I was thinking the same thing! It seems like if you mentioned your concerns to them they might be willing to work with you? I can't imagine them not, but you never know!

This co-op sounds perfect! But, I've never had the pleasure of experiencing something so organized and perfectly fitting for our family. We've always, always had to make some drastic sacrifices- imo. This year the sacrifices have been the other children being frustrated, distance (30mins from home), mid week and therefore, it manages to result in the loss of the day for academics. And, too much stress with the two yr old. I think I've just decided that we need to be HOME. I do think in High School it would be nice to take some classes together. I think that science/labs, math, writing, lit are all pretty fun in a group. I can see that as a nice option. The group we are involved in this year offers HS classes. I was really thinking about getting my son established there so he could benefit from the HS classes being offered. I just thought he might enjoy it more in a group. But, I just don't know. This year has been so hard on me. I feel like the other children are put through so much for this one class. And, like I mentioned before, my son doesn't seem to really be thrilled with the class. He likes it, but it's not like he looks forward to it. It's hard to explain. Tonight, he was pretty excited bc the teacher emailed saying she was going to have the movie, To Kill a Mocking Bird for them to watch since they just finished the book. He thought that was pretty neat. :)

Yes, we have done much of this too. I agree with most of your assessments. We've had lots of issues too. But, for the most part, the fit just wasn't right for our family. I guess that hasn't changed much!:001_smile:

So, what is TPS? I'm thinking online might be a good idea for some classes.

Yes, this is exactly my situation. I have two boys that just sit and wait for my oldest son to get finished (hating it) and a two yr old that screams in his carseat going and coming! :001_huh: And, funny thing, my oldest son doesn't even care if he goes to the class. He does great- does the work, etc... but he doesn't feel like he's missing out on anything. I think I just felt like it might be a great prep for him. But, now, I'm thinking it's just too much work and the payoff isn't there.

Yes! Walking saved me during my last pregnancy! It's still my 'go to' when I feel anxious and like I'm going to lose it. I like the feeling of moving ...not being still. I have panic attacks; it's a difficult way to live. If you can exercise, I think it's a great way to manage it. Hope you find relief!

I understand this too. I guess if I didn't have a two yr old I would be more inclined to be social. I find it too difficult to have a complete conversation with a two yr old in tow!:) I also find that having a toddler in a co-op setting isn't always the easiest.

This is the exact reason that we did the co-op this year! It has helped some with him raising the bar a little, but I can't say that it's made it better. In many ways, it's really just complicated my life with 'different' academic areas. I'm not sure that makes sense. I guess what I'm saying is that he is growing with accountability to a degree, but we are losing some academics b/c of time factors, and I am struggling with other issues b/c of the younger kids not wanting to be there! I wonder if I'm trading one issue for another??:confused:

Thank you! I'm starting to feel better about what my gutt instinct is telling me! I do not plan on any of my children going to ps, but you never know what life will deal you. So, I guess I'm just trying to keep a good balance for their sake. I'm thinking though that I will be just fine at home. :001_smile:

So, when you say these are great prep for high school, are you planning on putting your DD in a high school program outside your home? I'm asking b/c I'm trying to determine what my goals should be. My son doesn't want to go to ps, at all. :) But, I see the value that these classes teach- all that you mentioned. I agree. My son has learned a lot about keeping up with notes and accountability this year. But, as we get closer to HS, I am trying to decide if that's what my focus should be if he isn't going to a Public HS?

especially as you approach the high school years. But, I'm not exactly sure why? Well, I guess some might not feel capable of teaching to that level. But, I'm not sure other than that? Also, the science class would be two days a wk! ugh! That is just tough for me to commit to! Although, I see why it should be two days- one lecture, one lab. But, for 8th grade, I'm not feeling the need for that at this moment. I'm glad to hear you say you don't feel the need to do it. I was starting to feel like I was missing something. I'm not saying I don't see the value b/c I do. I see why so many ppl like them. But, I'm struggling so hard with what I am 'giving up' to gain in this situation. I just want to make sure I'm not becoming short sighted. :confused: So, online might be a rather good option for us. :001_smile: I haven't really thought too much about online classes, but I see how that would be so good for us! Thanks for your advice. :)

I'm really curious how many homeschoolers enroll their children in co-ops and why? I see the benefit of taking some courses in a co-op setting. I think science and writing classes would be great! I'm trying to decide if I should consider co-ops for next year. I just can't make up my mind. I feel like my son would really benefit, but it's also an interruption in our wk every time we leave the house. (not to mention the other three children that I tow along for the day!) So, what are the opinions around here? Do you think co-ops are worth the running and interruption in your school day at home? Do they really help your child or are they more of a distraction? My son is taking a co-op class this year for grammar. I thought it would be good for accountability and forming friendships. And, I think it has done that for the most part. However, it's caused a great amount of running for me and other boys **hate** going, and I have a two yr old that isn't happy sitting in the car either! All of these inconveniences can be worked out for next year, but I'm really struggling with the value of doing it. My son's skill levels didn't really improve a tremendous amount from last yr. He did read some great lit. books and have wonderful discussions with his peers. That was nice. But...overall, academically speaking- he hasn't grown tremendously from the experience. So...what to do...what to do. I'm just curious what other moms think about co-ops. I look forward to your replies! Thanks so much!

speed queen!!!!! American Made too!!!

:grouphug: How wonderful!!! What great news! May God continue to bless you and your husband!!!!

It sounds like the kindle is what you will need. Like everyone else mentioned, just purchase the basic kindle. I think it would be a good idea to go and actually see one in a store or borrow one if you can. I think if you see it and try it out you might find it less bothersome. My husband bought one a few months ago and I really think it's great. Not at all like any of the hand held devices that most kids use to "play" on. I might liken it to a debit card instead of a check. The debit card looks like a c.card and functions somewhat like one, but it's not. It's just more convenient and allows more flexibility for daily living! Good luck!!

I've been working on our's and here is where we are at so far: Math- Pre-Alg. MUS and ? Science- Apologia Physical Science- may or may not take this with a co-op History- Biblioplan Literature- LL 8 Grammar- Rod and Staff 8 Spelling- Rod and Staff 8 Writing- WWS and Killgallon Logic- Fallacy Detective/ Teaching Toolbox? Foreign Lang.- Latin- undecided Music- Piano lessons ( 5th yr) There are still a few things that I am undecided on but for the most part, this is what we will be doing. I would really like my son to take the science in a co-op for the options and review of writing up labs. I think that would be great for him.

I'm planning on using it next year with my 8th grader. I think it would be fine. Good luck!

i've been homeschooling for awhile now. (8yrs) I've pretty much heard it all and I get this question a LOT. I just simply say that they don't require it for homeschooling in our state. :001_smile: Let them decide what to do with the rest of that info. ;) I think it's just an innocent question. They assume you must have a teaching degree to teach. I can see the logic in the question, and I just simply say that our state doesn't require 'teaching degrees' and then, you could state what your state does require. It can be frustrating explaining it to ppl. b/c I always feel like homeschoolers come across a little misunderstood in this department. I know when I tell ppl that our state only requires: a, b and c that they look at me like I have a third eye. ;) And, I know, in my head, I'm thinking that it sounds pretty lame to state the requirements b/c you know it doesn't sound all that great either. :001_huh: But, I've been homeschooling long enough that I just don't feel the need, nor do i have the desire, to educate ppl on the topic anymore!:lol: I just don't care what other ppl think. I think we can all agree that the ps system is seriously lacking and that homeschooling is certainly a viable option!

for the last few yrs. I didn't realize what they were at first, but I figured it out when I began knitting. They love animal hair/fur. So, wool is a huge problem. You need to keep all of your wool clothes, hats, and socks clean and put up in something air tight. They have eaten through coats, socks, and my husbands dress suit. :confused: We had them really bad b/c of the wool yarn. I unintentionally spread them from the laundry room to the upstairs bedroom/bathroom/ closet area. It was a lot of work but took everything apart and vacuumed, washed and put away anything that might be an issue- wool or wool blend clothing. My best advice is: Keep your house as dust free and clean as you can. Vacuum frequently and keep your dryer filter-lent clean. Keep all of your wools and blends away so they won't get infested. Keep the dust under control. Dogs and cats will increase your chances of having problems. Really they drove me INSANE! However, I did get to the point where I realized I just had to manage them and keep the house as clean as possible. They are really quite difficult (if not impossible) to get rid of completely. I've already noticed a few this year! :glare: Good luck!

for the last few yrs. I didn't realize what they were at first, but I figured it out when I began knitting. They love animal hair/fur. So, wool is a huge problem. You need to keep all of your wool clothes, hats, and socks clean and put up in something air tight. They have eaten through coats, socks, and my husbands dress suit. :confused: We had them really bad b/c of the wool yarn. I unintentionally spread them from the laundry room to the upstairs bedroom/bathroom/ closet area. It was a lot of work but took everything apart and vacuumed, washed and put away anything that might be an issue- wool or wool blend clothing. My best advice is: Keep your house as dust free and clean as you can. Vacuum frequently and keep your dryer filter-lent clean. Keep all of your wools and blends away so they won't get infested. Keep the dust under control. Dogs and cats will increase your chances of having problems. Really they drove me INSANE! However, I did get to the point where I realized I just had to manage them and keep the house as clean as possible. They are really quite difficult (if not impossible) to get rid of completely. I've already noticed a few this year! :glare: Good luck!

What the mother is asking for sounds like a Mother's Helper. I would expect a discounted rater for that. However, usually mother's helpers are younger than the avg. sitter. So it works out for the child to make a little money and the mom to get help...win/win scenario.

Ahhh...yes, I can see that. It would seem to be an absolutely perfect program for me if it included a list of books under each genre and study questions for each of the books. That would be great! Otherwise, I don't really see the point?:confused: But, I guess it would be useful for prompting thoughtful discussions, but I don't really think that would be all that helpful for me.

I am ditching our current reading programs and this program was recommended to me as a replacement? But, I'm really confused as to how exactly it works and if I really need it? It's my understand that there are NO reading lists included? Just prompt questions for the different genres? How exactly would that work? Is this something that would be really helpful or would I be just as good reading books with my children? Thanks!

I appreciate the encouragement!! I am definitely going to ditch em!! :001_smile:

We've been using BJU 3,4,5 etc.... Well, we are on our second year and my boys hate them. They hate the stories and workbook! I'm just trying to decide if it's ok not use them? I've been assigning living books for them to read which they enjoy, but what about the workbook work? There are good phonics lessons in there. I'm just not sure that I should let that go? Anyone else not using a reading program? Are you concerned or is it working out fine? thanks!