Holidaze

Thanksgiving just blew by us! Although, we are still working on leftovers. Today's dinner was turkey enchiladas. Hard to believe we are at December already! The kids took a coin toss to see who would start the advent calendar. #2 won and so it goes.

Today was a lazy kind of day where the kids figured out how to fill their time. Tomorrow, they have an activity to go to where they will make presents for people they choose. At the end of the week, we are taking a field trip to a local animal shelter where the challenge will be not to take anymore cats home.

There will be baking and reading and math and all sorts of other stuff. A highlight last week was them receiving activity crates from Kiwi Crate. We ordered the Tinker Crate and the Doodle Crate. The boxes came addressed to the kids and were well packed with 90%-95% of items needed. I was impressed even though the motor in the Tinker Crate didn't work as expected. Extra parts were requested and sent out quickly. Hopefully, the next one goes more smoothly.

#3 who wants nothing to do yet with traditional worksheet type stuff sat and worked on his motor for 3 hours. This included following the directions (he did need some help), watching videos and looking up more info about motors. I haven't seen him that excited about a learning activity in a long time.

#1 is at the point where we need to look at school placements for 7th grade (how did that happen). I'm also taking the opportunity to see which schools are open to homeschoolers if we decide to go that route when the time comes.

In the meantime, I need to start organizing the new curriculum. It's currently in a huge cardboard box taunting me!

What are they learning today?

The new curriculum has been ordered. Planning to kick it into gear in January.

Yet, it feels like we are busier than ever. #2 is finishing up her theater class for this semester and only has 2 more sewing classes left.

Today, they played math games on the computer, rode bikes for a brief time since it is cold today, mailed their letters to Santa, cooked and played! They are getting better at filling their free time and exploring interests! #2 filled her time with drawing pictures of elves and reindeer.

Tomorrow is homeschool day at the local trampoline park and they have their Parkour class so it will be a very physical kind of day for them!

I'm also excited to see what activities we get from kiwi crate, which is a monthly activity kit that you can subscribe. I've ordered a holiday ornament decorating kit from them as well. (No, they didn't pay me.....but I wouldn't turn it down).

#1 is doing well at school. She has to work on her math grade but overall I'm happy with her progress. It was nice to have 2 days of no school this week even if they drive me crazy!

Changing Direction

I'm in the process of planning how we are going to move forward in January. We have stopped all book work for the moment. I know many will laugh at the idea of a burnt out 8 year old but that's exactly what I feel like I'm seeing right now. Reading, music practice, cooking, shopping, field trips, science projects are all still happening. I'm also looking at ways to explore how holidays are celebrated in other countries. Funny thing is, #3 asked us how blood clots happen, then he sat and watched 5 or 6 you tube videos about blood, veins, and the clotting process. He also randomly wrote a poem while sitting at the table. So, there is hope!

While the items I have now should work for 2 kids (or more), it requires a lot more organization and planning on my part. So, I'm leaning towards a boxed curriculum. Funny thing is, I was looking at 1 and it goes by age range instead of grade level. Initially I considered the 7-9 level but we have done many of the science projects and reading projects for that level. Without realizing it, I recreated the major parts of that curriculum. So, the 8-10 range it is. I'm okay with helping with the reading and adjusting assignments,

With switching in January, that kind of puts us on a different schedule. If this curriculum works for us, then we'd either keep working through some of the summer or just pick up in the fall where we stop in June.

Mending Pieces and Starting Over

I found this written in my son's school agenda. I'm not sure when he wrote it and neither is he. We discussed it and it's clear to me that he really doesn't hate the people at his school. But, the school work, his frustration at not understanding and having to be pulled out for services were all adding up to make him unhappy. He did have good moments at school and the teachers and staff there love him. I have absolutely no doubt about this. I pointed this out to him and he smiled. He definitely wrote this hoping it would be seen. I don't know what he thought would happen and he shrugged his shoulders when I asked.

Today, #2 and #3 asked me if they could write letters to Santa. We were out and about already but I said we could definitely add this to our list of work for tomorrow or next week. #3 said "no, that can't count as work because it would be something fun." My heart broke a little when he said this. It seems I have my work cut out for me for the next few months.

I loved school as a kid even when my teachers weren't great. It was a safe haven for me when I didn't have that at home. I had hoped my kids would feel a similar way about school. Indeed #1 and #2 used to wake up excited to go and sad when there wasn't school. #1 is still happy to go but doesn't complain when there isn't school either.

Call me crazy but 8-10 year olds should not have to sit for hours at a time taking tests (some of these tests are also badly written but that's an entirely different issue). They should be moving and exploring the world around them. They should be asking questions and be given the tools to find the answer. I'm not saying everything should be glitter and rainbows all the time but maybe more than not. And I certainly have no idea how this would work in a room of 22-26 students!

In some ways, we have been homeschooling or supplementing all along: Music lessons, various trips etc. What we have lost at this point is the morning battles and the homework battles. I love not having to worry that they aren't going to get enough sleep since it can be a struggle to get my kids settled at night. #2 seems to naturally fall asleep between 10 and 11 these days and wakes up around 9. #3 settles down around the same time but wakes up around 8. In the morning,I just have to to tell my oldest to get up and she does the rest. With the other 2, it was world war 3 every morning! Not that I blame them, A 6am wake up isn't fun for most of us.

On the flip side, I'm tired at the end of the day! Like exhausted mentally. I need a certain amount of  down time every day and finding that balance while home schooling and being a single parent most weeks makes me feel like I'm walking on a tight rope made of fire. Coffee has always been my friend, now it is totally my BFF!

In the meantime, I'm setting smaller goals for the rest of this school year and rethinking curriculum choices for next fall.

Figuring out how to deschool

It sounds almost too easy, take time off from school stuff so the kids can readjust and not freak out when they do anything that looks like school work. Various sources recommend 1 month of deschooling for every year of school attended. I'm going to hold off on the math and serious writing until after the holidays with #3, unless he asks.

Yesterday, we went to the local science museum and checked out the dinosaur exhibit. The kids brought home some geodes to crack. They loved that. It took each of them a good 30 minutes to get them open. I'm sure some neighbors were wondering what the heck we were doing on our front lawn with hammers and rocks wrapped in socks!

Today, there was sewing class for #2 and the instructor was kind enough to let #3 stay as well. Then we came home and started our Greek History section. #2 did some Greek History last school year in 2nd grade so hopefully we all have a good time with it. It's always been one of my favorites! Right now, it's lunch and free time. I'm allowing them to play the Wii since it's the first week. Later on, there is music class and possibly a science experiment which involves baking.

I'm waiting to get some money together to get a new math curriculum. I love Math U See but it isn't clicking for #2. I'm hoping Teaching Textbooks is better since it's mostly computer based. Which means, I'm mostly removed from the equation (no pun intended!).

When they work together, it is awesome. When they argue, it can be epic! As long as we have more of the aweseome,, it will all work out.

And then there were 2.....

      This kitten has nothing to do with this blog post, she's just tiny and cute!

       Parent Teacher Conference for our son happened yesterday. These things always make me a bit nervous even when there isn't a concern. However, going into third grade, we knew he wasn't where he needed to be, especially with reading and writing. Yet, I was hoping he would start catching up and he hasn't. Now, a part of this may just be him wanting to be home which is understandable but it isn't the whole story.
   His grade and others also just went through 2 weeks of practice testing for the state tests in spring. My son was miserable and basically told me he was just guessing for every question because he didn't care. My oldest daughter took the practice tests in stride but also expressed frustration because she was looking at questions for work she hasn't even learned yet. That doesn't make sense! But, I digress...
    So, I listened to the teacher and knew within the first few minutes that we were bringing the boy home to school with his sister. So, he's home today and sleeping in as I write this. He will go in tomorrow to celebrate Harvest Day with his friends and say good bye and get all his stuff. Then we are off to new adventures.
   The next few months will be spent relaxing and deschooling him a bit. We'll still do experiments and play games and such. We;ll take the time to go off on tangents and see what really gets him motivated to read and learn! In the meantime, I'll keep sneaking in math with shopping lessons, cooking and so on. And when he's running his own technology firm, the boy better buy me a house in Tahiti!

Understanding and Adapting

I came across this HBO documentary this morning. I had it up on the computer while everyone finished up their morning routine. I didn't make the kids watch it with me but didn't hide it either. As I watched, #2 came up besides me and hugged me. We talk a lot about dyslexia and how her (and her brother's) brain works differently. Not stupid but different. "It isn't fair", she says. "Other kids can just read but I can't."
She's right and I tell her that this is the truth but it isn't an excuse. Everyone has something they struggle with. Then we refocus on what her strengths are: She is learning to sew. She can dance and do flips and many other things.
She becomes quiet as she watches kids on the monitor talk about their struggles and victories. Then, we moved on to doing our work. And, she did not cry when she made a mistake or squirm away when it was time to work on handwriting or phonics.
It was a good learning day for her.

Yet, I look back and wonder if we did enough. Should we have read 4 books instead of 3 at bedtime when she was 2? Instead of letting her watch cartoons sometimes, should we have just kept in on PBS all the time? Classical music instead of hip hop or rock? Would she be better off in a regular school environment? What happens if we decide to homeschool #3? Who has many of the same difficulties but a totally different personality.

I wonder.....

Finding Opportunities and Balance

Today, #2 took a craft class. The object is to make a Penny Rug in 6 weeks. She quickly decided on a pattern and drew the objects basically free hand. The instructor seemed impressed and I know I was impressed! I stayed with her this time but she is thinking about staying on her own (there are other students there) next week. I'm glad that the internet, email, and social media has given me the tools to find these opportunities for her to explore things.

While she did have art at her charter school, sewing and picking her own projects or having input into what she may or may not want to do was not an option.Or, input into the order of when she does things like math, reading, or science. This is the case at most schools. This is good and bad. There is whining and resistance from time to time as I have written before but I'm starting to see progress and that is awesome.

Thing #3 is beginning to have similar struggles in school. We are watching closely with the idea of possibly bringing him to homeschool durng the holiday break. The more I think about it, the more I like it. No more morning battles with him as he is not a morning dude. No stressing about test prep and they can work together on certain subjects. But, there is the question of whether he will work at home or not. I think he will but it will be an adjustment for everyone.

Small Miracles

Yesterday, my daughter picked up a book and put in her bag to read while in the car. Last night, she read me a book before bed. Just now, she read a book to her dolls.

For the past 6 months or so, she has wanted nothing to do with independent reading. She called herself stupid for not keeping up with other kids her age. My heart broke for her! As someone who never had issues with reading or reading comprehension, this was a challenge for both of us. 

I backed off. And just read to her at bed time. During school time, I read most of the material to her. 

To see her confidence coming back is indeed amazing...

Balancing Everything

Pictured above is a 3D puzzle globe that should function as a globe we can use for geography, history, etc. Until now, we've been using Google Earth, which is cool but not quite the same as spinning a globe in your hand. It's 540 pieces and we finished about a third of it today. Not bad considering that it arrived this afternoon!

I'm not sure what happened this morning but we had a weird vibe this morning so we lounged around. Then attended a community musical theater class. Upon returning, we opened the globe and that was the bulk of school for the day. We did do a science lab on the water cycle after dinner though! I'm finding that as mom and teacher, I have to balance when to push and when to let things loosen up a but. There isn't a buffer. There isn't a teacher to send her off to every day when there is a bad mood at home.

With the other 2, there is a balance of attention giving that I need to be conscious of now. Not to mention the house and other various life issues. I'm trying to figure out holiday shopping and other things that I used to do when all the kids were in school! And, I have to remember to take some quiet time or I am a lunatic by Friday night!

And yes, as I'm writing this, I'm surrounded by 500 baskets of clean laundry. I'll just buy another basket or 2.......

In the middle of it all

In the midst of our first full week of school and homeschool. HW, an issue with a bully, and figuring out our schedule at home all happening this week. Activities are starting up next week. 

A big surprise with homeschooling is how fast it can go. I mean, it makes sense if you think about it. Working 1 on 1, or 1 on 2 or 3 is a lot different than working with a group of 20-30 kids. I've taught preschool before and it's a lot like trying to herd cats! 

So far, the academic work is lasting around 3 hours and another 2 hours for piano practice, art stuff, games. Next week, she'll be doing a few out of home classes so that will change things up a bit and give her the opportunity to work with other kids too!

She has figured out that she can work on the couch, stay in pjs and take her time. So that's cool.

Some days are better than others but isn't that true everywhere!

Still here

I'm still here...

School starts here next week. So, one more week of summer for everyone. It's weird to be home as we are usually on vacation this week. 

But, it's been crazy. I ended up having surgery on my elbow after falling in my backyard because I'm just that talented. And, of course, it's my right arm. I now have to add weekly physical therapy to my schedule for the next 3-6 months! 

I plan to go through everything and make sure we have everything needed to start. The big checklist will be for our weekly science projects. I think we are in good shape though. The other challenge will be coordinating homeschool and charter school schedules. The bus is supposed to come at 7:20 & I'm worried it will be adjusted up to 7am. As that is what has happened in previous years. Worse comes to worse, I drive 2 of them to school and return home for homeschool time. 

What's in a name?

 

Even though, we officially don't need a homeschool name or logo at this point, I felt like it was an important step. An identity is key! I had thrown around the idea of using our last name or street but no one liked those. So, after thinking for awhile, I came up with Grassroots Academy. So, if we ever need to make an official report card or transcript or diploma, we've got something to start with. If someone asks her what school she goes to, we have an answer besides "home" or "I don't know". 

It's about us starting over, strengthening her roots so she can grow and thrive (if you want to get poetic about it). 

To make it even more official, I'll be ordering her a school shirt soon. We still have shirts around here from preschool so why not from homeschool?! 

I have an affinity for the tree of life symbol too. In fact, it's likely to be part of my next tattoo! 

NYS Loves Paperwork

Yes, we live in the Empire State but not in NYC. I did grow up there however. If there is one thing, the government of NY loves, it's paperwork. Any and all kinds! I'm told by friends that homeschool in other states that they really don't have much if anything to do in terms of reporting.

This is the part I was most nervous about. So, I googled for paperwork samples which was quite helpful. So, in an effort to pay it forward, I'll copy and paste the version of the Letter of Intent and the Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) that I sent in. Both of which were approved earlier this month. If you are a NY state homeschooler, you will have to find out where to send your Letter of Intent and IHIP. I was able to email mine so I was happy to streamline the process. I understand if you are a resident of NYC, your child is also eligible for a metro card too!

We also have to send in quarterly reports which I haven't done yet. I don't mind those so much as I think it's a great way to track her/ our progress.

The Letter of Intent:

To Whom it May Concern,

We are sending this letter of intent as required of Section 100.10 of the Regulations of the New York State Commissioner of Education.

We intend to home school our daughter; #2. She will be entering grade 4 , for the 2014-2015 school year.  Please note that she does have an IEP. 

Sincerely, 

Mrs H & Mrs. H.

The IHIP: 

IHIP for #2

age:10

date of birth: 

grade:4

2014-2015

Date Submitted: 6/26/2014

Please note that #2 does have an IEP in place.

We intend to provide a rich, varied educational environment at home, as well as taking advantage of the library, immediate and surrounding communities and internet resources available. Due to the individualized nature of homeschooling, materials may be adjusted as necessary to elicit the greatest learning response from #2. Therefore, the materials we will use may include, but are not limited to, those listed below: 

______________________________________________________________________________________

ARITHMETIC

Understanding place value and using it to add or subtract

Fluently adding any combination of whole numbers

Solving for an unknown addend

Fluently subtracting any combination of whole numbers

Solving abstract and real-world problems involving addition and subtraction

Materials planned: Math U See Beta and Math U See manipulatives

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

READING

She will strengthen her independent reading skills. Books will be chosen to compliment other parts of her curriculum as well as what she is interested in.

Materials planned:

 Chapter Books, Various E-books,  Library books,  and Magazines

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPELLING

She will continue to strengthen her spelling skills.

Materials planned:

All About Spelling Volumes 1 – 3, Explode the Code Volumes 1 - 3

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

WRITING

She will learn to write in cursive.

She will learn how to type on a computer keyboard

She will use writing skills to complete written responses to daily work. These will be from 1-2 paragraphs long.

Materials planned: Handwriting Without Tears, Keyboarding Without Tears,

Dance Mat Typing : http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

GEOGRAPHY & HISTORY

She will learn world geography and ancient history this year. She will complete a history portfolio as outlined in History Odyssey Ancients Level 1.

Materials planned: History Odyssey Ancients Level 1 Pandia Press

Usborne Internet Linked Encyclopedia World History

A Child’s History of the World

The Story of the World, Volume 1: Ancient Times

History Pockets: Ancient Civilizations _________________________________________________________________________________________________

SCIENCE

She will learn the life cycle of the butterfly.  She will do various experiments relating to weather and nature. She will also learn about the planet Earth and the Solar System.

Materials planned: REAL Science Odyssey Earth & Space level 1 Pandia Press

REAL Science Lab Kit, Live Butterfly Kit

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

PHYSICAL EDUCATION    

She plays on a soccer team in spring and fall. Additional activities will include (but not be limited to) swimming, Wii sports and Wii dancing games, walking the family dog, etc.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

HEALTH

She will learn about nutrition and meal planning. She will also begin to learn about puberty and physical development.

Materials Planned: Cookbooks, “The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls”

ART

She will participate in a weekly community art class. She will also use art to connect to her daily learning through various projects.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

MUSIC  

Weekly instrument lessons with a teacher of our choosing and daily practice. Music videos, live performances and concerts.

_________________________________________________________________

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Spanish

Materials Planned: www.duolingo.com, Spanish music and tv shows.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

In addition to the subjects listed above, She will continue her studies in: practical arts, library skills, health education regarding alcohol, drug and tobacco misuse,

highway safety & traffic regulations including bicycle safety, fire & arson prevention and safety.__________________________________________________________________

#2 will attend the substantial equivalent of 180 days or 900 hours of instruction.

Quarterly reports will be submitted on or about the following dates:

First quarterly report..................November 15, 2014

Second quarterly report............January 31, 2015

Third quarterly report.................April 15, 2015

Fourth quarterly report..............June 30, 2015

She will take the PASS exam in May. It will be administered by us at home.

 Mrs H & Mrs H

An Introduction

To put it simply, I'm Mrs H. Wife to another Mrs H (hereafter referred to as Wife).  (Yes, you read that correctly) and mom to 3 great and crazy kids. Until I can think of clever nicknames, we'll just say 1, 2 and 3.  1 and 2 are girls and 3 is the youngest and only boy in our household (unless you count the pets). The wife has a job that requires pretty extensive travel and that has put me into the position of SAHM.

Currently, all 3 kids attend a local charter school in our area. A school where we love the teachers and staff but is not able to meet the needs of  #2. Upon learning that their recommendation was moving her to another school with other special needs kids and more staff, we decided to venture onto the homeschool path. That, my friends, is where we are now.

Not something I ever thought I would try or would even want to try. #1 and #3 will be staying in their school at this time as they do not have the same issues or needs and are progressing. So, I have spent the last few months googling, adding things my amazon wish list, searching ebay, talking to teachers, talking to friends who are teachers, and rearranging furniture. Our 1400 sq foot house does not allow for a separate homeschool space at all.

School for everyone starts in just about a month! In the meantime, we are enjoying our summer and doing review work here and there.