AHASRADA

June 18, 2010

Dh - He's an RN nurse manager. He gets the out-of-control patients. And they don't get to choose who they treat.

And all too often he comes home to tell me, "Another really nice patient has decided to stop dialysis." It's hard because he knows that they are choosing to die by making that choice. Dialysis is considered "extreme measures" so they can't force someone to do it.

Sorry that this is OT, but this comment really threw me for a loop. My mom has been on dialysis for 18 years, the last 13 of those in the clinic, 3x/week, 4 hours at a time. She is only 56. I cannot imagine dialysis being considered an "extreme measure", much less allowing a patient to make a conscious decision to stop, without some serious psychological intervention. Yes it's a pain, yes it interferes with your schedule, yes it is often uncomfortable, but choosing not to do it is suicide, literally.

I would strongly encourage your dh to look into creating some sort of intervention program, including counseling, as well as mentoring with long-term dialysis patients, so they can see what a long and fulfilling life they can live despite their disability.

Off my soapbox now...

June 18, 2010

I haven't read all the posts, but prefer, and have always preferred, to be called Mrs. (or Miss, before I was married) and my last name, by anyone I don't know personally. I am flabbergasted by people who insist "Mrs." or "Ma'am" makes them feel old. No, it is simply a title of respect and formality, two things that are severely lacking in our society, imo. I am actually irked when I go through the checkout, especially with children along, and the cashier calls me "Miss". Hello, do I look like a Miss? I know this is in response to ladies being insulted at being called Ma'am. Please. Unless you are under 18 and therefore too young to be married, there is nothing insulting about being called Ma'am.

So, yes, I would prefer those in all 3 categories to address me as Mrs. lastname. In practicality, my kids' friends end up calling me by my first name, because that is what their moms insist on for themselves (telling my kids, oh, call me Nancy), and I'm not such a prude as to make a fuss about it. In my ideal world, though, all kids would use Mrs. with their friends' moms. My nieces, nephews and children of family friends call me Auntie.

June 18, 2010

Kate,

If you haven't made a turkey in 100 years, LOL, you might not know about oven bags. I cannot imagine roasting a turkey without one! I think they are made by Reynolds, and you look for the turkey-sized. This is a cannot-fail, moist, delicious way to cook. You don't even have to add any extra seasoning, although I usually put a peeled onion, a couple carrots and a celery stick in the cavity, and sprinkle some Bell's seasoning on top. Slide it into the bag, sprinkle a Tbsp. of flour in the bottom, cut a few air holes in the top, tie it up, and stuff it in the oven for the specified time (making sure the bag won't touch the element on the top of the oven). That's it! I have even brought the bags and Bell's seasoning overseas and used it to cook a recently-slaughtered farm turkey from the countryside (a gift, of course!) and it even worked for that tough, skinny bird.

Enjoy!

June 16, 2010

I agree with PP. Decide how much writing per day is reasonable for your dc, considering ability and tolerance, and only do that. Maybe that means one writing assignment per day, alternating between history, science and composition. If she is a reluctant writer, doing too much writing will only make her more reluctant. Your writing program will probably focus on one concept per week. If she isn't excited about the particular topic assigned for practice in the writing program, you could sometimes substitute it for a history or science assignment, but still focusing on the concept taught in writing.

I have done Noeo with my ds, and didn't require much writing. He mostly wrote definitions and drawings, and enjoyed the program.

HTH,

June 16, 2010

I don't really spend any time in the evenings. I do my correcting during the day, alongside them as they work. I work one-on-one with dd10 in the AM, and with ds13 in the PM, so many mistakes I catch as they are making them. For math, I check while they are doing something else, and then go over the mistakes with them. This is part of our school time.

On the weekend, I probably spend about 1 1/2 to 2 hours planning the week. Each dc has a weekly schedule, with the subjects for each day pre-printed on it. On the weekend, I print it out and fill in the lesson numbers or page numbers under each one, and any additional info. they will need. If there are photocopied pages for them to complete, I remove the appropriate ones from the master binder, or copy them if I have not already done so ahead of time. These pages are added to their clipboard, along with any necessary loose-leaf paper for completing the week's assignments, and their list goes on top. At the end of the week, I file their list and completed pages in their binders.

I spend several hours over a couple of weeks in the summer, coordinating and planning the year. I divide pages or chapters or lessons by the number of weeks in the year and, in the case of history or science topics, record them on quarterly sheets, so I can see which topic we will be covering which week. That way it is easier to coordinate related literature and library books.

For this reason, my weekly planning involves merely pulling together what my yearly plan says I need for that week. Since the kids have their weekly plans laid out for them, they simply look at their list each morning and pull the appropriate books off the shelf.

HTH,

June 15, 2010

For the elementary level, we like "I Love Islam", which is for grades 1-5, one book each year. Then, for middle school, there is "Learning Islam", levels 1, 2 and 3 for grades 6, 7 and 8.

These are very colorful, well-produced textbooks following a modern methodology, with discussion questions and project/writing topic suggestions at the end of each chapter.

The Iqra website also has some good suggestions for middle/high school. for example, we bought a couple of books from their recommended middle school curriculum, "A Study of Hadith" and "Islamic Tahdhib and Akhlaq", which were very well-done. Many of their books at the elementary level seem more classroom-focused and a bit dry, but these are more appropriate for individual study.

Personally, I enjoyed "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Islam". Obviously, it is written for a non-Muslim audience, but it is very thorough and does a great job of addressing all aspects of Islamic studies, in one compact package. It would be a good place to start with, say, a 9th grader, to make sure they have a broad base of general knowledge from which to springboard onto more indepth study.

HTH insha'Allah,

June 11, 2010

Yes. NARHS. Pay $525, and have your credits transferred to them. You can take the remaining courses however you want: independent study on your own, a distance school, community college, whatever. NARHS will accept those credits and issue you a diploma. Also, NARHS is a Maine school, so Maine may have different graduating requirement than your state. If so, you might just be able to graduate without those 2 remaining classes.

Hope that helps,

June 11, 2010

I was a little concerned about whether it was legit or not, also, but there are a couple of other things that I was uncomfortable with as well (didn't keep me from ordering ;), but I am concerned.)

Everything on the checkout page says that this is to order an "examination copy". For every title, I was required to enter a course name (I put "History of Science") and number of students enrolled (I said 2). In the shipping info., I had to list a school name (I used our homeschool name we invented) and also a department (I put "homeschool"). I assumed this was all a technicality. However, before clicking on "place order", I had to initial a statement that I am a K-12 teacher in an educational institution. OK, sure, whatever. Once the order was placed, a disclaimer came up that it can take 2-4 weeks for delivery, and that orders may be "verified". So, I am wondering if, once they realize we are homeschoolers, they will cancel our orders?

My other concern, is that shipping costs were not listed anywhere. Normally, they would have at least shown up on the final invoice, but nothing. Again, I had to agree to pay "the cost of the items, plus any fees associated with fulfilling the order" or something similar. So, now I am afraid that they could tack on so much in shipping that it could end up costing more than if I had paid normal price at Amazon. How and when will I found out how much shipping and handling is? In a month when I receive the books?

As I said, I already placed my order, but if anyone has any answers to these questions, I would like to hear them :bigear:.

June 11, 2010

For me the answer was when it was more convenient for ME.

:iagree: We have always had one primary cell as a family (dh's), because he is the one who is usually away from home. I used to have a cheap pay-as-you-go model which I only had for emergencies. I have not had my own cell for the past 3 years, and although it would be convenient on the rare occasion that both dh and I are out of the house, that does not justify the expense for us.

Currently, if the kids want to go to the park, the supermarket, etc., we send them either with dh's cell or walkie talkies.

If they were going to be on their own for longer periods of time or farther distances, our first step would be to have a 2nd cell in the family. At this point, it is not likely that dh, myself, and our ds would all be gone, in different directions, at the same time, so 2 cells in the family would be more than sufficient. I suppose we would have to add more cells as this became more common.

I doubt that I would get each child their "own" cell before the age of 16. Something about electronics being community property tends to mean they are used more responsibly, and are not relied upon to the same extent as when they have their "own".

June 10, 2010

Yes, people will buy the books without the manuals, either as a set or individually. I have known of people who don't advertise the manuals for sale, but once they have found a buyer, will let them know that they do have the manuals, and "may" include them as "packing materials". I don't know how legal this is, but it is done.

HTH,

June 10, 2010

I am in somewhat the opposite situation. Dh had a typical 9-5 job for the first 3/4 of our marriage, which I loved. He was around just enough to stay connected, spend time with the kids, etc., but not so much that he was infringing on my "turf", if that makes sense. I was in charge of the home, kids, homeschooling, activities, finances, and I liked it that way.

Now, for the past 2 1/2 years, he has been home most of the time. There have been pros and cons to this. The kids get more time with him, he helps out with homeschooling, etc. He also has a lot of "suggestions" for how I could do things differently in the area of home maintenance, delegating, discipline...in a nutshell, he is now infringing on my turf! Too much together time, coupled with financial worries, has caused a lot of stress. At the same time, it has forced us to really "deal" with each other rather than each functioning in our own little realms, and we have gotten into deep issues, feelings, goals, etc. that we wouldn't have had the time to otherwise. We have become a truly homeschooling "family", with the 4 of us working and studying in the same room, collaborating on housework, etc., and I feel we have all gotten to know each other better in the process, although we do get on each other's nerves too.

So, now dh is thinking of working overseas. We would likely see each other once every 3 months for a week or two. I say no way. It would just be too drastic of a change. To go from only being apart for a few hours a week, to months at a time just doesn't sound healthy for any of our relationships. Also, ds is 13, and is benefitting greatly from the recreational time spent with his dad and his dad's adult male friends. He is being socialized to be a "man" (as in responsible, respectful), something he cannot learn from his peers. Dd is definitely a daddy's girl, and would be devastated to be separated from her dad for long periods (not to mention the benefit of his influence as she approaches her teen years).

So, is it better to have too much together time and financial problems but be "together", or have the money taken care of, but live separately? (This issue will be resolved if dh can find a 9-5 job again!)

June 10, 2010

I don't know what the WTM board's specific policy is, but legally, you are allowed to sell the Calvert curriculum (on Ebay or anywhere), but not the manuals. If you list the manuals in an Ebay post, for example, the post will be removed.

There is some sort of stipulation that the Calvert manual is "leased" to you when purchasing their curriculum, but it is to be destroyed upon completion and not resold to anyone. This is Calvert's policy.

Of course, there is nothing to stop you from passing the manual along (although, I guess it would technically be illegal), but you certainly cannot list it for sale in a public forum.

HTH,

June 10, 2010

That helps some. Here is the situation: dd13 has a "very good friend, who is a boy" ;), whom she chats with on FB most days. Her bedtime has been around 10, but I have become relaxed about it, because she wasn't pushing this limit much. But now that she's talking to this Beautiful Boy every night, she's pushing the envelope later and later. Today, I'm going to remind her that she has a bedtime, a point at which she must say "TTYL" to Beautiful Boy and get her blissful head in bed. Only I wondered what that time should be, exactly. Maybe tell her off the 'puter at 10; lights out by 10:30. Does that sound sensible?

Yes, this sounds very reasonable. My ds 13 is supposed to be in bed by 10/10:30, with lights out at 10:30/11 (unless he is staying up late chatting with his dad, which I believe is very beneficial). He is expected to be up by 9am, so of he isn't, his bedtime is more strictly enforced for the following few nights.

I agree that "computer shut-down" time is more important than bed time. Since that seems to be your main concern, I would pick my battles, and focus on the computer end-time (and bed time will probably fall into line as well, if the computer isn't on ;)).

Personally, I cannot imagine my ds chatting with a girl late into the evening. It would just be totally inappropriate to us as well as to him. I know you said they are "friends", but I would make sure the chatting is being done in a public area of the house, etc., since you never know what can evolve online. But, that's another topic...:).

June 10, 2010

I would look at the umbrella program or distance ed program that you are thinking of possibly using in the future and ask them if they accept NARHS accreditation...

If you look at the site of the organization that NARHS is accredited with, you would see that it is not as serious as some of the other accrediting organizations....

On the NARHS website, it says they are accredited by the National Private Schools Association (on the page about the school profile).

If you search Google for that association, you get this page for the National Private Schools Association group though it then calls itself the National Private Schools Accreditation Alliance...Maybe someone else knows about a different accrediting agency?

Here's an older article (2004) by the National School Board about NARHS.

NARHS seems to be serving the needs of some people but will it serve your needs is the important thing to know, so that you don't have a false sense of security...

Joan

Thanks so much for this Joan! Yes, I believe this is more of the direction I was going with my question. How much does NARHS's accreditation "count"?

I will definitely check with other distant ed programs about whose credits they accept, but this leads me to the other part of my original question.

Does anyone have any knowledge/experience with Kolbe's accrediation (by a Catholic school accrediting agency), and how that compares with the bonaficity of the agency which accredited NARHS? I guess I would rather go with Kolbe, if I can feel reassured that their accreditation will be accepted as well by those who care about such things.

June 10, 2010

It sounds like you're not so concerned about accreditation for getting into college as you are if you have to stop homeschooling your child and move him into a traditional school setting? If that's your concern: First I'd check with the local schools around you that you might use if this were to happen and see what they would do with a homeschooler in that situation. The public schools in our area won't accept homeschool credit even if it's accredited. Not sure about private schools. Some on here have said all their child had to do was taken placements tests and they would get credit for those they did well in and I've heard some people say they had no trouble getting credit for homeschool courses. I think, if this is your concern, the old adage we have here is: Check with the schools. The need for accreditation may be mute point.

Thanks for asking this question. Maybe I'm not entirely sure what my question is, LOL! No, I am not really concerned about PS or private, since this is not our intention. I was mainly thinking that, in the life of a teen, 4 years is a long time. In that time, ds may decide he wants to graduate from an actual school (ie: distance ed/homeschool accreditation program) as opposed to just receiving a mommy diploma, or he may want to switch from whichever umbrella program we are using to another one. There are some accredited distance ed. programs that will only accept transfers from other accredited programs. We also move a lot, and have no way of knowing if a future school (CC, etc.) will inquire as to whether his transcript is from an accredited school. These could very well be slim possibilities, but I would hate to have his options limited because I didn't have his course work "officially" documented.

OK, does this make sense, LOL?

June 9, 2010

I have never used NARHS...but have done extensive research and I have several close friends that *do* use NARHS.

Based on their experiences, I don't think I'd enroll my children...I've heard of too many "exceptions" being made. (things like: 1 - count all Sundays as a school day 2 - One year counting Bible/Quiet Time as History and the next year counting it as Literature -- depending on which credits the student was lacking that year)

I think there are much better ways to have outside accountability and feedback without shelling out that much $$ for "exceptions". KWIM??

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not that concerned about the "exceptions"; I think it is perfectly reasonable to count a course that could go either way under the heading that the student is in need of. When I was in college, I took a course that could count as either history or French, and it was up to the student to choose what they wanted it to count for. I would be more apt to call this "flexibility". I'm not quite sure what you mean by Bible/Quiet Time, but I would be surprised if this were counted as an actual course if there were no documentation to back it up (I was under the impression the NARHS was quite strict about having sufficient proof of course work completed--Am I wrong?).

I would be interested to know what the "better ways to have outside accountability and feedback" are that you are suggesting. This is not my only concern, but also a way of ensuring that my ds's completed course work will be recognized anywhere he may need to show proof of it. Suggestions?

June 9, 2010

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I guess if it is just high school accepting them later that is your concern maybe that is different. have you thought about starting at a community college if it came to that rather than ending up back in public school?

K

Thanks, K. It's true, I know there are many people who are admitted with a "mommy diploma", although they typically have gone above and beyond with impressive extra-curriculars, stellar outside references, etc. that may not be required by a "traditional" applicant. I am also unsure if smaller, less-selective colleges would be as open-minded about homeschooling as the Ivys.

But yes, at the moment I am more concerned with transferring. I did not mean to PS (perish the thought!), but to another distance program that ds might prefer to graduate from or transfer to for whatever reason. I guess what I'm thinking is, if I'm going to use an umbrella anyway, it would be a waste of time and $$ to enroll in one whose credits may not be transferrable in the end.

Keep the comments comin'! :bigear:

June 9, 2010

For anyone considering NARHS, I got a letter in the mail from them, stating that their tuition will be increasing from $425 to $525 after August 31, 2010, AND they are doing away with grandfathering! This means that new students will be subject to any future tuition increases.

The good news is, if you register before this August 31st, you will pay the current tuition ($425) AND have the benefit of grandfathering. They are also having a spring sale: $100 off ($325) if you register by June 18th, and $50 off ($375) if registering by June 30th.

So, if you are thinking about trying NARHS (as I have been), this is probably the best time, because if you do decide to stick with them, you will be locked in at the current (pre-increase) rate for your child's entire HS career. If you register early, it's no sooooo expensive to give it a shot.

My question is in regard to NARHS's accreditation. I am not so concerned about colleges accepting a "mommy transcript" as I am other high school programs we may transfer to, and having proof of HS enrollment during his HS years.

I have always intended to use an umbrella program, so ds could be enrolled in a "real school" to list on paperwork. I would also like some outside accountability and feedback.

I personally prefer the programs offered by Hewitt and Kolbe, but Hewitt isn't accredited at all, and Kolbe is only accredited by a Catholic accrediting agency. I (or ds) may end up deciding he wants to graduate from Oak Meadow, for example, but their program is too expensive for us to follow for all 4 years. However, he could transfer in for his senior year, IF he has a transcript from an accredited institution.

So, I am thinking of registering with NARHS, just for the accreditation, and using a mix of Kolbe, Hewitt and Oak Meadow courses, some with grading, and applying them all to a NARHS transcript. I feel this is the only way to ensure we are not closing any doors, if he wants to use those credits to transfer somewhere else that does require an accredited transcript.

Does this make sense? Does anyone have a feel for whether NARHS's accreditation "counts" more than, say, Kolbe's?

Any feedback would be appreciated, as I am trying to decide about NARHS before their special expires!

June 9, 2010