WOW! What a week we’ve had. Let’s see, my kids all got sick–just a cold but enough to keep me awake at night, ugh! We had back to school night at 3 different schools and everyone has more homework then they can handle or then I can handle this week. Sorry I had to vent.
I am the “non-homeschool” parent here and now I would like to share how T4L fits into our busy lives.  As I mentioned before, Natalie, my 5 year old going on 13— she’s so sweet, attends public school, which by the way, she loves.
When she gets home from school we spend time eating a healthy snack, going over what she did that day, signing any forms and looking over any assignments– believe me, there’s not much to look at. This is where T4L comes in. She really looks forward to signing on everyday. I was worried that she would be too tired to log on after school but on the contrary, she asks to log on.
Right now she logs on to the classroom and works for about 20-30 minutes. She does her math and language arts, then she goes into the playground for some fun time.
The highlight of my week was when I received a call from her teacher yesterday evening. Her words were like music to my ears, she said “I just wanted to let you know that Natalie is doing wonderful. You must spend a lot of time working with her because she knows all her letters, numbers and is working beyond her grade level right now.”
I was more than happy to tell her teacher about T4L and how it has helped Natalie become proficient in so many areas. She is able to read time, recognize coins and she’s pretty good at finding words that rhyme. I am always amazed when kids finally “get it” – you know, the little light in their eyes when they learn something new.
Now that we are all over the colds and things are back to normal at home, I’m sure I’ll be back to brag some more!.. Â 
Take care everyone.
Terie
Terie
October 1, 2007 | 1:35 pm1
Tracy,
I know what you mean about the conversations or lack-there-of between home and public school parents. I happen to haven quite a few friends who are homeschoolers. I have also investigated homeschooling because I like to stay up to speed and have options in the event that I need do it myself.
I think it’s a matter of personal decision, just like child rearing–everyone does it differently but for the same reason.
I think those of you who homeschool are patient, dedicated, caring parents, just as much as those of us who choose not to homeschool. The amazing thing is that I end up spending a good 3-4 hours afterschool handling school related activities: homework (Math), science and science projects, english reports, reading to my young kids or listening to my older kids read, and of course T4L.
Keep up the good work. I may be doing the same sooner than I realize if we end up going overseas.
Terie
Tracy
September 28, 2007 | 12:23 am2
I think it is wonderful that your daughter love T4L so much! I too can not “rave” enough about the program and how much it has helped us this year.
I have a friend who is talking about signing her public school daughter up because she has heard me talk about T4L so much. I hope she does and her daughter does as well as yours.
As far as the public vs homeschool issue John, Even my closest friends who have children in public school don’t talk to me that much about “school” They do the whole “Hows it going, I could not do that” line but past that it is not a subject that is discussed… I have no idea why really…. Maybe we are scary people?? lol….
john edelson
September 27, 2007 | 10:14 am3
Terie – At Time4Learning, about 40% of our users are “non-homeschoolers” but we tend to hear alot more from the homeschoolers. I guess it’s that they are more deeply involved or maybe, just more vocal.
I’m really interested in reading your posts for this reason. Thanks.
As you might have noticed, parenting groups tend to segment real quick between homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers and communication between the groups is surprisingly rare. This always surprises me and it was in thinking about it, I came up with the whole accidental homeschooler” concept. So I’m interested to see how having you on the same blog works out. I’m looking for another parent with kids in traditional schools to join so that it balances a little more…..
Kat
September 23, 2007 | 5:09 pm4
How great that your daughter is doing so well! As a homeschooler, who is just simply fanatical about Time4Learning
), I sometimes get so wrapped up in what this program can do for homeschooling, that I forget that this can be SO beneficial to children in public or private schools.
It’s interesting to read about how your daughter is still enthusiastic about logging in to Time4Learning, even after being at school all day! I think that speaks volumes about the program’s…for a lack of better word..”likability” with kids!
)