Sorry, Arielle and Roomonthebroom!Go to plan b or c or d or ....or just stop, grin, get everyone together and quit for the day to get out for a field trip. Sometimes when there are sooo many bumps and curves and *everyone* is grumpy, you just need to get the basics done, toss the rest, pack a lunch or snack and leave. Go to a historical site or call a friend to meet up with or go swimming in the middle of winter. It changes things! The educational world will not cave in snd your child will not fail the next big test.But that stress will lessen and you all will remember that day. Build the memories of homeschooling. Go make a smoke bomb for chemistry and blow it up- preferably outside! Lol. Not in! It takes awhile to clear the house if it goes off inside! Trust me on that one! Lol.
In early years go for learning to read well. Everything else hinges on that. If they can read, then they can begin to learn independently and do their homework independently. But spend the time teaching them in the early years. The minutes add up so fast into the years and soon they will not need you. Find another family to teach together. So one does science and the other does art or ?. It gives you a break and your kids get outside of themselves. Make it fun and worthwhile. My kids best friends came from the coops.
Hugs to you all!
THANK YOU. Even a cyber hug feels great!!!
Working with oldest son has its challenges. He loves his new school, even without supports. Even goes to a new friends house with a bunch of boys to play Magic. Good social time.
Got testing results yesterday---NINE months after completetion of testing. Yup, confirmed everything mom already knows. Nice to know I know as much as the Ph D/ MD's !!!!! But no suggestions on how to help him-- just see you in 2 y ears for reeval.......really? What is the point of testing, if to have no clue what to do with the results.
Son is now 4 th in his class. Told him that number will roller coaster, so not to put too much stock in any changes; hard work and studying will get you far and keep learning.
Attended a pat on the back meeting between local public school teachers and the k-12 state adminitrator. Yes Mass has moved to the top of the testing ranks for all 50 states, and fairly high for the world. I know all the numbers, and so I was not surprized at all. However, I was surprized that meeting was primarily for pats on the back and not to look at what else needs work. At least the superintendent for my district said "Hi" on her way out the door.
After the meeting I have a better understanding of public school. All the emphasis is on raising up the most challenged students,like second language learners, and no effort to support the gifted ones. That is up to the parents.
Kudos to everyone homeschooling!!!!!
Donna, glad to see you are back!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope all the surgeries sent well, give your body time to heal. I know how the chores that have fallen behind are calling......
My youngest participated in the Geo Bee----he studied via National Geographic's fun website. At the state competition, he bombed, lol. But, He learned he is one of 100 students 5-8th grade in Mass that know (maybe know too much) the most geography. If he wants to win next year, he will need to study 24/7 to get all 8 random questions right. ( I think he is done with this GeoBee as he would like to have a well rounded life.)
We walked inside a huge GLOBE, met geography teachers that clearly love teaching. placed sticky notes on a world map where our clothing was made. ( Easy for young kids too), And realized most of these competitiors were BOYS!!!!!
We read National Geo magazine for the captions initally, then maybe the articles which are rather advanced reading. The maps that come in a few rare issues are very intesting though. Was able to tie an old Hawaii an1975 map to current lessons in world discovery/ world history at middle school.
Learning is every where!!!!