Homeschoolers Forum

TxBec | 07/23/2002 | TxBec

[TxBec]

I have been thinking lately it would be nice to have a thread (maybe even a forum later?) for the homeschooling families, because you know how many of us there are. This would not replace us pinging each other with all the great articles we find. It would be a place where we could discuss what curriculum we use, vent when needed, share our successes, compare notes, alert each other to cool things we find on the internet, and vent some more. I'm sure we all have found other sites with forums that we use, but since FReepers are such a cool breed, where better to start up a forum? What do you think?

[homeschool mama]

Thought you might be interested in a daily thread for homeschoolers. :o) If so, freepmail TxBec and she'll put you on the ping list.

[homeschool mama]

thought you might like to stop by this thread from time to time...seeing as you have such a wonderful support role with bradley. :o)

[homeschool mama]

http://learninfreedom.org/colleges_4_hmsc.html

I don't know how to link...so here's the web addy for colleges that admit homeschoolers. :o)

[stands2reason]

Me, too, please.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Non-homeschooling Gramma who has quite frequent charge of the CUTEST KID EVER BORN AND I DEFY ANYONE TO CHALLENGE ME ON THAT, requesting to be added to your ping-list because I think you guys and gals are to be HIGHLY commended and I'd be honored to be a part of this. :-)

[Carolina]

*********BREAKING***********

Federal Court Holds Social Worker Bound by Fourth Amendment

In an important victory for parents faced with groundless social worker investigations, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas has ruled that social workers are constrained by the Fourth Amendment when conducting abuse or neglect investigations. The federal court decision is binding in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Mary and John Roe sued Texas social worker Beverly Strickland after she came into their home and strip-searched their daughter, Jackie. The social worker was responding to an anonymous tip making non-emergency allegations. She found no evidence of abuse or neglect.

As reported on our website, a lower court (Federal District Court) ruling held that the law in such instances was clearly established; the Fourth Amendment applies to social services investigations and this worker should have known that the search violated the family's rights.

On July 17, 2002, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the social worker's claim that their investigations are not bound by the Fourth Amendment. Before entering a home or strip searching a child, social workers, like police officers, must have a warrant based on probable cause, consent, or there must be an immediate threat to life or limb.

HEAR THAT, NC SUPREME COURT?????????

[Marie Antoinette]

I need to update my page I guess :-)

We started Latin in August last year and then *cough* quit. It was my own fault, not very confident in Latin I guess. We are going to start it again this year, I have flashcards and some help for myself too, so I shouldn't flounder too badly this time. We are using Latina Christiana I, Famous Men of Rome, and my neighbor loaned me her Usborne book about ancient Rome. Very neat. For my little one I did purchase the Phonics Tutor CD of Alpha Phonics. And for math we are using Christian Light workbooks. They really like having their own workbooks and it helps me because they are laid out very well, basic, and you don't have to be a math genius to help your kids :-)

This past year we've mostly concentrated on reading, math, and handwriting. Both of my boys learned to read in public school, and I can see they didn't get a true phonics program so I'm going to remediate them into the Phonics CD. The first several lessons will be very easy and they will probably like it.

This year we spent maybe 1 1/2 hours on schooling throughout the day, and a lot of stuff they pick up just from reading what's lying around. I let them read anytime they want, even at 10pm. My 10 year old is finally loving reading and eating every Hardy Boys book in the neighborhood!

I hate when people ask what "grade" they are in, because we don't "do" grades at all. I guess my oldest would be in 5th. Some things he doesn't do that other 5th graders do (when DO they teach long division these days?), but he's knowledgeable about a LOT more than what is taught in school.

I understand about having to crack down when you reach the high school level, my neighbor and best friend has two teens and she says its more time consuming than ever!

Happy homeschooling!

[MasonGal]

We have used Latina Christiana for years now. In fact, the author, Cheryl Lowe, lives in the Louisville area - and has her own "cottage school" which we have participated in for almost 10 years now. Our oldest son, who just completed his first year at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY was able to enroll in Latin III at Transy. Our 15 year old son has completed Henle II - and our youngest son, age 10, just completed Latina Christiana II this past June.

Homeschooling high school has been rather challenging, but I wouldn't trade it in the world. Now that I have one in college -it's just so unbelievable how the time flies.

The boys have kept us rather busy with the various activities they are in or have been in, as well. Activities such as baseball, orchestra, scouting, tennis, Catholic Youth Group, etc. have kept us running, but I don't mind - as the time goes by so quickly!!

I am so thankful for the privilege to homeschool.

[agrace]

I was born in Lewisburg, and most of my family lives in Milton now, so Central/NE PA if we can help it. Or further south toward Lancaster would be ok. My husband works in the theatrical lighting/sound industry, so being close to a city that has use for such is basically a must, unfortunately, which is why we have been close to NYC for as long as we've been married. So the PA options are slim. I don't really care where in PA we end up, but I'd prefer central or eastern.

[hsmomx3]

Great idea. Keep me on the ping list!!

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

I'm in Upper Bucks County........

[SuziQ]

Hi Mama! I just saw your ping; have been doing doctor's appts. most of the day. I'd LOVE to be pinged to a homeschool thread! It would be a great way to be informed about different state's requirements, and any Fed. developments. Thanks for thinking of me!

[SuziQ]

We're doing the Classical thing too. Our kids are about halfway through Amer. History; they'll finish up around December. After that they are both going to use the TRISMS program. It is in the classical model in that everything is studied chronologically, but the lesson plans are done for you. I'll still use "The Well Trained Mind" as a resource to get more info on reference books and reading suggestions. Our daughter will start on the four year high school sequence, but our son who will be in 7th will do a two year (well, one and a half) sequence of world history from pre-history to the present by studying Science, Inventions and Exploration. They'll both be reading Great Books and Historical Fiction that tie in to the era being studied.

[homeschool mama]

Hey you! Over here, chickee.

[homeschool mama]

Hi Grammie!

[homeschool mama]

SOOO glad you're here, SuziQ! :o)

[SpookBrat]

Hey y'all.

Let's see...where to begin. We just had our homeschool convention this weekend and I took a class about homeschoolers going on to college. Rumor has it colleges take homeschoolers in nothing flat because they are serious about education and WANT to learn. They don't look at diplomas so much any more as much as "resumes". They want to know what your child has done, completed, been involved in, etc. Also test scores, which homeschoolers seem to do well. I'm not going to worry about it.

We are going to use Basic Sonlight as our curriculum. I'm thinking I'll get the teachers guide and depend on the library and used book stores for all the books, I'm not sure yet. DH told me to go ahead and get the whole thing but it is not cheap. Ugh! I hate to do that to our budget. (Homeschool mama......see how far he has come? A few months ago, homeschooling was out of the question and now he's like, "Go buy whatever you want or need". Praise the Lord for answered prayers).

For my daughters language arts I bought "Language arts through literature" and we have had fun with that this summer. I got a free 1st grade language arts curriculm for the boy, from my next door neighbor who is a 1st grade teacher.

I bought both my kids Calculadder. They like it "OK". Not their favorite. The boy is on Saxon and he loves it. I'm waiting on Saxon for the girl. *wink* (no hurry).

I bought "A reason for handwriting" and the kids LOVE it!!! My 6 year old boy has terrible handwriting. My 11 year old girl has "ok" handwriting. I'm not going to worry about it. It was just something to keep them busy with over the summer.

I bought "Rummy Roots" and that's been a big, huge hit. We all love that game and can't get enough of it. It's under $10.00 and I HIGHLY recommend it.

I got the teachers guide to the Scientist Beautiful Feet unit study. We went to the library today and got the books we need for our study on Archimedes. I also picked up the Horse unit study for my daughter just to give her something exciting to do. She takes horseback every week and horses are her passion. I have to keep her motivated.

Basically, we're just very busy learning everything we can get our hands on, but nothing stressful. Just lots of book reading and game playing. We only spend an hour or two on school, since their attention span is short. They play most of the day, do chores and read their books

Who said they are using Writing Strands? Do you like it?

[Brad’s Gramma]

Hi Dearie.

[TxBec]

Who said they are using Writing Strands? Do you like it?

That would have been me. It was a great jumping off point for kids who "didn't like to write."

[TxBec]

They don't look at diplomas so much any more as much as "resumes". They want to know what your child has done, completed, been involved in, etc.

One big plus with homeschooling teens is that they have more time to do apprenticeships/volunteer work to scope out a career choice. My son has mentioned wanting to be a vet. We took our cat in last week, and the vet and I were chatting. He asked my son if he was ready to start high school. I mentioned that we are homeschooling and that kid #1 was entertaining the idea of being a vet. As soon as he turns 16, he can take up the vet's invite to do volunteer work at the clinic. : )