OT:Homeschoolers--What do your kids do all day?

[badblackpug]

I'm not getting into the homeschool debate...but in my kids' school they are required to do at least 30 minutes of independent reading (book of their choice) and keep a "reading journal" on it every day. The reading journal has different questions like:

1) Discuss the setting of the portion of the book you read tonight (past, present, future, city, suburbs, country)
2) Compare and contrast yourself with the main character
3) What are the conflicts in the section you read. Were they resolved and how?
4) What did you like most about what you read today, What part did you like least and why?
5) What choices did the main character make today. What could he/she have done differently? What would you have done?
6) Describe a character in the story. What do you like about this character? What do you dislike? Why?
7) Summarize the section you read today.

There is a journal entry for each day of the week. Each journal entry has a different topic from above. They journal is kept in one of those black and white "marbled" notebooks. At the end of each book the child takes a "test" to establish that they have basic understanding of the books. All books read must be on or above the childs reading/grade level.

 

[MommaPooh]

I will not get into a debate over whether homeschooling is better than traditional schooling since it is pointless. We each do what is best for our own children since we know them best.
As far as my kids are concerned they were in traditional school. DH and I looked into exactly how much structured learning time students received on average. According to a study put out by our state board of education, in an average school day there was only 2 1/2 hours of actual learning time. The other 4 1/2 hours were spent in line, going to and from different classes,bathroom time, non instructional time in class(taking roll, collecting lunch/snack money, disciplining those that misbehave, lunch time, snack time, etc...)assembly time for various reasons, listening to announcements, fire drills etc.
By the time DD was in third grade there were no more books in the library for her to read since her reading level was that of a college freshman. At age 11 she took the real ACT test (not the Duke Talent search test and not the practice test) and scored a 25 - higher than the average high school junior scores. Both kids were in the "Gifted" program but it was nothing more than busy work and did not challenge either. DD was so bored in class many days. She asked for extra work, asked for more homework but rarely got them. The average class size for their elementary school was 29 students and the board of education said they would only add more teachers if class sizes reached 32. DS had a similar experiences with being bored, just not to the degree of DD. We took them both out of traditional school and are homeschooling them now. They are not "made" to read each day because they do it on their own. On average they will read on their own atleast an hour and usually more - depending on their schedule for that day. Learning takes place in everything they do. They get to pick out things they would like to learn about and we go with it. Right now they have an interest in learning Japanese and that is to be our newest venture. They could not learn that in the schools here since it is not offered. Socialization is not an issue either. Both are active in many activities with other homeschoolers and with those in traditional schools as well. So many think homeschooled kids are lacking socialization - that is so far from the truth.
Homeschooling is not for every parent or every student. Again, I do not think one is better than the other. For my family, homeschooling is the best choice and that is what is most important to me.

 

[maxtomsmom]

Cardboard boxes-nuff said LOL
Ok, I'm only half serious. But you know a few cardboard boxes can get any kids creative juices flowing and next thing you know you have at least a few days of designing, coloring, etc. Just visit the local appliance store or call ahead to have them hold some for you.

I'm in a similar boat with my kids in that my youngest is 2 and not old enough to go to some of the field trips and activities our homeschool group does. So we tend to be home alot in the winter too. Luckily another parent often volunteers to take my son with her kids but I have to make a real effort to plan at least 1 playdate a week in the winter other than our co-op class on Fridays and karate classes 2x a week.
Basically my kids "socialize" (homeschooler's inside joke) everyday with other kids but it's not always to just play-which is why I always try to plan at least 1 strictly play activtity.
It also helps that my son is a Lego freak so he's happy to design lego stuff for hours in the afternoons in the winter.....
Spring and summer lucklily are much different and we're at the park or beach almost daily

Just a suggestion, but senior centers are always looking for company. Perhaps you can arrange a monthly or bimonthly visit. They can bring in pictures and swap stories. Another suggestion is doing charity work. Since you have more free time, (not that I don't think you're working - just not bounded by stricter schedules) you can have your kids help others. Perhaps you can get a few other home school kids to do fund raisers for a local charity. They can make something then sell it and all proceeds go to a favorite charity. I can imagine staying indoors in the winter is tough. We don't home school and I get bored if I'm inside for more than a day.

 

[maxtomsmom]

Sorry, my previous reply was not meant to be attached to a specific quote - lack of sleep here. It was meant for anyone.

 

[lori1043]

We have found that "cabin fever" thing lately here too. I am from Louisiana and the weather has been crazy, mostly cold and wet lately. Since we are used to warmth, 50 feels freezing, in fact my toes are frozen right now, I am inside (obviously) and it is 45 degrees out. I would be under covers all day if I lived up north, homeschooling from bed!-

Anyway, we are getting out more often this week. We finish in about 3-4 hours every day. This past week, to change course and get out of our rut, we have started KONOS again. Fun and educational curriculum that gets me and the kids excited after the usual math and spelling-it covers every other subject. Although I am "for" a structured curriculum, my kids seem to hold on to the times we have had using KONOS (or Amanda Bennett a couple times) unit studies. We also add more math games and my DD9 reads at all other times lately. She has not stopped for months now. She has now read ALL of the AG historical books(about 60 American history books since Katrina) plus about 5 Boxcar Children books, plus all the Cam Jansen books (easy reader for her). She does not do this as part of her "schooling"-we read other stuff for that-this is completely on her own. My DD7 is catching the reading bug slowly but surely. They are so different, I love it! She is more my "math" kid. I feel if she "catches" the reading bug too, schooling will be that much easier. Although if she doesn't , we know what we have to work on and we can focus on her strengths. I just bought the SRA testing practice books for them. They do Stanford testing every May-this is DD7's first time. I am nervous as we have always homeschooled her! She is on track though. DD9 went to kindergarten and 1st grade at a public school that we really liked. I am still friends with her 1st grade teacher. Yet, we are all called to different walks in life. It is not for everyone, but I for one, will never regret it, even if it has to end tomorrow. I LOVE the TIME I have with them.-even when it gets hairy !!

 

[meandtheguys2]

Can I ask if someone has a book idea for a 10 year old boy? He's read all of Erin Hunter's books, Brian Jacques, LOTR, Narnias, etc. We finally found "Surviving the Applegates" last evening on the shelf, but that will only last a day.

Emmasmom, isn't it great that you are able to do so much with your child? That is what I enjoy about our school situation, also. Different strokes for different folks, as they say.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

We have found that "cabin fever" thing lately here too. I am from Louisiana and the weather has been crazy, mostly cold and wet lately. Since we are used to warmth, 50 feels freezing, in fact my toes are frozen right now, I am inside (obviously) and it is 45 degrees out. I would be under covers all day if I lived up north, homeschooling from bed!-

Anyway, we are getting out more often this week. We finish in about 3-4 hours every day. This past week, to change course and get out of our rut, we have started KONOS again. Fun and educational curriculum that gets me and the kids excited after the usual math and spelling-it covers every other subject. Although I am "for" a structured curriculum, my kids seem to hold on to the times we have had using KONOS (or Amanda Bennett a couple times) unit studies. We also add more math games and my DD9 reads at all other times lately. She has not stopped for months now. She has now read ALL of the AG historical books(about 60 American history books since Katrina) plus about 5 Boxcar Children books, plus all the Cam Jansen books (easy reader for her). She does not do this as part of her "schooling"-we read other stuff for that-this is completely on her own. My DD7 is catching the reading bug slowly but surely. They are so different, I love it! She is more my "math" kid. I feel if she "catches" the reading bug too, schooling will be that much easier. Although if she doesn't , we know what we have to work on and we can focus on her strengths. I just bought the SRA testing practice books for them. They do Stanford testing every May-this is DD7's first time. I am nervous as we have always homeschooled her! She is on track though. DD9 went to kindergarten and 1st grade at a public school that we really liked. I am still friends with her 1st grade teacher. Yet, we are all called to different walks in life. It is not for everyone, but I for one, will never regret it, even if it has to end tomorrow. I LOVE the TIME I have with them.-even when it gets hairy !!

I know this s off topic, but if that is a picture of your girls in your siggie - where did you find those dresses? I love them!!! Also- they are very cute little girls!

 

[jimmytammy]

Hate to stir this up...but I just have to say that I was thinking the same thing! We go to museums, library, zoo, outdoor activities, soccer, gymnastics, do computer games (limited), educational videos, chores at home, etc.....and she goes to school all day- a small Montessori school where she learns her academic subjects, music, art, PE, spanish, etc. I spend time in her classroom frequently, the are working on their independent work...not much time is wasted in lining up, discipline, hallway walking, etc. They eat lunch in their classroom and solve their problems amongst themselves at the peace table. This doesn't seem to interfere with the learning of other students. Yet, they have a full-day of quality class time (including lunch/recess/special classes). How do you know "when the lessons are done"? Isn't there always more to learn to challenge the student (at home or school)? I understand parents who choose to homeschool because of religious concerns....but, and honestly I want to understand since we have a lot of homeschool families in our area, I don't get it?

We started Homeschooling based on the fact that our DS...having many physical and mental limitations, wasnt getting what he needed in public school, which was one on one, day after day. And we didnt expect it to happen. But we didnt want him to be left behind just so he could fit into "normal" society. This is our 5th year in homeschool and though he still struggles, he is being taught. Our DD on the other hand excels in school. We HS her also. She is now in 8th grade and has been testing on a 12plus level in several subjects since we started HS.

Not all people HS for religous reasons. But I will say we can teach our kids in a Godly way. And we teach them to be independent and not think like the crowd.

Not debating your views, just letting others see the other side. We all need to be open and not close doors. We used to PS. It didnt work for us, so we chose an alternative. And it is working.

 

[6swolcott]

I did not have time to read all post because I am late for work but I homeschooled four children for approx 15 years and have alot of ideas for you, I now have four children in college two of whom turned down Military academy appts for various reasons. Please feel free to email me and please Know you are not alone, all homeschools at one time or another can make you feel as if your in a rut. Food for thought.... what are your children interested in? One year I asked my dd that question and she said ancient egypt and we spent almost two years doing a unit study on that alone.....

Homeschooling is about allowing the world to be your textbook and not fitting education into a standard day.
scottwolcott@bellsouth.net
Have a wonderful day
Sheila

For the mom who wanted to know about books for a 10 year old boy have you tried the Henty novels? they are wonderful historical fiction.

 

[vhoffman]

If you look at your post then you can see that your school situation is unique and not really the norm. Many do not have alternative education choices like Montessori or they are too expensive. You are very lucky to have a wonderful option for your child.
Some choose to homeschool because they don't have these options and they can provide a better education themselves. Or their schools may be dangerous, run down, overcrowded, etc. Or they've had bad experiences with teachers that will not change.
But even with alternative ed choices some people choose to homeschool because they want to impart not only their values on their children but they also want to guide their education in a way that meets their needs best.
Many children are not at 'grade level" for all subjects yet most schools are set up to teach only that way. So kids are told to stop reading ahead or labeled a troublemaker because they are bored since work is too easy for them. Homeschooling eliminates these issues since the child can work at their level and learn about things that interest them for as long as they want-not just a semester or 50 min school period.

There's an excellent book called "Dumbing us Down" by a teacher, John Taylor Gatto, that also explains in depth how the average student is taught to basically be a "cog in the wheel of society." Many homeschoolers want to fight against that and teach their child to be independent and critical thinkers. The realities outlined in this book are really some of the primary reasons I homeschool.

I'm not trying to get into a debate with anyone why homeschooling is better or worse than public/private schools. It's all relative to the individuals. Parents do what they think is best for their child.
This is just one homeschooler's perspective.

I chose to hs my dd10 because he just wasn't at grade level for all subjects. He's at grade level for math, but his reading skills are below grade level. He was falling more and more behind because the class was targeted towards the grade level, not his level.

I've been homeschooling him for about a semester. I actually went back to about second grade level for reading, just to bring him up to speed. He's caught up and is now reading 4-5 grade level books! We're also improving our writing skills. OUr routine consists of lessons in the morning, lunch break, then an "outing" every afternoon. Sometimes its the library, museums, etc., sometimes its just a shopping trip, but we're always looking for opporutnities to learn. For example, I have him help me figure out what is the best buy based on price and weight. We also write the shopping list, which gives him practice in writing. He's also in various structured activities, such as scouts, church youth group & Sunday School, gym, art classes, etc. His days (and mine!) are full.

He's quickly catching up, now that the anxiety is eliminated. He was so out of sync at school that he had all but given up. I intend to re introduce him to public school at the middle school level, but I will not send him back to his current elementary school. There was simply way too much anxiety associated with that school for him, and the school had developed a negative attitude towards him that will never change (oh, I've tried everything, once a mind is set, its impossible to change it!)


The change in ds has been quite heartening! He's a willing pupil and fast learner. Also, one of the advantages of homeschooling is that the child can learn for the sake of learning, not to meet some picky requirements. Case in point--my dd9 had to do a social studies project last Fall. They were studying the Spanish missions of Texas (we live in Texas). Well, part of the project consisted of building a mission. There were so many picky little requirements she actually froze, she didn't have any idea how to proceed. We helped her and almost ended up doing it for her. Yes, I know, what did she learn? The point wasn't to learn, it was to complete the project and get the best grade possible. That's the game.She experienced so much frustration and tears from what could have been a learning experience. A few weeks later, ds decided he wanted to make a Spanish mission. He made it 100% on his own and did a fantastic job. It engaged him for hours, and he spent a lot of time studying books, looking up facts on the internet, in essence, a learning experience for him. His mission was fantastic! I heard dd tell ds, well, it was fun for you, you didn't have to worry about getting it "right". Her teacher picks her projects to death to the point she is discouraged from even trying (took of points for too much white space on pictures she cut out of magazines--about 1/32 inch!, took off points for glue run over--about the thickness of a single thread!--shes in fourth grade, not a professional artist!). On the other hand, ds was able to involve himself in the project and all it involved without the fear of not pleasing a teacher who thinks teaching equates to picking.

Yesterday we were at the library and ds spied some books about the Transcontinential Railroad. We'd discussed it some as part of a story he read. He brought home several books and now wants to make a model of the railroad, which I'm sure will be a great learning experience. Once the anxiety is eliminated, he can concentrate on actual learning. By the time he reaches middle school he might even be a grade level advanced for his age! I'm just glad I have the time and resurces to homeschool. Its not for everyone, but its the best solution for our circumstances.

 

[vhoffman]

I did not have time to read all post because I am late for work but I homeschooled four children for approx 15 years and have alot of ideas for you, I now have four children in college two of whom turned down Military academy appts for various reasons. Please feel free to email me and please Know you are not alone, all homeschools at one time or another can make you feel as if your in a rut. Food for thought.... what are your children interested in? One year I asked my dd that question and she said ancient egypt and we spent almost two years doing a unit study on that alone.....

Homeschooling is about allowing the world to be your textbook and not fitting education into a standard day.
scottwolcott@bellsouth.net
Have a wonderful day
Sheila

For the mom who wanted to know about books for a 10 year old boy have you tried the Henty novels? they are wonderful historical fiction.

Thanks for the suggestion about the Henty novels--will look for them in the library!

 

[meandtheguys2]

You know, I've got one of the Henty novels, about Egypt, and it hasn't caught his interest. We have a library run tomorrow or the day after, though, so I'll check what other's they have.

Thanks!

 

[vhoffman]

You know, I've got one of the Henty novels, about Egypt, and it hasn't caught his interest. We have a library run tomorrow or the day after, though, so I'll check what other's they have.

Thanks!

that's what 's so great about using the library--you can try before you buy! If its something that I think we'll read over and over we buy it, but not all books are as interesting as others. Also, we might be moving soon, so extra books = extrs weight (we have a ton already that I can't part with!)

 

[meandtheguys2]

that's what 's so great about using the library--you can try before you buy! If its something that I think we'll read over and over we buy it, but not all books are as interesting as others. Also, we might be moving soon, so extra books = extrs weight (we have a ton already that I can't part with!)

We have zillion books in our house. I am seriously trying to break the habit of buying all of the books we want. I've just discovered the online catalof for our library, though, so it is helping!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Today we were busy staying in bed b/c we are all sick.

On a regular day--I have to get the oldest started ASAP...a the day progresses she grows "tired" and slows down her efforts dramatically. Her school work can be completed in 2 hours or less and if she is being extra diligent, she has finished in 1 hour before (that was a fluke).

Anyway, by about 11am we finish and if we have nothing else planned (like dance classes and such...) they have free play. I don't structure anything. They are quite happy doing that.

You could try some educational computer games---maybe even find a website where you can access them for free.

Also--my kids love going to the library--they play with the toys in the children's section, have educational computer time, and pick out books. We could be there for 2 hours.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

How do you know "when the lessons are done"? Isn't there always more to learn to challenge the student (at home or school)? I understand parents who choose to homeschool because of religious concerns....but, and honestly I want to understand since we have a lot of homeschool families in our area, I don't get it?

IN my home, I have a syllabus that I supplement. When her lessons are done--they are done. Often she decides to do more.

But honestly--in our case--take the academics of a first grader...teach it to only one student and poof...it doesn't take as long.

She does a lot of free play, has friends in the neighborhood and we have a co-op that starts next week.

My biggest guilt right now is I am having a hard time getting around...so aside from the organized planned field trips, we are not doing much venturing out of the house right now.

In the warmer months--the swimming pool is calling in our back yard.

We have lots of free time to fill our schedule as we choose. It works for us.

It doesn't work for everyone and that is okay. But I would never be derogatory about others educational choices for their child.

 

[disneymom3]

How do you know "when the lessons are done"? Isn't there always more to learn to challenge the student (at home or school)? I understand parents who choose to homeschool because of religious concerns....but, and honestly I want to understand since we have a lot of homeschool families in our area, I don't get it?

We know when the lesson is done just as a teacher does. For most subjects I follow a set curriculum--math for instance. The books DD works in are labeled 5A and 5B they are to be done each semester of 5th grade. So, basically one, to two lessons a day. Spelling is pretty obvious, when you finish the assignment for that day, it's done and so on. Now as I said, my kids also end up playing out a lot of our history and our science projects could take three days. The kids spent most of their time a couple of weeks ago addressing and delivering mail to one another using addresses that would have been used in colonial times and acting as the town crier. So, technically the lesson was done but the learning was not. DD decided she was going to go gung ho on learning about dogs--she read books about them, got a couple of dog training videos, researched which ones don't shed adn only grow to a specific size etc. She put her info together into a three sided chart to present to DH and I. None of that was lessons. It was all on her own time. Most of the time their days are taken up with pursuits like this, but sometimes we get into a rut. I think it is great that you have found a solution that works for you! That is what it is all about! Homeschooling is what works for us.

I will add that we did start homeschooling because DD was bored out of her mind in K(which is another thing that ends up taking us less time. I spend very little time actually teaching DD. She comes to me when she is stuck, but generally the instructions in the book are sufficient for her. She also skips lessons because when you get the concept on the first time around, you don't need to do it 5 more times. Most kids need the same info repeated 6-8 times to really learn it. Gifted kids need one or two repetitions. And once you know how your child learns best, you don't have to present the info in all different learning styles to meet the needs of a class either.) However, we do not continue to homeschool because of academics alone. That explanation would need its own thread! This post is already really long.

 

[maxtomsmom]

I don't homeschool and was a teacher for 10 years before I started working part-time with infants and toddlers with developmental delays. I am always amazed by homeschooling. I think you must need a lot of patience and creativity to do it. Sometimes helping my DS with his homework can be a challenge of my patience (bright kid just dawdles his time away). I can't imagine doing it day in and day out. BTW, do you take long summer breaks or any holiday breaks? I know you go on vacation when you want, but do you typically follow your local school district calendar? Just wondering.

 

[disneymom3]

We follow a sort of traditional schedule but everyone is different. Our family stops in mid May after the kids have their testing done. So far I have always been more than pleased with the result, so I figure we can be done with that grade! Besides, at that point the weather is usually beautiful here in MN so the kids just really want to be outside and can stay out there for hours at a time. But then, we start school by mid August and schools around here don't go back until after labor Day. I have a friend who schools year round but I think one thing she has going for her is that she has 6 kids herself and they live way out in the country. They all play together and don't have any neighbors. I tried schooling one summer, but my kids wanted to be out with the neighbor kids and it felt too cruel to make them stay in and do school work while everyone else was having fun. We do have school on the random days off that the district here has(like end of semester or whatever) but we also take off all days that DH is off and others as needed.

 

[MommaPooh]

We school pretty much year round. We are only required to have 170 days of class per year, however we never do less than 200. We take a break when the kids feel they need it. For example, we took most of December off. We had a week planned for Disney, then with Christmas and New Years, it was just better to take that time off. We won't do a spring break or a set summer break. Like Disneymom3 we do not observe all of the days off the school districts get. For example, we did not take off of school Monday of last week like the school system did. First, we had just started back to schooling the previous week and a day off that soon was not needed. Second, it was inauguration day here. I was not wasting the learning experience they would get from watching our elected officials take their oathes of office and all that accompanies it. Our school days are not limited to M-F, we also school on the weekends often.