Today is my dd8 last day at the public school. It was always our plan to home school, but prior to this year - she attended a great Christian school where I also taught. She thrived, and we always planned to keep her there (and eventually send her brothers 2 1/2 & 3 1/2). However, in Sept we moved due to husband's job. Still in MN, but nowhere near a Christian school. My husband wanted to give public school a chance, especially since I was changing careers to become a daycare provider. It has been a horrid nightmare - stomach aches, bad attitudes, having to pull her out of class activities to keep her from being taught immoral ideas. What most upset us was that she was put in remedial classes - WITHOUT OUR KNOWLEDGE - as they didn't think she could read. Our dd is just very shy in new situations and wasn't showing her abilities. She is at a fourth grade level in everything! We finally got them to move her up in math class - last week! My husband was quite hesitant until he talked to a family friend who hs through 12th grade and their dds are now thriving in college. That calmed down his concerns. My apologies for this being long, but I've been lurking for quite a while and know you will all understand. If any of you have advise for juggling hs with 6 preschoolers and toddlers under foot, I would greatly appreciate it. :roll: I'm sure you'll be hearing from me a lot! Have a great morning, Clara
Hi Clara, Anyone who ends their message with a herd of turtles is bound to be great at homeschooling. I am pretty sure it is required that you have a sense of humor to survive some days. My 8 year old daughter was shy in school and wouldn't speak up when she needed to. She is so much better off at home. Our 14 year old was just not able to do the work at the pace the school went at. Now she is catching up. I love homeschooling so much. I am glad you have joined us. Beth In NC
Welcome to the SPOT, Clara! The only advice I'd have is that you'll probably have to your school day around your day care kids. Give your dd things that she can work on by herself when you are working with the little ones, and work one-on-one with her during the younger ones naptime. The thing is that you CAN work around the other children. You'll just have to find a routine that works for you! I'm Pam. I have a ds11, and 3dd's-3, 5 & 8. We are finishing up our 3rd year. Congratulations on your decision!
Welcome, Clara! Talk with Jen! She's the one who runs a daycare, or at least did! Only she's expecting any DAY now! I'm Jackie. My kids are DD12, DD10, and DS7.
Hi Clara! I am Tiffany and I hs my two daughters Samantha and Grace. In May we will finish our first year hsing. No advice other than what Pam said. Give your child stuff that she can do alone while you are with the other kids. I know you'll find a schedule that works for your family. And that is one great thing about hs'ing - it can be done anytime and on your schedule!!
Hi Clara, and welcome! This is our 9th year of homeschooling, and we all love it! My children are dd10, ds13 and ds15. My sister didn't homeschool, but she DID run day care for about 18 years! She had it down to a science! ALL her kids had naptime, no matter what. She had mats that she laid out on the floor and they ALL laid down and ALL of them were quiet for at least one hour! She just had a way with them that they didn't question her after the first time or two! If you did that, then you could work with your dd during that time. That would give you a break, and give dd her special time with mom! Other than that, you'll need to find at LEAST a half hour where you do what YOU want to do for you! Rest, relax, read, spend time on the computer (at Homeschool Spot, of course )! You need that time to rejuvenate and be ready for the rest of the day. Otherwise you can go stir-crazy with that many kids! It can be and has been done, and I wish you well! We'll be here cheering you on!
Glad you are here! You have found a great site with lots of support. I've been hs'ing my 3dd's (12,10,9) for 3 years and love it. It has been the biggest blessing to our family. You will do a great job. Welcome!
Hi Clara! Welcome to homeschoolspot! I am thrilled your dd is not in proper hands. By the way I love your sig..."And we're out the door like a herd of turtles." that really made me laugh...especially because in my house that is so true!
Clara! Welcome. You will love to hear, if you don't know already, MN is one of the stronger hs states, so there should be lots of local support for you too. I understand there is a big hs convenction in Rochester this month, maybe that would help you feel more confident. Anyway, just please, show yourself some grace as you transition into new routines. And above all, try to enjoy the ride and see the blessing amidst the day's chaos. Peace be yours and your family's and blessings on your business/children .
Hi, I'm Amy U and we have one son who is 12. I ran a home daycare for 14 yrs. This is my first year working away from home. The last 2.5 yrs I was hsing my son. In the a.m. he would work indepently and then when the little ones were napping we did our one on one. It worked out pretty good. I would also have him read to them, which they enjoyed. I wish you lots of luck and welcome a board.
Clara, I have been hsing my grandson for 7 years now. We now have his 3 year old sister and I have started with her. I don't have alot of advice, but I did just get back from a preschool training class. One of the things we learned there was to keep them busy with learning centers. There were quit a lot of different ones, but I guess the best thing would be have the little ones busy with a couple learning centers (plastic boxes with things to do) while you are teaching the older ones. If you are interested in the Learning Centers and what is in them, pm me and I will give you the info. Enjoy your children.
Clara, She and TinaTx are the experts around here with what to put in "tubs" or plastic bags for preschoolers! Just ask them, and I'm sure they'll tell you.
Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions! Even my dd suggested that she do her "easy" work in the morning and wait for my help in the afternoon. At the moment she is so relieved to know she doesn't have to go back to ps. Hope the good attitude lasts! I have found a lot of hs families in our church, and one had mentioned the conference in Rochester. It's next weekend, and God clearly paved a way for me to go to this. In less than 2 hours, I found a sitter for my children, a sub for the daycare, and a hotel I could afford. My dh and I were amazed at how well it fell into place. Now I'm just nervous about the three hour drive into an unfamiliar city. I'll let everyone know who it goes when I return. Happy Easter!!!!!
Wow Clara, I just moved to Mn and really close to Rochester Mn about 40 mintues I need to find out where the hs thing is and try to go... What day is it? Clara where are you Mn maybe we can meet?
KrisRV, we live about an hour north of the Twin Cities. The conference is this Thurs - Sat; more info at mache.org. I believe its at the Mayo Civic Center. Would love to run into you!
