HS Check In March 4-19

[lyn1270]

Originally Posted by 7mom7 This morning I "taught" DS1 that if you dump out 5 buckets of toys trying to find a specific toy you will then spend the next hour and a half resorting and cleaning the contents of what you dumped out...ALONE. He knows better. Our school room is also our playroom and now he's wasted the morning with this ordeal rather than the productive morning of schoolwork I had planned. Maybe it's the age he's at but he really pushing the limits lately and showing attitude. The attitude thing could be my fault because I've not had the greatest attitude towards him. I think he's almost done sorting so hopefully we can finally get some schoolwork done. I've got to get my frustration with him under control...he's just not very fun to be around at the moment. Hopefully this stage will pass soon.

yeah....we have that same lesson bout every day it makes me tired....sigh....but i guess it's part of their training.

Originally Posted by Britches~in~Stitches Hi everyone, Sorry I haven't checked in for a while . 7mom7- we've had that "lesson" a few times. Around here its often punctuated with overly dramatic cries of "but why!" Fun times. I've spent the last two weeks complaining about being tired and unmotivated alternated with, "there's so much junk in our house, I'm going to donate it all to charity if no help clean it up!" Then I found out that we're expecting #5. That might explain a bit . We've been doing the basics, and added in some lapbooks. This week is "the tale of Peter rabbit." Next week is "rachenkas eggs." Today we are going to go to dance then to the local farm supply for our gardening equipment. We're also planting seeds for part of our unit this week. Does anyone know of a non-creationist based dinosaur unit study/lapbook? I can't seem to find one, and I'm too tired to keep banging my head against the wall. I'll start on it again when we get home later.

congrats!! have you tried Free Lapbooks??? google it, i think it's listed just like that. they had tons of lapbooks last i looked and most were non-creationist, i think.

Originally Posted by jen_batten Thanks ladies!! I don't know what I would do if I didn't have other hsers to rant to from time to time. Right now I pretty much read all of Keegan's lessons to him because he is still young and it ensures that we actually accomplish something that day, lol. We tried hooked on phonics last year, I don't know if maybe he wasn't ready or if the program wasn't for him. I've considered getting it back out but haven't done it yet. Partly because our only tv is downstairs, partly because I just cannot figure out what would be best. This is what baffles me the most. Today Keegan did fine reading. I was proud of him...he read the bible reader story which had words like mountain, smoked and people and it was fine. I do have to help him, like reminding him of special blend sounds or something, but on a great day he can do it. On a horrid day he can't do anything. I don't get it, so I don't know whether I think what we are doing is working or not. The whole word approach...not sure how to go about that. It seems like he does remember things on sight better than by phonics, however that also causes lots of problem because then sometimes he will guess a similar word (fog instead of frog, maybe) and not even notice it was wrong. And sometimes he guesses based on context clues...like the word will be little, but he'll say small even though the spellings aren't close and keep right on reading if I don't stop him. How do you properly do a whole language approach? I also think that may be what my DH does, and we'll....he's a poor reader. But I would like to try something different because I'm convinced there's something that would click better if only I could figure out what. I also go back and forth between "he's young, and he'll pick it up in time" to "this is not working, we've got to do something else." So basically I typed this book to say, I don't know what I even think. We do do patching. We've been doing it for a few months and it is helping. I kind of suspect they will change his prescription for his weak eye this time because it improved quite a bit last time. He's had glasses since he was five, but his bad eye got worse during that time because the prescription for it was off. The Dr expects really good results from the patching though so I'm optimistic. I talked to Keegan after I got through being crabby and asked if he had any ideas that he thought would help and how come he thought some days were harder than others. He didn't know or have ideas but it was a good chat and I told him we would talk to the Dr on Monday to see if he had any ideas. I'm thinking about ordering a program designed for dyslexic and seeing what that would do....the Dr has not diagnosed him but I'm pretty sure that's what's going on....I am going to see what he says Monday. I'm really hoping it won't snow US out--our road gets really nasty when it snows.

i think you are doing just fine!! my oldest DS1, who is an excellent reader now, went thru a patch when he was in K that sounds much like Keegan. There were days when he could read just about anything I put in front of him. And then other days, he couldn't sound out IT it was VERY frustrating, and I lost my temper on more than one occasion. But then, a few months later, it just all clicked. He's been a reading machine ever since. so just stick w/it. if he's frustrated, then just move on. no sense making him hate it, or you either. he'll get it

Originally Posted by 7mom7 This is really encouraging to hear. We just started patching about a week ago. I was kind of frustrated that they didn't do it last year if it would have helped him...hopefully he's still young enough that we'll see improvement. I do think you've still got plenty of time to get your son on track. I think you should trust your instincts and get the program for dyslexic children if that's what your leaning towards. I don't want this to come across as bragging but I was always an above average reader and I think my parents did 2 things that contributed to that. 1) they read us classic nursery rhymes with a lot of alliteration and tons of Dr. Seuss 2) we read the Bible out loud as a family every single night- the real Bible, not a children's version. I was probably 6 or 7 reading one chapter a night (my sister and I alternated). I'm sure it took forever but they were patient and never rushed me. It really developed my vocabulary since we started when I was very young and I know it made me a better reader. If you have different religious beliefs obviously that wouldn't work for you but you could still make time to read classical literature out loud as a family. I just think there's something about carving out that time each day as a family and including dad in it. I'm preaching this to myself too because it's something we keep meaning to implement.

we read to our boys every single day/night without fail. sometimes we read funny books that are chock full or pictures, and sometimes we read chp books like Oliver Twist, and most of the time we read the Bible. I think it really helps all readers if they are read to. It just sets such a good example. Good advice 7mom7.

[lyn1270]

had a good day today. Mommy & Me Life group that was awesome. We are studying the book Shepherding a Child's Heart...good stuff!! It went over into lunch, so school was pretty much done :/ but we watched Tom & Huck (about Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn) since DS1 and I are reading Tom Sawyer right now. After the movie, DS1 decided he needed to build a ladder so we headed to Lowe's to get supplies. DS1 successfully built his first construction project w/almost no help!! We held a board or 2, showed him the basics, and he did the rest!! woot!! so he learned about measuring, marking, sawing, hammering, and cleaning up great day!! then we topped it off w/a bonfire and smores <3 love these days <3

[7mom7]

Lyn, sounds awesome!

AFU: We managed to get in math, reading, bible, and cc review this morning then headed out to play. While playing we ran into some major disobedience...he's really good about schoolwork but we're having issues when there isn't as much structure. He's back-talking and arguing about everything. DH and I have both had some serious talks with him but it doesn't seem to be working.

[foggierbard9]

We actually managed to get school work done this afternoon after our morning at Bible Study. DS is now playing Reading Eggs and was all excited yesterday because he moved to a new map.

[2queens&1princenmyhouse]

Sounds like everyone is doing fun things. Mine are currently upstairs yelling at each other about Lego pieces. I'm hiding in the basement.

Tomorrow we are attending DS's prek egg hunt. It's supposed to be 38* and sleeting. The original plan was picnic and play in the park after the egg hunt, but now I think we'll be grabbing some lunch and playing at the mall. The kids only need to get today's work done and then math and spelling tests tomorrow and it's spring break. I can't wait!

[Britches~in~Stitches]

Originally Posted by lyn1270 congrats!! have you tried Free Lapbooks??? google it, i think it's listed just like that. they had tons of lapbooks last i looked and most were non-creationist, i think.

I did, but the only one I found was the homeschool share lapbook, and it is creationist. I love most of their lapbooks, but decided to pass that one up. I did find a dinosaur lapbook through hands of a child that looks good, so I grabbed that one.

A bonfire and smores sounds like so much fun! I don't even know where we would go to have one around here though. For now we will toast marshmallows on the grill outside .

Originally Posted by jen_batten This is what baffles me the most. Today Keegan did fine reading. I was proud of him...he read the bible reader story which had words like mountain, smoked and people and it was fine. I do have to help him, like reminding him of special blend sounds or something, but on a great day he can do it. On a horrid day he can't do anything. I don't get it, so I don't know whether I think what we are doing is working or not. The whole word approach...not sure how to go about that. It seems like he does remember things on sight better than by phonics, however that also causes lots of problem because then sometimes he will guess a similar word (fog instead of frog, maybe) and not even notice it was wrong. And sometimes he guesses based on context clues...like the word will be little, but he'll say small even though the spellings aren't close and keep right on reading if I don't stop him. How do you properly do a whole language approach? I also think that may be what my DH does, and we'll....he's a poor reader. But I would like to try something different because I'm convinced there's something that would click better if only I could figure out what. I also go back and forth between "he's young, and he'll pick it up in time" to "this is not working, we've got to do something else." So basically I typed this book to say, I don't know what I even think.

My DD does this a lot. I don't know for sure, but I think it's a combination of boardom/distraction and/or being tired. We can read great one day, and the next you would think she had never tried before. She also guesses based on context, or recognizes the words.

Honestly, I don't have any advice, since we're just trying to work through it ourselves. A lot of times we have to take a break for both her and me. Generally, she will throw a fit over it, but that's better than me losing my patience with her.

I guess all I'm really saying, is you're not alone, though DD doesn't have any vision problems, I can empathize with what you are going through.


AFU- We've done most of our schoolwork today, including some of yesterdays. We had dance yesterday, and then went on a wild goose chase for gardening materials/seeds, etc. Today we're going to do some seed starts after naptime for the little ones, and put together a raised bed garden. I had DH in the schoolroom with me, and let the three older kids play for about 10 minutes while we talked about getting the last of next years curriculum...during which time, the 2 and 4 year old decided to eat birthday cake we hadn't put away yet, .

Tomorrow, we're scheduled to be at the zoo with a bunch of other homeschoolers. Part of me appreciates the time with them greatly, the other part of me is cataloging all the things that I could be doing at home at that time. I know it's ungrateful, but it's a very busy time of year for us right now.

[lyn1270]

so.....very.....tired. We had CC today. I had to share my music time w/the tutor next door. She & I are not fans of one another :s (her son likes to bully other kids, and bullied my son once. I stood up for my son & the other kids. She labeled her kid as a misunderstood victim....smh. And then I paid the price by being labeled as Over-reactive Mama Bear...smh. Whatever...my kid isn't getting bullied anymore so it's all good!) But her iPod broke and she had no music, so she needed me to share. anyway, her entire class came over and participated in CC Mrs. Stewart Style It was a smashing success, and I think the other tutor was pleasantly surprised that my class is AMAZING !! LOLOLOL!!

other than that, we have done nothing. my house is a hot mess. laundry is sky high. the kitchen is not clean. my vacuum is broken....again. and honestly, i just want a nap. I'm feeling a lil' like Scarlet O'Hara....I'll worry about this mess tomorrow!

[7mom7]

Woo Hoo! So, sometimes I feel like I don't spend enough one on one time with DS2 (he turned 3 in Jan). He just tags along with whatever we are doing with DS1. I'm in the early schooling camp but we keep it really light and fun. Well this morning he comes to me and says he's been wearing his Lightning McQueen hat and he was being a "bot." I said, "a bat?" He said, "No, a BOT, with an O (and he draws an air circle with his finger)!" He's kind of a quiet kid but from time to time he'll surprise me with something like this and it's so encouraging! Okay, I'll quit bragging...just a proud mommy moment that I had to share!

[lyn1270]

Originally Posted by 7mom7 Woo Hoo! So, sometimes I feel like I don't spend enough one on one time with DS2 (he turned 3 in Jan). He just tags along with whatever we are doing with DS1. I'm in the early schooling camp but we keep it really light and fun. Well this morning he comes to me and says he's been wearing his Lightning McQueen hat and he was being a "bot." I said, "a bat?" He said, "No, a BOT, with an O (and he draws an air circle with his finger)!" He's kind of a quiet kid but from time to time he'll surprise me with something like this and it's so encouraging! Okay, I'll quit bragging...just a proud mommy moment that I had to share!

AWESOME!!

afu: i had to take my old lady friend on a bunch of errands today (she's 85), so DH stayed with the kids. he took them on an outing to Lowe's to get wood for a project. then home. so no official school work. DS3 did do some alphabet stuff earlier this morning but that's been about it. i promise....we do actually do school work around here