Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'homeschool advice'.
-
Ok, I have heard so many GREAT things about All About Spelling. It kind of seems expensive to me. Spelling Power always appealed to me since I only had to buy 1 spelling book for K-12. Can you tell me more about All About Spelling? 1.) Is it a phonics program as well as a spelling program? 2.) IF I decide to get AAS, what should I get? 3.) Would this be a good program after finishing TYCTR100EZ lessons (and reading the suggested books)? 4.) Any other suggestions for a good spelling/phonetic program? :confused: -
WTM Forums is a wonderful resource! As a new homeschooler, I'm very grateful for all the advice that can be found here. But...there are dozens of threads every day. What I would really love to see is a "best of" threads for 2011, or of all time. Has anyone collected such a list...recently? If not, maybe we can use this thread to point others to our favorite threads. What are your favs, please???
-
I just read a book called skip high school and go to college. Or something along those lines. It's basically about unschooling for high school and still building an impressive enough portfolio to get into any college you want. It really challenged me to think about some of the drudgery we are currently experiencing in our schooling. But mainly, I just could not see how a child would ever be motivated enough on their own to do the sort of things required to move on in life successfully. I mean, they are so short sighted. If I just told my 14yo tomorrow that she only had to do what she felt like doing, it would be precious little academically, that's for sure! I think it would mainly involve knitting, sewing, reading, playing piano, and riding her bike. You can't go to college on that. She doesn't have any career goals. So I feel like it's my job to make her do the work that she doesn't see the point of now so she doesn't close doors that she might wish were available later on. But I am tired of the battle. So what do people do that actually unschool? Like math, mainly. What child just thinks, well, I'll learn algebra this year? Anyway, I hope I'm making sense. I'm wanting to make some changes, but I don't see how. Jen -
Ok, I finally looked at Phonics Road to Writing and Reading. It is very appealing since it seems to give a strong foundation in the language arts. I am concerned it may be too rigid for a K-1st grader, or for me :) For PR: 1. What should be my expectations going into Level 1? 2. Does the curriculum include readers, read-aloud material or suggested readings? Should I add additional reading material? 3. How long should I expect to work on this with my son each day? Is it complicated? 4. Once Level 4 is completed, what should be the expected outcome? For All About Spelling Fans: 1. Do you think that AAS will give my child an adequate foundation? 2. Do I need to add FLL or WWE to this program to "round out the program"? 3. Can you suggest a good reading list for a K-1st grader?
-
Ok, I do not have an unlimited budget. Where do you buy your used curriculum online and in store? Please leave reviews, your opinion and/or advice about the site/store. I know about the following places: -ebay.com -craigslist.com -Well-Trained Mind Forums -usedhomeschoolcurriculum.com -homeschoolclassifieds.com -thrift stores Just thought this might be an informative thread.:)
-
What is your favorite free curriculum/educational aid?
-
Do you know of any great podcasts for kids for beginning spanish? Any suggestions for beginner spanish podcasts for adults? Just wanted to get recommendations :)
-
Ok, I am totally confused about which spanish curriculum to use for my 5 year old (and my 2 year old through osmosis:)). I originally thought I would use learnables, but he may be too young for it. Then, I considered Getting Started with Spanish, but the author and a fellow forum board member said he may be too young. The author mentioned that I can teach him through rote memorization with GSWS. My dh is spanish speaking (bilingual). EVERYONE tells me to have him just speak to them in spanish. He does but the kids need something more (since he does not speak exclusively to them in spanish...he wants for his kids to understand him). Any suggestions? I do not want to get a curriculum that goes in one ear and out the other. :) We want a good program that they can retain since they will be speaking spanish with dh and in-laws. Of course dh will reinforce and follow up with review. FYI, cost is an issue! Here are the options I am looking at: 1. Learnables Spanish 2. Getting Started with Spanish 3. Risas y Sonrisas 4. The Easy Spanish Junior 5. La Clase Diversitad 6. Puertas Abierta Please tell me your EXPERIENCE with the program. :tongue_smilie:FYI, I loved Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. If I could find something like that in spanish, it would be GREAT!
-
Ok, I am super excited that we FINALLY finished Teach Your Child to read in 100 easy lessons. After reading some books, I am thinking about using funnix, but it seems slow moving. What do you think about it? How have the kids responded? Any other suggestions for a good next step to move toward fluency in reading? We WILL be reading everything in site BUT I like curriculum and opportunities to teach him something new in a systematic way. FYI, Inexpensive is a must! PR and AAS are a little too expensive for me. :bigear:
-
What do you plan to use after GSWS? I am considering this program, but the only drawback I see is that there is no second book in this series for spanish. Any suggestions?
-
What do you do when your child gives you "nonsense answers" during school? When I am speaking about "nonsense answers" I mean, you teach a concept 3-4 times and they give you a wrong answer just to get your attention or mess with you. BTW, I can tell the difference with my ds between generally not understanding the concept and just "messing with me." He usually confesses. :rolleyes: I really do not understand why he does this.
-
Ok, I have a secret to tell you.... I am not the world's best mom. After I have worked on homeschooling my son, I am not in the mood to play with him. I have my "to-do list" that consumes me, or I just need a break. On a good day I spend 30-60 minutes playing with him. Yes, that is a good day. Am I the only one? Any advice from fellow mommas out there? :o
-
My son is a visual learner (secondary kinesthetic). I was wondering whether you have any suggestions for GREAT curriculum that works well with a visual learner. Any grades and all subjects welcome.:bigear: What works for you?? Just thought this might make an interesting thread!
-
Does anyone have any experience with Verbal Math Lesson? I was thinking about this as a supplement to Math Mammoth. What do you think about it? :confused:
-
1. Can you tell me what the expected outcome after finishing PR? 2. Were your children motivated to do their work or did you have to "drag them kicking and screaming" :)? 3. My concern is that it is boring or confusing. Is that true? 4. What should be my expectations coming into this curriculum? 5. Did you use additional reading for your children? 6. Is this really a comprehensive Language arts curriculum? 7. Which type of homeschool mom would be successful using this program? 8. Would you use this again?
-
I just finished the book Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe by Todd Wilson. The gist of the book (illustrated with cartoons that hit pretty close to home) is that homeschooling moms need to cut themselves a break, that they are driven to feelings of inadequacy and depression by continually comparing themselves to other homeschooling moms. He goes on to say that all homeschooling families and moms have areas that they struggle with, but that we tend to judge others by the small part of their lives that are on public display. I agree with this, so far. The conclusion is where I can't track with him. His solution is for us to not worry so much about what we're doing. Not only about keeping up with the Jones' but also about how many subjects we're tackling and how much we're doing. But I felt like he didn't address the real possibility that I am shorting my kids. Maybe the reason that my kids are falling behind is because I'm too eager to cancel school for a park day or a museum visit or a scout project (all good things individually, but with a time opportunity cost that must be considered). Maybe I'm spending hours on the boards talking about homeschooling instead of doing it. Maybe I'm searching for the perfect curriculum instead of getting 80% of the job done with what I already have. Maybe I'm avoiding school altogether because I don't want to confront the bad work habits and attitudes that I've allowed to fester (in part because they reflect my own). (longer review on my blog) -
1. Can you tell me what the expected outcome after finishing PR? 2. Were your children motivated to do their work or did you have to "drag them kicking and screaming" :)? 3. My concern is that it is boring or confusing. Is that true? 4. What should be my expectations coming into this curriculum? 5. Did you use additional reading for your children? 6. Is this really a comprehensive Language arts curriculum? 7. Which type of homeschool mom would be successful using this program? 8. Would you use this again? Just wanted to get the advice from a veteran homeschooler before I "commit" to this curriculum! :tongue_smilie:
-
Which blogs inspire you to become a better homeschooler, try something new and/or push the limits of your own capabilities to teach?
-
What are you doing for spanish for your homeschooler? Do you like it? Pros? Cons? Suggestions? My goal is for my kiddos to work towards becoming fluent.
-
What are you/your kid's favorite addition games for beginning addition (computer, card games etc.)? I know about addition war. Just wanting to collect some ideas so that we can have fun while mastering addition. Thanks! :)
-
Which method do your children use in musical instrument lessons: suzuki, traditional or other? Why did you choose this method?
-
My husband and I are very passionate about our kids learning an instrument. I am considering starting my son on group guitar or piano lessons since he is so extroverted. He is 5 1/2. What is the key to your success with your children practicing? staying with an instrument? :bigear: a. Reward charts with a goal prize b. Get rid of TV c. Verbal praise or staying with them while they practice. d. waiting until they are older and can appreciate lessons e. do not give them the option to quit f. all of the above
-
Do you know of an enjoyable spanish program for 5-6 year olds? FYI They are exposed to spanish since my extended family is Puerto Rican. Family talks to them in spanish...it is helpful but not enough. The answer I always get is *have them speak to them in spanish.* I know that is good advice, but please post an enjoyable program recommendation for my dc. :)
-
I am planning 6 months in advance for the challenge of homeschooling my very bright, challenging boy. I am working on a list of Bible scriptures to inspire me while homeschooling. Do you have any suggestions? My challenges are temper and patience. But "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 5:13 :)
-
The "must-read" books for beginning home schoolers are.... (obviously Well-trained Mind :) )
