Home School Project Ideas

[PineappleMama]

So, may have heard me mention that we'll be trying home school starting June 5th.

I realize that not every home can acclimate to homeschooling, and that it doesn't suit every child. That's why we're trying one six week period during the summer, so that if it isn't for one or both of our kids they can start in their same ol' public with no problem. I've found a program I like, Time4Learning, and have already found the books/workbooks to supplement our 7th grader's science and (Texas) history.

I'm one of those people that remembers things (particularly math) better when I can find a practical use for it. I've always done better at geometry than algebra because I can use that math to figure the paint needed, the carpet needed, the cuts for building a coop, etc. Also, making the connection between school learning and real world is a plus in my book. So I figured on cooking for chemical/science bits and for math/fractions... that's a given...

Planned to also try specifically...

Basic Sewing... take two bandanas, sew together, reverse and stuff, final stitching to make pillows.
Freezer Jam... and hopefully later pickles, etc.
Cold Method Soap using pringles can... MAJOR ADULT SUPERVISION ON THIS ONE

But I was wondering if there are any HSers out there that had more ideas?

There is SO much I was taught in school that I never used... but then I'm a mom, not an engineer, teacher, mechanic, etc. If I'd been one of those things then other skills prolly would have stuck. I'm trying to find a balance of life skills that no matter what my kids choose to be they'll be able to use.

Any ideas, links, sites, etc. appreciated.

Oh, yeah my DS is 11 (12 in June) and DD is 7 (8 in August)... they're heading to 7th and 2nd grades.

 

[Mattemma]

I wanted to link you to the mothering.come site.The education forums will have links and ideas.

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?f=43

My kids are 11 and 8.We have done homeschooling and I am hoping to get somewhat back into it via online public school if I can get my dh to agree.Planting seeds right now.Speaking of SEEDS growing things is an awesome project.Edibles.Stuff to attract beneficials.Scented plants.Plants to touch.

Anything that is science based is fun.Whether it be nature related,food,or building stuff. My ds likes to build stuff and he was into making lights and clocks work via food fuel.Solar kits are fun too.My dd loves food so projects to feel,smell,and eat are fun.

Have fun!!!!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Texas Tech has a distance learning program that is essentially homeschool with curriculum provided. My nieces have been enrolled in it for years--the elder should have just finished her sophomore year, but is way beyond that. The younger is also ahead of grade-level, having started well below grade-level due to dislexia and teachers who would not work with her (the major reason they were pulled out of their school and the homeschooling began).

 

[saddina]

TX is one of k12.com's charter states. http://www.k12.com/txva/

I taught in Cava (California) for 4 years. The studies are solid, and go with the placement test results, some concepts are introduced in earlier grades than national standards. It's free if you go that way, only thing is she'll have to do the star test each year.

For summer the boys use time 4 learning as well.

 

[NWChicks]

Quote:
I'm not exactly sure what you're asking for but I'll throw my 2 cents in anyway.

My kids have always been homeschooled and over the years our style has evolved. It sounds like you are a pretty hands on kind of person and not afraid to experiment a little bit. Don't lose that!

We are very eclectic in our style. We do some text books but also do quite a bit of learning through experiential things like you mentioned above. For us, I usually pay attention to what they're interested in and we explore it further. My kids have a thing for dragons, fantasy and knights. I bought them a book called "The Art of the Trebuchet" that's all about catapults and trebuchets. It has instructions on how to build these things and some history on them as well. Before I could ever make a lesson plan they had snagged the book, read it and were building catapults out of lego's and launching mini-fig heads and mini-fig horse heads at each other with them! So we followed that up with some exploring at the library and looking into medieval history. I didn't have to do any prodding, just supplied the materials and drove them around.

I like things that allow them to use their creativity and develop critical thinking skills. If they have the tools to find out what they want to know they'll be able to learn pretty much whatever they want throughout the course of their lives. That's what homeschooling is about for us; giving them the basic tools they need to find out what they want to know and fostering a love of learning and exploring new things.

I know I rambled and I probably didn't say a thing to help you so I think I'll stop now!

 

[PineappleMama]

The only thing I didn't like about the K12 thing was the TAKS, or starting next year STAAR, testing requirement since it is a state sponsored public online school.

I loathe those tests and the way they've become a bat, rather than a wrench. Used to those were a diagnostic tool to make sure every child had a chance and got the extra help they needed if there was a weak area. Nowadays the test is all they teach, and passing isn't enough. If you are only passing, or ONLY in the 80% then you get tutoring. Pulling you from regular classes to do it! I was so mad when I heard they'd done that to DS because his scores in the 'benchmarks' were ONLY 87%... him and quite a few other children were forced to skip their science/social studies classes in order to cram for the Reading TAKS... in addition to doing nothing else during Reading/Writing too. Not any surprise when his Social Studies grade dropped a full 10 points, and Science dropped 5. GAH!

Sorry, pet peeve of mine. We got the word that he passed his tests, but they haven't sent home his exact scores. So at least I don't have to worry that his work for an entire year has been nulled... in Texas if you fail the TAKS you fail for the year... n'mind your actual grades. Meh, I'ma dash off before I really get rolling.

Edit... NWChicks... EXACTLY... That is a great idea... if nothing else they could use it to play fetch with the dogs.