Beth you are SO right... We are in CT and they spend 3/4 of the year preparing for the CT Mastery Tests (standardized tests) It is such a waste of time and probably the reason why he at a level/grade 2 in math. They teach these kids nothing!! They are supposed to start using some state wide core knowledge math program next year because it finally dawned on them that these kids are so far behind!!! They spend 3/4 of the year teaching writing prompts and how to write stories!!! I don't get it.

Thanks ladies:) I guess because I pulled him out of ps and there isn't alot of homeschoolers around here people are shocked when they find out and curious so they ask me a bunch of questions... It's a toss up what kind of reaction I get back from people. I'm hoping now that everyone had a chance to ask their questions they will leave me alone:) Is it a good idea to look over all the books around Christmas and see how much is left at that point and make a plan to get it all done by June? One of the things that freaks me out is Math. I'm doing Math In Focus with him. Although he is in 3rd grade and great at math I started him at level/grade 2 because there was alot in that level thy they did not teach him In second grade such as multiplication and division. So part of me wants to complete levels 2 & 3 his year so he can start at level 4 next year where he is supposed to be but at the same time I realize that's an unrealtistic goal and if I had to put him back in ps he wouldn't be behind those kids because my daughter is in 4th grade in ps and I see what she's working on but I still want him to be where he is supposed to be by now.

This is my first year homeschooling... And I'm so worried about not finishing everything by the beginning of the summer. I definitely do not want to do school work in the summer. I'm only homeschooling 1 of my 4 kids so the summer is time for us to all be together and do fun stuff. When I've told a few non homeschoolers that I only spend an hour and a half to two hours a day doing school work they seem astonished. Which makes me feel like Maybe it isn't enough time. My son is in 3rd grade...and so far he's picking up things quickly and retaining the info. Then my ex husband took my son away for a few days for a mini vacation..so we missed three days of work which is making me think I need to do school work over the weekend or double up for a few days. Am I crazy? :)

Hi! We are using Apologia Astronomy and we love it! However we are in the chapter about the sun And it tries to explain light and colors and how the sun Isn't really orange. My son was lost.. And I am clueless As to how to explain it to him. Any ideas? Any videos or shows? Thanks

So far my 8 year old and I love this book. We are now at the part where it tries to explain Light energy and colors and how the sun isn't orange etc He found it difficult to understand and I found It difficult to explain. Anyone know of a video Or another way to explain this to an 8 year old? Thanks:) Oops meant "concept"

awesome ideas!! thanks so much! we are using rod & staff as well:)

hi everyone.. i just started teaching my 8 year old subjects, predicates,and how to diagram compound subjects and compound predicates. he has no problem picking out the subjects and predicates but he has hard time remembering how to draw the layout for the compound subjects and predicates. he cant remember that they are reversed. i dont know if im even explaining this right!!! sorry! should i just predraw the diagram for now and have him write the words? thanks

I thought the same as Joanne.. The judges usually side with with more mainstreamed Decision or what the child has been doing most of his life. We have joint legal custody so he has a say In this stuff. He can't say no to his kids so ultimately I don't think I would have an issue with my ex taking me to court over it. But I think he will continue to drive me insane especially When he drinks. I will def document his work and the idea of taking pictures Of him on field trips with other kids is an awesome idea.

Thanks for the great advice:)))

I have 4 kids. Two with my ex husband. Our son was miserable and depressed in school last year mainly because he has low muscle tone which Impacts his fine motor skills. Writing is very labor intensive for him And last year I was constantly asked by his teacher if anything is going on At home because he is depressed. He was only depressed in school because he hated it. He has begged me and his father for 9 months to let him be homeschooled. It took up until a month ago to get his father to give us a chance at homeschooling. I went crazy researching curriculum... Bought it all (spent a decent amount).... And now my ex husband is being Negative again. He keeps saying our son isnt going to take it seriously, he thinks he's going to play video games all day and sleep all day.. And how am I going to teach him with 2 other kids running around making noise. Grrrrr! I'm nervous as it is but I am very committed to it but the negativity brings me down and causes alot of doubt. He's giving us until December to try it out. Not sure what progress I can show after 3 months. He irritates me!!!!

they are beyond adorable! what did they think about their first day?

bumping....anyone?

disboards.com is the place to go

This is a great thread:) I'm also not a naturally happy person. Probably because I have particular expectations. Things that lift me up are: Coffee Going out with my family My kids writing me letters or cards when I'm sad Stand up comedy will usually help me over the hump if ive been upset For days and I'm having a hard time snapping out of it I try to always remind myself that my kids are growing up all the time... And time will not stop for me and wait for me to be happy again so if want to cherish the best time of my life I better snap out of it and play alittle longer, Snuggle alittle longer... And be in the moment. I know I will regret it big time if I don't when they are all grown up. Thinking about this saddens me but also gives me a wake up call.

Wondering if anyone has used this series and What ideas they had:)

hahahahaha that's too funny

when I was on em recently I did a Friday start and I'd get it middle of the night Sunday( technically Mon) or sometime Monday. then takinig the active pill on friday would stop the flow. I'd take it early in the day on Friday so my periods would be done for Friday night hahaha. I'd try Fri and if u don't get your period by Tues morning I would do Thursday start the following month

so many great book suggestions..I don't know where to start:)

Wow I'm so grateful for all the awesome advice!!! Love the book ideas... Will definitely invest in them. I do want to get this somewhat under control before sept. Someone mentioned just homeschooling one kid for now, That is all I'm doing. My 9 year old daughter will Stay in public school and both twins are in preschool. I agree I need to be present in their playing so I can nip the fights In the bud as soon as it starts instead of when theyre screaming at Eachother. My house is a disaster and it bothers Me so when they are playing I'm usually trying to do laundry, Cook or clean. I should probably let the mess be for now or deal with that when my husband is here to be involved with kids. I am going To have a discussion with my husband tonight and implement a plan. Someone mentioned my ex caring about his sons education. I do respect my ex and his love for our 2 kids and understand he wants to see that HS will be good for him. However giving me from sept- dec to show him positive results seems unreasonable. Thanks to everyone

I know you all have your hands full figuring out your own schedules but I'd appreciate some guidance as to how do I determine how many days a week for each subject and approximately how long each should take? I'm going to use: Apologia Astronomy Math In Focus Rod & Staff Spelling Rod & Staff English Writing With Ease Reading "American Adventure" for history Complete Guide of Maps & Geography (workbook)

oh great ill check out the sale:) thanks

thanks for the support and great ideas. you're right..if I get the twins involved in doing something they wont be running wild:) and I will 3 hours a day without the twin that has special needs and is,well..needy:) he's in a special ed Prem where he gets all his therapy.I desperately want to he him after Prek but need to show I can be successful

I've read "Have a New Kid By Friday" and that didn't work for me. someone suggested "10days to a less defiant child" and they gave me idea on how to help with my concern about my son saying "I dont want to do math now, ill do it later etc". I plan on getting that book. there's likely numerous roots of the problem. my son and daughter fight alot...theh are close in age and I don't know what to do when they fight. I fought with my brother alot too. I often say "stop" 100 times and it gets me nowhere. when the 8 yo plays with 4yo twins he "wins"all the time at whateer they r playing...anything from legos to throwing stuffed animals around. I've tried to explain to him that part of beinga good big bro is to play fair & give them a fair chance. he usually will not play fair until I threaten a punishment. those are the two most frequent issues in our house. one of the twins has special needs (developmental delayand low muscle tone) he didn't walk until he was two. I've spent most of the last 3yrs holding him and carrying him around because he couldn't do anything. I think that likely got in the way of a vital time of teaching these kids how to get along with eachother.

thanks!!

thanks ladies:) because phonics I built in to spelling 3, is I safe to say I don't need to do phonics 2 as reinforcement it should I because of the speech and weakness in spelling?