tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67340072058604883802024-02-07T19:49:03.274-05:00Home School Custom CurriculumHome School Custom Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11543303477256180240noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734007205860488380.post-9395976899976665782009-02-15T00:54:00.004-05:002009-02-15T01:47:41.775-05:00We Were "Accidental Homeschoolers"I had never heard the term "Accidental Homeschoolers" until I was researching the Internet for custom created curriculum for my website. The term caught my eye and I wondered what it meant. As I started reading some of the stories of different families and their reasons to homeschool, I realized that my family fitted under that term.<br /><br />I started homeschooling my twin sons after my oldest son graduated from high school and the twins had completed the third grade. I watched our children struggle with various issues on a day to day basis in their school. I saw frustration in their faces as they tried to cope with unacceptable behavior and the teachers' inability to control their classrooms. These obstacles resulted in becoming behind or unable to perform or understand concepts for their grade level. These reasons ultimately gave me reason to think about homeschooling.<br /><br />Having never considered homeschooling, I just always took for granted that I would send my children to traditional public school. One day a friend and I started talking about homeschooling. She too was becoming more dissatisfied with public school and their lack of being able to give the quality of education she wanted for her child. Although she never pursued homeschooling, I decided that after my children finished the school year they were not going to return. There were too many unresolved issues concerning various incidents with my children and they kept repeatedly occurring.<br /><br />So, for our family, I guess we "accidentally" fell into homeschooling. It was an alternative to pricey private schools. The idea was certainly a scary one, even though I was quite sure I could do it since my husband and myself were both trained teachers. All I knew was that the children were not being given what we considered a quality education and after struggling with our first child, there had to be something better than what they were receiving. Public school had become a "war zone" where the kids were just trying to survive the battles of each day.<br /><br />Being "accidental homeschoolers" seemed to put us in a different place than other homeschoolers in the area. Many of the families in the homeschooling association we were members of, had made the decision to homeschool from the start, never having their children set foot in a public school. It seemed awkward for a while since their reasons for homeschooling were different than mine. Neighbors thought we had taken a drastic measure by pulling our children out of the neighborhood school and seemed to question our motive. It was their watchful eyes on us and the approach we took to educating our children that was the talk of the neighborhood. The twins, too, had to transition to this new lifestyle, but after a while they seemed to adjust to the idea.<br /><br />Eventually, the time came when I knew that I needed to transition the twins back into a traditional public school. But by the time the decision was made, three years had passed and the school was in a smaller district and another state. I had come to a place where I knew my limits with my sons' education. What I had come to realize, was those three years were probably the most valuable years of my twins' education. Even though we were "accidental homeschoolers," homeschooling had created a firm foundation for the rest of their education. Their homeschooling gave them the ability to challenge themselves, a challenge that one twin conquered twice with high distinguish awards in a regional science competition after he was re-enrolled in public school. I always credit the fact that homeschooling gave him the ability, courage, and knowledge to achieve this distinction.Home School Custom Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11543303477256180240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734007205860488380.post-24316183837144969822008-12-04T15:39:00.006-05:002008-12-10T22:01:25.252-05:00Why We Decided to Home School</><br />Why did we decide to <em>home school</em>? After all, we were trained and licensed teachers. We weren't advocates of <em>home schooling</em> and we didn't do it for religious reasons either. We even looked into private schools but realized that the tuition for these schools was far beyond what our pocketbook could reach.<br /><br />What we really were was unhappy with the public school system and how we saw our children struggling with various issues daily. It even seemed like the teachers didn't know what to do with issues apparent in their school or were afraid to take on the problems for fear of becoming involved in legal issues. The fact that there were a few lawsuits already existing is what was bothersome, and how teachers held back because of those fears. And it was like the kids knew that they ruled the roost.<br /><br />The problems that we heard about or had to deal with first hand and the consequences the school imposed to solve problems but didn't in the long run, didn't seem to have any effect on the kids. After a while, we started questioning who was really running the school . . . the teachers or the kids.<br /><br />What we did know was that our children were increasingly becoming unhappy with attending school and worried about their safety, the environment in the classroom, and the quality of their education. Because of daily disciplining issues, there was less teaching and we noticed our children were trailing in concepts for their grade level. All these annoyances were creating emotional and physical problems, not to mention boredom, which virtually disappeared once they were at home. School was stressful rather than social and academic achievements.<br /><br />Since we were both licensed teachers, the decision to <em>home school</em> was an easy one. We both knew we were capable of <em>instructing</em> our children but worried how our decision would affect them in the long run. When we approached our children on the idea of <em>home schooling</em> them, their first impression was worry about having friends and being involved in their outside activities. But we assured them they would still be able to associate with their friends and keep their outside activities. After we started <em>home schooling</em> and joined a local home school association their worries lessened, especially when they joined other <em>home school</em> children in planned activities. It was the realization that there were other children, who like them, were doing the same thing and doing as well, if not better, than their public <em>school</em> counterparts.<br /><br />One of the first approaches we took was to access where the children were academically in their education. Then the decision on what was needed to get them at their <em>grade level</em>. After researching <em>curriculum</em> and <em>state requirements</em> we decided that <em>custom creating</em> our <em>curriculum</em> would better fit our children than something that was decided for us. We needed a <em>curriculum</em> with flexibility that included the required subjects but other areas of interest as well. It was important too, that our children had some control on deciding what they wanted to explore. All we had to do was incorporate those things.<br /><br /><em>Custom creating</em> a <em>curriculum</em> worked well for us. Sometimes it took our children to levels that were far beyond their <em>grade level</em> and what they would have ever received in a public school. <em>Home schooling</em> opened up areas that took our children far beyond their limits and broaden their vision of the world.Home School Custom Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11543303477256180240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734007205860488380.post-74378536649845850382008-12-03T21:55:00.004-05:002008-12-10T21:40:06.955-05:00Custom Creating Home School Activity Packets</><br /><em><strong>Dewey Decimal System Grade 4-5</strong></em><br /><br />One of the assignments in our <em>lesson plans</em> called for studying the <em><strong><strong><a href="http://library.thinkquest.org/5002/">Dewey Decimal System</a></strong></strong></em>. Without books or worksheets, we were left to our own devices in creating an <em>activity</em>.<br /><br />Obviously, the first place to start was our local library. The librarian was more than happy to give a tour of the library and explain how books and materials were catalogued and stored. The card catalogue was demonstrated by using the computer instead of all the drawers upon drawers of indexed cards that use to store all that information. The marvels of technology has generally replaced all those little drawers but it is a possibility there are a few smaller libraries still using this method.<br /><br />After checking out books on the subject it was decided that there had to be more than reading a few books. An activity packet with information, games, and worksheets would be an ideal way to give hands-on knowledge and practice usage. <br /><br />Our source was the internet site on <em><a href="http://library.thinkquest.org/5002/"><strong>Melvil Dewey</strong></a></em>. Here we found information on the man <em>Melvil Dewey</em>, word search games, crossword puzzles, stories, illustrated explanations, cryptograms, reviews and a test to access comprehension. Either print the pages, keep the pages in a binder or folder or simply print only the worksheets and work directly from the computer.<br /><br />After finishing the activities, develop a list of fiction and nonfiction titles with space next to each title for your child to record the call numbers on. Then, head off to the library and let your child look up the titles on the library's computers. See how many titles your child can locate on the shelves without aid from you or the librarian.Home School Custom Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11543303477256180240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734007205860488380.post-3504291784408682102008-12-03T12:35:00.004-05:002009-01-19T19:48:59.150-05:00Determining What Books to Use in a Custom Created Curriculum</><br />When we started researching <em>curriculum</em> and how, exactly, to <em>home school</em> we saw boxed <em>curriculum</em> as too rigid with little flexibility. Plus, there was concern whether there was enough instruction for a parent to aid in explanations. The deciding factor was the cost of these boxed <em>curriculum</em> and if all the material supplied was actually necessary or there would be a need to invest in supplemental materials as well. Therefore, the decision to custom create a curriculum seemed a far better choice. A <em>Custom Created Curriculum</em> gave the ability to control what we needed and how much we wanted to invest in materials.<br /><br />First, we checked our state's <em>home school laws</em> in what was required. In deciding on books, some of our research started online but with limited information and ability to review the materials. It was during a visit to a local bookstore that we stumbled upon a <em>curriculum guide</em> to teach your child at home. What a wonderful discovery! It contained <em>lesson plans</em> for a full school year along with reading lists and activities. What more could we have asked for? It was all there laid out in front of us and all we had to do was follow along. There was plenty of room for flexibility and inclusion of other activities.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxTosT9V-7IVoQcTQ5m5GWCs7eaq1xeE4etMr6_9LdRUrQR6qdMPJsxreMNj8o5ng5Z7aLh2or17dmTIFvRKt73ov8_7vXLDFt1P-lodaah32e4Es6vlwGogHA7JM2agAKNj_tMxdNPI/s1600-h/Learn+at+Home.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 185px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxTosT9V-7IVoQcTQ5m5GWCs7eaq1xeE4etMr6_9LdRUrQR6qdMPJsxreMNj8o5ng5Z7aLh2or17dmTIFvRKt73ov8_7vXLDFt1P-lodaah32e4Es6vlwGogHA7JM2agAKNj_tMxdNPI/s320/Learn+at+Home.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275631752121451874" /></a>The "<strong><em><a href="https://www.mediadirectcurriculum.com/shop/?affillink=HOMES1126081106"><strong>Learn at Home</strong></a></em></strong>" series for grades K-4 was designed by experts in elementary education. It provides for 36 weeks of <em>lesson plans</em> in six <em>curriculum</em> areas--Reading, Language Skills, Spelling, Math, Science and Social Studies. It also includes Art, Music and movement activities into the <em>curriculum</em> and other activities outside of the classroom. Each 36 weeks is divided into three sections: <em>Lesson Plans</em>, <em>Teaching Suggestions</em> and <em>Activities</em>, and <em>Activity Sheets</em>. Each lesson contains detailed directions and suggestions. Worksheets are shown in bold print that coincides with the <em>lesson</em> and perforated for easy removal for scanning and copying.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWOWi-E4M817928acgLBEIHs1SuuXcpsjNznqJxUH0U3RdZ_UGb3CNmcYrGqSeBuC5bC6sXmtQEUlVaLpiwGXGMN3UYxYGsxzX3SeFRBlQTCTa4gC0NUeSyySv2mDK0V_klEScT-ntG0/s1600-h/CompCurrBasicSkills+2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWOWi-E4M817928acgLBEIHs1SuuXcpsjNznqJxUH0U3RdZ_UGb3CNmcYrGqSeBuC5bC6sXmtQEUlVaLpiwGXGMN3UYxYGsxzX3SeFRBlQTCTa4gC0NUeSyySv2mDK0V_klEScT-ntG0/s320/CompCurrBasicSkills+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275641815488998946" /></a> The "<strong><em><a href="https://www.mediadirectcurriculum.com/shop/?affillink=HOMES1126081106">Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills</a></em></strong>" for grades PreK-6, also designed by elementary education experts, is organized by subject area with lessons in reading, writing, spelling, math, citizenship, and science. The series contains an entire <em>curriculum</em> of <em>basic skill activities</em>. Lessons are organized by subject areas and in sequential order for ease of use. Along with <em>teaching suggestions</em> the series contains review and <em>assessment tools</em> and includes an answer key and bibliography. Perfect as a <em>home schooling resource</em> helps to insure success across key <em>curriculum</em> areas.<br /><br />With a <em>curriculum guide</em> we chose supplemental workbooks that matched with the <em>teaching suggestions</em> and <em>activities</em> section of each week. When a suggestion did not contain a <em>worksheet</em> included for that week, a workbook page or worksheet on that subject was used. For example: a suggested reading assignment was on dictionary skills and how to use the dictionary. A worksheet was not included and knowing that this would be a continuous subject on and off throughout the schoolyear we invested in a workbook on dictionary skills. Since it came with perforated pages, scanning and copying made the pages reusable.<br /><br />By following along with the weekly <em>lesson plans</em> laid out by the <em>curriculum guide</em> and supplementing with workbooks and worksheets there was enough material for the entire week. The workbooks chosen were selected for ease of instructions and explanations. As an added bonus, workbooks provided extra material when concepts seemed difficult and more instruction was needed.<br /><br />This is a partial list of the <em>workbooks</em> we chose to <em>supplement</em> the <em>curriculum guide</em>:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfW50HT8v0NmZUus4doGmZMyoJufZXZ_vQ8gWr5CprKafgnPfeg70GXUklq268JIs_FX-b2GJDd1jDJ0ogfcoCFMEYTqjPisCKehx1HUBc5oG3FF1Hp24qMnPHh9kmD0yaNPPPasZ5eWA/s1600-h/MHC_SPECTRUM_LANGUAGE_ARTS_GRADE_4.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfW50HT8v0NmZUus4doGmZMyoJufZXZ_vQ8gWr5CprKafgnPfeg70GXUklq268JIs_FX-b2GJDd1jDJ0ogfcoCFMEYTqjPisCKehx1HUBc5oG3FF1Hp24qMnPHh9kmD0yaNPPPasZ5eWA/s320/MHC_SPECTRUM_LANGUAGE_ARTS_GRADE_4.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275654186639379698" /></a>"<em><strong>Spectrum Language Arts</strong></em>" by McGraw-Hill covers the use of appropriate words, parts of speech, understanding the different types of sentences, capitalization, and punctuation. A writer's handbook gives your child the ability to practice their knowledge.<br /><br /><br /><br />"<em><strong>Spectrum Writing</strong></em>" by McGraw-Hill for PreK-6 helps learners improve and strengthen their writing skills as they learn. As they build skills and comprehension, children will gain confidence by making writing fun. The directions are easy to use and the perforated pages are easy to remove.<br /><br />"<em><strong>Math: Master Skills Series</strong></em>" by McGraw-Hill is a <em>reproducible workbook</em> for PreK-6 that ensures the mastery of basic skills critical to a child's academic success. With complete directions and examples, the series encourages independent study. An answer key measures your child's progress and guides in instruction. With vivid illustrations, challenging <em>lesson content</em> and real-life application of essential basic skills insures your child's academic success.<br /><br />"<em><strong>The Learning Library Series: Reading, Spelling, & Grammar</strong></em>" is from America's #1 Teacher magazine "<em><strong>The Mailbox</strong></em>". Selected skills from the national <em>language arts</em> standards gives your child skills that lead to mastery. With easy instructions, word lists, literature selections, answer keys, and Parent Pages makes <em>learning activities</em> quick, easy, and fun. Boxes at the bottom of the practice pages gives activities that children will enjoy to boost learning fun!<em></em>Home School Custom Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11543303477256180240noreply@blogger.com0