Home-schoolers: Planning

[shortcake]

Elizabeth -- Congrats! So glad you guys are excited about homeschooling together!

[miche]

Figuring out Sean's curriculum for next year shouldn't be hard. I might have to order a few things that are consumables, but for the most part I'm reusing what I did with Tommy with just a few changes. Sean is a homeschool mommy's dream. Most days he's eager to learn, works quickly and takes correction wonderfully! He's only a challenge due to his special needs. I sometimes have to search for appropriate curriculum and we do a lot of supplemental and repeat exercises when he doesn't "get" something. But so far we cross those bridges when we get to them and use the internet, local teacher supply store and/or Super Duper, Inc when I need more resources. If he's really stuck trying to get a concept I bring him work to speech therapy and his SLP helps me figure out a way to reach him.

Tommy is another story. School is a constant struggle due to his learning style, personality and unfortunately his learning issues (newly diagnosed dyslexia and ADHD.) The school day is just never fun anymore. I'm considering one of two programs for him, COVA (Colorado Online Virtual Academy) which is more like public school at home using the K-12 curriculum or we may do a program called HOPE (Home Option Program of Education) which is a one or two day a week public school option. It's in the district adjacent to ours so it would be a bit of a hike to get him (and probably Sean if we do this one) to school, but they would have the opportunity to take band, choir, drama, set design, lab science and a whole slew of things that would be fun in addition to a few core classes. They also use Saxon math which is what we are currently using. I feel he needs to be accountable to someone other than me, and I honestly just need help with him because I focus so much of my efforts on him and he frustrates me so much! I feel like I'm neglecting the other three either due to lack of time and attention or because I'm so frazzled, frustrated and on edge even when I can give them time and attention. The plus of COVA is that we'd be given a loaner computer so he could do his work, a stipend toward internet fees and ALL the materials (including dirt and rocks the website says) for everything needed from textbooks, workbooks, paper, science experiment supplies, etc. There are also optional regular playgroups/support groups with others in the program as well as field trips. He would also have access to special needs support if it is determined he is eligible (which he may not be because he's technically not learning disabled because he is not behind grade level...yet.) I know two families who do the HOPE program and they love it. Both live very close to the campuses (both of which are about 20 miles from us.) I know a lot more families who use COVA and the majority like it, but some feel the teacher contact meetings are a pain.

Originally Posted by lizamac

Well, we are brand new to Homeschooling, so yes I guess I am giving the Fall a lot of thought! We are enrolled in Seton Homeschool, and I have heard great things and am really excited. Kind of disappointed in the number of (or lack there of) Homeschool support groups in my area (Southern VA.... I found one but fundamentally it is very different).

Woohoo! I hope your school gets off to a great start!

I've used some Seton materials in our homeschool over the years. Sean is using their English 2 book this year (not too impressed, but then Sean has some serious difficulties due to his language disorder so I don't think I'll ever be that happy with a Grammar book for him.) I love a lot of their supplemental materials for the younger grades, esp their religious supplements such as Leading Little Ones to Mary and Little Acts of Grace.

I've heard very good things about Seton or really bad things. Most of the good were from kids who were eager schoolers, the bad was that it was a LOT of work (and a lot of busy work), but that complaint mostly comes at higher grades. For that reason I've been hesitant to use them for Tommy especially as he has so many issues with doing school work already. I have also heard fantastic things about their special needs services.

[lizamac]

I have heard good and bad about Seton as well. Some feel it is TOO structured, which I can surely understand. I am giving it a go this year, and if not thrilled I can switch next. I have looked at St Thomas Aquinas as well.

I think Seton is so structured and has so much work because they have to hang onto the accredidation. It seems to be a big deal for them to have that - esp for high schoolers headed to college.

I'll see how it goes. I am excited.

Liz

[MarinerFan19]

We are just starting to plan for the Fall. This is so new to us and I feel a bit overwhelmed but excited too. I would love any suggestions on getting prepared for the new school year for someone just starting out.

[Cait]

I didn't know you were going to be home-schooling, Ruth! How exciting!

My advice? Have fun with it. I started out thinking hsing was the right option for us, but now I can't imagine doing anything else. It's hard work, but it's ridiculously rewarding; not every day, of course, but over the long haul.

[SusanH]

Welcome to homeschooling, Ruth! Can you tell us a bit about what you're currently thinking of doing for the fall? I'm fresh out of advice other than to say that there are lots of paths that can work and you'll find the one that's right for you and your family as you go along.

[MarinerFan19]

Thank you both. For now I will just be homeschooling Shane. I have a degree in Elementary Education and taught Kindergarten and then first grade for eight years in Florida.

I still have all of my teaching supplies and books in storage so I have pulled those out and I have an orientation through our state homeschooling program tomorrow so we will see how that goes. I have looked into Seton and have asked them to send out information as well.

We are going to take this one year at a time and see how it goes. My DD is happy and thriving as a Sophomore in High School. Sean (2nd grade) really loves school and I am pleased with how things are going for both of them so far. I took my business down to p/t after Dad passed away last year so I will just continue to be p/t. Most of my work is during the summer and on Saturdays through October so I can work my schedule around things.

I am sad I won't be teaching Photography next year for 5th grade but I can't fit it all in. My children have to come first.

[shortcake]

Originally Posted by Cait

My advice? Have fun with it. I started out thinking hsing was the right option for us, but now I can't imagine doing anything else. It's hard work, but it's ridiculously rewarding; not every day, of course, but over the long haul.

I agree! We are unschoolers so the kids learn from life and everyday activity rather than structured lessons and classes/curriculum. They take Gymnastics and are interested in going back to Tae Kwon Do and possibly doing soccer this spring... but other than that we don't do structured schooling. We have fun together every day we can and it's just GREAT being with the kids and doing things together!

I'd suggest researching and checking out the different options out there (and of course find out what's required in your state) and then experiment. For us, structured schooling wasn't our "thing" and we've never done that. (I also used to be a public teaching in high school.) I fully trust the kids knowing their own interests and needs and I follow their lead. We have NO fighting or issues about getting lessons done or staying on task or meeting certain goals, etc. which is really enjoyable.