A new Canadian Homeschooling publication is about to go to print. Currently it is only available by subscription. Check out their website if you are interested:
http://www.homeschoolhorizons.ca/
Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Homeschool Curriculum Review Link
This link was posted on a list that I am on and thought that it might be worth sharing for anyone considering homeschooling or still shopping for curriculum.
http://www.homeschool-curriculum.org/homeschool-curriculum-reviews.html
http://www.homeschool-curriculum.org/homeschool-curriculum-reviews.html
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The coles notes version of early schooling years.
Before I had kids of my own I had never heard of homeschooling. In fact when I was expecting our oldest a friend who was also expecting was waxing poetic about homeschooling their child. I thought no way! She must be crazy kids need to go to school!
Well times changed quickly once andrew hit the school system for kindergarten. He already had a diagnosis of HEDS which caused many challenges that were poorly understood by his teacher. Part way through the year he was diagnosed with a latex allergy. He was on home instruction for the last half of the year. Since the home instruction teacher only came an hour or two a week I began supplementing what she did.
Just after Andrew should have started grade one we moved and the school he should have gone to wasn't accessible. The home instruction teacher seemed to change weekly or cancelled at the last minute so his education fell mainly to me. He did eventually go to school for part of grade one but the challenges and difficulties were unending.
Josh started could hardly wait to go to school. He was already reading at 4 (we had no JK in our board at the time). Trying to support both boys at school often required as many as 6-10 trips a day to the school for dislocations and medical issues that were not handled well by the school board. On more than one occaission my sons nearly died at school. No parent should ever have to go through that.
Chronic strep kept Andrew out of school more than he was in in grade 2. I did my best to try and keep up his school work. During that time his favourite authors we Tolkien and Shakespeare. He saw his first production on stage and his love of theatre was sealed.
Grade one was a very difficult year for Josh. His teacher really didn't know how to cope with him. He possessed very little tact or tollerance for her. Getting him to go to school became a battle. He was beginning to hate learning so we made the decision to pull him out for the rest of the year. He was much happier and learning plenty. His brother stayed in school.
The following year both boys started back at school. Andrew injured his back at school and was unable to sit only a few weeks into the year. His grade 4 class had 34 kids and could not accommodate his needs so he was back home again with a revolving door of home instruction teacher. Sometimes he went weeks without instruction so again the bulk of his schooling fell on us.
Josh also struggled that year. There were many incidents of bullying related to his disability and his allergies. the teacher tried to keep him challenged but often seemed to be loosing the battle because there were so many needs in the classroom.
The icing on the cake was a letter that came home from school telling us that since the school could not afford outdoor equipment the students should bring in basketballs, tennis balls and soft rubber balls all of which could kill my children. The letter was signed by the same principal who sign both life threatening allergy plans! There were messages on our answering machine warning me about this before I got home from school with Josh from other concerned parents. The school staff actually seemed surprised when I informed them that the boys would no longer be attending school as we would be tking responsibility for their education.
This was the beginning of our home school adventure together.
Well times changed quickly once andrew hit the school system for kindergarten. He already had a diagnosis of HEDS which caused many challenges that were poorly understood by his teacher. Part way through the year he was diagnosed with a latex allergy. He was on home instruction for the last half of the year. Since the home instruction teacher only came an hour or two a week I began supplementing what she did.
Just after Andrew should have started grade one we moved and the school he should have gone to wasn't accessible. The home instruction teacher seemed to change weekly or cancelled at the last minute so his education fell mainly to me. He did eventually go to school for part of grade one but the challenges and difficulties were unending.
Josh started could hardly wait to go to school. He was already reading at 4 (we had no JK in our board at the time). Trying to support both boys at school often required as many as 6-10 trips a day to the school for dislocations and medical issues that were not handled well by the school board. On more than one occaission my sons nearly died at school. No parent should ever have to go through that.
Chronic strep kept Andrew out of school more than he was in in grade 2. I did my best to try and keep up his school work. During that time his favourite authors we Tolkien and Shakespeare. He saw his first production on stage and his love of theatre was sealed.
Grade one was a very difficult year for Josh. His teacher really didn't know how to cope with him. He possessed very little tact or tollerance for her. Getting him to go to school became a battle. He was beginning to hate learning so we made the decision to pull him out for the rest of the year. He was much happier and learning plenty. His brother stayed in school.
The following year both boys started back at school. Andrew injured his back at school and was unable to sit only a few weeks into the year. His grade 4 class had 34 kids and could not accommodate his needs so he was back home again with a revolving door of home instruction teacher. Sometimes he went weeks without instruction so again the bulk of his schooling fell on us.
Josh also struggled that year. There were many incidents of bullying related to his disability and his allergies. the teacher tried to keep him challenged but often seemed to be loosing the battle because there were so many needs in the classroom.
The icing on the cake was a letter that came home from school telling us that since the school could not afford outdoor equipment the students should bring in basketballs, tennis balls and soft rubber balls all of which could kill my children. The letter was signed by the same principal who sign both life threatening allergy plans! There were messages on our answering machine warning me about this before I got home from school with Josh from other concerned parents. The school staff actually seemed surprised when I informed them that the boys would no longer be attending school as we would be tking responsibility for their education.
This was the beginning of our home school adventure together.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Math Curriculum Recommendation
I must confess that math has never been my strong suit and was one of my greatest fears when we started oen the homeschooling road. One son has always done well with math but struggles and lacks confindence at times and the other is gifted in math. I didn't expect that I would ever find a math curriculum that would work for both boys. The other thing I wanted was Canadian Cunrriculum using metric units. Most of the homeschooling curriculum out there wasn't going to meet our needs.
My first taste of JUMP Math came from a workbook I discovered at Chapters. I purchased it and brought it home to try. It was a releif to find something that we all felt comfortable with. After doing more research on-line I learned about the teacher training workshops and signed up. Dr. John Mighton beleives that all kids are able to be successful with math. I wish that I had teachers who felt that way when I was learning. One of the things I that made this curriculum work for our family was that there were additional practice exercises for one son and also enrichment activities for the other. I didn't feel like I had to learn 2 different programs. The tests were included in the curriculum so I didn't have to make them up myself (I have with other curricula we have used). I also appreciated the fact that all the strands of the Ontario curriculum were included and documented. My one regret is that JUMP Math only goes to grade 8.
If you want to find our more about this great curriculum go to: http://jumpmath.org/
You can try the fractions unit out for free or find out more at the workshops listed below.
Ontario Western Quebec
12th St.
My first taste of JUMP Math came from a workbook I discovered at Chapters. I purchased it and brought it home to try. It was a releif to find something that we all felt comfortable with. After doing more research on-line I learned about the teacher training workshops and signed up. Dr. John Mighton beleives that all kids are able to be successful with math. I wish that I had teachers who felt that way when I was learning. One of the things I that made this curriculum work for our family was that there were additional practice exercises for one son and also enrichment activities for the other. I didn't feel like I had to learn 2 different programs. The tests were included in the curriculum so I didn't have to make them up myself (I have with other curricula we have used). I also appreciated the fact that all the strands of the Ontario curriculum were included and documented. My one regret is that JUMP Math only goes to grade 8.
If you want to find our more about this great curriculum go to: http://jumpmath.org/
You can try the fractions unit out for free or find out more at the workshops listed below.
Upcoming JUMP Math Training Sessions, Winter-Spring 2011
JUMP Math is very pleased to announce 30 new full-day general training workshops to be held throughout Ontario Western Quebec over the next four months. The training sessions will be led by JUMP Math Manager of Outreach and Teacher Support, Frances Agro. Frances
Dates and Locations – (Please Register even if there is no address listed)
March
16th Toronto
222 College Street
222 College Street
22nd Belleville Saganaska Demonstration School Dundas
24th Kitchener
10 King Street West
10 King Street West
25th Hamilton Hamilton
695 Queenston Rd.
695 Queenston Rd.
30th Toronto
222 College Street
222 College Street
31st London Sacrament Catholic School
1063 Oxford St. East
1063 Oxford St. East
April
6th Brockville
7th Kingston
8th Belleville
9th Thunder Bay
9th Cornwall
14th Peterborough
15th Oshawa
21st Chesley **
28th Sudbury
29th North Bay
30th Pembroke **
May
5th Timmins
6th Sault St. Marie **
12th St.
13th Midhurst **
14th Toronto
19th Hanover
20th Barrie, SCETF,
249 Saunders Road
249 Saunders Road
21st Christian Island
26th Montreal , QC Westmount , QC
27th Sherbrooke , QC Vision School
28th Ottawa St. Laurent Academy
641 Sladen Avenue
641 Sladen Avenue
June
4th Toronto
9th Windsor
** Time and location to be confirmed. If your school would be interested in hosting any of these sessions, please contact Noreen McLean (see below for contact information).
Time:
Topic: JUMP Math General Workshop – How to Reach and Teach Every Child
Focus Audience: Teachers of Grades 1-8, Learning Assistance Specialists, and EAs
Cost: $85 plus 13% HST = $96.05 (includes 1 set of two JUMP Math workbooks)
Locations: TBA
Topic: JUMP Math General Workshop – How to Reach and Teach Every Child
Focus Audience: Teachers of Grades 1-8, Learning Assistance Specialists, and EAs
Cost: $85 plus 13% HST = $96.05 (includes 1 set of two JUMP Math workbooks)
Locations: TBA
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Circles of support
I am happy to see that so many folks are stopping by my blog. Whether or not you are a homeschooler I am sure that all of us are aware of the importance of a supportive circle of friends and family as we journey along. If you have time to leave a comment I would love to hear from you.
As few years ago I was at a conference about "Maps and Paths" and the importance of the circle of support. The focus was on people with special needs but the message was applicable to all of us.
The greater our circle of support is the better our chances of reaching our goals. I feel blessed to have family and friends who support our choice to homeschool. The sharing of ideas materials and resources enrich all of us. Our neighbour shares her gift of music to teach the boys drumming. Another friend has shared pictures and stories of his travels around the world. A friend from church has taught the boys how to read weather maps and systems. We are blessed to be part of a diverse circle.
Thinking about this leads me to thinking about how I can share with others.
~ sharing curriculum resources
~ sharing contacts
~ sharing stories and experiences
~ listening
In our bible study discussions the boys have been looking at ways to give back to our community both locally and globally. The boys have benefitted from the support of others and it is important for them to recognize the gift and honor it by paying it forward.
Thanks for being part of my circle.
As few years ago I was at a conference about "Maps and Paths" and the importance of the circle of support. The focus was on people with special needs but the message was applicable to all of us.
The greater our circle of support is the better our chances of reaching our goals. I feel blessed to have family and friends who support our choice to homeschool. The sharing of ideas materials and resources enrich all of us. Our neighbour shares her gift of music to teach the boys drumming. Another friend has shared pictures and stories of his travels around the world. A friend from church has taught the boys how to read weather maps and systems. We are blessed to be part of a diverse circle.
Thinking about this leads me to thinking about how I can share with others.
~ sharing curriculum resources
~ sharing contacts
~ sharing stories and experiences
~ listening
In our bible study discussions the boys have been looking at ways to give back to our community both locally and globally. The boys have benefitted from the support of others and it is important for them to recognize the gift and honor it by paying it forward.
Thanks for being part of my circle.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Homeschool Support
Through the last 12 years of homeschooling I have come to learn that participation in a supportive homeschool group is incredibly valuable. I have also learned that not all homeschool groups are created equally. I have been a member of several different groups over the years before finding the right fit for our family. There are as many types of homeschool groups as there are approaches to homeschooling. Although the group I belong to now has an extensive library, activities, and programs, their greatest resource is the people. Having a network of like-minded supportive folks that I can share ideas, worries and celebrations with is invaluable! I know that I always have somewhere to turn when times are tough. I know that someone in the group will be there for me with ideas and support as I would be for them.
A friend of mine has been dealing with a difficult situation with a homeschool group. I won't go into all the details but suffice to say that her membership was denied. The group claims to be "inclusive group supporting homeschoolers " by "established to help member families make connections, share resources and to provide encouragement for home educating families." It appears that this group talks the talk without walking the walk. I hope that she can find a group that will be the right fit for her family soon.
A friend of mine has been dealing with a difficult situation with a homeschool group. I won't go into all the details but suffice to say that her membership was denied. The group claims to be "inclusive group supporting homeschoolers " by "established to help member families make connections, share resources and to provide encouragement for home educating families." It appears that this group talks the talk without walking the walk. I hope that she can find a group that will be the right fit for her family soon.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Refreshed and connected
Homeschooling isn't all sunshine and cool projects, we all have some days that are better than others. There are times when we all have doubts about homeschooling and begin to think must be crazy to be pursuing this journey. Seriously, I had a lot of doubts about homeschooling high school. Having a strong support system goes a long way.
Tonight I am feeling recharged and energized after attending a homeschool support meeting. Seventy one adults and 5 babes in arms. Learned something new and shared our successes and struggles together. I look forward to getting to know more people in the group. Over the last few months I have felt somewhat alone because there aren't that many people I know who are homeschooling highschool.
The boys' physical limitations add a whole other aspect to homeschooling that the majority do not deal with. Currently my youngest struggles to sit for more than 20 minutes due to hip and back pain. In the spring my oldest had fallen and injured his wrist. As a result he was unable to write or type. There is always a new challenge waiting around the corner.
Thankfully there is a network of caring folks sharing the journey with us. Thanks KWCHEA !
Tonight I am feeling recharged and energized after attending a homeschool support meeting. Seventy one adults and 5 babes in arms. Learned something new and shared our successes and struggles together. I look forward to getting to know more people in the group. Over the last few months I have felt somewhat alone because there aren't that many people I know who are homeschooling highschool.
The boys' physical limitations add a whole other aspect to homeschooling that the majority do not deal with. Currently my youngest struggles to sit for more than 20 minutes due to hip and back pain. In the spring my oldest had fallen and injured his wrist. As a result he was unable to write or type. There is always a new challenge waiting around the corner.
Thankfully there is a network of caring folks sharing the journey with us. Thanks KWCHEA !
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
How much is too much?
We have been homeschooling high school since January of this year. At the moment I won't go into the fiasco that resulted from the neighbourhood high school.
We quickly learned that my oldest needed year round courses. After going 8 months without math his confindence was seriously undermined so at the request of both boys we are not semestered. The boys had a lot of say in their subject choices (within reason). They are carrying about 8-9 subjects each. The challenge now is determining how much work should be assigned each day. I believe that they both need the responsibility of managing major projects and regular homework in order to prepare them for post secondary education. Slowly we are getting it tweaked but haven't quite managed it with math yet.
Thankfully math is not my department! While I supervise and teach classes during the day. Dad is the go to guy for math and does evening math class once a week (at least he will once he isn't running out to meeting at church).
So far the planners are working and homework is getting recorded daily. The oldest struggles though when the list looks too long ~ even though it might only be 20 min or so for each subject. We still have to work on breaking down the tasks so they aren't so overwhelming. The perfectionist in him gets the best of him some days.
How long do your kids spend on homework?
We quickly learned that my oldest needed year round courses. After going 8 months without math his confindence was seriously undermined so at the request of both boys we are not semestered. The boys had a lot of say in their subject choices (within reason). They are carrying about 8-9 subjects each. The challenge now is determining how much work should be assigned each day. I believe that they both need the responsibility of managing major projects and regular homework in order to prepare them for post secondary education. Slowly we are getting it tweaked but haven't quite managed it with math yet.
Thankfully math is not my department! While I supervise and teach classes during the day. Dad is the go to guy for math and does evening math class once a week (at least he will once he isn't running out to meeting at church).
So far the planners are working and homework is getting recorded daily. The oldest struggles though when the list looks too long ~ even though it might only be 20 min or so for each subject. We still have to work on breaking down the tasks so they aren't so overwhelming. The perfectionist in him gets the best of him some days.
How long do your kids spend on homework?
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Introduction
If someone were to ask me about what I do I would likely respond; I'm just me. I do what needs to get done.
I am a teacher, a nurse, a doctor, a chiropractor, a physical therapist, an orthotist, a case manager, a pharmacist, a not so savy computer tech., cook, washer, maid, personal support worker, a friend, curriculum creator, E.C.E., recreation leader,collector of resources and a Mom. I wear many hats over the course of a day. Do I have the peices of paper that go with these titles? No, but life and experience are marvelous teachers.
I am a happily married Mom with two awesome sons who deal a lot of challenges with perseverence, courage and understanding. My sons deal with their own unique combinations of challenges which include: hypermobile ehlers danlos, syndrome, asthma, A.D.H.D, A.D.D., Tourette's syndrome, scoliosis, sensory issues, as well as anaphylactic allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, bee stings and latex. In case that wasn't enough they are allergic to several medications (not the same ones of course ~ that would be too easy).
These numerous challenges have also made learning in the traditional school system very challenging. After several struggles and many tries with some amazing educators we are now homeschooling our sons through high school. I should have paid a lot more attention when I was in high school because there seems to be even more to learn today.
I was told recently that my work experinence had many gaps. That is indeed true because life keeps on happening around us and sometimes we need to change plans to keep our heads above water. I have worked as a childcare provider at home and in licensed centres, support worker, gymnastic coach, kitchen staff, administrator, advocate and educator. I have volunteered as a probation officer, representative on the special education advisory committee, block parent, Sunday school teacher, park cleaner, advocate and community worker.
I'm just me.
I am a teacher, a nurse, a doctor, a chiropractor, a physical therapist, an orthotist, a case manager, a pharmacist, a not so savy computer tech., cook, washer, maid, personal support worker, a friend, curriculum creator, E.C.E., recreation leader,collector of resources and a Mom. I wear many hats over the course of a day. Do I have the peices of paper that go with these titles? No, but life and experience are marvelous teachers.
I am a happily married Mom with two awesome sons who deal a lot of challenges with perseverence, courage and understanding. My sons deal with their own unique combinations of challenges which include: hypermobile ehlers danlos, syndrome, asthma, A.D.H.D, A.D.D., Tourette's syndrome, scoliosis, sensory issues, as well as anaphylactic allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, bee stings and latex. In case that wasn't enough they are allergic to several medications (not the same ones of course ~ that would be too easy).
These numerous challenges have also made learning in the traditional school system very challenging. After several struggles and many tries with some amazing educators we are now homeschooling our sons through high school. I should have paid a lot more attention when I was in high school because there seems to be even more to learn today.
I was told recently that my work experinence had many gaps. That is indeed true because life keeps on happening around us and sometimes we need to change plans to keep our heads above water. I have worked as a childcare provider at home and in licensed centres, support worker, gymnastic coach, kitchen staff, administrator, advocate and educator. I have volunteered as a probation officer, representative on the special education advisory committee, block parent, Sunday school teacher, park cleaner, advocate and community worker.
I'm just me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)