Feb. 18, 2006 - Regrouping and gearing up
Spring is around the corner, and it will be
time soon for Dominic to go through state imposed standardized
testing...dastardly standardized testing! I see absolutely no
value in it. I consider myself an expert on my own children, and
I know if they're learning or not.
Not that I am scared of what the tests will show...on the
contrary! Dominic always scored in the top percentiles when he
was in "THE SYSTEM". The state just wants to be sure us renegade
homeschoolers are doing what we're supposed to be; it's their way of
keeping us in our place.
For the upcoming school year, we are enrolling ina local umbrella
school called West River Academy. It is an accredited institution
that will assist us in record keeping and other areas, but best of all,
belonging to the program exempts our family from having to answer to
the state! Which means........yup! No testing!
Bwahahahahahaha!!!!
Looking back on the past 6 months of homeschooling, I am able to see
where I made mistakes and where my triumphs have been. All the
veterans told me if I got past the first year intact, I would feel much
more confident going into the second year.
One thing that has made it tough...no formal curriculum. I know,
strictly speaking, that a written, packaged curriculum isn't essential
to homeschooling. we started out the year with Weaver, but it was
flat and boring and didn't fit us well, so I got a book on how to piece
together your own curriculum, and we've been using a hodgepodge of
different things. Part of why I did not use a curriculum was I
simply coudn't afford it. I got Weaver on eBay for a steal.
But I have felt at times very disorganized. I consult a few
different scope and sequence charts to make sure the kids are on track
(they are) but the trouble with those is that each one says this
skill or that skill is learned at different grades on each one.
So I am starting now with investigating curriculum options for next
year, and plan to put away a little money each week to offset the cost
when it comes time to order.
I feel confident that in a few years I will be adept at writing my own
curriculum, but for now, I feel I must go for a packaged curriculum.
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About Me
Hi there! I am Shannon, wife and helpmeet to Charles, and proud Mama to Dominic, 10..Zachary, 7..and little Charlie, who is a precious 1 year old! Share in our days and homeschooling adventures as we live, laugh, and grow together, embraced in the tender arms of our Lord Jesus. You may find other stuff here, too!
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