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eksargent

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Posts posted by eksargent

  1. My ds went to ps for K. For Mother's Day, all the mothers were invited for a special "party". Each child made gifts, pictures, and crafts to present to their mom. Then they each took a turn, went to the front of the class, and shared something "special" about their mom. Here it comes...

     

    My sweet son stands up and tells the class..."My mommy takes pills and drinks wine."

     

    Let me say I have rheumatoid arthritis and I do indeed take lots of medication (pills, vitamins, calcium supplements, shots, etc). And, I do enjoy a nice glass of red once the sun goes down (or is about to).

     

    Now, ds added that I cook his favorite meals, I smell good, and something about being the best mom in the world. However, I didn't hear a thing after his big opener! All I could hear was the sound of my face turning burnt orange.

     

    Happy Mother's Day!

     

    p.s. When I kindly asked ds why he chose that to share, he said, "I had to tell them what you do and cleaning and laundry was too boring." I agree.

  2. Are there significant advantages to buying the book WITH the workbook??? Since there is always a wish list of things to purchase...I'm considering buying just the workbooks.

     

    I'll be purchasing Workbook 1 for ds to start now and will purchase Workbook 2 for older ds as soon as it is available. If the workbooks can stand alone...why would I need the book?

     

    Does anyone use the student pages? How helpful are they?

     

    Can you tell it's my 1st year homeschooling? I'm all questions and lists.

     

    Emily

  3. My ds (9) is a toe walker. It started at birth. Dr. always said he would eventually grow out of it. I'm still waiting.

     

    From what I know, toe walking on its own is not a concern...at any age. I was told to watch for additional symptoms. Doctors always ask if he is developing mentally and socially as he should be? He is. One dr. told me to start physical therapy. One referred me to a neurologist. Each doctor has a different opinion. I'm burned out on opinions. He is a normal kids...who just walks on his toes.

     

    I also have been told his weight would eventually force him to flatten out his feet (this was the last dr. we saw when he turned 8...the one that said he is a normal kid that just walks on this toes). His toes seem to be handling 78 pounds just fine.

     

    I have tried to walk on my toes for a while just to see if I could do it. After about 60 seconds I was done. I don't know how (or why) he does it.

     

    As a mom I share your concern. Certainly it should be watched and discussed with a doctor during regular visits. There are times when toe walking is a symptom of a larger issue. But take heart...because sometimes it isn't.

     

    That's just my opinion!

    Emily

  4. I'm a new homeschooler...so I can't say I have actually "used" anything yet. After reading this thread I am going to run out right now and buy a pencil sharpener!

     

    So far, I use my library card DAILY! I have stacks of books at my feet right now waiting to be read!

     

    Also, I use this message board daily. The advice and experience everyone shares has been very valuable!

     

    So far it has been fun!

    Emily

  5. Having 2 kids that were in ps, I know the drill. Buy, buy, buy, donate, donate, donate, fundraise, fundraise, fundraise. Nothing wrong with wanting to better the school and the child's experience. State funds don't provide everything that is needed...so someone must pick up the slack. I was happy to help. HOWEVER...

     

    64 glue sticks! I sent 8 packs of 8 count glue sticks. It was required. One could wallpaper a house with that! I could make a glue stick line from here to the school with that much!!!

     

    I saved everything that came home. Every paper, project, and craft. If I melted down the glue that he used...I could maybe fill up 1 glue stick top. Seriously!

     

    Come to think of it...we did build a new fence around the parking lot this year. Maybe that's what they used to sink the posts into. Again, glad I could help!

  6. Emily, we used GD for Life series this past year. We didn't finish all 3 books, but most of each. I think it was a bit dry. My kids liked it enough (well, a little!) but I did feel it was a bit dry. The pages are black and white. Not that it is a big deal, but thought I'd point that out. There were some experiments and activities, but not enough for my sciency kids. Also, I think GD would be over the heads of the younger kids (first graders). We have Apologia Zoo 1 and really like the looks of it. It is color (a plus) and written less like a text book than God's Design. That being said, GD is a good curriculum. If I had to choose btwn. Apologia and GD...I would probably choose Apol. Just my opinion.

     

    Thanks Sue! I believe science is one area where my kids really need and will enjoy pictures...the brighter and bigger the better! I would imagine science in black in white would not be as inviting (at least for my kids). I will check out God's Design.

     

    Thanks again!

    Emily

  7. Jill, I am liking everything I hear so far. Are you happy with it? Do you think the lessons are complete and well presented? Are your kids retaining it? I like the idea of a lesson and review (perhaps that is the public school experience haunting my mind). I don't want to constantly "test" their knowledge, but I do want to "see" them retaining what they have learned.

     

    I was thinking of doing science about 2 days a week...for 60-90 minutes. Since you are using the program, what works for you? Do you supplement with a lot of books and other activities?

     

    Last question...what did you buy first?

     

    THANK YOU much for your help.

    Emily

  8. I am still researching science options. I don't know anything about AIG. If you use it...could you tell me about it? Do you like it? Is it broken into lessons? Is it fun? Is it easy to plan and do? Pros/cons. I would really like to get this decision behind me...since it's almost time to start!

     

    Thanks for your help!

    Emily

  9. I know what day 1 will be like. We will all be excited about our new schedule, new books, new folders, new activities, and a complete new lifestyle. I am looking forward to all the positives. I am excited about all the reason our family decided to homeschool. But, what happens on day 2? What happens when we open the new books and folders and they aren't interested? What happens when they are lazy, when they object, when things aren't going as planned. I am a planner. I have spent the better part of my summer researching curriculum. My kids are 8 & 6. They went to public school. This is a big change. I know it's right, but what do I do when it may not feel that way?

     

    Any words of advice???

     

    Thanks,

    Emily

    Tampa, Florida

  10. OK. My oldest son is 8 (9 in 2 weeks). He finished 3rd grade in ps. He made great grades...I'm just not sure how much he REALLY learned.

     

    His biggest struggle is writing. I was going to follow WTM by the book. Being his (and my) 1st year homeschooling, should I start with FLL3? In addition, I was thinking about getting the Writing With Ease text. I see 2 workbooks go with this text. Do I start with the 1st?

     

    I also have a 6 year old son. I looked at FLL, but GWG really appeals to me. GWG has a workbook and FLL is primarily oral. So, if I start him on GWG, could he start WWE at the same time as my older son?

     

    Do I need both boys in the same program? If I went with GWG for both boys, could I still use WWE? Is there another writing program that is REALLY good? WTM suggests R&S Beginning Wisely. Any thoughts on comparing the 2?

     

    I think it would be easier on me if both boys were in the same program. I also think it would be easier if someone would just tell me what to do!!! I had no idea picking the programs would be this difficult.

     

    Trying not to get stressed out before I even begin,

    Emily

  11. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who have shared experiences, given advice, and even offered encouragement!!! I am really learning from everyone.

     

    A question about 3rd/4th grade...I was thinking about this...

     

    Spelling Workout C or D

    FLL3 (but Growning with Grammar is starting to look more like my style-the workbooks always appeal to me)

    Writing...I have NO IDEA. Did WTM just come out with a writing program?

    Saxon Math 3 or 4

    SOTW (starting both boys together)

    Science (want to do both boys together, but haven't decided on the program)

    Prima Latina (any thoughts on this...I know nothing except what WTM has told me)

    Art and Music will be together with my 6 year old.

    Religion...any great suggestions? We are Christian (nondenominational). We have done lots of devotionals for boys, but I would like something more structured...maybe in addition to our devotionals.

     

    Again, THANKS!!!

    Emily

     

    p.s. How in the world do I learn what all the abbreviations mean? I searched this website over an found nothing. What is ds, dh, dd? :confused:

  12. I will start homeschooling my 2 sons (ages 6 & 8) in August. I am deciding on what materials and programs to start with. Any suggestions or direction is much appreciated. This can be overwhelming!

     

    My 6 year old son completed kindergarten (in school) and is a great reader. Can I skip Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading? He gets quickly bored and even offended when I ask him to read books that are on his age level.

     

    I plan on starting Spelling Workout A, First Language Lessons, and some kind of handwriting program (suggestions?). I am leaning towards Saxon for Math (opinions?). For history, Story of the World (it seems to be a well put together program that would be easy for me to present). Science I am up in the air. I need the lessons planned out for me. I can use encyclopedias as reference.

     

    Art...Any suggestions on some good craft/art project books for a not so crafty mom? Music...we may do lessons. But, I am interested in finding a good computer or at home learning program for the piano.

     

    What about a vocabulary supplement? Too much for now?

     

    I am working on one kid at a time. Thank you in advance for any and all information, suggestions, and support. I have absolutely no experience in homeschooling and am well aware I have no idea what I am getting into...but I'm excited anyway!

     

    Thanks,

    Emily

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