Schooling, Public and Homeschool

Preschool co-op behavior problem, please help!

Carmina — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:55:25 GMT

When it's my turn to teach 1 1/2 hours of preschool at my house my son behaves horribly. My son has just turned 5. He is just fine when preschool is held somewhere else. I was told it is normal. However, I don't like it at all. He says mean things to the other kids, he is put in time out and comes back to the same. We go over the rules but he doesn't comply. He has moments when he is fine but playing with our toys is a problem. I have called his dad at work and have him chat with my son. It works temporarily. I am not enjoying this at all and I usually can't wait until it's over. He pushes my buttons and I think that I'm going to lose it. The other kids (3 other) are just fine and I feel bad for them.

If you have any ideas of what I can do, let me know.

This is his first year at home alone, his brothers are at school. He is strong willed, and he has started the "I don't care", I hate you, rant. He is the youngest and the hardest to discipline so far. He loves video games and it helps me get things done. No one else plays but only on Friday and Saturdays. He gets to play daily. However, just moments ago, I disconnected the darn thing. He will have a fit but I feel it is necessary for him to calm down a bit and engage his brain in other things. Any help is appreciated.

Thanksgiving Lessons

Brandy — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:34:29 GMT

Will you be using Thanksgiving themed activities this month? Are you teaching lessons on the settling of the U.S., pilgrims or the first Thanksgiving?

Sale at Abeka Books

Brandy — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:38:16 GMT

For those of you who use Abeka for your homeschooling curriculum or want Christian literature for your children, Abeka has a special offer on select books.

Check out their Christmas special

Homeschooling and speech therapy

Linda M. — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:55:43 GMT

My son will not be old enough to attend kindergarten until next year, so this fall I took him to the local school for free testing just to make sure he is on track and ready for the next year. Well, now I feel pressured to enroll him in their preschool because they said he might need some speech therapy. We can understand almost everything he says - although he does leave off the s' when combined with other letters - like in the word spelling. So it comes out sounding like pelling. The preschool is free, government sponsored special education. The problem is this - the testing was optional - enrolling him is optional - but now they want to meet with me so I have to sign something to make it official that I am 'declining their services'. Is this normal? To tell the truth, right now I am on the fence about sending him to the public school or homeschooling. (Private school is not available here - we are in a small town in Interior Alaska). So I don't like how they are strong-arming me. He is an only child so we would have to really make an effort to find socialization opportunities in this small isolated town if we decide to homeschool. And what about private speech therapy - is that expensive and if the problem is relatively minor as we perceive it - can it be solved at home with the proper books and cds?

Homeschooling in California

Brandy — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:20:06 GMT

I have been seeking out those with experience in homeschooling in various states to help those who are new and looking for information.

Does anyone here homeschool in California? I know the state hit the news over homeschooling. How is that all going now? Is it difficult to homeschool in California?

I have no clue how to get into college

TiffanyJohnson — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:09:20 GMT

I know that sounds stupid, but I have no clue, it seems like I cant do anything til I am a senior (next year). I want to go to my community college, for at least two years, then go on to another school...Im thinking NOVA (4 hour drive away) in ft. lauderdale FL. But no one can help me.

Ive tried 3-4 times to talk to my guidance counselers, but they are busy, and as a junior, the seniors are more important. I just got off the phone with my community college counseler, he cant help me either. I know I need scholarships, and financial aid, but I dont have the slightest notion on how to get it. My mom wants to help but she never went to college, and neither has anyone else in my family. I feel like the whole world says YOU HAVE TO GO TO COLLEGE!, but when I ask for guidance it says YOURE ON YOUR OWN.

How do I apply for scholarships? I dont want to do it all my senior year. PLEASE- help me out

if it helps...

I live in FL, am an 11th grader, want to be a kindergarten teacher, have a decent (3.?) GPA...idk what else will help

homeschooling vs publicschooling

AmyC — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:51:43 GMT

Hey guys!

I am writing a paper for my English class about the social implications of homeschooling in comparision to public schooling. Do you have any input or opinion? Do you know of any great resources that I could use for information? Thanks! This is my final project for the class, so getting all sorts of information is really important.

Halloween Crafts and Projects

Brandy — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:25:35 GMT

My new blog post, Spooktacular Projects and Crafts, is about Halloween themed crafts that are easy to make or printable. My daughter and I are really enjoying making two a week as an activity for schooling. I also found this doubles as a handmade and memory filled frugal decoration.

Do you have your children make crafts that work as holiday decorations? What have been your favorite ones?

I REALLY want to be a kindergarten teacher...

TiffanyJohnson — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:42:14 GMT

or first grade, but kindergarten is my first choice

I plan on going to college, is there a place where I can go to talk to kindergarten teachers, and get some insight. And what classes do I need to take in high school, im a junior, hat about in college?

any advice welcome

I met my first homeschooler....

Brandy — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:16:11 GMT

I met my first homeschooler who uses the same method that I am currently using and some of the same materials.

She owns a business one street away from us and my husband has professional dealings with her. She has a schoolroom set up in the back of her office space where she monitors her children's school work.

It was exciting to be able to talk to her and swap school stories.

Do you have support from those who use similar methods or materials as you do? Do you feel these are important connections to make?

My New Stuff

Brandy — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:45:15 GMT

The book on Biology, the science kit and a freebie book came in!!

I am still looking it all over to form opinions on it's value to our school since both the book and kit are new to me.

Science Kits

Brandy — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:33:07 GMT

Do you purchase ready made kits for projects or experiments or do you put together these things yourself from items you can find frugally or have at home?

Whether you purchase kits or supplies, where do you find the best prices?

well that book didn't work..

Cinnamonhuskies — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:10:11 GMT

Homeschooling is years of trial and error.

My oldest had Saxon Algebra2 and Saxon Physics this year. We did the first lesson in Physics and realized it was impossible for him to do. He got a 40% on the first lesson, and we have a video teacher to go with it too. The Algebra2 he's been managing so far (1 week) with.

I discovered the Physics actually needed to come after Advanced Math...which is after Alg2. oops. I just went by all the curriculums that state Physics is the 12th grade Science. It was not a good fit.

So it all got packaged up and sent back to CBD. That was a $100 program. So now what for science?

Well, I have a set of paperback books by an author named Tiner that haven't been read yet by anyone but dh. They are on Physics, mathematics, Earth Science, Medicine, Chemistry, and Biology. They are overviews of each subject with chapter quizzes. So we will make good use out of those for now and it might just fill out this semester. Next semester I'll have to think of something else. Ds has had physical science, biology and then Marine Biology in his high school years.

The one plus I found to buying new books instead of used (which typically I do) is that at least I can return them. If used, I have to try to resell them.

I want to slap another homeschool mom!

Cinnamonhuskies — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:23:50 GMT

I can't believe this woman.

She is at both the speech and the german classes by sons are taking. She follows her teen daughter to every class she has and then proceeds to become "teachers helper". Not that I care.....but irritated me yesterday was what my 14 yo Dyslexic son told me happened in German class. This woman waas grading papers for the teacher, and when she got to ds#2''s paper, she announced " I have a new Acronymn....for Too Many To Count"! Haha. Then while grading she also looked over at the teacher and said "I can't even tell what those letters are!"In reference to his handwriting.

So ds#1 got 6 wrong, and ds#2 got 33 wrong. Yet I know he knew the stuff because I watched he and his brother practice the German conversation from memory. But the Dyslexia make handwriting very diffficult for ds#2, thats why we use a computer curriculum so he can type his schoolwork.

I can't believe the unprofessionalism of that mother. My son was embarrassed. This was their second class. But he still wants to learn German and is willing to put up with her...at least for the time being. What makes me upset is I paid $120 EACH child last month to send them there! I really could not afford it but they need a language credit and wanted German and a friend of theirs is in the class.Strange thing is that ds#2 was not the worst paper in the class. What is wrong with this mother anyway?! I had already heard how critical she was of ds#1's speech in speech class....after the teacher had already graded him on it. But ds#1 ignored her being she was just someone else's parent and of no real consequence in the class. I guess that's the attitude ds#2 is taking, and it's good, but as a mama bear it makes me upset and embarrassed for him too.

I kept him out of public school just for this very reason....so he could do his schoolwork without being labeled 'stupid'or 'dumb''.

Two weeks into homeschooling

Willow from Maine — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:01:17 GMT

My name is Willow and I started homeschooling my 2 children this year. We are two weeks in and it seems to be going well. I started a blog about my experience and hope to post to it often. So far I am loving the experience. We have a good schedule and the kids are behaving well and seem to be calmer then they have during school years in the past. It is early days yet so bumps along the road are expected. The kids call me Mrs. Mommy...lol

Nice to meet you all,

Willow

My blog: http://ishomeschoolingforme.blogspot.com/

To Homeschool or Not to Homeschool...that is the question

kabin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:14:37 GMT

Hi Everybody...

Some of you may remember that I talked about doing this last year, but I am once again considering the homeschool idea. Here's the beef. I have a 16 yr old sophmore, or at least she should be, who has not been in attendance in reegular school more than 3 days this whole school year. She missed 2 whole weeks of school before having a laproscopy procedure done last Friday for diagnostic purposes. Fortunately they did not find anything. Still this child has been diagnosed with anxiety ( in 4th grade ) and till now she is still not treated. Why? Because she refuses to take any medication. I can't exactly force it down her throat. And I am so tired of everyone telling me what to do with my child.Outside of God Iknow this child better than anyone else and I know what works for her and what doesn't.

The other part is that she did not pass half of her classes in regular school last year. So actually only has 6 credits from her freshman year of high school. I have no idea how to go about homeschooling her, but I am beginning to think that this is an option we should try. The problem is that her dad does not agree with me on the subject and truthfully I can't see how it would hurt to try. She has failed the same math class for several years now and her confidence in learning has dwindled down to nothing. She can learn, but I really feel that she needs more one to one instruction. I also feel it is pointless to send her to public school only to have her fail some more. She misses a lot of school because of the anxiety issues, which I feel are taking their toll on her this year. She does want to attend school after high school, but mainly for hair dressing and makeup...would like to get involved in the the world of theatre or acting. She is gifted as an artist and I know how to cover those types of classes, but she still needs her core classes and that is where I am painfully lacking in knowledge. Can anyone give me some pointers to help me develop a lesson plan? And is it possible to homeschool a teen on a limited budget? We are strapped for cash at the moment , so I don't have much money to invest in curriculum.

I do intend to contact some of the local homeschoolers to see where they point me, but am wondering if this can be done on a budget of next to nothing with a teen. And of course I lack confidence in this whole idea for me as a teacher, but only because school has beena source of contention for my daughter and I over the years. That being said, I am hoping to pinpoint her strengths with homeschool, while boosting her weaknesses as well.

Any advice is welcome.

Hubby doesn't want me to homeschool

Tinamarie — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:46:37 GMT

I posted this on another forum also. basically we live in HI and are in the military. The schools here are awful. They are behind and the teachers are mean!! My daughter was beat up on the school bus this last week and no action was taken by the principal other than a scolding. My children hate school and dread it. I tried homeschooling last fall but didn't really give it my all because my husband and I were having marriage problems and I was seriously getting ready to move to my homestate and divorce him. We are much much better now, but because of my half hearted attempt he doesn't want me to homeschool again. I am convinced it is the best thing to do and my children want to be homeschooled. Any advice you can give me to try to change his mind???

Educational Environment

Brandy — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:27:42 GMT

How important is the environment a child is educated in?

What do you think is the best environment for your child to learn in and do you put much effort into specifically creating surroundings that encourage learning?

Paying for a college education?

Cinnamonhuskies — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:14:06 GMT

What methods do you reccommend? We are filling out apps this month for ds#1. Some are colleges that don't accept federal grants, others do, some have scholarships available. What do you think about student loans?

We are looking at $11,000 a year to $28,000 a year. Unfortuantely, the $28,000 is the one that is looking more and more appealing to all of us. I really think it would be a good fit for my son's career choice, and he is very interested in it too.

BTW he has asthma so he couldn't get into the military....otherwise we were hoping he could do that for the GI Bill.

Latin

Brandy — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:04:09 GMT

Are your children learning Latin?

Do you see benefits to their learning to speak, read and write Latin or do you feel there are better things for them to be learning?

Twins in same class opinions, If you dont have twins, just pretend

TiffanyJohnson — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:33:30 GMT

ok, twins run in both sides of my family as well as both sides in his family and so i was wondering....

when twins start school, sometimes they are in the same class, sometimes they arent, and parents can always request one way or the other, what would you choose? On one hand if they are in the same class for kindergarten, it will get them used to being in a classroom, but if they arent, they might make different sets of friends, both are good. However if they are in the same class, they may not interact well with other kids because they are always together anyway...

If you had twins, what grade would you seperate them by putting them in different classes, right away? 2nd grade? 5th? Or would you just let it happen how it happens and change it if it becomes a problem?

I think I would seperate them right away so they could branch out a little bit.....but I dont want them to feel like they are being seperated on top of starting school with kids they dont know..... food for thought

What are our children learning?

Brandy — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:32:17 GMT

Many of us have sent our children back to school or began new school sessions of homeschool. I am always interested to hear what children are learning and what techniques are used to teach them.

What topics are your children studying?

More classes, more time, more money, undisciplined son, yikes!

Cinnamonhuskies — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:35:56 GMT

OK I am frustradted with ds#1 (17 y o). I had spent $230 on his senior year curriculum for the computer, and he was suposed to get a head start on it this summer. That lasted 4 days. He spends most of his time on his computer facebooking and tweeting and youtubing in his room. When he's not home-which is often- he's working or out with friends and/or girlfriend. I told him it has to stop, esp. by September when he HAS to get serious about life.

I swear I don't know this boy anymore. He's never been like this before.

So anyway, the heart of this post is I have been looking at Christian Light Education, a mennonite publisher that we've used for the elementray years. For another $550 I can get hi credits he needs, some elective classes that ds likes ...like residential wiring, computer service/repair, and home repair and maintenence....as well as have them do scoring , transcripts, and a diploma. The plus is that I will be sitting down with him every day like in the old days and working with him...I'll know exactly what he's doing and if he's falling behind. I can't trust him to complete stuff on his computer....he'll have half-done subjects by May, I just know it.

But I don't really 'have' $550.

Then our homeschool group has foreign language classes available this year. Both boys want to take German. That is $120 a year for both, or $240 out-of-pocket. They'd get to socialize with different homeschool kids their age once a week. Also it means a 90 mile round trip to town once a week.

But I really don't 'have' the $240 in my pocket.

So I am at a loss for a decision. I told dh I want to just enroll ds#1 in the local public school, but dh said it would just make things worse.

The Dave Ramsey part of me says no way; but the momma part of me wants to provide the best education and social exerience possible for my boys, ages 17 and 14. help!

Introducing a New Year

Brandy — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:21:41 GMT

Last year I mentioned that our new experience of living and homeschooling in a neighborhood was giving my children the desire for changes. It was difficult to conduct lessons when they knew their friends were out of school and they wanted to run out into the yard as well.

I stuck to my schedule this past year but rolled out a new one for our fall session.

So year long school year beginning in January and ending in December is at an end. For the kids and also my own benefit, we will try a schedule this year of beginning a school year in August as the public school does, taking a shorter one week break between sessions and then a month off in July for summer to end the school year.

This schedule should allow them time for summer activities and give me a longer break to prepare for a new school year.

Let's hope this is successful!

No snacks in kindergarten

sunshinetreva — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:15:56 GMT

Well, my information was wrong! There will be no snacktime (morning or otherwise) for DD. This will be a HUGE change for her. Generally she has a bowl of cereal in the morning, sometimes a bagel. She's not open to much more than that at 7:00 a.m. Snack around 10:00 a.m., lunch around noon or 12:30 p.m. Afternoon snack would be based entirely on how much she ate at lunch; sometimes she eats a big lunch and doesn't want snack, but is ready for dinner at dinnertime. Other days she doesn't eat a big lunch so I'll allow her to have an afternoon snack. Dinnertime is around 6:00 p.m. and there is no evening snack; I don't believe it's healthy to be eating an hour before bed and she goes to bed by 8:00 p.m.

I'm thinking I could up her protein in the morning with the one morning protein I know she'll eat -- bacon. She'll eat regular bacon or turkey bacon. I was thinking that I could cook up enough for 2 or 3 days and then just heat it up slightly in the microwave, maybe 3 pieces each morning. What do you think? I'll pack her a decent sized lunch and she comes home at 3:00 p.m., so if she's hungry she can have a snack then while she's taking a break. I'm open to suggestions b/c I know this will be a struggle for her.