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nynaeve77
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« Reply #15 on: February 04, 2008, 04:05:56 PM »
Quote from: rethinkingpink on September 30, 2007, 04:08:00 AM
Hi Shay!  :hello:
I love Horizons math, I find it's kind of inbetween Abeka and reg. public school math as far as being ahead or behind.  Abeka can get too demanding for some kids around 4th grade.  I like to use a Montessori-ish approach, incorporating hands-on and visuals, not just papers, the chalkboard and charts/flashcards.  Calvert has some cool "extras" in their Primary Math Manipulatives kit, they also have one that is for higher elementary grades.  I didn't do Calvert math w/ my son (he was Kindergarten), I did Horizons math, but for every concept we were to go over every day, whether new or review, I'd get out some of the cool stuff from that kit and make it into a hands-on learning experience.  For example, understanding how many #'s can be in the ones place before moving to the tens place, and how many tens fit inside a one hundred, etc.  They have little ones cubes, tens rods and hundreds boards that are great for that, and can be used to "play" addition/subtraction/multiplication/division too.  For reading and all things phonics/writing/language arts, I'm still a sucker for Abeka.  Esp. for the littler ones.  I do incorporate alot of my own hands-on stuff to make it more fun though.  Calvert is a neat curriculum, but it's all-encompassing - the lessons from one Calvert subject tie into the other subjects, so it's hard to break it apart and only do partial Calvert.  I found it to be a little behind where my son was at so we didn't use most of it.  I did LifePacs as a kid, and I can give a great recommendation.  Stay away from those P.A.C.E. packets from the ACE curriculum though.  Didn't retain a thing during those years.  That's my 2 cents for now.  Hope it helps.

I did the Paces from 3rd-12th grades and they worked fine for me! 
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« Reply #15 on: February 04, 2008, 04:05:56 PM »
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rethinkingpink
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« Reply #16 on: February 05, 2008, 02:22:45 AM »
Nynaeve, really?  Wow, I guess it just depends on the kid or maybe the way the school is set up.  Did you have any teachers to help you or any instruction?  The way that school that used PACEs that I went to only had "monitors" who could help, sometimes, somewhat.  I tried to get through the booklets as fast as I could and got good grades, but I would just retain it long enough to write it back down on the final.  I forgot alot of what I learned, esp. in Science & Social Studies.  "Stay away" is just my opinion based on my own experience.  I think if done the proper way and considering different learning styles, pretty much anything can work.

Update on my own homeschooling situation:  I'm homeschooling again!  My son is now doing half-day homeschool (for all language arts & math) and half-day at reg. school (for everything else).  He just hadn't learned 1 new thing since the beginning of the year.  No exaggerating.  So we have until 11:30 am to have the math and language arts done at home, then I take him to regular school for the last 1/2 of the day.  Today was our first day and was... um, interesting.  It was a challenge but I must say, I'm proud of myself for being consistent and not buckling or giving in.  That has been the demise of our homeschooling in the past.  Personally I think it's also parenting lessons.  :teehee:  He says he really wants to get done faster tomorrow (he spent almost 45 min. pouting over having to do things today) and he wants to get a sticker on his reward chart, so hopefully things will go better.  I think he'll get used to it and things will go smoother in the next couple weeks.  It's not like he can ask his teacher at reg. school "Can we skip this part?" and actually get his way.  Some things can't be skipped.  I make it as hands-on and fun as I possibly can, when I can, but some traditional instruction just can't be avoided.

Back to the topic of curriculum.  I've discovered some great new ones in this new homeschooling venture.  The Well-Trained Mind has great history - it's called The Story of the World and basically starts at the beginning w/ ancient Egypt and moves forward in order from there.  A friend started her son on it when he was 5.  Veritas Press has a very cool-looking system... it's a Christian program, and incorporates Latin (I think that might be optional, but another friend's daughter started Latin in 2nd grade and is now reading classical Latin literature in 8th grade).  I like their reading/lit./comprehension programs.  You don't have to order all the books they use, you can get them from the library and just buy the comprehension guides.  Saxon Math, which is also the math used in Veritas, is a great new find too.  Saxon's website says this is the math used in CA public schools.  If only they would use it here!  Sonlight makes a booklet called "The Grammar Ace" and there's a teacher's manual to use w/ it too, they're relatively cheap on amazon.  I looked through a friend's and it looks good for introducing parts of speech, and all other things grammar.  Haha, maybe I'll learn a thing or two!  I got some MadLibs just to do for fun to reinforce the parts of speech.  For phonics and spelling we're still doing Abeka, partly because it's the same format his foundation in those subjects was laid in and partly b/c we have some of the books already - some are just missing some pages.  We've got so little time and so much to cram into it that penmanship will be accomplished by making him write well in the other subjects or in letters/thank-you notes to long-distance friends/relatives.  Hey!  That gives me an idea.  He made a birthday graph today and he can hand-write b-day greetings to everyone on the graph as their day rolls around. 
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nynaeve77
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« Reply #17 on: February 05, 2008, 09:40:37 AM »
Quote from: rethinkingpink on February 05, 2008, 02:22:45 AM
Nynaeve, really?  Wow, I guess it just depends on the kid or maybe the way the school is set up.  Did you have any teachers to help you or any instruction?  The way that school that used PACEs that I went to only had "monitors" who could help, sometimes, somewhat.  I tried to get through the booklets as fast as I could and got good grades, but I would just retain it long enough to write it back down on the final.  I forgot alot of what I learned, esp. in Science & Social Studies.  "Stay away" is just my opinion based on my own experience.  I think if done the proper way and considering different learning styles, pretty much anything can work.

I guess I was lucky.  Our school had teachers, too.  They tended to specialize in a particular subject, so if you needed help, especially in high school, they were available.  We also had some supplementary classes, like creative writing and various foreign languages.

I used to actually work at the home school department at ACE years ago when I was in college.  That was some scary stuff...we'd get people who had jr. high educations who would want to homeschool their high school kids (mostly because the kids got expelled from school or didn't want to go).  They would ask if they could homeschool, which legally, they could in their stat, but I would always want to tell them, "Good Lord, NO!"  Of course, I couldn't, but I sure wished I could!

Homeschooling (when done right) is so admirable.  I know I won't be able to do it.  I'm not disciplined enough!
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mkmyway
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« Reply #18 on: February 05, 2008, 11:46:24 AM »
Wow - don't know how I missed this thread earlier. Guess I've had a bit on my plate!

We have homeschooled for 12 years - all 3 children. I've used Sonlight curriculum, a conglomeration of my own, and now we're using Switched on Schoolhouse (Alpha Omega) and Sonlight combined. I run several online support groups for those who are homeschooling on yahoogroups. If you're interested in joining, drop me a line and I'll give you the info.

We love homeschooling, can't imagine not homeschooling my 3. They are all over the board as to abilities, and they would not fit into a classroom setting. I have a gifted 14 year old doing 8th-10th grade work, an autistic 11 year old doing 5th through 12th grade materials, an ADHD 9 year old doing 3rd and 4th grade material. And right now, as sick as I am, I would be crushed if they weren't here all day long. Our days are so productive together.

As for being disciplined - well, God has given me exactly what I needed each step of the way. THere are days I have no idea where the patience came from, no clue how I managed to complete several assignments with the kids, but at the end of the day, I'm able to say that my kids learned either because of, or in spite of me! For us, the best thing we're teaching them is to love learning. We school year-round and take breaks with my husband's college schedule, and you can't imagine the squeals of joy when "the box" arrives each year! It's an automatic day off school when the kids dive into the box, reading through all the new books, checking out the "goodies" in store for them the next year.
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« Reply #19 on: February 05, 2008, 01:04:20 PM »
My mom had a high school education, and that was it. When she homeschooled me I was way beyond anything she knew. Most homeschoolers teach themselves (once they get to that level). The textbooks are so good I didn't need teachers.

It's neat how many homeschoolers there are now. When I did it, it was very unknown/unpopular. Now it is so popular - I can't believe how fast it's grown! I'm so glad that it's becoming so "normal". I hear a lot less from the critics now, since the Ivy League schools started accepting hs'ers, and it's obvious that we are quite good at socializing. lol  smiley

I can't decide what I'm doing with my kids. I think we are going to start my oldest in kindergarten, just so I can get a break. Once all the kids are in school, I'll make a decision based on whether they are getting what they need. If they are happy and learning a lot, cool. If there is a horrible social scene, bullying, and little learning then I would yank them out in a heartbeat...
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rethinkingpink
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« Reply #20 on: February 06, 2008, 01:13:49 AM »
Quote from: nynaeve77 on February 05, 2008, 09:40:37 AM
I guess I was lucky.  Our school had teachers, too.  They tended to specialize in a particular subject, so if you needed help, especially in high school, they were available.  ... Homeschooling (when done right) is so admirable.  I know I won't be able to do it.  I'm not disciplined enough!

See now that's where it got tough to do it on my own - 11th grade in Algebra 2, Chemistry and Physics.  The guy who was our "monitor" would just read outloud what the written instructions said when I needed help.   :gah:  I quit asking after I realized he didn't know the answers either.
If you honestly wanted to homeschool I bet you could do it!  It truly isn't quite as complicated as some ppl make it.  (like me  :crazy: ).  You don't have to have a set-in-stone schedule, as long as you have some type of goal (even a longer-term one, not just daily) and do something to work towards it regularly.  I know ppl who have 'flex schedules' w/ their homeschooling.  But, then again, maybe you just know yourself well and already know how it would turn out - and in that case I applaud you for that.  It's been a long hard road of changing myself and having to become disciplined for me and my kiddos.

Quote from: mkmyway on February 05, 2008, 11:46:24 AM
If you're interested in joining, drop me a line and I'll give you the info.

As for being disciplined - well, God has given me exactly what I needed each step of the way. THere are days I have no idea where the patience came from, no clue how I managed to complete several assignments with the kids, but at the end of the day, I'm able to say that my kids learned either because of, or in spite of me! For us, the best thing we're teaching them is to love learning. We school year-round and take breaks with my husband's college schedule, and you can't imagine the squeals of joy when "the box" arrives each year! It's an automatic day off school when the kids dive into the box, reading through all the new books, checking out the "goodies" in store for them the next year.


Mkmyway, what awesome encouragement that is!  Thank you!  It's also encouraging to know that someone in challenging circumstances is still perservering through the hard times.  It is possible and it is so worth it - thanks for the reminder.    Love
I would like to join one/some of those groups you mentioned - I'll pm you. 

Today was much better!  (*phew*)  Didn't get everything on my ambitiously long list done, but that's not the point.  As long as he's moving ahead, learning, and stretching his mind.  I want to do some things w/ my littlest one (4 yrs. old) too but he's not interested at all.  He wants nothing to do w/ the alphabet.  Only math.  I'll have to get creative and sneak it in there somehow (maybe a number - letter decoding game?). 
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True tolerance is loving someone despite actually disagreeing with them.  There is nothing to tolerate if you are not bothered.

Honesty and transparency are virtues to be treasured - don't hide your beliefs in the name of tolerance, be honest about where you stand, just do it with love. smiley
Tam
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« Reply #21 on: February 07, 2008, 10:20:27 PM »
Mkmyway -

Would love to hear what you use with your autistic 11 yr old, mine is 13 but non-verbal.  We are trying homeschool but haven't gotten set up with curriculum.
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mkmyway
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« Reply #22 on: February 22, 2008, 09:19:08 AM »
Quote from: rethinkingpink on February 06, 2008, 01:13:49 AM

Quote from: mkmyway on February 05, 2008, 11:46:24 AM
If you're interested in joining, drop me a line and I'll give you the info.

I would like to join one/some of those groups you mentioned - I'll pm you. 
RTP - the name of the main yahoogroup that would be applicable to you is Homeschool-MovingOn and it's at yahoogroups. I'd love for you to join us! (And anyone else for that matter!)
Quote from: Tam on February 07, 2008, 10:20:27 PM
Mkmyway -

Would love to hear what you use with your autistic 11 yr old, mine is 13 but non-verbal.  We are trying homeschool but haven't gotten set up with curriculum.

Hi Tam
I've used a variety of things in the past, but keep in mind that he is verbal and very high-functioning. The key for use is ROUTINE for him. Break the routine, you can forget about it :gah: I use Horizons math, and often we work the problems together step by step focusing on each individual step of the problem. I give him as many reading books as he can devour, and I use a non-changing method of rewards & punishments. Autistic kids, as you VERY well know, require routine and minimal change. If he can use the computer, Alpha Omega's Switched on Schoolhouse is an excellent choice. THere are also resources for autistic kids all over the place. Check out Timberdoodle.com - they have specific products for autistic kids.

HTH some
MKMW
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rethinkingpink
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« Reply #23 on: July 11, 2008, 05:49:08 AM »
Well, the '08-'09 school year is almost upon us and it's time (if you haven't already) to start thinking about what to order for this year!
DH and I finally decided (it was a long process) to homeschool both of our boys this year.  There is a local public montessori charter school that I would love them to get into, but the classes are kept small so space is limited.  Any new openings are given by a once-per-year lottery which determines each child's place on the waiting list for their grade.  Since my Kindergardener placed #35 and there's only 16 slots in K5 to begin with, we thought we'd better make alternate plans.  My 2nd grader placed #5, but still, I don't want school to start and still not have anything planned if there hasn't been an opening.  I do hope my daughter gets in, because the social scene at the public middle school is atrocious.
Anyhoo, back to the homeschooling, I found a GREAT RESOURCE for discounts on curriculum, supplies, etc., and it's also a huge conglomeration of just about every curriculum under the sun!  It's www.rainbowresource.com.  I would request their catalog so you can see it all laid out in front of you rather than looking things up individually online.  They don't sell ABeka because ABeka doesn't allow anyone else to, but they sell LOTS of other cool and interesting stuff.  A couple other sites I like are: www.VeritasPress.com and www.montessoriservices.com.  Oh ya, and I forgot to mention, I've since researched the difference between Horizons, Abeka, and Saxon math for younger grades.  Horizons is far ahead and much harder, but doesn't get into division until 3rd grade.  Abeka introduces it by the end of 2nd grade and then reviews it again at the beginning of 3rd and moves on from there.  Just in case anyone would want to know.
This will be my 1st year homeschooling more than 1 child.  I won't be able to give the super-focused attention I gave my older son when he was in K5.  In fact, I still don't know how I'm going to get it all done between the 2 of them.  Here's what we're using and also what we've yet to decide on.  Suggestions are MORE THAN WELCOME!

For my Kindergartener:
Language, Phonics, Writing, Science - Abeka K5 materials
History and Math - Abeka 1st grade materials
Science supplement - Calvert K5 and Science Kit materials
Bible - Abeka Flash-a-cards in Preschool Bible Stories, Salvation Series, Memory Verse cards, and just reading and memorizing the Bible
Science Experiements - Science in a Nutshell Kits and Who Says You Can't Teach Science? book
Art - local art instructor
Music - ??? doesn't express any interest in any type of lessons, so I don't know what to do!
PE - wants martial arts lessons
Spanish or Latin for Foreign Language - curriculum??
Computer/Typing familiarization?

For my 2nd grader:
Phonics, Language, Spelling, Reading Skills, Learning Cursive - Abeka 2nd grade materials
Math - Saxon 3
Reading Literature & Comprehension - Veritas Press 2nd grade recommended books (we'll get them from the library)
History - Veritas Press Old Testament & Ancient Egypt series, draws the connection between the Hebrews and Egyptians
English/Grammar - Shurley English 2 (the best I've seen, but very detailed and it fills in the "gaps" from Abeka Language 2)
Grammar "just for fun" supplement - continue in our Sonlight Grammar Ace book w/ SchoolHouse Rock DVD
Science - ???? Anyone know a good 2nd grade curriculum? Abeka seems kinda boring and dull, (he already knows what gravity is).  Would love something that introduces things by scientific classifications - living vs. nonliving, vertebrates and invertebrates, mammals or not, plant kingdoms, etc.
Science supplement and experiements - Science in a Nutshell Kit and Who Says you can't teach science? book
Art - lessons from local instructor
Music - he wants guitar lessons, which means we'd have to buy a guitar.  I don't mind, as long as it doesn't go the way of the poor ukelele we bought him...
PE - also wants martial arts lessons
Spanish or Latin for foreign language - good curriculum anyone?
Computer/Typing for intro to typing focusing on speed/accuracy - curriculum?

Also, I thought it would be fun to do a really hands-on big project each quarter or semester.  Something to do with the whole family or at least something they can do w/ DH, on evenings/weekends.  Like carpentry (the boys want one of those big bunk beds w/ the desk underneath and integrated shelves) - heh, SassyC could help them out there I'm sure!   I think they'd rather put together a go-cart racing vehicle or raise chickens.  Which we could do too...

Any suggestions for the courses I still need to find programs for would be helpful!  Thanks!
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True tolerance is loving someone despite actually disagreeing with them.  There is nothing to tolerate if you are not bothered.

Honesty and transparency are virtues to be treasured - don't hide your beliefs in the name of tolerance, be honest about where you stand, just do it with love. smiley
rethinkingpink
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« Reply #24 on: July 11, 2008, 05:55:19 AM »
Oops, forgot to add my 2nd grader's Bible he's doing this year to the list.  He's doing the Veritas Press 2nd grade Genesis through Joshua series, which ties in neatly with the history he's doing.  Sort of a whole ancient times, cultures, peoples, civilizations unit study.  I thought maybe we could do science based on that too - in addition the usual stuff 2nd graders are "supposed" to learn.  Maybe things like simple machines (pulleys, etc.), how mummification works, etc.??
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True tolerance is loving someone despite actually disagreeing with them.  There is nothing to tolerate if you are not bothered.

Honesty and transparency are virtues to be treasured - don't hide your beliefs in the name of tolerance, be honest about where you stand, just do it with love. smiley
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