I think it looks like a great program. We haven't used it, but I have heard great things from others. My son will be going to a school next year that actually uses this program. I'm very excited about that! I hope someone with experience can answer this for you.

I considered enrolling in a charter homeschool program because of the $$ as well. When I looked into what was involved on MY side (and for my children), I decided it was not worth the money. There are many rules you have to follow, and a lot that you must do which really takes away the "freedom" that we enjoy about homeschooling. I feel like it's almost like being enrolled in a regular public school, but with more work, if that makes sense. I COMPLETELY understand why people enroll in the charters though. It's just not for us. I personally would skip enrolling kids in extra classes and take advantage of free resources such as homeschool groups, local library programs, free city programs, etc. I know a lot of people enrolled in charters that are completely happy with the setup. I know others who have left because they were miserable. Everyone is different and what works for one person doesn't work for another.

We are in Ventura County. (TO area)

Are they going to be taking classes at the charter? If your are just homeschooling I would go ahead and just do K. If they are going to be going to the charter school for a day or two a week then I would just decide based on how you feel they would do. There is no formal testing here in CA until 3rd grade, so you have a few years before it would really "matter." And that is if you choose to continue with the charter school- you could always register as a private school (I recently moved here, so I can't remember what it is you file- PSA?) or register WITH another private school, and testing is up to you that way.

Don't feel bad! Kids are ready when they are ready. My son struggled with reading, and wasn't reading well until he was 7 or 7 1/2. Now he reads ALL THE TIME. My daughter turned 6 in March, and she is reading, but not at the level she "should" be reading at. We are working on it, and I want to make sure her reading skills are set and not force her to progress more quickly than she is ready for. My 2 1/2 year old is starting to sound out words and knows sight words. Three COMPLETELY different children with COMPLETELY different learning styles. Reading will come. Some kids aren't ready, and that is totally fine. I am just making sure that she reads to me every single day, and we read stories together every day. The more we read, the better she gets. If I slack off on reading, I can see her begin to struggle (we recently moved, and I admit we slacked on ready for about a month and she regressed a bit.) I don't know if your library has this, but ours has a program where kids from K-5 can read to therapy dogs. My daughter recently went for the first time and I don't think she's ever been more excited about reading. They were great with her there and helped her with any words she struggled with (she was a little nervous when she got there, but they were great with her.) She brought her favorite book to read and just had such a great time. Whenever they do it again I will be sure to take her. It was very encouraging. Don't worry about other kids reading at such young ages. All kids are different. The only thing that I would say, is if you suspect there might be something going on then definitely get an evaluation. I have decided to get one for my daughter (she has Sensory Processing Disorder, and I think she might be Dyslexic as well..but seriously, it is normal for kids to NOT be reading at a 5th grade level at 6.5!)

We did the DORA and the ADAM K-7 testing for our kids that are finishing up 5th grade and kindergarten. It wasn't necessary of course, but I do like how the tests give you specific links and ways to help in the areas they might be struggling in, and also they aren't *just* being tested on their grade level. The questions are adjusted as they progress through the testing for what they actually know. For my kindergartener, it was just a fun online game (not a "test") and it did show me some specific things she is having some issues with in reading comprehension and reading and how to help her. It was worth it for us. We will probably do it every year just for our records, and to have a hard copy of the progression etc. I don't think it's necessary AT ALL though. It's mainly just a preference. My husband couldn't have cared less about testing them, but does like the idea when we discussed it for this particular test.

I don't do any household chores while I am actively doing school with the kids- but I do supervise the computer time (my 11 year old has figured out he can do other online things when he is suppose to be on specific sites doing work, and my 6 year old will sometimes need help with something on the computer) and that is when I will do laundry or clean up in that area etc. Also I found that when we had our school area in an out of the way area (we moved in the middle of this year) that I was likely to leave it messy instead of cleaning it up and organizing it everyday. This is just ME though, obviously everyone is different. I think we have finally found an ideal situation that works for us, and all in all I love having a designated space for homeschooling and our homeschool stuff. This isn't to say that we don't take out work on the back porch to work sometimes, but it's super convenient because the door to go outside is literally right there.

We have only been homeschooling for a year, but here's what works for us. We have a homeschool room, but it's central in the house. It has easy access to the kitchen, bathroom, backyard, etc. That way when I am doing individual work with one child, the other can be in another area nearby with the 2 year old, etc. We need the designated homeschool space, because I cannot stand lugging their work and books etc all around. It's so nice to have everything clean and organized. The kids are focused when they are in that space as well, there aren't any distractions etc. If I need to fold laundry, the laundry room is right there and I can bring it in there if needed. It's just super convenient. I would not have the homeschool room in an isolated area because the easy access to the rest of the house is important to us, and I think having the room "out of the way" would make me not want to use it if that makes sense.

I don't see an issue with it either. The only thing would be if extracurricular activities conflicted with that schedule. Although, it's not unreasonable to do some work before an activity, and then do some afterwards either. We have days where we have to do that because of our afternoon therapies/etc. A lot of the time we don't begin our formal work until 10 or so anyways since we go to the gym for 2 hours every morning.

I was going to come and suggest AAR, and I am surprised to hear that someone don't think it's good of a struggling reading. We aren't very far into AAR1, but it does seem to be helping. I guess only time will tell. I'm wondering what others don't like about the program? I have heard great things about Dancing Bears also, but I have no experience with it.

Thank you! I have really been struggling with work with my son, and this is something that we can use that might take out some of the resistance. It will also help with his typing. Perfect.

We are going to go with Sassafras for 1st grade (Zoology and Anatomy.) I am thinking about doing block scheduling with Science and History- so we will focus on the Zoology until it is completed, then do SOTW 1, and then Anatomy. I was also considering doing the Evan Moor Daily Science for when we are in our history portion of the year, just to have that, but that probably isn't even necessary. Elemental Science has some nice options, and the Intro to Science is what we did (mostly- we didn't complete it, just when we felt like it because it was just kindergarten) and it's really well put together and inexpensive. If we weren't doing the Sassafras we would be doing that this year completely.

Yes, we just started the behavioral therapy/counseling. After his assessments/evaluations we are going to continue with therapy and try to get things under control, and hopefully we will both get good tools and tips from the therapist on things we can all do as a family. I know I need help with it, and I am really really hoping this helps us.

Kind of- there is a homeschool program he could go to 2 days per week and take his core classes + extras there, and do the rest at home during the week. That could possibly work, and that's actually what he wants to do. I just really really need help teaching him. I wouldn't mind doing that if he could behave in a decent manner one the days that he is home and it not be a constant negativity around all the time..technically he could go a third day at the same place he went to this year also. He would be able to pretty much get in all the classes he would need between the two programs, and the work he would do with me would be more like homework..so that wouldn't be so bad.. I know it sounds like I just want to get rid of him, and that's not entirely true. He is always constantly going, going, going (both mentally and physically), and sometimes just being around him can be exhausting. He definitely needs lots of ways to let out his energy and one thing we do during the day if he is getting nasty is send him out to jump on the trampoline for a bit and then he comes in and can focus better (a tip from the therapist.) He always apologize for what he does and says and then just goes right back to doing it again. I REALLY think this evaluation will be so helpful, but he hasn't ALWAYS been like this..maybe it's a combination of something that has always been going on + adolescent hormones? I'm not sure. I think that is the only way homeschooling will even be an option for us next year- if I can source out the core courses at the very least. He has always been well behaved in his programs and classes he has taken. He always tells me the teachers there can explain things to him better than I can (I have discussed it with them and they literally do it the same way I do, it's just better for him when it comes from someone else.)

Yes, and when my daughter gets interested in something, she really loves exploring the whole topic and I just feel like it would be difficult to explore both as much as we would like if we did both at the same time (if we didn't have any outside activities, etc then it might be different, but we have things going on most evenings, etc.) Maybe I could do the Evan Moor Daily Science for her when we are focusing on history? Does anyone have experience with that? Then it would give her a little bit of science, but not to the extent that we will do with the actually program we will be using.

Thanks. Yes, he went to the first portion of his evaluation today. I'm hoping after the next one next week we will have *some* answers. I have so many mixed emotions about everything right now, and I really don't like being the parent who just wants to NOT be around their kid. I love my kids, but he is just wearing me down. I feel like I could be a better parent to him if we WEREN'T around each other all day everyday. The idea of homework and helping him deal with school issues sounds like a dream compared to actually homeschooling him. Because at least I would get a mental break if that makes sense. I will try reading aloud to him, that is a good idea. He reads all the time to himself, and he has the capability of reading at a high level, but with the comprehension issues he doesn't understand it at a high level. He doesn't usually focus enough for read alouds though and always ends up just getting mad about something :/ He always interrupts read a loud time with his siblings also and doesn't let me read a single page without interrupting (even if he is in another room he comes in there, interrupts, gets mad, and the cycle just continues.) I guess I'm just feeling kind of defeated right now. I am mentally and physically exhausted. I feel like I have tried my best and am just completely failing him. I hate that we just can't stand being around each other anymore.

Thanks for posting this!

Thanks. Yea, he is not good at taking notes... :/

Great ideas. I will have to think it over and see what I think might work. I do like the idea of doing the complete history course and then complete science, etc. So maybe I could start out with the Sassafras Zoology, finish that and begin SOTW 1, and when we finish that begin the Sassafras Anatomy. That way the science is broken up with the history in the middle.I like the idea of focusing either on science or history for blocks (or semesters, or until the course is finished) because then I can plan lots of fun field trips related to specific things we are learning in science and not worry about "missing history" or vice versa. I just feel like that would free up time to be doing more hands on activities with each subject.

I will find out about the expectations of the charter school thought once he is accepted.

Good idea on the science. I am new to homeschooling, and honestly thought it would have worked out longer for us. I am just going crazy and really think I will be a better mom to him (and just a better person in general!) if he is in school. I am so tired of being so extremely stressed and sad all the time (I was NOT like this before this year, and I know this has a lot to do with it.) Now working with him on whatever he needs help with after school sounds like a DREAM compared to working on EVERYTHING with him at home. Any suggestions on something I could use or do with him to get him up to speed on science note taking/processes? The main science he did this year as with his enrichment program, and they did not do the typical science that would be done in a regular school. It was very hands on and experience, but I don't believe they had to take notes or anything of that nature. We just didn't have time to do the science I planned out at home because we had to deal with all the other stuff + the stress and drama of it all. He is definitely lacking in the being able to take notes department, but also he has issues with figuring out the important things the take notes on (the whole comprehension thing) so I'm not sure how to help him.

The only awards/certificates my kids have received so far this year are in programs they did- for example, my son did homeschool engineering programs and he would receive a certificate of completion after he completed each series of classes. And certificates of recognition in his theater and play he participated/starred in. I haven't made up my own rewards for either of the kids. The only award/certificate I am giving the kids will be at the end of this week- it will be "certificates" for the completion of the school year they have just completed- which is kindergarten and 5th grade. They will get that, along with a special outing (such as going bowling or mini golf, etc) and out for frozen yogurt. That will be our "ceremony" :) I just looked on pinterest for certificates to print out. I hope they like them..although I really want a more "official" looking one for my son since that is what he is used to from regular school, I just haven't found a good one for 5th grade.

Thanks for the input/experiences. I was thinking that if we focused on either history or science for a certain number of weeks (again, not sure about 6 weeks, just used that as an example) that we would be able to do more of the fun hands on projects with each. I know me, and I know that if we are trying to do both science and history every single week that I would totally skip some of the fun stuff that I think my girls would really love. Also, my 2 year old (well, she will be 3 in September) will be going to preschool 3 days a week, so I figured we could really get into the fun project on days she would be there. Whether we get to go off on any rabbit trails..well, I guess we will see how that goes, but at least the option would be there if we were focused on one or the other for a certain block of time. For example- maybe beginning the year with a portion of SOTW. I will have to looks and see how many chapters I would like to split into each block. As far as science, again, I need to look through that as well and see where a good stopping point would be since we are wanting to do Sassafras Zoology and Sassafras Anatomy. Also, my 1st grader will (hopefully) be my only homeschooler next year. My older son is hopefully going to be going to a local charter school, and the preschooler will be doing her "work" at home twice a week on the days she is home, and then the following year she will begin more formally homeschooling. My 1st grader also goes to weekly Occupational Therapy, and also will be doing a one day a week enrichment program with extra fun classes (so if we decided to focus on history in the fall, I could sign her up for a fun science class at the enrichment program, so she would still be getting hands on experiment time, etc. And the next session of the enrichment program there might be a fun history offering so we could switch things up at that point. Anyways, these are just ideas. It will only be my second year homeschooling so I guess it's still trial and error to see what will flow and work well. But any more input/suggestions/ideas are greatly appreciated. I enjoy reading about what works or doesn't work for others.

I plan on using SOTW 1 and Sassafras Science Zoology & Anatomy for my 1st grader this year. I was wondering if anyone did block scheduling with these subjects? Say we spend 6 weeks (or however many) on history, and then the next chunk on science. Or does it seem to be better to just do both weekly? It seems that doing the block scheduling would give more time for rabbit trails and to really get in depth with the different subjects. I'd like to know others' experiences with this, or how scheduling History and Science works best in your homeschooling. Thanks!

I have my son on a waiting list for a local charter school. He will be going into 6th grade in the fall. This was his first year homeschooling (due to both us moving, and he has been struggling in school- we did an assessment and he has been receiving weekly language/educational therapy for inference and comprehension issue. He is still testing at a 3rd/4th grade level for comprehension and 4th grade level for spelling, but he is at grade level or above for other things. The comprehension is definitely hindering his abilities in other subjects though..) I cannot homeschool him anymore. It is seriously ruining our relationship, and his relationship with everyone else. He has been going one day a week to a homeschool enrichment program, but at home he literally refuses to work with me. Any work we do together is a struggle or a fight and he is just rude and disrespectful to everyone. He is currently in the process of getting evaluated with a psychiatrist for any other possible issues going on. But I am literally in tears over how things have gotten this past year. I can't handle it anymore, it is wearing me down. I want him to succeed, and I want to help him, but honestly I think he is better off going to a school (not a regular public school..the classes are way to large..but the charter is a good compromise. Even a small private school, but I would need to get him on level before that would even be a possibility..) We cannot be around each other all day everyday. Every time his 6 year old sister is working on her work, if she gets something wrong or asks questions he is mean to her and sits there making comments about her...I'm sure this comes from his own insecurities in himself, which I have been trying and trying to build his self esteem and make him feel better about himself. It's just so difficult when he is here making everyone in the house miserable. Ok, with all that being said- I do not know if he will get into this charter school, but I would like to assume that he will (he is 3rd on the list and they seemed optimistic he would get in.) I want him to continue to work this summer and hopefully improve in his weaker areas, but it cannot be much one on one work with me. It's too stressful for all of us. He is so much more pleasant to be around when he has been in school or at an activity for part or all of the day. He IS a sweet kid, he just has a lot of stress and things going on, and I hope these evaluations help us figure out how to help him and how I can work with him to get through this and just improve everything all around. He is not good at doing independent work AT ALL. Math- I do have him doing teaching textbooks for math, and also a math tutor once a week, plus he just started Aloha Mind Math yesterday (he really wanted to, and I figured it could not hurt.) I think that will be enough for math this summer..right? I just can't work with him on math. Seriously. We can't. I don't know how to work with him- I hope to learn how to work with him. For Grammar/Writing- he is seeing his educational therapist once a week for inference/comprehension, and hopefully that will help.I also signed him up for the Aloha Reading/Writing program once per week. I'm hoping they can get through to him there, and he works with others much better than he works with me. I had thought that Saxon Grammar and Writing would work for him, but no. He is hating it. I don't know what else I can do this him in this department? Any suggestions? Is there anything that you can think of that might possibly work for him? Preferably something he could and would do on his own. I just started him on Let's Go Learn http://www.letsgolearn.com/lglsite/EDGE_comprehension/parents/ after he took the DORA. He seems to like it so we will go with it. Those are the main things I would like to focus on this summer. I was just hoping to get some more ideas of ways I could help him be prepared for going back to school so he feels confident and not ashamed (he has very low self esteem, and I really want to make him realize he is an awesome kid and he should feel good about himself..) If you have made it so far, THANK YOU. ANY ideas would be greatly appreciated. I also have him signed up for some summer camps this summer, and maybe it will give us a good enough break from each other to refresh and recharge. Right now I feel like I am failing him with homeschooling and he would be better off in school. :(