and for elementary grades, it's fantastic for cementing the basics. It's based in Australia and my kids really love the teacher's accent, ha! The lessons are very short 4-8 min, and here are printable worksheets for each topic. You can purchase a monthly subscription, and you have access to all maths, from K through Calculus, so could use one program for both kids. We absolutely love CTC.

 

[MOpGrad2013]

I supplemented schooled my kids through each break. It started with DS because he just wasn't being challenged enough. And little sister went along. I used free worksheets from School Express.com. Some of the subjects were above her, but she enjoyed having a booklet to use.

I gave my son paperclips and buttons as manipulatives. Today, many classrooms have kids use them even in the middle school. I guess we are all different types of learners, but I wanted them to be able to do the sums in their heads.

Science projects in the kitchen. Be ready for glue, volcanoes...I picked up some older textbooks at yard sales and thrift stores. Then found easy experiments we could do. Learning about viscosity--oil and water along with food coloring. We built our own hot air balloons with tissue paper and used the hair dryer to make it fly.

For us, it was a lot of fun. I set a time limit each day. 2 hours to do school. Plus read for 30 minutes (throughout the day) from books on the list. I received a list of suggested reading from our library for each grade level. Since they were doing the reading program, the library gave prizes for their reading.

I also gave them real world problems. Counting blocks is boring, but counting cups of sugar in cookies...Much more tasty. Adding numbers with decimal points is tedious, but doing it at the grocery store and knowing you get the change..Those kids were putting back sugary cereal and choosing whole grain and less expensive.

Field trips were great. National Parks have Jr Ranger booklets. Sometimes you can print teacher resources for the museum off their website. If not, phone the projected site and ask them for an educator resource. Someone will come to your aid and when you arrive, tell them you are newly homeschooling and would like this to be fun and educational. We were taken behind the scenes at the local swimming pool to see how they filter the water. Then we went to the water plant and saw them pump it up from the river. We drove the Oregon Trail, Saw the Louisiana Purchase, Stopped at a Pony Express station...all in the middle of a move across country.

Because of DH military career, we were blessed with many moves in many locations. Some families groan at the number of moves and miles we drove. And I know that most families don't travel more than a few states away. That's ok. Become a tourist in your backyard to find the field trip ideas.

Like I said, I only supplemented the education. DS graduated last year and DD will graduate in 2016. Both are in the top 5% of their classes. They both attended multiple schools in so many different districts. Public school worked for us, but we worked together to do the extra stuff. And as they went up in grade level, the lessons from home in the elementary school assisted them.

Even today, their instructors ask me where I received certain resources. I saved many of the books. I have a 3 year old now so I am trying to find fun activities for him.

I couldn't homeschool full-time, but spending time together and working on projects was what worked for us.

Good luck with whatever decision you make. Oh, ask the teacher for ideas to assist your child. Most teachers have the ideas, but they can't implement them in the classroom.

 

[worm761]

Thank you for the suggestions, very helpful. I have heard of the FL virtual school, seems like there is nothing like that in MD. The virtual school uses a traditional approach, correct?

Sort of. He worked at his own pace and on his own levels. So there were a few classes where he was literally the only student. He could work when he wanted as long as he kept to a minimum pace. He graduated a few weeks ago but finished high school back in April. They still had to do collaborations with another student. And they tried to find field trips so the kids could get together occasionally. It was self taught but always had a certified teacher only a phone call away. I love that we didn't have to live by a school schedule for vacations and such. No missing school when he got the flu, no missing school for doctors appointments. It was nice.

I had never head of Five In A Row but after looking at it and researching I think I will start Before Five In A Row with DD. She is 4 and beginning to teach herself to read and spell so it is time to start with her a bit more formally.

 

[vleeth]

Just finding this thread. How did the summer go? Did you decide to homeschool?

 

[quandrea]

I know you say you want to try it out, but honestly, to truly get a handle on homeschooling, you have to be all in. It's a huge shift in your life and routines. It requires huge commitment and there are going to be times when you want to quit. So if you are serious, I'd take the summer to prepare, gather your materials. Then start fresh in September. If you are happy by Christmas break, keep going. If not send them back to school in January. Those four months would be an absolute minimum to gauge if you want to continue. Good luck. It's truly the best thing we ever did for our family. Our kids are happy, we have so much freedom, we spend tons of time together as a family and the children are enjoying tremendous academic success.