Woke up yesterday morning feeling anxious. We were scheduled to meet with our Para-educator to receive our books, lesson plan and to have my son's reading ability tested. I was scared and second guessing my decision to homeschool my children. I continually asked myself, "What were you thinking?"
Seeing all of the books made me want to faint. (Once I got home and sorted by student edition and teacher edition it wasn't so bad) My son tested lower than I expected in reading which took my anxiety and feeling of drowning into anger and frustration. I have been working really hard with him and he has made improvement, but it just proved to me how his school failed him and that I made the correct decision to school him at home.
My lesson plan that I received was beyond basic. Do Chapter One and related workbook pages. Our program does allow us to use a variety of teaching methods and decide what we teach, I was just hoping for a little more guidance since this is my first teaching gig. I have spent the last four hours looking at workbooks, teacher editions and student editions to grasp some sort of sense where to begin. I finally had to walk away from literature, LA, Reading etc. and took a look at Science, Social Studies and Math. Now it is all starting to seem a little more doable. I did learn one thing, I need a good lesson planner to get me organized.
I spent the better part of the evening looking for a good planner to help keep the kids and I on some sort of schedule so that we don't slack off. One would think that finding a planner to use would be easy, right? Wrong! At least not for me. I read on another blog how she used sticky notes for each day in her planner that way if she had to move something to another day it was easy. Sounds like an interesting idea. This morning, I will be making a trip to my local Target to see what they offer and make a decision.
Yesterday is behind us!!! Woo Hoo..... I had a great night's sleep and I am feeling much better. So, What was I thinking? I was thinking that traditional school was not working for us and that we needed to do something different. I was thinking that my son required more one on one learning and that the school he was in was not able to provide that to him. I was thinking that I want my children to have more positive influences in their day to day life. I was thinking that I want to be closer and have a closer relationship with my children. I was thinking this is the right decision for us at this moment in time.
I am blessed to have found a wonderful group of homeschoolers on Facebook and Yahoo Groups. I am grateful for all of the support, advice and resources that they have shared. Most importantly, I am thankful to know that I am not alone in this journey and that there will always be someone out there to think we homeschoolers are crazy, but also that there are a lot of people who think we homeschoolers are doing what is best for our children.
I am a wife and SAHM of three children. I am random in my thoughts just as I am random in my life. I am embarking on a new adventure and Home Schooling my kids this year. I love to cook and am willing to try new recipes and have an obsession for making sugar cookies. My husband and kids are my everything. Join me in my randomness as I enjoy life.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Making the Right Choice
First off, for anyone who is thinking about homeschooling, check with your State Department of Education. Each State has it's own set of rules and guidelines to follow. You can also find many resources out there to help you decide what the proper path is for you to take.
We have decided to give homeschooling a try. With that decision comes a million more decisions. In California we have a variety of options when it comes to home schooling. Since I am new to this myself, I will not make any claim as to knowing all the facts. When I began my research I came across California Homeschool Network and was thankful to find out a lot of what I need to get me going. I mentioned options earlier and there are a few to choose from. Reading over Just the Facts will give you a much better understanding.
We chose Option 3-Public School ISP or Charter Schools. This is still a public school and it is funded by the State of California. With this option, we are provided with all of our books and materials needed, we are still subjected to the STAR Testing and we are required to meet the California Department of Education guidelines. The only difference for us is we teach and learn at home. This is the choice that I felt would be best for our family. That doesn't mean it would be right for yours. This is a very personal decision that is made and while others may not agree with my choice, it is just that, my choice. We are just in the beginning stages of our homeschooling adventure and later on my choice may change. Right here, right now, this is what we are doing.
"Why take your child out of a public school to put them into another public school?" This is a popular question I am asked. I believe that there are to many children and not enough teachers in your tradition school. By utilizing a charter school, my family is assigned to a teach that is available to provide any support we need. We meet with this teacher once a month to turn in assignments and to get next month's lesson plan. My son requires more one on one attention when learning and I am able to provide that to him by homeschooling. I am also able to control the outside influence that my children are exposed to. Both of my children have been bullied and I am not going to allow that to happen again. I am not against our school system, I just don't like what I am seeing and it is my responsibility as a parent to put my children and their needs first.
Homeschooling is done for many reason. If you are curious about homeschooling, ask questions, keep an open mind and never judge.
This is the first in a series of posting to come regarding Children and Education. I am not an expert, just a parent trying to do my part.
We have decided to give homeschooling a try. With that decision comes a million more decisions. In California we have a variety of options when it comes to home schooling. Since I am new to this myself, I will not make any claim as to knowing all the facts. When I began my research I came across California Homeschool Network and was thankful to find out a lot of what I need to get me going. I mentioned options earlier and there are a few to choose from. Reading over Just the Facts will give you a much better understanding.
We chose Option 3-Public School ISP or Charter Schools. This is still a public school and it is funded by the State of California. With this option, we are provided with all of our books and materials needed, we are still subjected to the STAR Testing and we are required to meet the California Department of Education guidelines. The only difference for us is we teach and learn at home. This is the choice that I felt would be best for our family. That doesn't mean it would be right for yours. This is a very personal decision that is made and while others may not agree with my choice, it is just that, my choice. We are just in the beginning stages of our homeschooling adventure and later on my choice may change. Right here, right now, this is what we are doing.
"Why take your child out of a public school to put them into another public school?" This is a popular question I am asked. I believe that there are to many children and not enough teachers in your tradition school. By utilizing a charter school, my family is assigned to a teach that is available to provide any support we need. We meet with this teacher once a month to turn in assignments and to get next month's lesson plan. My son requires more one on one attention when learning and I am able to provide that to him by homeschooling. I am also able to control the outside influence that my children are exposed to. Both of my children have been bullied and I am not going to allow that to happen again. I am not against our school system, I just don't like what I am seeing and it is my responsibility as a parent to put my children and their needs first.
Homeschooling is done for many reason. If you are curious about homeschooling, ask questions, keep an open mind and never judge.
This is the first in a series of posting to come regarding Children and Education. I am not an expert, just a parent trying to do my part.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
People come in our life for a reason
New sports seasons brings new families and the possibilities of new friendships. Years ago, I tried to get to know all the parents on the team and chat with them in hopes of making new friendships. I was often left with the feeling that people just didn't like me. I generally would be the one initiating the conversation. And then I would here the stories about the various families on the team getting together, hanging out and having BBQ. Our family never being invited. I was hurt that we were not invited.
My solution was to stop trying to befriend everyone. For the last two years, we have kept to ourselves. We would say hello and be cordial. During practices, I would be found at the playground playing with my other two children rather than sitting with other parents. During game times, we would sit away from everyone. It was a different experience that is for sure. I was able to enjoy the game more and didn't have to listen to parents complaining about the coaches or any other B.S/gossip going around the field. Also, the parents didn't have to listen to me trying to start a conversation with them. I admit, I can be a talker.
This summer session of Basketball was no different. I was cordial but kept to myself. But a funny thing happened this season. We were at a Basketball game and my neighbors should up to support my daughter and watch her play. As we were enjoying the game, my neighbor mentions, "There are my neighbors that live behind us on the next street over." I was surprised. I mentioned that they were on our team. I am not sure why but I seized the opportunity. I walked over to the parent and asked if she lived on "such and such" street. (I don't want to name any names of people or streets to keep things confidential). The parent replied, "Yes we do." I mentioned that we live right around the corner from each other and that it would be great if we could get the kids together for a play date. Our kids are very close in age.
I was elated when she agreed that we should get together. Our first play date went off without any problems and it was a great feeling watching all the kids getting along, having a blast and listening to their laughter. Eight kids total ranging from age ten to two and a half. Not only did the kids hit it off, but so did the other parent and I. As we were talking during our first play date the subject of school came up and I found out that the kids were being home schooled. (No these kids were not socially awkward or pale in color. They looked and acted like typical kids but better behaved and respectful. But that is another topic).
My husband and I had previously discussed home schooling for the simple fact that my son struggles in school. Neither my husband or I felt confident that it was something that I could handle and we moved away from the subject at that time and I hadn't thought about it. I had done a little bit of research and spoken to many online friends that home school. Hearing these kids were home schooled made the wheels start rolling again in my head. I have to say that being able to sit with someone face to face, get your questions answered and be able to interact with kids that were home schooled really opened my eyes and but put the topic back on the table for my family.
For the next few days there was a ton of discussion with my husband and kids about home schooling and whether or not it was right for us. My conversation with my new friend helped me to answer this question. My answer was, "I don't know if it is right for us, but I am willing to jump in with both feet and try my best. If if it doesn't work out we can always go back to traditional school."
Someone once said, "We don't know what we don't know." What a true statement. We must try new and different things to see if it will work for us. Most importantly, we all need to keep an open mind about everything. Just because we are always told something is a certain way doesn't necessarily mean it has to be that way. If you find what you are doing isn't working for you or your family then it is time to find something that does work. I am willing to find what does work. Am I scared? Of course I am. Am I worried I might fail? Absolutely. What person wouldn't feel that way going into uncharted waters?
We decided that we would be foolish not to try. And now our adventure begins............
This is the second posting in a series of posting to come regarding Children and Education. I am not an expert, just a parent trying to do my part.
My solution was to stop trying to befriend everyone. For the last two years, we have kept to ourselves. We would say hello and be cordial. During practices, I would be found at the playground playing with my other two children rather than sitting with other parents. During game times, we would sit away from everyone. It was a different experience that is for sure. I was able to enjoy the game more and didn't have to listen to parents complaining about the coaches or any other B.S/gossip going around the field. Also, the parents didn't have to listen to me trying to start a conversation with them. I admit, I can be a talker.
This summer session of Basketball was no different. I was cordial but kept to myself. But a funny thing happened this season. We were at a Basketball game and my neighbors should up to support my daughter and watch her play. As we were enjoying the game, my neighbor mentions, "There are my neighbors that live behind us on the next street over." I was surprised. I mentioned that they were on our team. I am not sure why but I seized the opportunity. I walked over to the parent and asked if she lived on "such and such" street. (I don't want to name any names of people or streets to keep things confidential). The parent replied, "Yes we do." I mentioned that we live right around the corner from each other and that it would be great if we could get the kids together for a play date. Our kids are very close in age.
I was elated when she agreed that we should get together. Our first play date went off without any problems and it was a great feeling watching all the kids getting along, having a blast and listening to their laughter. Eight kids total ranging from age ten to two and a half. Not only did the kids hit it off, but so did the other parent and I. As we were talking during our first play date the subject of school came up and I found out that the kids were being home schooled. (No these kids were not socially awkward or pale in color. They looked and acted like typical kids but better behaved and respectful. But that is another topic).
My husband and I had previously discussed home schooling for the simple fact that my son struggles in school. Neither my husband or I felt confident that it was something that I could handle and we moved away from the subject at that time and I hadn't thought about it. I had done a little bit of research and spoken to many online friends that home school. Hearing these kids were home schooled made the wheels start rolling again in my head. I have to say that being able to sit with someone face to face, get your questions answered and be able to interact with kids that were home schooled really opened my eyes and but put the topic back on the table for my family.
For the next few days there was a ton of discussion with my husband and kids about home schooling and whether or not it was right for us. My conversation with my new friend helped me to answer this question. My answer was, "I don't know if it is right for us, but I am willing to jump in with both feet and try my best. If if it doesn't work out we can always go back to traditional school."
Someone once said, "We don't know what we don't know." What a true statement. We must try new and different things to see if it will work for us. Most importantly, we all need to keep an open mind about everything. Just because we are always told something is a certain way doesn't necessarily mean it has to be that way. If you find what you are doing isn't working for you or your family then it is time to find something that does work. I am willing to find what does work. Am I scared? Of course I am. Am I worried I might fail? Absolutely. What person wouldn't feel that way going into uncharted waters?
We decided that we would be foolish not to try. And now our adventure begins............
This is the second posting in a series of posting to come regarding Children and Education. I am not an expert, just a parent trying to do my part.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Good Bye School Year!
2011-2012 School year is finally over. I am happy the school year is behind us. My daughter was in the 5th Grade and my son was in the 2nd Grade. Both have passed and will be moving on to the next grade. I am grateful to the teachers that had my children and to the wonderful staff at their school. Their job is not easy and I have seen how it can take a toll on them.
Like I said, we had some good teachers but we also had some teachers that I was not overly impressed with. As a parent it is my DUTY to be supportive of my children's education and to do what I can to assist them in their learning adventure. I wish more parents would think the same way. I honestly believe that the teachers today are overwhelmed, overworked and stressed. With public schools constantly being hit with budget cuts, I couldn't even begin to fathom what it would be like to go to work everyday wondering if you were going to be laid off.
Each school year my children and I visit each class a few days before classes start to meet with the teacher and to introduce ourselves. At this time, I like to give the teacher's my phone number and email info and I always ask for them to contact me if my child is acting up or if there is anything and I mean anything going on that I need to be aware of. These are my children and I want to be supportive of my children and their teachers. Not to mention that I know my children are no angels, they are kids. I want the teachers to know that I am a very, very, very involved parent. I usually get a "thank you", a "I wish I had more parents like you" comment and the "Of course I will keep you informed of what is going on".
So what happens.....? It has been very rare that a teacher would contact me. Does that mean that everything is perfect? Heck no. I generally am contacting the teacher to find out what is going on. By the time that I sense there is an issue, it can be hard to get a handle on it. I wish I had an answer to why the teachers don't get more in touch with the parents. Both of my children had some issues academically and once I really began to stand my ground did I feel that my voice was being heard.
This past school year has taken a toll on our family emotionally. Both of my kids were harassed and bullied at school. I am thankful that I have a great relationship with my kids and they feel comfortable talking to us about any issues that they have. If it wasn't for my kids telling me what was going on, my husband I would have never known. I spent more time in the Principal's office this year than I think I ever did as a child. For the most part I was happy with the resolutions but there were a few that left a bad taste in my mouth. It is hard to have faith and believe in a system when you are often left wondering WTH!
Until next year.
This is the first in a series of posting to come regarding Children and Education. I am not an expert, just a parent trying to do my part.
Like I said, we had some good teachers but we also had some teachers that I was not overly impressed with. As a parent it is my DUTY to be supportive of my children's education and to do what I can to assist them in their learning adventure. I wish more parents would think the same way. I honestly believe that the teachers today are overwhelmed, overworked and stressed. With public schools constantly being hit with budget cuts, I couldn't even begin to fathom what it would be like to go to work everyday wondering if you were going to be laid off.
Each school year my children and I visit each class a few days before classes start to meet with the teacher and to introduce ourselves. At this time, I like to give the teacher's my phone number and email info and I always ask for them to contact me if my child is acting up or if there is anything and I mean anything going on that I need to be aware of. These are my children and I want to be supportive of my children and their teachers. Not to mention that I know my children are no angels, they are kids. I want the teachers to know that I am a very, very, very involved parent. I usually get a "thank you", a "I wish I had more parents like you" comment and the "Of course I will keep you informed of what is going on".
So what happens.....? It has been very rare that a teacher would contact me. Does that mean that everything is perfect? Heck no. I generally am contacting the teacher to find out what is going on. By the time that I sense there is an issue, it can be hard to get a handle on it. I wish I had an answer to why the teachers don't get more in touch with the parents. Both of my children had some issues academically and once I really began to stand my ground did I feel that my voice was being heard.
This past school year has taken a toll on our family emotionally. Both of my kids were harassed and bullied at school. I am thankful that I have a great relationship with my kids and they feel comfortable talking to us about any issues that they have. If it wasn't for my kids telling me what was going on, my husband I would have never known. I spent more time in the Principal's office this year than I think I ever did as a child. For the most part I was happy with the resolutions but there were a few that left a bad taste in my mouth. It is hard to have faith and believe in a system when you are often left wondering WTH!
Until next year.
This is the first in a series of posting to come regarding Children and Education. I am not an expert, just a parent trying to do my part.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Where has the time gone.........
I have failed miserably at the whole blogging thing. My last post was in May of this year. Two entire months have passed and not a word. I am disappointed in myself. When I first decided to blog, I had a ton of ideas and subjects that I wanted to blog about. As you can see, I haven't gotten to them. As soon as I sit to write, my mind goes blank. The past few months have gone by so quickly and my thoughts have come and gone just as fast.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Regal Summer $1 Movie Express
$1 Movie Express is back for the 2012 Summer. Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am participating Regal Cinemas will be showing one movie each day rated P or PG for just $1. This is a great way to break up the day and get out of the sun and heat. Movies vary by location. Click for participating Regal Cinemas.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Practice, Practice and more Practice
Three different sugar cookie recipes later and I have found my favorite one. The Sugar Cookie Recipe is from The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle and so is the Royal Icing. If you have never heard of The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle, I highly recommend heading over and taking a look at her blog. I have learned a lot from her and the information she provides has helped me to avoid some of those first timer frustrations. These cookies were made using a Onesie cookie cutter from the Wilton. My cookies are no where near perfect but I am happy with how they came out. I used a #2 and #3 tip for piping and decorating (I need to get #1 and #1.5 to be able to do the finer detail) and the flow icing was done using a Wilton Squeeze Bottle. Techniques used where wet on dry and wet on wet. The top photo are cookies decorated yesterday and the bottom photo are from cookies decorated this morning. I invite you to leave me a comment on what you like and don't like about these cookies.
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Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Sugar Cookie (attempt #1)
Decorated Sugar Cookies scare the heck out of me. I had never tried to make them for fear of failure. I do not do failure very well and I am my own worst critic.
A family member is expecting her first baby and for her baby shower she has requested that my daughter make various types of cookies including sugar cookies for her shower. I graciously agreed to her request without peeping a word of my fear and the simple fact we have never done them.
I have spent the better part of the last two weeks searching the web, you-tube and talking with friends for the perfect sugar cookie recipe and royal icing recipe. I will admit, there is so much information out there and everyone thinks his/her recipe is the best. I do enjoy reading all the blogs and really enjoy hearing about the mishaps. Mishaps, this is one thing that you can always count on. I find myself more prepared now that I am armed with some of the do's and don'ts of sugar cookies and royal icing. Cookies are easy, right?
With my daughters end of the season softball party nearing, I decided to jump into the sugar cookie making mode and use this experience as practice. The baby shower is not until June. I got plenty of time. I kept the details simple as to not overwhelm myself in my adventure. I used The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies recipe I found on Allrecipes.com. I was very pleased with the taste of these cookies, however, I did find them just a little sticky to work with. As for the icing, I used a Cream Cheese icing that tasted great. I have been sworn to secrecy and am unable to provide you with the recipe. Sorry.
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Not to shabby for my first run. I am happy that my first time was a successful one and that I am more determined now than I was when I started. One common statement I have found on many of the blogs out there is, This is all about trial and error and finding what works best for YOU. What works for one does not always work for others. I did a lot of research and was prepared for all of the endless mishaps that could have happened. Decorating cookies can be very time consuming, the end result is rewarding. Have fun with your adventure.
A family member is expecting her first baby and for her baby shower she has requested that my daughter make various types of cookies including sugar cookies for her shower. I graciously agreed to her request without peeping a word of my fear and the simple fact we have never done them.
I have spent the better part of the last two weeks searching the web, you-tube and talking with friends for the perfect sugar cookie recipe and royal icing recipe. I will admit, there is so much information out there and everyone thinks his/her recipe is the best. I do enjoy reading all the blogs and really enjoy hearing about the mishaps. Mishaps, this is one thing that you can always count on. I find myself more prepared now that I am armed with some of the do's and don'ts of sugar cookies and royal icing. Cookies are easy, right?
With my daughters end of the season softball party nearing, I decided to jump into the sugar cookie making mode and use this experience as practice. The baby shower is not until June. I got plenty of time. I kept the details simple as to not overwhelm myself in my adventure. I used The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies recipe I found on Allrecipes.com. I was very pleased with the taste of these cookies, however, I did find them just a little sticky to work with. As for the icing, I used a Cream Cheese icing that tasted great. I have been sworn to secrecy and am unable to provide you with the recipe. Sorry.
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Sunday, May 6, 2012
25 Point Bonus for Signing Up Superpoints Network
Fun and easy way to earn extra cash each month. Use this link and receive 25 points just for signing up. Superpoints Network
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