Homeschool Open House!!

For anyone new to my blog...my name is Melinda.
I am a wife of 7 years to a loving husband, and a mom of 1 six year old boy.
I am home schooling my son for the very first time starting August 6, 2007

I tell my son we are both going into the 1st grade!!


We chose to homeschool after my husbands second open heart surgery when we found out he had a low immune system.
It was a no brainer for me! My son attended public Kindergarten last year. He was sick more last year than the first 5 years of his life!!
The heart surgeon told us that if my husband gets another heart infection (he has already had 3 in 4 years!) he will have to have another heart surgery. I am just not prepared to let that happen. Two heart surgeries in 4 years is enough for me!

So, after a lot of convincing, my husband said yes. He used to be a public school teacher, so I know it was a hard decision for him to make. I know the good Lord was backing me up!!

I looked up our school systems standards and curriculum choices and planned our year with the same subjects and a few of the same books.
I purchased a lot of my books on Ebay and Amazon dot com for a total of $200. I could have purchased them through the school board, but would have paid about $500.

I am using Scott Foresman Science, Saxon Math, McGraw Hill Social Studies, In Celebration Christian Education, Dolch Wordlists for Vocabulary, Scholastic Phonics, and book store History books for History. We will be reading the boatload of books he already has for 'Reading Time'.

I made a chalk board for about $9. We have an artist desk for him to sit at for Math and written work. The desk faces the chalkboard so I can write out math problems he is having trouble with. He loves the chalkboard, and even likes to read me the things I need to write on it! We will do reading and vocabulary on the couch or wherever we happen to be. There are some things like Math, where will need to be structured, and others like reading that we will be more relaxed with.

We have been doing the Summer Bridge books with him ( June- k to 1, July 1 to 2 ) to see what his style of learning is. I have found that the subjects that interest him can be taught anywhere, and the subjects he doesn't like need to be at a desk where he can focus.

I have scheduled our mornings for school. Each subject is 1/2 an hour, any more than that and he losses interest, and then it is hard to get his complete attention back. We have Handwriting, Phonics, Reading, and Math Monday - Friday. We have History, Science, Social Studies, Art, Health, and Music 1 day a week. If we need to use more than 1/2 an hour for a subject we will. It is not set in stone. We may even continue what isn't completed in the afternoon. I am really just playing it by ear.

And what about that one question everyone has asked me?????? What about Socialization??? Well, I observed his socialization last year in Public School. I was not real happy with it! Some of the kids he was 'forced' to socialize with would hit him, call him names, teach him bad words, as well as bad attitudes! Do I want him to continue to socialize in Public School???? No!!! I am not saying all kids are bad influences, but you can't pick and choose who is in your child's class. So....what about socialization???? We are members of a wonderful church that has great activities for kids. The parents have the same parenting views as we do, and my son knows most of the kids from Sunday School. So, he will be joining 2 groups at church that meet during the week.

I have to say that I know the Lord wants me to homeschool. That is how strong I feel about it. I am nervous though. Not about teaching him, but about him taking it all in. Our county requires a test at the end of the year. He is a smart kid, and did well in Public K, so there is no real reason to be nervous.....but I am!!! I will take it one day at a time and pray to God to let it all sink into my sons head!!

Wish me luck....better yet.....pray for me!

Melinda

To read more homeschool mom stories, or to join the Open House go to Tiany's blog by clicking here