So, we are 2 days into our homeschooling (virtual academy) experience, and so far, I really like it! Thursday was our first day, and it was a little more stressful than I had imagined. The virtual academy gives you a basic dialogue to have with your child as you are "teaching" them each subject. I printed off something like 45 pages of dialogue for these four little lessons and diligently read every line like it said to do. DS walked away from the experience saying he didn't like mom being his teacher. Today, I took a different approach. Instead of using the "Learning Coach" notes, I just went on to the student outline of the lesson and explained as we went along. (In other words, I wasn't reading this totally unnatural dialogue.) It worked REALLY well, and DS actually ENJOYED his time at the desk. We did get the desk/schooling area set up in our bedroom, and it seems to be working out pretty well. The desk is in the nook, and I've told the other two kids (ages 3 and 4) that they can never be in the nook now that the computer is set up and DS6's stuff is within reach. I'm also teaching them that they cannot come in the bedroom at all when schooling is going on. Yesterday, we did about 3 hours of sit-down stuff (and 1 hour of PE, and 30 minutes for lunch -- which satiated the 4 1/2 hour requirement from the state). Today, we were done with our work in 90 minutes. I feel like we REALLY went over things well, he TOTALLY got the concepts, and we even did ALL of the extension activities. I wrote that we did 4 1/2 hours again, because he did do about 60 minutes of PE, and then I figured some of our "real life lessons" should count, too. I hate to LIE, but at the same time, I don't WANT more work piled on, because we're just getting into the groove and also because I think after about 90 minutes to 2 hours, we've LOST him and he's not going to retain much after that, anyways. The younger kids are doing great. Yesterday, they played on their bikes while we were schooling, which was good in theory because I could see them the entire time (and I'm big on always having them within sight), but it was distracting for DS6 to have them right outside the window. He kept saying, "I REALLY want to play, mom!" Today, I popped in a movie for them. Of course, within 5 minutes, they were in DD's room playing (and DD decided to organize her room ON HER OWN, which was a huge accomplishment) and did just fine. I think I'll plan on keeping them inside when DS6 is doing school work from now on. DD will also be in morning preschool 3x a week starting the second week in September, so that should help a little bit as DS3 is pretty easy going. Anyways, I'm still getting the hang of the whole online thing. I'm surprised by how much there is to do online each day. I did not expect that, despite the "virtual" in the school's name. Hehe. I feel really positive about this, though, and am looking forward to a great year. DH will be teaching DS on Monday while I'm at work, so that will be interesting. I almost think he's more excited than I am about homeschooling! :love:
Sounds like it is working out for you! I have those "I want to play" moments with my 8 yo. We do indoor playtime during school for the little ones, and then when we take a break from school, everyone goes outside and plays. Then we come back and they play inside some more.
Until we ran into high-speed issues, we were going to use K12 (high school) for school this year. Here in SC this means 6hrs of school time. When we went to orientation, the instructor made a point in telling us that no one is keeping an eye on us as to how long is actually spent on the actual classwork. Like he said, you may have a child who can complete a 1 hr assignment in 40 minutes where another child may need 80 minutes. If the assignment is complete, you get credit for the 60 minutes are you may add on time for a slower student. He also made a point in saying that you can always find other things to do such as reading when you've finished an assignment ahead of time. Hopefully that makes sense! It bothered me that you felt like you are lying!
