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mommy4ever
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| Posted: July 10 2012 at 2:32pm | IP Logged
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My dh is always concerned about what the kids are learning.
I am too.
I am so not organized  But the kids are meeting our provincial standards. So that is good.
I was pretty much thrown into homeschooling. It wasn't a choice, it was the only option for us. It was supposed to be for just a few months. But it ended up being somewhat permanent. DD8 was in grade 1, and now she's entering grade 4.
I went hard core classical. But it isn't me. Lots didn't get done. She did learn to read, she learned her numbers. DD13 was 11 when we started, and everything was just 'too hard' for her in her opinion. Classical wasn't for her either.
For grade 2, I did a mish mash of curricula, more classical yet, but we didn't do much of science or history. This year, after realizing that dd8 wanted to be more independent, and that workbooks were a good method for her. We made big changes for grade 3.
We used nearly exclusively, CHC for dd8. She thrived, the lessons are quick, thorough. Our school board has received it well, in fact are considering part of the curricula to refer families too.
DD13 used several of the CHC curricula, and since she was "only" reporting these to me, she didn't get it completed. To get any work done was a fight. So, next year, she is doing more virtual school, with CHC religion and a few supplements for LA. She is then accountable to teachers other than myself. It will keep her on track more.
CHC has kept us on track, for the most part. I still didn't get science done  I know, bad mom. But we did way more than in the previous full year of homeschool.
This coming year, i have planned it out a little different. I broke everything down by subject. So my planner has several tabs. I mark each subject by week. Sometimes we sprint ahead, then take a break. Other times we slack off. So having the week marked, I'll see where we are in each subject and keep us on track. We are starting school next week already, to gain a little time for all the unplanned days off that lie ahead. When they are sick, or I am, or outtings.
Good luck in whatever you chose. I don't think there is any 1 right way to do it. Boxed doesn't necessarily mean you'll get it all done either. Free spirit doesn't mean it won't get done, or that it will. I think it's personal decisions. Maybe you need a 40 week school year instead of 36. maybe you need to schedule specific breaks so you all can recharge. DS18 went to a school that started Mid august and ended end of June. They got 1 week off in October, 2 weeks in Dec/Jan and 2 weeks in April. It recharged the kids and teachers and had really high academic excellence.
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Mom to 4,
1 graduated June 2012
1 in Catholic school
2 homeschooled(one considering art school!)
ardently praying for a new addition to our family.
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Martha
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| Posted: July 10 2012 at 2:42pm | IP Logged
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Quote:
| And Martha nailed it on the head for me...I need to say "no" to outside things...but I just feel like saying "no" to play dates or outings is me saying no to life and relationships? I feel my kids know enough...but are my children called to know "more"... |
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It is not saying no to life and relationships.
It is saying yes to the making your relationship and duty to your kids.
It's all about perspective, yes?
I like Padre Pio's quote, "Duty before all else, even something holy."
Ouch. But hit it for me. 
I don't have to say no to playdate and outings. I just need to have them come after other priorities. People who want a genuine relationship with me understand my dh and dc are my main priorities and somehow we work it out.
It's a hard time of adjustment for many home schooling moms.
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Martha
mama to 7 boys & 4 girls
Yes, they're all ours!
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Martha
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| Posted: July 10 2012 at 3:13pm | IP Logged
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Hmmm. It sounds like what you need is to do two things:
Evaluate if what you are using is working for you. The best program is the program you actually use. No matter how great RS might be, it isn't any good at all if you don't consistently actually use it.
Once you know what is working for you, break it down into weeks on your checklist.
For example, Faith and Life 1 has 28 tiny "chapters". So you have approx 1 per week.
Since your kids are young and this is a struggle for you, I'd be careful to limit your subjects. For example, I wouldn't do spelling, phonics, reading, cursive, grammar. I would just do math, Primary language lessons, cursive, and have reading come from history, religion, and science. The end. (btw, FIAR does pretty much just that. Not to harp, just saying.)
So for a 7 year old it would look something like this in my house:
Circle time where we discuss do our calendar stuff, prayers, catechism/religion, memory/map stuff. (30 minutes)
Then a break
Then math lesson and phonics (30 minutes)
Break
Then writing of some kind (cursive, copy work, whatever) (15 minutes)
And read aloud time and discussion (history, science, whatever) (30 minutes)
Break
Art or activity. (30 minutes+)
Done for the day with approx 2 - 2.5 hours instruction time.
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Martha
mama to 7 boys & 4 girls
Yes, they're all ours!
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TxTrish
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| Posted: July 10 2012 at 4:38pm | IP Logged
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Maggie
Do you remember when I was doing the moms meetings
Once a month th year before we moved?
The first seminar we did was planning you CM education
On DVD from the Simply Charlotte Mason website.
It sounds like just what might help you.
Look at the website, and check it out.
If you are interested I still have the DVDs
I'd loan them to ya. :0)
They would show you step by step how to walk through
Planning your "big picture" all the way down to you day to day
This year.
I will PM you my phone#
Or get it from Amanda.
Stephanie Raines has the workbook file, and
Amanda may still have hers you could use.
Let me know what you think.
I could mail the DVDs or send them back from Catholic Familyland
With the Hardin's!
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+JMJ+
Gabrielle20, Deavon18, Elizabeth12, Mary10, Greg8
and a grandson!
My Blog
"Duty before everything, even something holy"
St.Padre Pio
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TxTrish
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I'm in my phone, sorry for a million errors
__________________
+JMJ+
Gabrielle20, Deavon18, Elizabeth12, Mary10, Greg8
and a grandson!
My Blog
"Duty before everything, even something holy"
St.Padre Pio
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Maggie
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| Posted: July 10 2012 at 6:05pm | IP Logged
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Martha wrote:
It is not saying no to life and relationships.
It is saying yes to the making your relationship and duty to your kids.
It's all about perspective, yes?
I like Padre Pio's quote, "Duty before all else, even something holy."
Ouch. But hit it for me.
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Touche. 
__________________
Wife to dh (12 years) Mama to dd (10) ds (8), dd (1), ds (nb) and to Philip Mary (5/26/09), Lucy Joy (12/6/09), and Margaret Mary (3/6/10) who entered Heaven before we had a chance to hold them.
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Erica Sanchez
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| Posted: July 10 2012 at 7:50pm | IP Logged
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Maggie,
If using a boxed curriculum for one year because that is what your husband wishes you do, I would do it for harmony in your marraige and family. Your children are soooooooo young. One year of a boxed curriculum won't squelch a love of learning especially if you choose something beautiful like CHC.
Or, could you just buy Seton's curriculum without actually signing up? Would that satisfy your husband? Then you wouldn't be beholden to their schedule, but you would have a guideline or lesson plans to follow.
You could then take the year to do all of the things that Jen mentioned, maybe even getting your husband to do them with you. The workbook that goes with the DVDs mentioned above is awesome - Planning Your Charlotte Mason Education. You can find it at the Simply Charlotte Mason website.
A few years ago, after two miscarriages, my parents divorce, and a few years of trying to figure out what kind of homeschoolers we were, I felt like my children weren't learning anything (and they were much older than yours are now). I turned to workbooks to bring a bit of order and a sense of at least accomplishing something (I liked what we had chosen) and this was very helpful, especially for my husband. Now, things are much better and I am slowly taking us towards a more CM way of education.
After 12 years of homeschooling, one year of using a boxed curriculum, especially with the ages of your children, just doesn't seem like that big of deal. To me anyway.
God bless you, Maggie. 
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Have a beautiful and fun day!
Erica in San Diego
(dh)Cash, Emily, Grace, Nicholas, Isabella, Annie, Luke, Max, Peter, 2 little souls ++, and sweet Rose who is legally ours!
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Capsela
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| Posted: July 10 2012 at 10:43pm | IP Logged
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You might check out Andrew Campbell's The Latin-Centered Curriculum. That is what I have decided to go with for my 2nd and 5th graders. I love CM and I love Classical so this was just the right blend for me. I had thought about MA or AO, but I just could not get them to fit into the neat schedule that Drew uses for LCC. Latin, math and phonics/composition are daily subjects. Then weekly subjects are religion, literature, history, geography and science/nature study. His recommendations are Catholic/Orthodox friendly and he uses a lot of living books.
Good luck in finding something that works for your family
Kelly
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Maggie
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| Posted: July 16 2012 at 6:45pm | IP Logged
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You all have given me so much to think about. My husband has also been very interested in your responses.
We are *still* discerning, though, "boxed" is looking less and less appealing to the both of us.
We may try the Simply Charlotte Mason planner...
But most importantly, I need accountability...so I think I need to find a home schooling "accountability partner"  who I can check in with every other week or weekly just to make sure I am actually *doing* something and am on track.
But please please continue to pray for us and our discernment. We just want to do what is best for our family.
Thank you ALL for your input!! Even if I did not directly respond to you, your input has helped in our consideration and has been invaluable.
__________________
Wife to dh (12 years) Mama to dd (10) ds (8), dd (1), ds (nb) and to Philip Mary (5/26/09), Lucy Joy (12/6/09), and Margaret Mary (3/6/10) who entered Heaven before we had a chance to hold them.
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Angie Mc
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| Posted: July 16 2012 at 8:07pm | IP Logged
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Hi Maggie, This may sound simple but for us it helps to ask questions to make sure that my dh and I talking about the same thing . My definition and/or purpose of "accountability" is often different from his. Ask yourselves simply questions like...
Why do children need it? How much? Age appropriate?
Why does a teaching mom need it? How much?
Why does dad need it? What does that look like?
Where and when when will this accountability take place? Written documentation? Verbal? Meetings?
What accountability is most pressing daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually?
Can some accountability be delegated? How much? Why?
What are our biggest fears about the responsibility of homeschooling? How will accountability help?
What can we do right now to be accountable through our actions and feel accountable and content with our plan?
What are the consequences of not following through with our plan?
Hope this helps
Love,
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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asplendidtime
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| Posted: July 26 2012 at 11:54pm | IP Logged
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I use a boxed curriculum now, and for the last two years. It was my dh's kind suggestion to me to help me. I was very, very, very, reluctant at first but frankly it's exactly what we all needed and I have no regrets now. I have seven young students with three preschoolers and a new little one budding! It really gave me my mind back! It also enabled me to do fun things with them as a supplement. But as for now school work takes place with or without me, it never depends anymore on my elusive good days when everything is flowing right....
For me, it was liberty! I can read and play with my littlest ones again!
Just wanted to add, we too stay home, we do school work, hobbies at home, play at home, in this season we have one big old van which dh drives to work each day. It's simple and it's working for us. We also eat simply, and our days are very routine oriented.
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Rebecca~Mama to
Noah 17,
Katie 16,
Mary 14,
Tim 13,
Jonah 12,
Josh 10,
Zoe 9,
Will 7,
Peter 6,
Laura-Mae 4,
Emily-Joy 2,
Genevieve & Gabriella 1
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drmommy
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| Posted: July 27 2012 at 9:11am | IP Logged
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Rebecca, we too eat simply and keep a pretty strict routine out of necessity. We also choose to live minimalist to keep our home and lives neat and orderly...or else I get too stressed!
We use Kolbe as our accountability, and use their curriculum along with some CHC and Seton and Memoria Press. It depends upon the child and their needs. It works well for us, as my husband has odd hours and I work outside of the home and care for my elderly Dad (83).
God will direct you. Bridget
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Kathryn
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| Posted: July 27 2012 at 1:15pm | IP Logged
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For me, the hardest has been to realize that what will work for one of my big kids will NOT work for the other big kid. I feel like my whole philosophy and approach to education comes from 2 ends of the spectrum for each of these children and I find myself constantly at my wit's end. I think some of the questions others asked related to what will work for which child is good. I think almost anything can work if you're working within the scope of what's best for the child.
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Kathryn in TX
(dd 16, ds 15, dd 8, dd 5)
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TxTrish
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| Posted: July 30 2012 at 6:16am | IP Logged
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Good morning Maggie;
***MAGGIE, YOUR PM IS FULL, I'VE FRIED MY COMPUTER SINCE MOVING AND NO LONGER HAVE YOUR EMAIL, SO I JUST POSTED THIS RIGHT UP ON THE BOARD SO I GOT THE MESSAGE STRAIGHT TO YOU FINALLY*****
I didn't fall off the earth!
I will need your address now, I'll mail you the DVD's after all. Sorry,I didn't take them to Familyland - I am so not a vacation person and was just STRESSED! The Grogan's actually came here first (from Wisconson) because Dayna know's how miserably I travel, to help me pack But, I have to tell you - we all had a fabulous time. We had never been before, but just loved it!
It is the first time we ever went on vacation like that - planned, away from home, actual vacation. I have never thought that "going on vacation" sounded like fun at all. So we have always staycationed . Done home projects and stuff like that. But it was wonderful, we plan to go back next year.
Before I left for family land , I got your note here, typed a response and bam! it disappeared. I hate that!
So let me try again....
You should absolutely invite some other mom's to watch them with you. It is more fun that way and being able to talk with others about how to do it is always illuminating. I think all my best hints over the years have come in conversations with friends. When I was doing the mom's meetings at my house in FL it was wonderful. The teen's kept all the kids occupied and supervised ( I had arranged it with them before hand, and took the girls out for manicures in appreciation at the end of the school year ) with different 'centers' around the house - and it was really nice for us mom's to have the time to watch, chat and share.
No offense taken on any account. I don't think there is one answer for homeschooling, or parenting for that matter across the board for everyone. All I can do share my experience and/or opinions. That and $1.39 will get you a cup of coffee at the local gas station 
It is hard to balance outside activities and school I think. Matt actually has told me in the past, "that's it, Trish" because I tend to overestimate what I can actually do. My personal motto, mantra, constant personal reminder to myself is this: "When you homeschool, you have to STAY HOME, AND DO SCHOOL!!!" I have avoided many a problem this way.
We all have those I've had it moments. Just wait until your children get bigger, I've acutually told my kids before that if they didn't want to cooperate and do their part that we could take them right down to the local public school and sign them right up! Now that's an I've had it day.
Anyway, I am going to hit send now, so please excuse any typos and poor grammar, too paranoid to proof!
814-754-5403 is my home number
814-691-1846 is my cell
now you can reach me :0)
Do take care, and enjoy every day.
It helps me to remember that God chose me to be the mother of Gabrielle, Deavon, Elizabeth, Mary Grace, and Gregory on purpose - that I am the one He chose - I am the one God decided was the best person to raise these precious blessings.
The same with you and Mary Karol.
It occured to me that giving her the CAT test (from Seton $20) might give you and your hubby some reassurance that she is on target with her education. I have always given them to the kids for my piece of mind each year. My kids actually look forward to them and think they are fun, believe it or not. Just a thought.
+AMDG+
Our prayers are with you!
Trish
__________________
+JMJ+
Gabrielle20, Deavon18, Elizabeth12, Mary10, Greg8
and a grandson!
My Blog
"Duty before everything, even something holy"
St.Padre Pio
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4Real Forums : Planning and Ordering our Days
Topic: DH wants me to do a boxed curriculum
