I've been checking the mail everyday as packages are arriving now, and I love it. Sometimes I flip through a book and go, "Holy cow, what did I get myself into?" But for the most part it's so exciting. I didn't order a lot of teacher manuals and I think I'm gonna have to go back and get some, a couple of books I got I really don't know how to go about some things.
And of course, I ordered more goodies. I did get the Mona Brooke's Drawing with Children ($8.95) and the complete set of Mind Benders A1-A4 ($7.00 each book) which will be for Riley's Logic course, I got supplements for History and Science, the Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia ($19.77) and the Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World History ($13.59). For music, A Young Person's Guide to Music, recommended by TWTM for classical music ($3.62) and for Riley, Vocabulary from the Classical Roots 5 ($9.50) and a Handwriting Without Tears Cursive for each kid ($6.95 each).
See, I've been on a roll! I can't wait to get started.
I'm kind of looking at this like I do with new recipes. I see one I like, I try it, and follow it to the 'T'. If I don't like it after that, I know if I should 86 it, or just make some changes to it. I am pretty much following what the Well Trained Mind recommends, to the letter of the law! I have never done this before, so I am just following the recipe I have. After a few weeks, we may hate some, we may love some. Then I can make some changes and try other things. But, at least I have a starting off point, and something to make me not feel so overwhelmed. Even if we just did the books I have right now for this next year, I think they will be getting a FAR superior education to what they are currently getting.
And of course, I will be updating our progress along the way!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Purchases!
I can't believe I did it. I have been SO overwhelmed and so nervous that I would buy the wrong curriculum, and for whatever reason, I feel like this will make us quit homeschooling and run back to the charter school with our tail tucked between our legs! But, I bit the bullet and bought some things. I know I want a classical education for the kids. I have the original Well Trained Mind book. I heard it was better because it recommends several different curriculum options, whereas the newer versions of WTM recommend their curriculum. So, armed with that knowledge, I hit up the Amazon marketplace and found a lot of what they recommend in the "new and used" section.
I also used a website called Rainbow Resources, they have a lot of homeschool curriculum and the best prices on new items that I've found so far, and some have pages you can look at, and reviews from other parents.
From Rainbow I purchased The Story of the World, vol. 1 to use with both kids. I got the paperback teacher edition, the activity book (which says I can make copies for other kids, I may do that or order another copy if I feel the need after looking through it more thoroughly) and a packet of tests. I also purchased English From the Roots Up, flash cards. A few of the reviews I found said that you don't really need the books to go with these, the flash card contain almost all of the information found in the book. Again, if I feel the need to get the book after looking at the flash cards, I will.
Then to the Amazon marketplace, where I went a little crazy. But I don't feel bad when I buy something for 5 or 10 bucks, if we use it, great, if not, I'm not going to feel too guilty for spending money on it.
For Riley, going into 5th grade, I got Writing Strands 4 (for $5.87), probably should have gotten 5, but I think a little back-tracking will be good for him. I don't know exactly what level he will in, since he's very advanced in some areas, and right on target in others. Some of this will be trial and error, another reason I hesitate with spending a lot of money on curriculum right now.
I also got G.U.M Level C for Grammar ($4.19 for student and teacher edition), and the Usborne Illustrated Encyclopedia for Natural Science ($7.95) for science, although the more I read the Well Trained Mind, I think that will be more for Regan, and I thought I would be combining science for both kids. Either way, one of them now has a science book.
I also got Spelling Workout B ($3.50) for Regan, and Spelling Workout E ($5.49) for Riley, no teacher manuals because A) I'm a pretty good speller, and B) a few reviews said you don't need them until the upper grades. Not sure if 5th qualifies as an upper grade, so we'll see how it is when it comes in, then I might order it.
And lastly, First Language Lessons for Regan, ($9.88). So, not bad prices, and I got a lot covered. There are still a few more I'm on the fence about. I was looking at Mona Brook's Drawing with Children, I need a cursive handwriting book for Regan, and probably some type of penmanship book for Riley. I'm also thinking about Vocabulary from the Roots Up for Riley. I also need a Logic course for him, WTM recommends Mind Benders and A Case of Red Herrings, so I'm looking into those as well.
But overall I think I'm off to a good start, and not feeling too overwhelmed anymore. I know not all of these will work for us, we might have to switch to something else, but for now, I have a game plan. Now, I need to start working on a daily schedule and see how our plans shape up, and if all I want to do with the kids can be done on a 4 day week like I originally planned. It's certainly a lot of work to get going, but I am already so excited because I really feel like they will be getting a much better education.
I also used a website called Rainbow Resources, they have a lot of homeschool curriculum and the best prices on new items that I've found so far, and some have pages you can look at, and reviews from other parents.
From Rainbow I purchased The Story of the World, vol. 1 to use with both kids. I got the paperback teacher edition, the activity book (which says I can make copies for other kids, I may do that or order another copy if I feel the need after looking through it more thoroughly) and a packet of tests. I also purchased English From the Roots Up, flash cards. A few of the reviews I found said that you don't really need the books to go with these, the flash card contain almost all of the information found in the book. Again, if I feel the need to get the book after looking at the flash cards, I will.
Then to the Amazon marketplace, where I went a little crazy. But I don't feel bad when I buy something for 5 or 10 bucks, if we use it, great, if not, I'm not going to feel too guilty for spending money on it.
For Riley, going into 5th grade, I got Writing Strands 4 (for $5.87), probably should have gotten 5, but I think a little back-tracking will be good for him. I don't know exactly what level he will in, since he's very advanced in some areas, and right on target in others. Some of this will be trial and error, another reason I hesitate with spending a lot of money on curriculum right now.
I also got G.U.M Level C for Grammar ($4.19 for student and teacher edition), and the Usborne Illustrated Encyclopedia for Natural Science ($7.95) for science, although the more I read the Well Trained Mind, I think that will be more for Regan, and I thought I would be combining science for both kids. Either way, one of them now has a science book.
I also got Spelling Workout B ($3.50) for Regan, and Spelling Workout E ($5.49) for Riley, no teacher manuals because A) I'm a pretty good speller, and B) a few reviews said you don't need them until the upper grades. Not sure if 5th qualifies as an upper grade, so we'll see how it is when it comes in, then I might order it.
And lastly, First Language Lessons for Regan, ($9.88). So, not bad prices, and I got a lot covered. There are still a few more I'm on the fence about. I was looking at Mona Brook's Drawing with Children, I need a cursive handwriting book for Regan, and probably some type of penmanship book for Riley. I'm also thinking about Vocabulary from the Roots Up for Riley. I also need a Logic course for him, WTM recommends Mind Benders and A Case of Red Herrings, so I'm looking into those as well.
But overall I think I'm off to a good start, and not feeling too overwhelmed anymore. I know not all of these will work for us, we might have to switch to something else, but for now, I have a game plan. Now, I need to start working on a daily schedule and see how our plans shape up, and if all I want to do with the kids can be done on a 4 day week like I originally planned. It's certainly a lot of work to get going, but I am already so excited because I really feel like they will be getting a much better education.
Monday, April 20, 2009
First Homeschool Meeting
I joined a local home school group, that a friend told me about, and went to my first meeting tonight, joined the group "officially" and all that! It was a curriculum show and tell, so probably one of the best first meetings to go to! Everyone brought their curriculum, laid it out on tables so we could walk around and look at things, people would stand up and share what they've used, what they like, don't like, what was good for their kids, what type of learning style it works best for, etc. I have a few curriculum choices already made, but nothing purchased, but it was good to see the ones I want, and get confirmation that I chose a good one! I'm slowly but surely making my way down the list of things we need. The bad thing was, I thought I had it narrowed down to one or two, and after the meeting I realized there are a few more options to look at.
But, for math, I've decided on one called Math U See. I've heard nothing but good things about it, and I think it will work for both kids, since it seems to be a very hands on type program. I know Riley has a kinesthetic learning style, so it should be great for him, Regan I think is auditory, but I'm not sure, and I am not sure how well her math skills are at this point, so I think at least it will be a good starting point for us.
The history, the "main" part of our curriculum is still up for debate. I am vacillating between My Father's World and Story of the World, which is from the Well Trained Mind. I've gotten good reports on both, I know I want to do the 4 year cycle of history, but I am still on the fence.
And that's about all I have narrowed down so far. There is still Language Arts, Latin, and Science, and those will probably have to be more specific for their grades, so I don't really have an idea. But, I'm counting on going to some sort of curriculum fair or home school conference to see more of them hands on, and hopefully that will help, or more likely, overwhelm me further!
But it's exciting. I can't wait to get books in my hand and start the process. I never in a million years considered home school and now that I have made the decision, I can't wait to start. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?
But, for math, I've decided on one called Math U See. I've heard nothing but good things about it, and I think it will work for both kids, since it seems to be a very hands on type program. I know Riley has a kinesthetic learning style, so it should be great for him, Regan I think is auditory, but I'm not sure, and I am not sure how well her math skills are at this point, so I think at least it will be a good starting point for us.
The history, the "main" part of our curriculum is still up for debate. I am vacillating between My Father's World and Story of the World, which is from the Well Trained Mind. I've gotten good reports on both, I know I want to do the 4 year cycle of history, but I am still on the fence.
And that's about all I have narrowed down so far. There is still Language Arts, Latin, and Science, and those will probably have to be more specific for their grades, so I don't really have an idea. But, I'm counting on going to some sort of curriculum fair or home school conference to see more of them hands on, and hopefully that will help, or more likely, overwhelm me further!
But it's exciting. I can't wait to get books in my hand and start the process. I never in a million years considered home school and now that I have made the decision, I can't wait to start. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The Big Debate
Every day I wake up and wonder...should I take Riley out of school now, or wait until he finishes his fourth grade year? I'm not too worried about Regan, I know she has plenty of time to catch up whatever area she may be lacking in. But Riley, I feel like the past three years have been like playing Chutes and Ladders, and losing. We just keep sliding back farther and farther.
I'm not a quitter. I don't let my kids quit either. I'm not sure where I got this from, because my parents were both of the opinion that we should quit anything, anytime, as it usually meant less money and less driving for them. My kids have had to stick it out for a lot of things. Mostly Regan, she wants to try something just once, and then she's done. Like soccer, and I hauled her butt to every game and every practice for a couple of months, kicking and screaming all the way. You sign up for something, you follow it through, no matter how much you hate it. You made a commitment to the team, and the coach, now get out there!
And most recently Riley. He signed up for Agents in Action at church, where kids could help out in different areas around the church. I told him SO many times the area I thought he would like the most, but it was one of those things, he made the decision (to help in the children's church with kids around 3-4 years old) and I knew he would be over it in a matter of weeks, and sure enough, every time he's supposed to serve, he wants to go with his friends who are helping in the store. Sorry kid, you made your bed, now lie in it! I'm hoping they will learn to stick to things, your word is important, if you say you'll do something, you do it, no matter how badly you want to quit or give up.
So, the thought of just giving up on 4th grade, I can't reconcile myself with it, but every day I feel like I'm sending him off to 7 hours of wasted life. Throw in some bad friends, a few trips to the principal's office, a couple days of ISS, what is he really going to miss by not going the last 2 months of school? Especially now that I've made up my mind to home school, I'm anxious to get on with it. The times that he's here with me, doing his homework, and we sit down together and work on it, I see the smart kid he used to be, shining through. Not that he isn't smart anymore, he is, so scary smart, but I feel like where he's at now has stifled him so much that it takes time, and attention, personal attention to get that smart boy out again.
That's my internal debate. I still don't know what to do. I know when I have both of them home at the same time, life will not be peachy keen. I have the only siblings on the planet that like to fight with each other. It will be interesting to say the least. But, I just wonder if 2 months of dedicated one on one time will help him out, or if just going through the motions, and letting him finish 4th grade, TAKS and all, will help communicate the message that we are NOT quitters! And which is more important in the long run?
I'm not a quitter. I don't let my kids quit either. I'm not sure where I got this from, because my parents were both of the opinion that we should quit anything, anytime, as it usually meant less money and less driving for them. My kids have had to stick it out for a lot of things. Mostly Regan, she wants to try something just once, and then she's done. Like soccer, and I hauled her butt to every game and every practice for a couple of months, kicking and screaming all the way. You sign up for something, you follow it through, no matter how much you hate it. You made a commitment to the team, and the coach, now get out there!
And most recently Riley. He signed up for Agents in Action at church, where kids could help out in different areas around the church. I told him SO many times the area I thought he would like the most, but it was one of those things, he made the decision (to help in the children's church with kids around 3-4 years old) and I knew he would be over it in a matter of weeks, and sure enough, every time he's supposed to serve, he wants to go with his friends who are helping in the store. Sorry kid, you made your bed, now lie in it! I'm hoping they will learn to stick to things, your word is important, if you say you'll do something, you do it, no matter how badly you want to quit or give up.
So, the thought of just giving up on 4th grade, I can't reconcile myself with it, but every day I feel like I'm sending him off to 7 hours of wasted life. Throw in some bad friends, a few trips to the principal's office, a couple days of ISS, what is he really going to miss by not going the last 2 months of school? Especially now that I've made up my mind to home school, I'm anxious to get on with it. The times that he's here with me, doing his homework, and we sit down together and work on it, I see the smart kid he used to be, shining through. Not that he isn't smart anymore, he is, so scary smart, but I feel like where he's at now has stifled him so much that it takes time, and attention, personal attention to get that smart boy out again.
That's my internal debate. I still don't know what to do. I know when I have both of them home at the same time, life will not be peachy keen. I have the only siblings on the planet that like to fight with each other. It will be interesting to say the least. But, I just wonder if 2 months of dedicated one on one time will help him out, or if just going through the motions, and letting him finish 4th grade, TAKS and all, will help communicate the message that we are NOT quitters! And which is more important in the long run?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Overwhelmed!
I'm somewhat anal about research. When we planned a trip to Disney World, I had lists for each day, each park, each ride. I researched the rides to find out which would be suitable for the kids age/height, which ones we HAD to ride, which ones to ride if we had time to kill, and which ones were low on the list, to do ONLY if we had nothing else going on. Which park had the best restaurants, the best bathrooms, the best fireworks shows, etc. You get my point? Sadly, I'm not exaggerating. I like to research.
So, I've googled every book on home schooling, gotten several books at the library, joined just about every Yahoo group in Austin and the surrounding areas, from Classical Education groups to "unschooling" groups, even some field trip groups. I've bookmarked every website I've come across that even has the words "home school" on it. I've talked to every person I know that home schools, about schedules, curriculum, and what they would do differently.
I don't think you can ever know enough about anything, but especially when it comes to my kid's education, I'm probably a little over thinking it. But I can't help feeling like I just want the absolute best, and want my kids to just take to it and love it, and all of us to be happy and for everything to just magically *click* because I picked the right curriculum.
I realize I'm a bit obsessive also. But, like I said, this is my kid's education at stake!! This determines whether or not they get into college, or end up living with us the rest of their lives (God, no!) So, how do you just take the plunge and pick one? There are pros and cons to every curriculum I've looked at, and I just get anxiety when I think that I will actually have to BUY something SOON!
And as usual, I get overwhelmed, and say, like Scarlett O'Hara, "I'll think about that tomorrow!"
So, I've googled every book on home schooling, gotten several books at the library, joined just about every Yahoo group in Austin and the surrounding areas, from Classical Education groups to "unschooling" groups, even some field trip groups. I've bookmarked every website I've come across that even has the words "home school" on it. I've talked to every person I know that home schools, about schedules, curriculum, and what they would do differently.
I don't think you can ever know enough about anything, but especially when it comes to my kid's education, I'm probably a little over thinking it. But I can't help feeling like I just want the absolute best, and want my kids to just take to it and love it, and all of us to be happy and for everything to just magically *click* because I picked the right curriculum.
I realize I'm a bit obsessive also. But, like I said, this is my kid's education at stake!! This determines whether or not they get into college, or end up living with us the rest of their lives (God, no!) So, how do you just take the plunge and pick one? There are pros and cons to every curriculum I've looked at, and I just get anxiety when I think that I will actually have to BUY something SOON!
And as usual, I get overwhelmed, and say, like Scarlett O'Hara, "I'll think about that tomorrow!"
Friday, April 3, 2009
Well Trained Mind
My WTM book came in the mail today! I'm so excited. I feel like I've been waiting on this book before I can decide which curriculum to use. I'm hoping this clicks it all into place for me. I know I want to be an active home schooler, I know I want to do things "outside the box" and I know I want a Christian based, VERY academic curriculum, and so far I've found some that fit the bill, but I'm also hoping I can find something that will allow me to teach both my kids together, somewhat. I know they will be on different levels with math, spelling, writing, etc. But it would be nice if our core curriculum could be the same, and expound on it with my oldest.
So, in my quest to find the WTM at the library, I found a book called The Trouble with Boys, by Peg Tyre, and it's quite the eye opener. It's talking about how our school system is just set up to make boys fail, how boys are diagnosed with learning disorders at a much higher rate than girls, and how teachers just can't handle active boys in the classroom. Every page is like a new "Aha!" moment for me. Riley has been "officially" diagnosed as ADHD, and I've stubbornly refused to have him medicated, maybe against my better judgment, but I just refuse to medicate my kids based on the fact that he's a little extra work for the teacher. I know it's hard, I know he's active, but surely there is a way to appeal to him, to get him interested in learning, without drugging him up and making him sit still and quiet like a little soldier. There just has to be a better way.
I'm hoping that through home schooling I can learn his learning style, which I' m thinking is kinesthetic, and help him with his truly active side, and still have him learn what he needs. I will only have 2 students, surely this is possible, right? Regan is probably a little on the hyper side as well, so we may be on the go a whole lot!
Anyway, I'm so excited to have The Well Trained Mind and get ideas and have an outline of how it should be. I feel like I'm finally on the right track here!
So, in my quest to find the WTM at the library, I found a book called The Trouble with Boys, by Peg Tyre, and it's quite the eye opener. It's talking about how our school system is just set up to make boys fail, how boys are diagnosed with learning disorders at a much higher rate than girls, and how teachers just can't handle active boys in the classroom. Every page is like a new "Aha!" moment for me. Riley has been "officially" diagnosed as ADHD, and I've stubbornly refused to have him medicated, maybe against my better judgment, but I just refuse to medicate my kids based on the fact that he's a little extra work for the teacher. I know it's hard, I know he's active, but surely there is a way to appeal to him, to get him interested in learning, without drugging him up and making him sit still and quiet like a little soldier. There just has to be a better way.
I'm hoping that through home schooling I can learn his learning style, which I' m thinking is kinesthetic, and help him with his truly active side, and still have him learn what he needs. I will only have 2 students, surely this is possible, right? Regan is probably a little on the hyper side as well, so we may be on the go a whole lot!
Anyway, I'm so excited to have The Well Trained Mind and get ideas and have an outline of how it should be. I feel like I'm finally on the right track here!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Questions Begin
I was talking to a friend today, from my kid's school, who knows I'm taking my kids out of their school at the end of this year. She asked me what my plan was for the next school year and when I told her "Home School!" the questions began! This was my first time to be "under fire" for my decision but I felt like I had some good answers for her.
Question #1: "Math is hard, I could never teach that, how are you going to keep up with what they are learning and be able to teach that?"
My Answer: I know math is hard! And to make it worse, I HATE MATH! I'm really not looking forward to teaching it. BUT, I've found so many options, online curriculum, one day schools, comprehensive teacher guides, that make it a possibility. This question didn't bother me so much because it was one of my main obstacles to consider in home schooling also.
Question #2: "What about socialization?"
My Answer: Again, this was a big issue for me also, my daughter is a social butterfly and honestly I'm concerned about my ear drums because I know she will talk them off, ALL.DAY.LONG! But, I am looking at their current situation for socialization, Regan tells me that someone in her class told her all about S-E-X (and yes, she spelled it). A boy chases her around the playground wanting to "make sexy" and kiss her. A girl, whose father owns a strip club, is always trying to scare Regan by telling her a bunch of ghost stories, many of which have her coming to our bed in the middle of the night.
Riley on the other hand, alternates between victim and bully, according to his teacher. He tells the teacher when a kid hits him, and she tells him to ignore it, so when the kid repeatedly hits him, and he finally hits back, he gets ISS and a referral. The kids in his class are either way behind, make fun of him for being the smallest in the class, or use one hand to hold their pants up. Again, not the environment I want my kids learning socialization.
We are a Christian, God-fearing family. I want my kids to learn how to respect each other, and other people, no matter who they are or what they believe. I don't think they learn that in a school with other kids being mean and hateful and following the pack mentality. I am looking forward to home school mainly for this reason, to instill in them some Godly character, to expect more from them than the school does. To hold them to a higher standard than they've been held to, and for them to learn to love and serve others, no matter their differences. How is that a bad thing?
Question #3: "What about a schedule? I think kids need to learn how to be on a schedule!"
My Answer: I intend of having a schedule! In this technological age, there are so many jobs that aren't 9-5, my husband has one of them. He works for the state and works from home a lot of the time. Not that he sleeps in and works whenever, but there is a tremendous amount of flexibility in his schedule. I plan on getting up in the morning (not as early as before, because my kids are like me, NOT morning people, and I'm tired of the fighting, hateful words that early in the morning!) but we will still be up early-ish, dressed, and they can learn about doing their chores before they start school, something they don't have time for now. They can get all their school work done in a much shorter time frame than in regular school, and still have time for study trips or sports activities.
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that public schools and prisons are run very much the same way? I don't want my kids incarcerated for the next 8-10 years!
So, those are my answers, for what it's worth. I know everyone home schools for different reasons, and mine may be different than someone elses. But, I'm doing what I feel is best for MY kids at this time. Next year might be another story, but we're taking this one year at a time, I have a feeling sometimes it will be one day at a time!
Question #1: "Math is hard, I could never teach that, how are you going to keep up with what they are learning and be able to teach that?"
My Answer: I know math is hard! And to make it worse, I HATE MATH! I'm really not looking forward to teaching it. BUT, I've found so many options, online curriculum, one day schools, comprehensive teacher guides, that make it a possibility. This question didn't bother me so much because it was one of my main obstacles to consider in home schooling also.
Question #2: "What about socialization?"
My Answer: Again, this was a big issue for me also, my daughter is a social butterfly and honestly I'm concerned about my ear drums because I know she will talk them off, ALL.DAY.LONG! But, I am looking at their current situation for socialization, Regan tells me that someone in her class told her all about S-E-X (and yes, she spelled it). A boy chases her around the playground wanting to "make sexy" and kiss her. A girl, whose father owns a strip club, is always trying to scare Regan by telling her a bunch of ghost stories, many of which have her coming to our bed in the middle of the night.
Riley on the other hand, alternates between victim and bully, according to his teacher. He tells the teacher when a kid hits him, and she tells him to ignore it, so when the kid repeatedly hits him, and he finally hits back, he gets ISS and a referral. The kids in his class are either way behind, make fun of him for being the smallest in the class, or use one hand to hold their pants up. Again, not the environment I want my kids learning socialization.
We are a Christian, God-fearing family. I want my kids to learn how to respect each other, and other people, no matter who they are or what they believe. I don't think they learn that in a school with other kids being mean and hateful and following the pack mentality. I am looking forward to home school mainly for this reason, to instill in them some Godly character, to expect more from them than the school does. To hold them to a higher standard than they've been held to, and for them to learn to love and serve others, no matter their differences. How is that a bad thing?
Question #3: "What about a schedule? I think kids need to learn how to be on a schedule!"
My Answer: I intend of having a schedule! In this technological age, there are so many jobs that aren't 9-5, my husband has one of them. He works for the state and works from home a lot of the time. Not that he sleeps in and works whenever, but there is a tremendous amount of flexibility in his schedule. I plan on getting up in the morning (not as early as before, because my kids are like me, NOT morning people, and I'm tired of the fighting, hateful words that early in the morning!) but we will still be up early-ish, dressed, and they can learn about doing their chores before they start school, something they don't have time for now. They can get all their school work done in a much shorter time frame than in regular school, and still have time for study trips or sports activities.
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that public schools and prisons are run very much the same way? I don't want my kids incarcerated for the next 8-10 years!
So, those are my answers, for what it's worth. I know everyone home schools for different reasons, and mine may be different than someone elses. But, I'm doing what I feel is best for MY kids at this time. Next year might be another story, but we're taking this one year at a time, I have a feeling sometimes it will be one day at a time!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
