Posted by: sumi Jan 22 2004, 11:22 PM

Do any of you have fresh and creative ideas about teaching number bonds (addition and subtraction facts) to my first-grader? He doesn't focus for long and learns best while playing games. I seem to lose him when we work with manipulatives - counting out colored tiles doesn't grab his attention for long.

I can tell that we need to work on this area more - but I want to keep it as fun and fresh as I can. Any ideas?

Posted by: CelticMuse Jan 23 2004, 09:59 AM

Have you seen the Hershey Kisses addition book? I got it for Noah for when we teach addition and subtraction, they are cute, I wouldn't use kisses every day but once in awhile it might be novel.

Posted by: Appliejuice Jan 23 2004, 09:08 PM

I had my dd roll big dice and she was to write the two numbers down and then add them. She only lasted maybe for five rolls. I found a really neat die at the school supply store. It was large clear die on the outside with black dots. In the center was a smaller red die with black dots, so it was two in one.

Play hopscotch. What ever number the rock lands on Mom call's out a number and he has to answer.


Cut posterboards into 4th and number each one. Make a LARGE die out of 5" or larger cardboard box. Number the sides 1, 2, 3. Pick a number he is having trouble adding. Place the posterboard numbers in a swiggly line through the house or outside in the yard. Ds is going to be the game piece. He or Mom rolls the die. He jumps that many places, he adds the number of the posterboard to the number he is having trouble with. If he misses, he has to go back to the number of spaces he rolled. At the finish line give him a prize. Sticker or something. Marshmellows work at this house .

I'll think of some more later. HTH

Posted by: molly Jan 25 2004, 07:28 PM

I bought a math facts cd and my girls LOVE it. The addition facts are all set to song and it's a blast!
I know that I've seen these tapes/cds for sale somewhere... Maybe it was CBD's homeschooling catalog? I can't remember, but I'm sure a google search will help you find them. It was a great $10.00 investment!!!

If he's a hands-on guy, he might also like Learning Wrap-ups. They do math facts too--my 5 year old is doing her addition tables right now and those are MUCH more fun than flash cards, at least to kinisthetic (hands-on) learners!

Posted by: sumi Jan 26 2004, 08:28 PM

You all have such great ideas! We had a really great math lesson this morning... Thank you!!!!

Posted by: Sandra314 Nov 29 2005, 09:26 PM

What type issues are you dealing with and and do you use any kind of special ed curriculum?

Posted by: Sandra314 Nov 29 2005, 09:49 PM

Medical Condition(s):
-Hydrocelphalus diagnosed after premature birth

-craniosynotosis (premature fusion of skull) 2 skull reconstructive surgeries Jan and Feb. 2001, diagnosed at age 2

-mild to moderate scarring of the liver, liver problems in which after testing indicated he has a metabolic disorder. diagnosed at age 10 months

-Deletion of the 2nd chromosome (chromosomal abnormality)
diagnosed at age 3

-Undescended right testicle and Hernia
Surgery this Jan 20, 2005. diagnosed this December 2004 at age 4.

-eye muscle surgery to correct v-exotropia on March 30, 2005.

-Behavioral problems, we are having Michael tested this coming year, We suspect he has a form of Autism (PPD or Asperger's)

Year in School: We homeschool. Doing pre-k
I do not use a purchased curriculum but I do work with Michael one on one tailored to his needs as a special needs child.

Posted by: carmatlock Nov 30 2005, 12:48 AM

My 6 yr old
**Autism
**Asperger's
**Pervasive Developmental Disorder
**ADHD

One of my 4 yr olds
**Pervasive Developmental Disorder
**(I suspect: Autism/Asperger's)
**Nystagmus
**Asthma

The other 4 yr old
**Pervasive Developmental Disorder
**(I suspect: Autism)
**Nystagmus
**Asthma


I have heard there are no Special Ed curriculums. . .but of course we are not in any area like Metroplex. . .I heard you just fine tune/tweak the current curriculum you like or that goes along with the child's learning pattern. You know what I mean like I know I am very visual. . .so I need lots of helps. . .if your child was visual, or whatever type way they learn best. . .go with curriculum that goes along with their learning "Style"--I thought of what I was trying to say!--yeah. . .


I used Alpha Omega and "I" loved it. . .of course there I go again. . .with my learning style. . .not his. . .he did not like it and I am not sure if it did not fit his learning style or if it was just the fact that twin bro's were getting to play and he was NOT. . .they were barely 2 when I started him at barely 4. . .but he is so highly intelligent. . .then now they are 4 and we have family school. . .of course the twins are learning 1st grade math but do not know the alphabet. . .but know what an angle is and big brother told them it was a corner and he had 4 in his room on his ceiling. I had not even thought of his room having angles. . .now WHO is the TEACHER??????? Even I get confused at times.

Today at lunch my mother was with us and she said something about next time we will do this. . .He looked at her and said Nanny what does next time mean. . .she hemmed and hawed around and finally spit out that next time meant when we were here again. . .etc. ....he looked at her and with a straight face said Oh you mean LATER????? I was in shock. . .where does this wisdom come from. . .WOW!!! He is 6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He blows me away sometime.

Anyway, just wanted to answer so here is what we do.

I do Five In A Row. . .Weavers/Interlock(1st Grade/Pre-k - K). . .I read to them nightly. . .am going thru the Bible also. . .do a deal on Obedience. . .1st Grade and K Saxon Math. . .and whatever I see I like at the time! Since June I have read to them over 250 books.

Well I will go. . .need to go eat dinner and get myself in bed!

Car

Posted by: carmatlock Nov 30 2005, 12:54 AM

Oldest (6 yrs) is doing 1st grade work

Twins are toggling between Pre-K and K work. . .depending on which book we are in. .. they are doing K Math. . .and Pre-K Interlock. . .but it has such good Biblical aspects. They start off in Genesis 1 - 10 and the Weavers starts with the next chap in Genesis. . .so I did not want my kids missing this part of the Bible. . .it is very neat.

My 6 year old can read words like Librarian, Friendly, Disappear. He spells television. . .he asked us one day how to spell Television. . .we said T.V. he got real mad and threw a fit. . .said that was not how you spelled it. . .

Oh to be young and know everything. . .wouldn't that be nice!

Car

Posted by: Seeria Dec 21 2005, 03:28 PM

We're just getting started on homeschooling (love your CD btw Mrs Young) so haven't decided on a theory or curriculum as of yet.

Our 9 year old daughter has Autism, dx'd at 18 months as severe. Our 7 year old son has PDD, ADD with sensory dysfunctions and severe speach delays.

Posted by: carmatlock Dec 21 2005, 06:51 PM

Welcome Seeria to the forums. Just wanted to pop in and say hi and let you know we are here. Feel free to ask anything. I may not have the answers but between all these wonderful women and the Internet we can help you out.

Carmen
PS I need to find my CD. . .I have lost mine. . .a needle in a hay stack so to speak. . .so if I can't find it. . .I may be re-ordering. . .haha

Posted by: carmatlock Dec 21 2005, 06:55 PM

My twins have some sort of Sensory Issues as well. I forgot about that. I think they all have a bit. . .oldest rubs the crown of his head across the floor the length of the Living Room. The twins just don't like touching anything at all. . .or anything touching them.

And they both have to have something in their mouth. . .one sucks his finger and the other walks around with a blanket hanging out of his mouth. Don't know what that is called. . .

Sorry
Forgot
Carmen

Posted by: kpmom Dec 22 2005, 09:56 AM

Sandra, my 11 y/o son Kevin also has a chromosomal abnormality...partial deletion on chromosome 2 and partial extra piece of chromosome 22.

He has numerous behavioral and learning issues because of this.

We use as our guide The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills.

Posted by: carmatlock Dec 22 2005, 06:22 PM

Praying for Christmas at our house to be a happy time. . .We just found out that at the beginning of December that oldest age put him in a different "insurance carrier" and I did not know they had taken him off the twins policy. Therefore now I have 2 more days of meds that control some of his outbursts and attitude. . .and no ins for oldest and I called today to call in prescription and see if I could get refilled and how much it would be. $119.00 and dh is off work due to surgery last week. . .so don't know how "bad" Christmas may get with oldest off his meds. . .and that was just ONE MED.

Anyway, just wanted to vent. . .hoping we have a good time. . .haha

Carmen

Posted by: alisonamsb Dec 22 2005, 10:03 PM

Hi Carmen,

I just read about your dilemma with the ins. and prescriptions. Have you contacted your DS's dr.? They often have samples specifically for this. His regular dr. might not, but he mighgt know where to get some to tide you over until you get the ins. thing straightened out. I would try calling earlier tomorrow, as I'm sure alot of the dr.s will take off early tomorrow for the holiday.

alison

Posted by: Sandra314 Dec 22 2005, 10:23 PM

Eileen,

I have never meet another parent that has a child with a deletion of the 2nd chromosome. We have been told that Michael's other medical issues and behavioral/learning delays maybe due to this delection. We were also told that they could not tell us if he would grow into adulthood or have children of his own.

What if anything have doctors told you?

Posted by: kpmom Dec 23 2005, 09:46 AM

Sandra,

The doctors pretty much gave us the "I don't know" answer as well.
In Kevin's case (*not* nessecarily your son) it's become apparent as he's gotten older that he'll need help all of his life. When it comes to these deletions, there seems to be almost endless possibilities for outcomes. I believe it's because the individual genes affected vary from child to child. The genes on the 2nd chromosome that are affected in Kevin's case are probably not the same one's that are affected in your son's case. I *think* that's why doctors don't have definite answers. Not like Down's Syndrome , for example, where the outcome is more predictable (although, even with Down's there is alot of intellectual differences from child to child).

How old is your child?

Posted by: carmatlock Dec 23 2005, 11:08 AM

The Pharmacy said they could give me 5. . .I picked those up last night. . .that was all they said they could give by law. . .I was grateful. . .and they were free. . .but I have also gotten his Rx's there for a long time.

So I told them once I got ins straightened out we would be back to get the whole order. . .thanks for the help.

God must have whispered in the pharmacist's ear.

Carmen

Posted by: hsmomma Dec 24 2005, 02:03 PM

Hope everything goes well for you and your families, Ladies. One day it will be a time when "no resident will say I am sick".

Posted by: Sandra314 Jan 11 2006, 10:10 PM

Michael is now 6 years old.

Posted by: MrsE Feb 21 2006, 12:27 AM

I know I'm jumping in kinda later here but.....

My oldest (5 years) seems very likely to be ADHD (as are my husband and I)

We aren't using any special curriculum but he is very auditory and learns much better through hearing things read to him or on videos, CD's, tapes, etc. He remembers almost everything he hears, if you can get his attention long enough for him to hear it!

He is very active and highly distractable but very bright as well.

My second son is speech delayed slightly. He just turned 3 and only started using sentances a couple of months ago, before that he was only using single words. He always pauses between words in his sentances. He lisps and most people seem to have a hard time understanding him.

I am just starting to look into what I can use to help him, I really don't know. His Dr suggested sending him to speech therapy right away so that he would be ready for school but I would really rather find something I can use at home. He's going to be homeschooled so I feel that there isn't a rush to "get him ready for school".

My youngest seems pretty "normal" so far, he is 6 months old. Actually, so far he's doing everything earlier than his siblings!

Posted by: kidchaser5 Feb 21 2006, 08:22 PM

How do they test/diagnose for SID? My step son's Dr. mentioned him having it, but I don't think he was ever diagnosed. He did have real issues with not wanting to be touched, and he is still uncomfortable, but it's not as bad as it used to be. He also has major picking problems! He always picks at nothing, but eventually he has a scab, and it never goes away because he keeps picking it! So now, he has tons of scars all over his arms, and elsewhere too. He also hates to look anyone in the eye, I mean you have to tell him to do it, and even then its only for a second, then back to the floor again. Isn't SID a form of Autism? He has habitual tendencies the Dr. said. He also makes this noise in the back of his throat(this is a new one) all the time. The Dr. said to ignore it, because telling him to stop will only remind him that he's doing it in the first place. He is also on 30mg of Adderall XR for ADHD(compulsive). He does have moderate speech problems, but is currently at grade level and passing. He lives with his mother, and she doesn't always seem very motivated to find out exactly what is wrong! It's maddening sometimes because we are always having behavior issues(especially if we are not there like in church for instance.) Once diagnosed with SID, what is done to help?

Ok, I originally was going to tell you about my daughter Summer. She has Dyslexia, and I just wanted to tell you about a Math program I use called 'Math-U-See'. I love it, and she does very well now that we are using it. I got it at our home school fair we go to every year. The website is www.MathUSee.com if you want to check it out! It is very easy to use, and I only wish I would've learned math this way, as it was always really hard for me

Posted by: alisonamsb Feb 21 2006, 09:47 PM

A possible option might be to have him evaluated by a private speech therapist through your insurance. The therapist will be able to give you details regarding his weaknesses and strengths and strategies to help him develop his speech and language skills. I am a pediatric speech therapist and I have parents request this occasionally. Some parents requests monthly consults so that they have someone objectively assessing their child and giving the parents new ideas and goals for the next month. It doesn't work with everyone but it is a viable option for HS families who already work with their children.

While it's true you don't have to "get him ready for school" these preschool years are very important for speech and language development. It is much easier treating these problems at a young age. Unresolved speech and language problems can hinder literacy development: sound awareness, grammical rules, etc.

Obviously, it's fine to take a wait and see approach when the delay is mild but if it is more significant, it's best to address it early.

Hope that helps.

Alison






There are several professional who can diagnose SID: occupational therapist, neurologist, psychologist, developmental pediatrician. An OT is probably the best source for evaluation and treatment though. Every child with SID presents with different symptoms but there are general categories that most fit into: hypersensitive/hyposensitive to touch, sound, motion, visual stimuli, body awareness.

Some professionals place SID on the Autism spectrum continuum. But most view it as a separate condition that often coincides with Autism. When children are very young, SID can look alot like autism. That's one of the many reasons why there's been such a large increase in autism rates in that past several years. When the SID is treated appropraitely, language and social skills begin to emerge and it becomes obvious that autism is not the issue. Of course, that's not always the case. There are many children with autism and SID together. However, many professionals these days are linking the two together: if signs of SId are present, then the child must have autism as well. and this not true.

hope that helps.

alison

Posted by: Dr. Pepper Mar 31 2006, 12:52 PM

I am shocked and disappointed. I wadded her paper up and threw it in the trash and told her to go to her room.

She was taking a Wordly Wise Test and the answers are in the back of the book. Never did I think in a million years that she would copy the answers or even think to look them up. Shame on me!!

Posted by: Michelle Mar 31 2006, 12:57 PM

A lesson for even homeschool mom's...even our children can fall to that temptation.

I'm sorry this happened, but I bet, she is feeling even sorrier for disappointing you.

Posted by: Dr. Pepper Mar 31 2006, 12:59 PM

I am just so stunned and shocked. I can't believe it. I am sick that she was even tempted to do it.

I don't even know how to discipline her.

Posted by: Michelle Mar 31 2006, 01:09 PM

What grade did you say she was in?

Posted by: Dr. Pepper Mar 31 2006, 01:16 PM

5th grade.

Posted by: Blaise Mar 31 2006, 01:20 PM

Ugh! I don't know what I'd do if that happened either. A spanking would probably be in order for one thing.

Posted by: Dr. Pepper Mar 31 2006, 01:40 PM

Well I went in to talk to her and I am so proud of myself in that I was very calm. I opened the door and said WOW! This one has thrown me. I am so shocked and disappointed that I don't know what to say.

She said nothing.

I asked her why would you ever dream of cheating? She immediately began crying and said I don't know why I do things like this.

I stated, I don't know why you did this either but would like to understand. Did you not understand the words? She responded with I don't know. I just did it.

I asked if she had cheated before and she hemmed and hawed....and spilled that she did the other day on Spectrum but has never done it before. I would like to believe her but.....

I told her that I had no clue how to discipline her except to give her a zero on the test, have her retake the test (I would like to show her that she did not need to cheat), there will be no going outside in the gorgeous 70 degree weather, and that she will be busy writing sentences.

She started writing the sentences and began yelling at me for having her write the sentences so she is back in her room taking a time out.

ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS WOW!!! I know that I have been going through a lot medically and hopefully this isn't a cry for my attention.

Thank you for listening and any words of wisdom.

Posted by: wings Mar 31 2006, 01:53 PM

Children fall just like we do and ours are no better than the next. The difference is how we use their failures as teachable moments. You did a wonderful job!! She will beat herself up much more than the grounding will ever do and your disappointment will help her to see that you are able to see her flaws and her successes and love her through both.

You also might only allow her a max grade of 50-70 in the book for the test. This will help her to see how quickly made decisions can have long reaching effects. Which one of us could have benefited from that lesson????

Congrats!!
Ber

Posted by: Dr. Pepper Mar 31 2006, 01:53 PM

I had her take the test and she would have made an 88 on it.

Posted by: Dr. Pepper Mar 31 2006, 02:02 PM

Thank you for your kind words of comfort.

Posted by: foxchild Mar 31 2006, 02:03 PM

I will keep the grade as a 0 for the test and let her know her grade would have been better by just doing the work on her own. Maybe remove the answers from the books or the sheets she is working on.

Posted by: TiffinKY Mar 31 2006, 02:05 PM

You know what, I bet my boys would try the same thing. I think it's sort of the sinful nature thing we all struggle with. When kids are young and immature want to see just how much they can get by with. That's where we as parents can come in and enforce rules and consequences. Sounds like you are doing a great job, Mom!

Posted by: Dr. Pepper Mar 31 2006, 02:15 PM

Her grade will remain a zero. I showed her if she had not cheated what she would have made and asked her if it was worth cheating or not.

The answers have already been removed.

Posted by: foxchild Mar 31 2006, 02:28 PM

I imagine with 2 kids, at one will try this. You are doing good. I hope I would not lose my temper in the situation, that would not help.

Posted by: gsmp Mar 31 2006, 03:15 PM

Dear Dr. Pepper......I am sorry this happened. I have had a similar situation with Colleen. When she says she doesn't know why she did it......I simply tell her,"yes she does".....the simple fact that she wanted to was why she did it.....there is not always a clear reason for why they do things.....for example...when Colleen stuck the ice cube on the lava lamp lightbubl, while it was plugged in and turned on......she couldn't tell me....the answer was simply that she wanted to......

We know as adults that there are things even we do that we know are wrong.....and couldn't tell under threat of interrogation why we did it.....accept that we wanted to.....

I have explained to them that sometimes you will do things...just because....it is our sinful nature....and that it takes more courage and fortitude to purpose in ones heart that they are not going to cheat or be dishonest than it does to do the cheating.


That's when the problem becomes a heart issue......We have taken the children and shown them from scripture what God has to say about these things.......

In our home, cheating is considered one of the serious offenses, punishable by a spanking or two...

We also let them know the trust they have damaged.....and that once trust is lost it must be earned back at a greater price.....I tell them we start out giving them the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise.

It's hard to teach sometimes, that the choice or action of our sin...has a far greater consequence than just the sin of the moment.

I am so sorry and know how shocked and disappointed you are......this is one of those issues that can become a teachable moment for you and an opportunity to teach that this was just not a spur of the moment decision on her part......but a matter of the heart.

to you.......Hopefully you will be able to use this as a moment to see what is bothering her also.....

Posted by: mom-to-five Mar 31 2006, 03:25 PM

Dr pepper,
you have gotten a lot of wise advice all ready!!! I just wanted to offer a a cyber hug!!

Posted by: chocolatechic Mar 31 2006, 03:57 PM

Me too.....



I agree.

Posted by: mimzie Mar 31 2006, 04:31 PM

I remember about that age, I probably would have cheated too, not cause I didnt know it, just cause it was so much easier, why do more work when there's an easy way out ya know? What about having her redo the last 4 or 5 spelling lessons and tell her you don't know if she cheated on those or not so you have to make sure.

I really don't know though because I would hate to lay the punishment on too thick because you don't want her to just cheat better next time where you don't find out about it ya know what I mean ? Good for you for staying calm though! This could be a very good lesson for her to see why cheating does no good. Maybe cook dinner tonight and cheat by not cooking the macaroni all the way or something crazy like that and tell her that you didnt want to work as hard so you cheated a little? Let her see how cheating affects everyone! lol

Posted by: cctabb Mar 31 2006, 04:38 PM

Two very good ideas there, Mimzie!

I have nothing to add that hasn't already been said.

Posted by: Dr. Pepper Mar 31 2006, 04:44 PM

I PM'd you.




That may be a good idea to test her on the last couple of lessons. TRUST!!

about the macaroni!!

Posted by: CelticMuse Mar 31 2006, 09:57 PM

Wow!!!!


I'm surprised but you handle this so well. Hopefully she will have learned her lesson about cheating. I hope that the rest of the day went smoother after she was allowed out of her room for being disrespectful.

you need some chocolate.....and a hug.....

Posted by: Dr. Pepper Mar 31 2006, 10:35 PM

Well believe it or not, I did let her out of her room and told her to get cracking on those sentences. She wrote up until 7:30 with a break for dinner. She kept asking me if she could stop and I remained firm and stated that I had to punish her or I would be sending a message that it is okay to cheat, that sometimes in life we make decisions and have to face the consequences of those decisions, that although cheating seemed easier at the time it really wasn't in the long run (look at what happened), and that before acting it takes a stronger person to stop, think and decide if their actions are worth the risks, etc.

At dinner, we ate on the deck as a family and did not discuss the events at all.

After dinner she went and continued writing sentences while we were outside socializing with the neighbors and my son, husband and neighborhood children played basketball. Of course, this caused her a lot of pain and when we came back in she sobbed and finally apologized for her actions.

I reassured her that I loved her more than anything in the world and that I would always love her no matter what. I told her that now we need to move forward and hopefully all have learned from this situation. We then bowed down and prayed together.




Do you get the feeling that I have been experiencing a lot of emotions this afternoon and evening?

How can I ever thank you enough for your words of encouragement and inspiration? It was wonderful to know that I could come to you for help and you would listen.

It is sometimes so hard to know what to do in situations and want to be careful that you don't do anything to rip down your child's self esteem, etc. Today was truly a challenge and one that I got through with the help of my kind supportive friends. Thank you!

Posted by: mimzie Mar 31 2006, 11:01 PM

Wow that is great!! It sounds like you did a wonderful job today, hopefully tonight you can get you some chocolate and just relax! You definitely deserve it ((HUGS))

Rachel

Posted by: gsmp Mar 31 2006, 11:37 PM

WOW.....I'm glad you two were able to work it out.......Sometimes I really think the way we punish them is so much harder on us than them....... .

Posted by: yjja123 Apr 19 2006, 07:35 PM

I think you handled it great!
I had a similar situation with my two. They are also in grade 5. They lost TV for a week and had to take 2 tests on the subject they had tried to cheat on. Funny--they knew the material. They just wanted to get done fast so they could go play.[/font]

Posted by: quiltinmommy Apr 19 2006, 09:19 PM

I just saw this today. I caught my son trying to cheat just the other day and I ripped his paper up right in front of him.... I was so mad. Then we discussed how cheating only cheats ourselves.... it doesn't hurt me...it hurts them.

Sounds like you did great!

Posted by: chocolatelover Apr 19 2006, 10:25 PM

You did a great job at it.

Everyone had such great ideas....


Ginger, post some of those Bible Verses when you post about them.....
PLEASE!!!!

Posted by: Ranchermom Apr 19 2006, 11:11 PM

I caught my daughter doing the same thing about a year ago I know how you felt about being disappointed. Now I have to keep the answers out of the book and I make her do her homework in the kitchen table not her room anymore. Just some privileges she lost by doing that. I am hoping she learned her lesson and will never do that again, but temptation can happen again.

I think you did a fine job with yours.

Sam

Posted by: siscaboo1512 Apr 20 2006, 07:00 AM

I think that you did a wonderful job. I know that if it were me, I would've knocked the house over.

All of these great suggestions and support. I am filing them away in case they are needed in my house. I am also going to talk to them about cheating and the affects and consequences of it. No better time then the present I feel.

Posted by: Grammie Apr 20 2006, 08:04 AM

Great job!

As to why we do things -- sometimes we just need to know what will happen. Children are naturally curious and some, like mine were, can be hard-headed. The only way they learn is to try it themselves. You can tell them no, but they just have to see for themselves what would happen.

Posted by: carmatlock Apr 23 2006, 05:53 PM

You all gave some very encouraging words and things to do in the time of need. I will tuck these away for later

Thanks. . .you all encouraged me and I have not gone thru this yet

Posted by: luvmyjared00 Apr 28 2006, 06:48 PM

I am just curious to see what everyone will be doing during the summer as far as schooling goes. My son will be turning 6 in July and we are starting to read chapter books. I was hoping that we could work on 2 or 3 books and do some projects and such with them. He loves the magic tree house series and junie b jones. I don't want to totally school the child the whole summer but I figure if we work on this a couple days a week he would enjoy it... Anyone else doing this or am I just crazy??lol

Posted by: Tressa Apr 28 2006, 07:18 PM

Well, I am not sure how the summer is going to go. We have testing in a couple of weeks and after that I am taking at least a month off! That will put me into July. We might do light school, but the weather is really nice here then so....I don't know what the plan will be.

Posted by: quiltinmommy Apr 28 2006, 07:54 PM

We take a "field trip" every week in the summer. I started this years ago because I found if I wasn't intentional about our summer plans, we ended up not doing a thing. In Alaska, it was things like a bike ride, visit a special park, go for a hike. Here we take actual field trips to historic places..... but only because they are abundant and many are free!

My youngest will continue reading and I want to play lots of math fact games with her.... I won't tell her they are educational.....

We also attend a park day with our co-op once a week in the summer.... we miss our friends too much, so even though co-op doesn't meet in the summer.... we meet informally just to hang out.

Posted by: Dr. Pepper Apr 28 2006, 08:25 PM

Our plans for the summer are to do one page of math per day, reading each day, and continue with piano and guitar lessons. Other than that, we will be soaking in the sun and playing in the pool.

Posted by: Melanie Apr 28 2006, 08:44 PM

We "school" all summer, unless something comes up. And something always comes up, thank goodness.

Posted by: hs4hmom Apr 28 2006, 08:54 PM

We will school through June and then take July and August off for 4-H. We are heavily involved in that and it's very busy those two months.

Posted by: Sherinova Apr 28 2006, 09:00 PM

Uuhhh....

Posted by: Sharilyn Apr 28 2006, 09:18 PM

Math and History thru June and then we'll start up again in August. We'll take all of July off. I could use the break and my boys have a lot of scouting stuff that month.

Posted by: gsmp Apr 28 2006, 10:37 PM

We will be doing some type of schooling thru the summer.....especially the hottest part of the day when it is too hot for them to be outside.

Posted by: Blaise Apr 28 2006, 11:23 PM

No plans yet... but definitely math all summer. Maybe a week on and a week off.

Posted by: AKHomemom Apr 28 2006, 11:26 PM

Normally we school all year w/just a break or two during the summer for camps and the fair and officially beginning the new school year in Aug. This year we have company coming some time in Aug. so we'll postpone the new start until after Labor day which will put us beginning after the school do as they are starting early this year to get out in May next year.

Posted by: donnamichelle Apr 29 2006, 12:23 AM

We are taking April off... so we will school thru May and part of June. We will take July off so that my parents can spend time with the kids (this is when my dad takes his vacation time). We will probably go on a few "field trips" this summer too.

I am going to try a new schedule this year... so it will be more like a year around thing... but it is a new venture and subject to change.

I DO know that there will be a WHOLE lot of reading going on even if we are taking a "break". It is something I insist on.

We hope we will go to the homeschool day at the local amusement park and also to the one in Dollywood.

I am also hoping for a trip to the new Atlanta Aquarium also... but with gas $$$$ off the charts... we might have to stay close to home instead.

Maybe I better re-work the budget instead of the school schedule!

Posted by: schoolcrew2002 Apr 29 2006, 12:29 AM

Reading, Reading, Reading, Reading, Reading, and Reading!!!!

My son is still struggling with reading but I see improvement!!

Also I will throw in a little math. Don't want all those new skills to be gone come August!!!

Posted by: Beth S...in AK Apr 29 2006, 01:36 AM

We are moving from Alaska to Mississippi this summer. I plan on being done with our school work by mid-May and we will pack up the school work! I hope to be able to get a reading list ready and have some books to read on our trip. We have a couple of "field trips" planned while we are traveling so we will do some educational stuff there.

We have to be in Miss. at the beginning of July but we probably won't have a house till mid August. I hope to start school again by mid-Sept.

Posted by: Nana Apr 29 2006, 07:32 AM

WE do this also

Our last "Official" day for this year is 6/9 and the"Official first day of next year is 7/11 with weird weeks due to camps with Girl and Boy Scouts... But there will be reading every day and maybe some sort of math ya know cooking or measuring something and lots of field trips to places and when none of work out there is the water park at our local park.

July and August are really too hot to play outside past oh around 7am so we school and take off time later when it cools down.

Nana

Posted by: ucfgizmo Apr 29 2006, 08:07 AM

Our plans sound similar to the others. It's so hot here too, that it gives us something to focus on, but we will be introducing some more extra-curricula activities as well. DD starts swim lesson sessions this month, along with her standard gymnastics.... just to make sure she gets enough exercise when its too hot to play. She will also be doing an arts and crafts class three times a week. I'm considering teaching her keyboard, but I'm not sure where to start.

We do field trips once a week during the year and that has worked out great for us. Unfortunately they are usually outdoor activities, so we may be kind of limited this summer. I do have science center passes this year, so that will probably be every 2-3 weeks, and we will probably do the art museum a couple times again. We might hit the zoo once or twice before it gets too unbearable. Other than that I'm clueless, and honestly haven't really thought about it.

Academically, mine will continue reading her 2 books a day. We are working up to longer books now. I can't imagine not reading for anything! I will continue to read 6-8 picture books or chapters to her each day as well, over half of those are non-fiction, so that will continue our science concepts and historical themes somewhat.

We will continue Saxon 1, which we are currently doing 2 lessons a single session 3 times a week, but probably will cut back to only twice a week. It only takes her a half hour or so. We will still do science experiments. She considers these fun and games anyway.

I'm sure I will work in phonics rules here and there, as well as language lessons, but less formally... probably just when we are reading. Spelling she seems to be doing great with using a computer program she loves, so I will leave it at that for now.

I guess that's it.

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 29 2006, 08:33 AM

This is me too............

Posted by: Michelle Apr 29 2006, 09:10 AM

Since we are graduating two this year, there will only be one left to do anything. And she is behind in math, so will catch that one up. She will do her algebra 1 in Saxon this summer.

Other than that...we are doing a couple of courses that are geared more towards adulthood, management, etc.

We also are hoping to do some traveling...for research. But that one we will have to wait and see if we can pull it off with everyone's work schedules.

Posted by: MomofBunbun Apr 29 2006, 01:00 PM

My oldest (finishing up 1st now) will do a Calculadders sheet daily and read to me out loud daily. My middle girl (finishing up K): I have plans on finishing up 100 EZ Lessons with her and finishing up the spelling book ( I started her in it half way through the year) so that she will be able to do all subjects with her sister with the exception of math and reading.

Posted by: MKDirector Apr 29 2006, 02:39 PM

Since we only began homeschooling in November and January we are going to go through the summer part time with some weeks off. We are planning a road trip to California so that will have lots of educational value as well as fun! Then we will go full time again end of August.

Posted by: alisonamsb Apr 29 2006, 03:15 PM

We have plans to school throughout the summer, but very loosely. It will be focused on daily reading (regular chapter books, no formal readers) and math facts drills. Then hopefully lots of field trips and science experiments, which we do not focus on during the year. But the kids will be away for three weeks in July visiting family so obviously that's a big chunk of time off. They likely won't do much reading then because their grandparents tend to dote on them and read a lot to them even though they can read on their own. No biggie though. They still get quite a bit from listening. They are still young, only 5.5.

Alison

Posted by: HomeschoolLady03 Apr 29 2006, 03:25 PM

Austin will officially be done with 5th grade as of May 12th.

I have plans for this summer:
*a REALLY deep cleaning of the house
*pre-planning for 6th grade (already over half finished with this)
*pre-planning for Hannah's preschool days (not started yet)
*some major playtime with the little ones

Austin reads all the time, without being asked so I'm sure he'll continue to read daily.

We start back during the 2nd week of July.

Posted by: Melanie Apr 29 2006, 03:53 PM

We were able to count nearly every day of our trip as a school day because of the "field trips!"