Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Pumpkin Farm and Apples
I took the kids on a field trip to a pumpkin farm and they loved it. We were able to talk about how farming works, planting, harvesting and the like. Then we went to an apple orchard which would have been a better place to go a couple of weeks ago, but there were still some apples and plenty to learn. What fun!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Hi, My name is Willow and I am the mother of 2 lovely children...well everyone says their children are lovely but...there you go. My husband and I had been discussing homeschooling for a couple of years before we finally decided to try it this year. The main reason for this decision was mainly the lack of tailoring education to the individual child. One of my kids is a little slower in some subjects and the other gets bored because her reading level is so much higher than normal. This was frustrating for them and made me want to tear my hair out. I really did want to try homeschooling but was concerned mainly about the lack of socialization my kids would experience. I had some discussions with the principal of our school and discovered that my kids could participate in all extra curricular activities offered and still be homeschooled.
That made the decision so much easier because my kids still get to spend time with their friends but are getting an education that is more tailored to their individual styles of learning. My son is more stimulated by auditory and tactile methods, while my daughter is very visual. We are a couple of weeks into the new school year and I am totally optimistic.
Good planning has been essential and has made things easier. Of course, it is early days yet. Another great thing is that we will be able to spend a couple of weeks with my in laws between Thanksgiving and Christmas and with the flexibility of homeschooling, the kids will not miss school.
I think this was the right decision for us.
That made the decision so much easier because my kids still get to spend time with their friends but are getting an education that is more tailored to their individual styles of learning. My son is more stimulated by auditory and tactile methods, while my daughter is very visual. We are a couple of weeks into the new school year and I am totally optimistic.
Good planning has been essential and has made things easier. Of course, it is early days yet. Another great thing is that we will be able to spend a couple of weeks with my in laws between Thanksgiving and Christmas and with the flexibility of homeschooling, the kids will not miss school.
I think this was the right decision for us.
HOMESCHOOLING IS IT RIGHT FOR MY FAMILY
Here are some of the biggest concerns in deciding if homeschooling is right for your family.
1. Time commitment - Homeschooling tends to be time consuming. Sitting down with books is only the beginning. There are experiments and projects to be done, lessons to prepare, papers to grade, field trips, and the list goes on. Setting a schedule and sticking to it is the best way to ensure success.
2. Personal sacrifice – Unless your children participate in extracurricular activities, you will have very little personal time. A homeschooled child is with you 24/7.
3. Financial concerns - Homeschooling is not expensive; however, it usually requires that the teaching parent will not be working out of the home. Some sacrifices will need to be made if the family is used to two incomes.
4. Socialization- Homeschooling ensures you will have more control over your children’s social contacts which is a positive thing. However, care must be taken to make sure your children experience plenty of social contact.
5. Household chores- Housework and laundry still have to be done, but expect to change your routine if you tend to be a morning cleaner. Not only does housework need to be let go at times, but homeschooling creates a whole new type of cleanup.
6. Both parents agree - It is paramount that both parents agree to try homeschooling. It is nearly impossible to homeschool if one parent is against it. Plenty of discussion is in order and total agreement must be reached.
7. What do your children want? - A willing student is always helpful. Ultimately, it is the decision of both parents, but if your child is dead against it, you will be fighting an uphill battle.
8. One year at a time – Thankfully, it is not a lifetime commitment and each year is a new decision.
9. Can I handle the teaching? - If you can read and write, you should be able to teach your children. The curriculum and teacher materials will help with planning and there is plenty of help available for the more difficult subjects. Any number of homeschool forums can be found online.
Here are some of the biggest concerns in deciding if homeschooling is right for your family.
1. Time commitment - Homeschooling tends to be time consuming. Sitting down with books is only the beginning. There are experiments and projects to be done, lessons to prepare, papers to grade, field trips, and the list goes on. Setting a schedule and sticking to it is the best way to ensure success.
2. Personal sacrifice – Unless your children participate in extracurricular activities, you will have very little personal time. A homeschooled child is with you 24/7.
3. Financial concerns - Homeschooling is not expensive; however, it usually requires that the teaching parent will not be working out of the home. Some sacrifices will need to be made if the family is used to two incomes.
4. Socialization- Homeschooling ensures you will have more control over your children’s social contacts which is a positive thing. However, care must be taken to make sure your children experience plenty of social contact.
5. Household chores- Housework and laundry still have to be done, but expect to change your routine if you tend to be a morning cleaner. Not only does housework need to be let go at times, but homeschooling creates a whole new type of cleanup.
6. Both parents agree - It is paramount that both parents agree to try homeschooling. It is nearly impossible to homeschool if one parent is against it. Plenty of discussion is in order and total agreement must be reached.
7. What do your children want? - A willing student is always helpful. Ultimately, it is the decision of both parents, but if your child is dead against it, you will be fighting an uphill battle.
8. One year at a time – Thankfully, it is not a lifetime commitment and each year is a new decision.
9. Can I handle the teaching? - If you can read and write, you should be able to teach your children. The curriculum and teacher materials will help with planning and there is plenty of help available for the more difficult subjects. Any number of homeschool forums can be found online.
About.com has loads of information on their homeschool page. About Homeschooling
Know your laws
Don't let self-doubt, or lack of experience, rob you of the best first year possible! Homeschooling ABC's can provide basic how-to's that will get you up and running. Homeschooling ABCs
Make math fun and easy to learn with Fun Math Games For Kids for school or homeschool.
Fun Math Games
Improve your childs reading skills dramatically with the core skills that provide the best foundation for a lifetime of literacy. Robot Reader Printable Reading Games
Homeschool planning is essential. Not only does the curriculum need to be planned but also household tasks and chores. Ultimate Homeschool Planner
Math Worksheet Generators designed to be used by parents and teachers as well as children and students. A great tool for homeschooling. Math Worksheet Generators
Know your laws
Don't let self-doubt, or lack of experience, rob you of the best first year possible! Homeschooling ABC's can provide basic how-to's that will get you up and running. Homeschooling ABCs
Make math fun and easy to learn with Fun Math Games For Kids for school or homeschool.
Fun Math Games
Improve your childs reading skills dramatically with the core skills that provide the best foundation for a lifetime of literacy. Robot Reader Printable Reading Games
Homeschool planning is essential. Not only does the curriculum need to be planned but also household tasks and chores. Ultimate Homeschool Planner
Math Worksheet Generators designed to be used by parents and teachers as well as children and students. A great tool for homeschooling. Math Worksheet Generators
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