We are very busy….  One thing after another it seems and it is hard to keep track of everything.  I am so afraid that I am going to miss something that the boys are supposed to be doing.  So far we are keeping on top of everything!

This morning we were on our way to a “triple” Homeschooling field trip and my boys were beyond excited because they were going to see their friends who they had not seen in a while because of scheduling conflicts.  The boys were bouncing off the (car) walls at 8:30 this morning and it was entirely to early for me to keep up with their constant questions.  Then they made me laugh.

When they heard one of their friends was going to be there they started talking about him doing Time4Learning like they were doing and Kati’s son was doing.  (at that time neither they nor I knew that he was no longer doing t4l) Then they started “chanting” We are all doing Time4Learning. (I’m telling you, it was to early for all this…)  Zach messed up the chant and said Time”Three”Learning and then they kind of both said “Hey!  We are the Time”Four”Learning Team”……  I started laughing because they were thinking of it being like the “Three musketeers” or something along those  lines.

I heard “chanting” for a while and then they got silly, rearranging Time4Learning here and there until it no longer made sense and they got bored….

It was just one of those silly kid moments that I had to share with you guys…..   I love when they get like that, I just wished that it was not before 10am!  It is just nice that their schooling follows them even when they are not actually doing it……

I was not surprised to see Kat’s post on how the internet has changed their lives.  It sounds so familiar.  I remember our first computer, 15 years ago.  Our first born, Josh sat in front of it, we popped in a Reader Rabbit CD and without much instruction he went to work and learn.  He loved it.  But he was limited to what the CD had to offer and nothing else. He became bored fairly quickly and those CDs were pretty pricey back then.  In fact, they still are.

Fast forward to today.  We have 4 kids–refresher course here– 16, 13, 5, and almost 1 years old.  We, as a family unit, benefit from the advancements in technology.  Josh and Emily (16, 13 respectively) can’t seem to do homework without using the computer.  They are able to log on to sites that connects them with the text book they use in class.  Here they can get more information on what they are learning as well as links to other sites with homework help, the school’s sites and their own teacher’s websites.  They also log onto sites with PSAT and SAT practice tests, SOL practice tests, purplemath.com is an awesome sight as is cliffnotes.com.  My kids happen to have really awesome teachers who communicate frequently with all their students via e-mail.

As most here know, Natalie’s benefits come mostly from her lessons on Time4Learning, the playground and some of her other fun sites, such as noggin.com, pbskids.org, sesamestreet.com and occasionally pollypocket.com.  It amazes me how a 5 year old kid can get on a computer and before they learn to read or ride a bike they can navigate the information superhighway without blinking an eye.

For my husband and I, the internet has been an excellent asset to communicate our family calendar, the kids progress reports at school or simply just to communicate when we’re not at home.   When my husband was in Iraq last year, it was the internet that helped me make it through his absence as he was able to send us a daily email and occasional pictures.  We sent many pictures and emails to help boost his morale.  Personally speaking, I maintain my sanity by communicating frequently with all my friends around the world, and I really mean around the world.  It’s like having a support system that never goes away.    I am enrolled at the University of Maryland University College to get a degree in Social Studies concentrating on Gerontology, and minor in Humanities.  The benefits for the baby — I never have to leave him anywhere due to school or work.   I thank God everyday for giving me the opportunity to stay home with my kids.  However, I am also extremely energetic and must be active in learning, exercise, love to cook and read, etc.

The internet is a great asset to have but like Kat, we do hands on, old fashion learning as well.  Board games, reading a real book, the newspaper, using a real dictionary/thesaurus and even going to the library…live! 

One other thing–outdoor recreational activities are a must in my family.

Hello:

Just a quick post to introduce myself and my family.  I am a first year homeschooling mom of 4.  We found Time4learning after most of our curriculum for this year was already purchased so we are using it as a supplement for this year.  I have one DD in 7th grade, who is going on 25 and another in 3rd grade who is going on 18….. I also have a DS in 5th grade and a toddler who rules the roost!!! 

The kids , and mom, love time4learning and I look forward to meeting and fellow-shipping with all of you.  Just wanted to share a little story.  Last week we were on a fall break of sorts and my DD 3rd grade got up and turned her computer on.  My husband asked her what she was doing and she said that she was doing her Time4learning.  He reminded her that she was on break and she said that she knew but it was fun and she wanted to do it anyway.   Yippie !!!!!

Momto4

I have always been totally honest with describing math and writing being our boys curse.  They are both good in math; not so good with the writing (or penmanship as it were)  Today we struggled.  End of story.  As I write this both boys are doing math.  One is subtracting 3 numbers and one is subtracting 2 numbers.  “Taking away” or “carrying” is always a challenge but I think that more than not understanding, the boys are just lazy and don’t want to do the work.

They both happen to land on math at the same time so at each end of the room I have groans and moans.  The excitement of the morning is gone and now we are struggling to get through 10 problems.

I must say that I am impressed that they each got a piece of paper and a pen unprompted from me and began their work. With all the moaning they are doing well but it is just frustrating listening to them.  I am thrilled that they are finally each understanding that scratch paper is a necessity and it really does show an amazing growth. 

So through aggravation and tears I see a light and see improvement that was not there very long ago.

I suppose this question should be directed at Terie, hope that’s ok. :o)

Terie,  if you don’t mind, I would love to hear how you feel Time4Learning compares to the curriculum that is being used for Natalie in public school.  I rarely have an opportunity to talk to many public schoolers about the curriculum they use, and never to public schoolers that use Time4Learning. :o)

Do you feel like Time4Learning covers everything that her teachers are covering?  Do you have an opinion of whether or not T4L excels in the core subjects, or do you feel like areas are lacking?  Do you think that T4L meets the same standards that are set forth on the school system? Just so you know…I am not looking for vindication in my decision to homeschool, nor am I looking to “down” public schools.  I am not a general public school basher. :o)  Unfortunately I do have very strong, negative opinions regarding my own very rural school system, but I realize that there are excellent school districts in this country and for some kids, public school could really be the best option.

Again, I hope that you don’t mind me asking you these things directly.  I am truly interested in hearing from you, as a mom that has a child in public school.  As a homeschooler, I generally only talk about “school” with other homeschoolers.  I think it’s wonderful to hear how Natalie is progressing both in school and at home with you and Time4Learning. :o)

Thanks!  :o)

Oh - I am not yet familiar with everyone posting on this blog…if there are other parents who have children in public school and are using Time4Learning, it would be fantastic to hear from you as well!  :o)