[For those who count days or weeks...]

how far are you into your school year. We just started week 23 out of 40 weeks. If you go by days we are on day 107 out of 192 days.

[Spelling Help for Dd in 2nd Grade]

I am using Sequential Spelling with my second grader right now. Last school year I tried All About Spelling but it was not a good fit for him. He became frustrated with the rule-based approach. Sequential Spelling teaches word patterns. So far he appears to be learning with Sequential Spelling and his frustration is gone. I am using All About Spelling with my younger son mostly as a phonics program.

[How nessecary is the study of languages to you?]

I think the earlier is better, but if there is only so much of you to go around I would say to wait a year.

[Spelling curriuculm suggestions]

I am using Sequential Spelling with my second grader. He didn't a pattern approach because a rules approach frustrated him.

 

I am using All About Spelling with my younger son. It is a rule-based spelling program and is good for kinesthetic learners.

[How long does math take your first grader?]

I'm wondering if we are taking too much time on math. It takes my dd about 45 minutes each day.

 

It depends on the day, but my Kindergartener and second grader usually spend 30-60 minutes per school day. If you look at our video day here my second grader finished math in one hour. My Kindergartener finished in 45 minutes.

[Online college courses]

Has anyone dabbled in this? I stumbled on a free freshman level online video course on astronomy from a university in Michigan. My son is loving it. I'd appreciate any links or recommendations for online college courses that don't have an age or grade requirement. I'm not interested in college credit. I just want to feed my son's intense interests.

[So...if I am neither Old-Earth or Young Earth]

I'm more of a old earth, young creation position. When we studied dinosaurs in depth I selected from both old earth and young earth sources and went over both ideas. It helped my son learn to think critically. We looked at what was presented and had to decide if facts or opinions were presented. Both sides were very heavy on the opinions and light on facts. My son was much younger than your child, but perhaps you can get curriculum or books from both sides.

[If you could go on a trip in the US (near water or a beach) where would you pick?]

Just wondering what my options are. I'm thinking a Bed & Breakfast or a beach house on a beach or water. Any suggestions? Want quiet, romantic, relaxing and secluded.

 

ETA: This would be WITHOUT the kids. =)

 

I think Seattle or the Olympic Peninsula are great places.

[Why do you homeschool?]

Oh, there are soooo many reasons!! But I do homeschool mostly for academic reasons. I went over many other reasons in a recent video I made. I put it up on Youtube. You can see it

.

 

I can't remember a time where I didn't want to homeschool my children.

[What are your favorite websites that you use in your homeschoo?]

How about http://wwitv.com

 

You can watch local TV in many different countries. My kids are watching Italian TV right now as part of our study on Italy.

[Districts provide evaluations for special needs children, but....]

In Michigan I attempted to get my son tested for his motor skills, but since his academic skills were not even close to being behind they wouldn't even test him. Then they said that he had to attend public school to get tested. I'm not sure about that. I ended up going with a private company for testing.

[Have you been conditioned NOT to talk about your gifted child?]

I couldn't agree with you more. It seems OK to brag a child's athletic advancement but it's not OK to brag his or her academic advancement.

 

That seems to be the case. Just this morning I saw an acquaintance on Facebook talking about how her son received an MVP trophy. Somehow that is acceptable and talking about academic achievements is bragging.