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Leslie
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| Posted: Feb 12 2008 at 1:46pm | IP Logged
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So, I stumbled into your group while looking for encouragement as a Catholic and found that and so much more! After losing my nerve last Summer, our whole family has found so much peace with the decision to homeschool that we are pulling our son out of school at the end of this week (if I can get the paperwork down to the Superintendent's office tomorrow).
I'm looking for a couple of suggestions about getting started.
1. Did anyone here start mid year? Did you have a "goodbye party" of sorts at school, or just leave? How did the transition go for your child(ren)?
2. We're opting not to have a formal curriculum for now (he is in Kindergarten, I was "unschooled" as a child, and I think we'll find an eclectic middle ground as we explore Real Learning in our home). If you could share one thought about getting started (my kids are 6, 4 and 2) what would it be? (And don't stop at one...I'll take all the suggestions I can get)
3. What is your favorite Children's Bible--Kyler just is not enjoying the Golden Press version at all.
I feel wrapped up in good ideas (I've read Elizabeth's book, Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum by Laura Berquist, as well as many of your inspiring blogs. Last year I gobbled up John Holt, Guterson and The Homeschoolign Handbook). If you think there is one book I just shouldn't miss in addition to those listed above, I'd love to have you post the title.
Thank you so much. I wish you could see the jig we are all dancing at my house right now. Everyone (dh, ds, me--and even the littles--are delighted!)
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Sarah M
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| Posted: Feb 12 2008 at 2:30pm | IP Logged
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Welcome, Leslie! My kids are also 6,4, and 2  , and Real Learning is changing our home in wonderful ways. This way of living and learning is so peaceful and in tune with our Catholic faith- I love it! My book recommendations would be:
Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola
and
For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macauley
I refer to Karen Andreola's and Elizabeth Foss's books a hundred times a week (okay- well, a little exaggeration, but...  ) and Susan Schaeffer Macauley's book is a huge inspiration to any mother living this learning lifestyle with her children.
I wish you many many blessings on your journey- best of luck in the transition from school to home. I don't have any experience/advice in that arena, but I know some other ladies here will chime in on that.
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KerryK
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| Posted: Feb 12 2008 at 2:38pm | IP Logged
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Hi Leslie,
I'm sure not the most experienced person to answer your questions (this is my first full year homeschooling), but I did pull my son out of school last year mid year. I would say that how you handle the situation depends a lot on your particular situation. My son was having a really hard time with some peers, and a teacher who wasn't giving him enough work, and was getting labeled negatively at the school. The best way for us to go about the change, in the end, was to pull him out during spring break. He just didn't go back at all after that. I didn't want to have a party or anything like that, because he himself had such a negative attitude towards school at that point, he needed to make a clean break. We went very light on the work for the rest of the school year, giving him lots of time to de-pressurize! (He was in fourth grade, so that's a lot of years of schooling). Then we pulled my daughter ( who was in K) out of school after her year was over. She was having a great year and wanted to finish the year out at school. Now we're all at home (with 1 year old ds as well) and loving it! I've seen so many positive changes since beginning this road of homeschooling, I would never go back!
Good luck!
__________________
Kerry
Mom to
Matthew (10)
Mary (6)
New baby Samuel 2/26/07!
and 9 angels in heaven
The Eyes of My Heart
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marianne
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| Posted: Feb 12 2008 at 5:45pm | IP Logged
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Hi, Leslie and congratulations on your decision to homeschool! You will love it!
As far as getting started goes, I'd start with weekly trips to the library for as many picture books as you want, and go from there. If your 6yo can sit for longer stretches you could add in short chapter books.
Do little crafts whenever you want (like Valentines) and you've got a great start.
My 6yos have enjoyed Egermeier's Story Bible. Blessings!
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Maryan
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No advice -- just well wishes!
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Maryan
Mom to 6 boys & 1 girl: JP('01), B ('03), M('05), L('06), Ph ('08), M ('10), James born 5/1/12
A Lee in the Woudes
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lapazfarm
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For beginners with little ones, I always recommend checking out Five in a Row. Even if you don't go by the book, it's great for sparking ideas and is such a sweet and gentle way to learn. I'd also suggest checking out Cay's Catholic Mosaic, and her new book, Picture Perfect Childhood.
Then you could head over to Homeschool Share to get even more ideas.
That should hold you for a while!
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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Anne
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| Posted: Feb 12 2008 at 9:47pm | IP Logged
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I second Five in a Row
We pulled our dd out of school during the Christmas break of her K year (5 years ago  ). We did not have to worry about a good-bye party. I say if he wants one go ahead. Otherwise let the Valentines say is all. 
Enjoy this board. You will learn sooooo much!
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Anne in TN
WIFE to Brett (91)
MOM to Rebecca(97), Catherine (99), Grace (99), Stephen (00) & 2 Angels in Heaven.
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Chari
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| Posted: Feb 12 2008 at 11:51pm | IP Logged
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I highly recommend reading the Clarkson's book, the Whole-Hearted Child. It is great when you are just starting out, and especialy for those with young children.
Have fun!
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Chari...Take Up & Read
Dh Marty 27yrs...3 lovely maidens: Anne 24, Sarah 20 & Maddelyn 17 and 3 chivalrous sons: Matthew 22, Garrett 16 & Malachy 11
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Marcia
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I liked the Clarksons book starting out and also FIAR. Two thumbs up over here!
I have heard the some kids just need to be able to play likes it Christmas break to destress from being in the school system. I have never sent my kids to school, but we do try to just enjoy each others company first and then schooling comes easier.
I highly recommend finding another family to socialize with on a regular basis (once a month?). It's really good for the mommies sanity. :)
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SimplyMom
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The one big tip that helped me the most starting out was this: "Don't get stuck in the idea that 'homeschool' means just 'school at home'."
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mariB
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| Posted: Feb 13 2008 at 4:29pm | IP Logged
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Yes, I will 3rd Five in a Row! Congratulations on your decision! I highly recommend living out the Liturgical Year as author Elizabeth in Real Learning suggests in her book. Looking at "Life in the Domestic" church at this forum is invaluable. All the ideas these ladies give at this forum is incredible!
Blessings and welcome!!!
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marib-Mother to 22ds,21ds,18ds,15dd,11dd and wife to an amazing man for 23 years
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JuliaT
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| Posted: Feb 13 2008 at 9:54pm | IP Logged
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Leslie, I, too, want to congratulate you on your decision. I know that it was a huge one to make. I think you are very wise on not going the formal curriculum path for right now. Your little guy just needs lots of reading, crafts and being with his family.
I agree with the suggestion of FIAR. I love that curriculum. It is a warm and fuzzy kind of curriculum. It fits right in with real learning. I also second Cay Gibson's Picture Perfect Childhood. I just received this book last week and it is fabulous! There are oodles and oodles of picture book suggestions in accordance to monthly history happenings as well as other subjects. This is a great book!
Enjoy your learning time with your children. If you need to ask more questions, we are right here.
Julia
mom of 3(8,7,5)
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Getting Started!
