Petrichor Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Because that spam thread made me think about it... Of course, my snarky answer, based off his choice of title wording was "grammar lessons." My real answer is probably "time." (<-- too intangible?) We still have a lot of years ahead of us, and a lot to face before we will be able to answer this question though. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Strawberry Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Time was my firsts answer, too. I haven't made any other real huge investments in my children's education. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 I was going to say "me" but that's the same as the time answer, isn't it? 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Non-money answer: Flexibility! Anyone who has read my posts, especially on the high school board, has seen how we have changes our homeschooling journey based on dd's needs and interests :) Money answer: The four week high school credit session at Concordia Language Villages this summer :) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeAgain Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Energy.I can give my children all the time I have, but in the early years that's not what they want or need. They need more. They need a playmate, active lessons, field trips, hands on experiments. My best investment has been energy - not taking out a book when we could GO to Jamestown and hop on the ships and feel how small they were. Hiking through the woods instead of looking at pictures of flowers. Getting messy and mummifying those chickens and assisting one building Rube Goldberg machines. Yes, I could have done it all nice and quietly with textbooks, done in 2 hours, but being able to match their energy and get lessons to suit were a greater investment than lessons in teaching them to sit.Moneywise, I don't know. Probably co-op, a small academic/creative co-op that expected a lot from the kids. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albeto. Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Access to computers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Reading aloud. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoo Keeper Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Non money answer: time: specifically, in the ability to work at their pace. This has been such a gift for my 2E kids. This is THE reason I am still homeschooling, in spite of many reasons not to. My dears don't fit in any available school's "box", so they're stuck with me. ;) I'm far from the ideal teacher, but I can give them a looong leash in their strengths, and walk along side them in their weakness. Something I spent money on: teaching them to read; Phonics Pathways is on its fifth child here. Very good return on that investment. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 I was going to say time too. Reading aloud and cultivating good family relationships have to be close behind. My kids are still young though so my answer may change in a few years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madteaparty Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 It's too early to tell but in terms of quantifying it, certainly the considerable attorney salary that I gave up. Jury is out on whether I should've kept working and paid for private school. Some of these things are unknowable. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SailorMom Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 LOL- reading the title of the thread, "time" popped into my head :) Reading books aloud - a lot of them, above their reading levels. Reading good literature. Giving them a solid foundation in math, history, and science. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 I'm yet another whose first thought on reading the thread title was 'time.' Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deerforest Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Opportunities... -To learn in ways that are best for her learning style -To study things she never would in school -To go on wicked cool field trips -To dedicate more time and training to non-academic interests -To work with young kids by volunteering at a preschool -To remain close to me and DH -To have lots of downtime -To be herself Just a sampling! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamakelly Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Vision Therapy, hands down the best investment for 2 of my kids. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsWeasley Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Suzuki violin for my middle child Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefgazer Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 My time and Latin (which has improved DD's academic performance in all areas). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Opportunities... -To learn in ways that are best for her learning style -To study things she never would in school -To go on wicked cool field trips -To dedicate more time and training to non-academic interests -To work with young kids by volunteering at a preschool -To remain close to me and DH -To have lots of downtime -To be herself Just a sampling! This is good and true forme as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenneinCA Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Other than time, the testing that we did right as they each turned six. It told me things I needed to know and opened doors that I didn't even know existed. It also allowed me to relax about all things academic and focus on playing and experiencing life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimm Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Yep, I was going to say time too. Patience? Encouragement? Laughter? When I look over all the curriculum, books, software, supplies, etc, what's made the most difference is what I myself brought to the table. Boy, that's a sobering realization. Quick, look away new homeschoolers! Because if I'd have known this five years ago, I would most certainly have felt unequal to the task. :) 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamiof5 Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 I also thought right away of my time...and energy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lllll Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73349 Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 So far, probably keeping gas in the car (and living within an hour's drive of a lot). Home does have its perks--hey, free mud puddle!--but we've gotten a lot out of exploring our area. We go to the library, museums, parks, farms, festivals, special events, etc., and he remembers the experiences and connects them to what he reads/hears. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Projecting calm despite inner worries Reading widely outloud for hours every day Searching for opportunities for experiential learning, but also discussing them afterwards at some depth 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RootAnn Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 My thought, looking at the title, was me. I see others had the same idea. And frankly, on Monday afternoon, I don't feel like I'm up to the task. I may have just told dd#2 that it would be mighty easy to drop them all off at the local school. (Mondays are hard, sometimes, in our house.) 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 I'm going with 'time' as well. There is a lot of other things, but the BEST investment is spending time with the dc. I'm not even sure that my energy needs to be there 100% everyday, either. I think my dc had some of their happiest, generous moments with me and their relaxed school week when I was sick in bed and they offered to to look after me, brought their math and other work to me while I was in bed, did the shopping, prepared meals, etc. I'm pretty convinced that it is the quantity of time together that is the best investment - at least for attempting to reach the goals dh and I have for our dc. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs. B Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 It's hard to say the best investment. A valuable one is consistent exposure to life and education outside of a B&M classroom. Playing outdoors or going for walks on beautiful days, getting to be spend time with elderly relatives during their last days on earth, having friends of all different ages, doing nature study vs. only reading about it, striking up conversations with strangers in public (with my approval of course, and in appropriate situations only), going to the symphony, going to the opening day of our new local library and hearing the mayor's speech, seeing a portion of the Norman Rockwell art collection in person, helping me deliver meals to friends going through difficult times, apple picking, not being in a rush on field trips, etc.... We do need to stay home a bit more. I currently tell people we are on-the-go schoolers, not homeschoolers. ;) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourisenough Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Other than time, the testing that we did right as they each turned six. It told me things I needed to know and opened doors that I didn't even know existed. It also allowed me to relax about all things academic and focus on playing and experiencing life.What sort of testing? Sorry if that's too personal, but it hit on a niggling thought/worry I've been ruminating on... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Another Lynn Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Reading aloud. Reading aloud was also my first thought. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenneinCA Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 What sort of testing? Sorry if that's too personal, but it hit on a niggling thought/worry I've been ruminating on... We did full iq and achievement tests plus some bonus tests that the tester thought would be important. It ruled out some problems and told us where to look for help in other ones. It was expensive and insurance did not pay, but totally worth it for us. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 I'd have to go with reading aloud too. I think it benefited her in a lot of areas. And still does now, even though she's a fluent reader. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Travel. I love working with well-traveled kids and prefer them to book educated kids hands down. There's only so much one can learn from books. There's never ending learning available through travel. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FO4UR Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Freedom I give a great deal of freedom with things like pricey art supplies, tools, material and supplies for making and doing. My 10yo likes to snap pictures, and I allow her the use of the *nice* camera. They have use of my musical instruments. Reading aloud. :iagree: I think reading aloud is my #1. It's one thing that has been consistent since they were in diapers. They live in a different world than most of their peers b/c they have lived in so many great books. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Time spent reading aloud and in hands on nature study every day. Curriculum wise? Phonics based reading and spelling instruction. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollhouse Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Forcing myself to be patient! There have been times when my kids weren't meeting the academic goals I had set for them. Rather than push really hard, or let my own discouragement show, I was able (only with the help and encouragement of other homeschool parents!) to allow them to work at their own pace, or try a different approach. I frequently visualize a slippery ball, which to hold on to must be gently cradled and not grasped. That's a little out there maybe, but it helps me stay reasonable when things don't go the way I expect them to. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Testing-it gave me the understanding of just how out of the ordinary DD's academic path needed to be and opened a lot of doors for her. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madteaparty Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Travel. I love working with well-traveled kids and prefer them to book educated kids hands down. There's only so much one can learn from books. There's never ending learning available through travel.Yes I suppose this is us as well. I don't do it for the kids though, i do it because I want to and kids come along. We will probably get on the road full time sometime next year.I recently went through my audible account "completed books". That is an investment right there. Though again, probably an indicator of pointless driving more than anything else. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystie Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Morning Time (circle time, morning basket, etc.) has given us the biggest bang for our buck over the years. http://www.simplyconvivial.com/memory My own engagement and modeling and willingness to stick out a problem instead of letting it be ignored and passed over are also important elements, as is, of course, time - both my time and also their free time so they can process information on their terms and read widely independently. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabelen Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 My kids were/are in public school. For them, the best investment was passing on my mother tongue so they are bilingual and bi literate. Also, reading out loud. They both love reading and have super high Lexiles. I wish I had invested more effort in my older daughter's math education. She did fine but could have done even better. I am more involved in my younger's. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SD_Medina Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 I would have to say building a foundation on Jesus Christ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted October 7, 2015 Share Posted October 7, 2015 Literacy. With that they can learn just about anything. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKT Posted October 7, 2015 Share Posted October 7, 2015 -Having hours and hours every day to read aloud. -SWB's language arts curricula (WWE, FLL, etc.) -The time I have with my kids that has allowed us to cultivate close and loving relationships Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmrich Posted October 7, 2015 Share Posted October 7, 2015 my education 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted October 7, 2015 Share Posted October 7, 2015 Hmm, that's a tough one. I'm torn between two answers. ;) On the one hand, I think the best investment has been with Words -- talking to them, listening to them, teaching explicit phonics (OPG, then AAS), reading aloud to them, listening to them read aloud to me, family meals times and conversations, explaining things, asking questions, answering questions, insisting on clear speech (not rushed or mumbled), intentional vocabulary development, and hours and hours and hours of listening to audiobooks (Jim Weiss, Your Story Hour, Rabbit Ears & more). When you think about it, most of this is free. Well, the audiobooks weren't free, but we did find some of them at the library. So I think a parent could do all of this "Word Work" for little cash outlay. The investment here is really time and effort. On the other hand, I think the best investment has been with Math -- and we are not what could ever be considered a "mathy family," nor do we seem to have a single "mathy" kid. What has been invested here, IMO, has been consistency. We just do math regularly and consistently, and that really seems to have laid a good foundation up to this point. And, again, we haven't used the most expensive courses out there -- Horizons and CLE Math. Not super expensive, but effective enough (IMO). Probably, the single biggest economic investment has been having me home teaching and mothering the girls, instead of out making an income. Time will tell if that was wise. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critterfixer Posted October 7, 2015 Share Posted October 7, 2015 Probably, the single biggest economic investment has been having me home teaching and mothering the girls, instead of out making an income. Time will tell if that was wise. :iagree: I try not to think about it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted October 7, 2015 Share Posted October 7, 2015 Because that spam thread made me think about it... Of course, my snarky answer, based off his choice of title wording was "grammar lessons." My real answer is probably "time." (<-- too intangible?) We still have a lot of years ahead of us, and a lot to face before we will be able to answer this question though. Our time investment. Latin. A few good outsourced classes. Flexibility to follow interests. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 Best investment of time: hours and hours spent outdoors in nature study, lots of art/projects, lots of reading Best investment of money: Lukeion classes, Teaching Company courses, travel (especially the Lukeion trips) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maela Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 Time spent finding good books and Reading aloud. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerryAtHope Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 Tough question! Time, faith, reading aloud, vision therapy, orton-gillingham methods, patience, compassion, love... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IfIOnly Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Reading aloud No TV or video games or at least not during school days except science, history, and handicraft YouTube videos. Helping dc with their interests and hobbies. DS12 just bought a welder, and we're helping him figure it out and do projects. Just focusing on the three R's and mostly unschooling/letting them pursue their interests with the rest, except art. Make time for art. :) Buying curricula that fits our family and needs rather than trying to do it for free/using what's cheap. Giving them plenty of free time each day to pursue interests and play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IfIOnly Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Time spent finding good books and Reading aloud. Yes! I spend crazy amounts of time tracking down books for the kids and borrowing them from the library or buying them used from Amazon. They pick from the library themselves, too, but usually love the things I bring home for them. It's a full time job keeping books to read in this home! I could add to my list, giving them a reading hour at bed time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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