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bestcee

bestcee

In love with places I've never been to
Joined
Dec 18, 2013
Messages
19,337
Ok, so we've been doing this public school thing, but it's not working for our munchkin, and I'm feeling in my heart to bring him home. So, I know the legal side of pulling him out, I've researched that.
I don't think I'm going to send him back after Thanksgiving break next week. We have 1 full week off.

Any favorite curriculums for kindergarten age? Or activities?
 
I love five in a row. My boys have big huge gaps due to bouncing through foster care, and just some bad behavior. So, although they are 11, 10 and8 we had to go very early education. The fly thru what they know and then a big huge hole shows up, and we come to a screeching halt.
We love math u see, and they have this way cool new spelling program that is just tops. I use easy grammar because I understand it.
When the stars align and my boys get sleep, school actually takes a wee bit over an hour. But usually I pull teeth and we go hours...argh. I have some cool science and history( Christian and creation based). But they wear me out most days. Bhaha but it is getting better.
 
I am soooo interested in homeschooling, but because I work full time, I doubt I could do it. We do want her to go to public school, but we will have some challenges...Kaydee's food allergies make me nervous. She starts Kindergarten next year. Also, the schools here are based on a 4 day school week. I am struggling with the logistics of this, between working a 5 day week, and the loss of family time because of how long she's at school.... I know there's a kids program put on by the city for the extra day, but my understanding is that it's not well supervised, and it's all ages. I struggle with the idea of my 5 year old playing with 12 year olds instead of kids her own age.
*sigh* the struggles of parenthood...

A co-worker of mine lives in California, and she chooses not to vaccinate her girls. a law passed recently that doesn't allow non-vaxed kids in school for her reasons (there are some exclusions that she doesn't meet), so she had to look into homeschooling for her daughter. The "school" or program she found actually pays for a portion of the curriculum, and works with families to get some group based learning situations throughout the year. What she explained to me seemed like a great option, except for the fact that I am not sure where I would find the time block to fit it in.

It is all very interesting to me...
 
@klee73010 the wonderful state of California is where I took the plunge to homeschool. They do pay for it (except for religious material). We got computers (returned them of course) and that is how my son and I got CS5! FREE!~ I was the teacher, lol, anyway...it is an amazing program and proven too!
I wish, wish with all my selfish heart that I could send my boys to public school. But I can not tell you the joys that do happen with homeschooling, the snuggles, the tears, seeing when they actually get it, and you are the reason. I am learning to block out times that are JUST for them in the homeschool.
@michelepixels I read (not as much lately) your blog and for some reason, it never clicked you were a HSer.
 
klee73010 said:
I am soooo interested in homeschooling, but because I work full time, I doubt I could do it. ...
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Kristina, I know there are other families in which both parents work outside the home and they homeschool. Even if you have a more structured homeschool rather than unschooling, it won't take up as much time as school does because you don't have to serve 30 kids, deal with administrative stuff, etc. School doesn't have to happen between 9:00 and 3:00 in a certain place. It can happen in the evening, weekends, and anywhere. And really, when kids move at their own pace it doesn't take as long to master a subject as school spends on it. A popular homeschooling author (I'm sorry I'm forgetting his name) calculated that an older child could learn the entirety of basic math (either elementary or even through high school, I forget exactly) in just 9 months or something like that. In school there is so much review and busy work. I was a teacher in the 90's so I say this from that perspective too. My kids are unschoolers and learned to read, write, and calculate from doing things they want to do (like writing stories in Minecraft or calculating how many shows needed to watch per day to finish a series by the end of the summer). Do you have family or friends available that could just watch your daughter while you're at work (not even necessarily help with homeschooling)? If not, maybe join some homeschooling groups and see if you meet families there you could partner with. I know that could be a challenge because most of their meetings might be while you're at work, but it's worth a try. I'm in a few online groups where this topic comes up occasionally; let me know if you'd like me to refer you to them.

Less family time because of the school schedule was my biggest reason for homeschooling from the start. I just wanted to spend more time with my kids. I wasn't even very opposed to school at first. I enjoyed it as a student, and went on to become a teacher. I have a more negative view of school now though, and absolutely do not want to return to teaching. I might like to work in a Sudbury school, though; a few years ago we were part of a local group trying to set one up. Oh! That's something you might want to look into if you haven't already. Sudbury school is as close to unschooling as you can get while still sending your kids to school, so it solves the problem of needing childcare when you want a more customized education and more freedom for your children. :) The reasons I love homeschooling grew and grew over the years. For another example, when my second daughter came along with all her food allergies I was even more grateful not to have to deal with school.

As for 5 year olds playing with 12 year olds, that's a good thing! That's one of the things I have loved about homeschooling. My kids have been active in homeschool groups, interacting with kids of all ages. Everyone of all ages can enjoy and learn from others, older and younger.
 
AnneofAlamo said:
@michelepixels I read (not as much lately) your blog and for some reason, it never clicked you were a HSer.
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Thanks for reading my blog. I've often redesigned it, in part to improve it as a resource for homeschoolers. But I've yet to accomplish that. I have a page with lots of information about homeschooling -- both my own writing and links to others' articles -- but it's kind of hidden in a menu on the home page. Here's a direct link.

https://michelekendzie.wordpress.com/unschooling/
 
michelepixels said:
My kids have always unschooled and are now 15, 13, and 10. This is my favorite answer to that question.
A Homeschool Curriculum for Preschool and Kindergarten
Enjoy! Homeschooling is a wonderful way of life!
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Hi! I'm an unschooler, too! No curriculum here :).
For Kindergarten I would say just a library card, some Legos and time. Just follow where he leads on what he is interested in and go from there. Have loads of fun!
 
@klee73010 the loss of family time has been the big kicker here. Plus, dh works a non traditional schedule - 3-12 hr shifts - so, it's hard when Matthew is in school while he's off. We keep wanting to go see things and experiences, but there's the school schedule.
Plus, the focus on reading before the end of December, regardless of child development readiness is killing me.
Add in a 15 minutes lunch {minimal talking allowed} and a 10 min recess {for the whole day!) and it's too much sitting for my active kid. That's too much sitting for me!
 
oh dear courtney...I can't handle the pressure just from your post either!! eek. schedule, must read by certain time, minimal talking while eating (that is the joy of eating with others-sharing experiences) 10 minute recess...I faint. We do 45 minutes and if they are not fighting, I have been known to let them go for hours. Because, really school is only max 2 hours!

my 8 1/2 year old...just is hitting some "benchmarks" in reading. It took us forever to get there...forever! okay, 3 years, but it felt like forever. Yet on the other hand, his math is so far advance it is scary! lol
He read his first book by himself Friday. It was an amazing moment...(note to self, take a pic of him and book to scrap) lol
@AmandaJ is so exactly right! Read books, play games, go and play with you and Dad!! take photos, make memories and follow his loves. My boys are so into rocks right now, I was dying with boredom, until I saw them drawing the rocks, writing sentences under in their field books. Not for a grade, but to remember what they find...such a way cool thing. We are going to Carlsbad Caverns over Thanksgiving, and they don't know! It is gonna be awesome!
 
I would say for kindergarten homeschool, especially after coming from a stressful school situation, just do lots of reading together, creative play, incorporating math into everyday situations (counting all the things, talking about the weather, naming the days/months, etc.).

We've always used Sonlight which is a literature based curriculum, but I don't think a formal curriculum is necessary at all for Kindergarten.
 
AnneofAlamo said:
oh dear courtney...I can't handle the pressure just from your post either!! eek. schedule, must read by certain time, minimal talking while eating (that is the joy of eating with others-sharing experiences) 10 minute recess...I faint. We do 45 minutes and if they are not fighting, I have been known to let them go for hours. Because, really school is only max 2 hours!

my 8 1/2 year old...just is hitting some "benchmarks" in reading. It took us forever to get there...forever! okay, 3 years, but it felt like forever. Yet on the other hand, his math is so far advance it is scary! lol
He read his first book by himself Friday. It was an amazing moment...(note to self, take a pic of him and book to scrap) lol
@AmandaJ is so exactly right! Read books, play games, go and play with you and Dad!! take photos, make memories and follow his loves. My boys are so into rocks right now, I was dying with boredom, until I saw them drawing the rocks, writing sentences under in their field books. Not for a grade, but to remember what they find...such a way cool thing. We are going to Carlsbad Caverns over Thanksgiving, and they don't know! It is gonna be awesome!
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Carlsbad sounds AMAZING!! I remember reading stories about Carlsbad when I was in Middle school or so. I would love to go. Seriously! I am jealous, LOL!

@bestcee Since it has been so stressful at school lately you might want to start with some de-schooling. Sometimes it takes some time to get out of that school/rigid mindset. And then go to the library. A lot. Experiences are wonderful! I sometimes think of our time at home being our down time and our learning experiences happen when we are out. We come home from vacations exhausted, LOL. So much to see and do. New people to meet. You will love having that time with your family on your husband's off days! And movies in the middle of the day rock. Not so many people, LOL.
 
AmandaJ said:
And movies in the middle of the day rock
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They do! Dh and I went to see Dr. Strange last Monday. 6 people on the theatre including us! I think our weekly trips to the library is something I have been missing most of all.

@AnneofAlamo the lack of recess means we go to the park after school with other kids for 60-90 minutes. Which of course, adds to my stress because of dinner time, and homework. Seriously, who gives kindergarten homework?

Thanks for all the help and ideas! I'm sure I'll be back asking for help at some point, but I'm feeling much more confident this morning.
 
I homeschooled my son from grade 6 to HS graduation and my daughter from grade 3 to HS graduation. It was the best decision I have ever made for them (especially my son). My daughter would have been fine in school, but she wanted to be home like her brother!

My son did not like school once he got to Middle School and it showed in his acting out. Finally, after the Asst. Prin. told me that he was going to be a juvenile delinquent, I pulled him out. FWIW, he is an Eagle Scout, has a Master's degree, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa! Never turned into that juvenile delinquent! He majored in Theatre and got a teaching degree, but hated the student teaching. He just doesn't like the way schools are run. He is just a different type of learner. Anyway -- he does teach, but he does corporate teaching for employees!

My main advice is to enjoy being with your child. Other advice, don't be afraid to change curriculum if it's not working for you! Many of my friends LOVE Saxon math -- but it did not work well for us. That's when I learned, that you are never tied to any curriculum. You can learn plenty with a library card! Use real books! Read!
 
I love to talk homeschool! I've tried a variety of things over the ages and my favorite Literature Arts Program is Learning Literature Through Language Arts. It's super simple. Right now I'm using the 2nd grade curriculum for my 1st and 2nd grader. It's a little easier so it actually works really well for my 2nd grader who is deaf and a bit behind on the reading aspect, and it's great for my 1st grader who is a little ahead on the reading spectrum. I use Abeka work books for Math until 3rd grade and then we move to Saxon with the computer instruction. For K-3rd grade I don't really do a curriculum for Science/History/Social Studies...it's more like reading a lot of living books and real life experience. If you want more info send me a PM.

That's just my younger kids...I can go into detail what I do with my upper elementary, middle and high schooler if you want to.

Ah, I love talking homeschool...I could go on and on!

michelepixels said:
Thanks for reading my blog. I've often redesigned it, in part to improve it as a resource for homeschoolers. But I've yet to accomplish that. I have a page with lots of information about homeschooling -- both my own writing and links to others' articles -- but it's kind of hidden in a menu on the home page. Here's a direct link.

https://michelekendzie.wordpress.com/unschooling/
Click to expand...

I didn't know you had a blog! I need to add it to my feedly.
 
When I realized my daughter was ready for K but would not be allowed to go due to a late birthday, I played around with preschool material. I quickly realized that for me, I need a curriculum already set up and ready to go. Without a plan, nothing would happen. I homeschooled just her that first year (her Kindergarten year). Her brother came home the next year (his 5th grade year). Both have been home since. My son is in his 2nd year of college and my daughter is now in 10th grade.

I love Winter Promise. It is also a literature based curriculum, similar to Sonlight, with literature, science, and history options. It is based on Charlotte Mason principles with narration, read-a-louds, etc. It has activities written into the schedule (i.e. arts & crafts, videos, websites, games, notebooking, etc.). You just mentioned one child, but Winter Promise's theme programs span multiple ages so everyone can study the same history at the same time.

Some suggestions: Go read lots of blogs and websites. Learn about the different approaches to homeschooling. Try something and if it doesn't work, try something else. Find fellow homes schoolers in your area. Have fun, play a lot. Don't compare yourself and your student to others - go at a pace that works for both of you.

School can be any time of the day and like others have said, a K student only needs about 2 hours. Here is what I used for my daughter's K: Horizon's math, Winter Promise's Pre-K/K LA, Winter Promise's Animal Worlds. Winter Promise has changed their reading program since we used it 11 years ago, but hey, I taught my daughter to read without knowing my phonics first. We learned phonics together.

Almost forgot: Starfall is a website with games for learning your letters and reading. It is a lot of fun. There are also lots of websites that offer coloring pages for all the letters, reading worksheets, math worksheets, etc. So you can also get stuff for free.
 
klee73010 said:
I am soooo interested in homeschooling, but because I work full time, I doubt I could do it. We do want her to go to public school, but we will have some challenges...Kaydee's food allergies make me nervous. She starts Kindergarten next year. Also, the schools here are based on a 4 day school week. I am struggling with the logistics of this, between working a 5 day week, and the loss of family time because of how long she's at school.... I know there's a kids program put on by the city for the extra day, but my understanding is that it's not well supervised, and it's all ages. I struggle with the idea of my 5 year old playing with 12 year olds instead of kids her own age.
*sigh* the struggles of parenthood...

A co-worker of mine lives in California, and she chooses not to vaccinate her girls. a law passed recently that doesn't allow non-vaxed kids in school for her reasons (there are some exclusions that she doesn't meet), so she had to look into homeschooling for her daughter. The "school" or program she found actually pays for a portion of the curriculum, and works with families to get some group based learning situations throughout the year. What she explained to me seemed like a great option, except for the fact that I am not sure where I would find the time block to fit it in.

It is all very interesting to me...
Click to expand...
Where in CA?...this sounds like a program I work with...I am an approved vendor for a charter school...HS can be so rewarding but it does require a commitment on both the student and parents part...I HS K-12 and now I tutor and teach HS children...I LOVE it.
 
Courtney so much great advice here...I think the main thing is to find what works for you and your family. Unschooling would not work for us, but library cards and travel does. I used to hand the girls a map and tell them to find a way to Disneyland that does NOT use 5 interstate...they would come up with some crazy routes LOL....In K school should be fun so make it that...your scrap pages show us how much all of you enjoy going and seeing and doing...so let that be your classroom...include the ABC game in the car (I play this with my highschoolers), make addition and subtraction from license plates, encourage reading but its only K so wait until next year if you have to...the beauty of HS is there is NO grade level...I am like Liz...could talk for hours about HS...wishing you the BEST!!!
 
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