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Calculators or no?

Published September 6, 2013 by Angela

I am finding myself (OK, putting myself) in a dilemma about whether or not I should let my 7th grader use a calculator for her homeschooled math. I know the public schools definitely allow it in high school, and I believe in middle school as well. I know I wouldn’t have gotten through all of my math and accounting classes for my Associates and Bachelors degrees without a calculator.

She hasn’t asked, but I reviewed her pre-test comprehension skills to see what pace she is at. Any mistakes were fairly simple ones that will take just some practice. As the book goes on, the work gets much harder.

Does anyone have any advice on if they do or don’t use a calculator, and why? I will be honest and say it is likely at some point in the near future I will be giving her my calculator. I also feel at some point as her math advances in future grades it will not be possible to solve math problems without a scientific calculator. Any thoughts on if I am cheating her out of a learning experience if I let her use a calculator?

The Smartest 41 year old 7th grader……

Published September 5, 2013 by Angela

Will probably be me after this year of homeschooling 🙂 I am saying this with complete sarcasm, because after day two, I am actually enjoying going over the work with my daughter and helping her through her problem areas. Some of it comes naturally, some of it I have a distant memory of, and some of it is a whole new way of teaching I have never seen before (like how my local public schools teach basic math a “new” way and asked the parents not to show them “our” way.) Now how am I supposed to help them with math if I don’t know the “new” way? LOL

Right now I am trying to stay a few steps ahead of her setting her assignments, and have had great advice about not stressing out and that it will all fall into place! I truly believe that and am going to try to enjoy every minute of this new journey.

Excited for my meeting tonight for a Co-op that my daughter will be taking 3 afternoon classes at every Friday with other 6,7, and 8th graders. She is excited to make new friends and I know she will not get bullied there.

Well the Big Day is Finally Here!

Published September 3, 2013 by Angela

My oldest is away at her 3rd year of college, my 10th grader is at school, and my 4th grader is standing by the door with her backpack waiting for it to be time to go. My 7th grade homeschooler?…….She has just hit the snooze button for the 4th time. I am afraid this is going to be even tougher than I imagined. I am going to keep a positive attitude to show her I support and encourage her, and hopefully she gets ups pretty quick with that beautiful smile of hers. (As opposed to that other look she gives me that I would rather not talk about!) Does anyone else have a tough time getting them going on the 1st day, even if they have been homeschooled for years? (And there was the snooze for the 5th time LOL)

Overwhelmed to no end trying to begin getting a homeschooling schedule set…

Published September 1, 2013 by Angela
The beach that soothed the soul

I don’t think that energy drink was quite large enough 🙂

Hoffmaster 8-31-13 012So I did the only smart thing I could at the time, put the kids in the car and took a road trip to a couple of beaches. Spending hours looking at more teacher books than my student has got the better of me. Needless to say, the trip effects wore off rather quickly as I spent another 5 hours at the kitchen table sorting through everything. I got a good enough start that I feel pretty good, and after a hopefully good night’s sleep, I should be well on my way!

Another pet? Really?

Published August 29, 2013 by Angela

Our Lionhead Rabbit, stole the hearts of everyone in our house!

Our Lionhead Rabbit, stole the hearts of everyone in our house!

I am questioning how well I really thought out the idea of getting another pet. Although he is the cutest rabbit I have ever seen in my life, well, the cutest pet of any kind for that matter, I am fearful at some point I am going to have to start taking care of him. So far my daughter has done amazing at keeping him comfy and cared for, I am just hoping (and Praying), that she doesn’t get bored with him. I thought with her new homeschooling adventure which is a complete change to the life she has been used to for 12 years, she could use a little companionship from a pet, as well as the responsibility. So welcome to the family Mufasa. I cannot help but smile every single time I look at him. I just look at him, no holding for me since on our 1st encounter he bit me and I now have 3 scars on my hand in memory of our meeting. Is he not the cutest thing you have ever seen?

Time to Lay out the Lesson Plan

Published August 28, 2013 by Angela

I think it is a fair statement that no one can procrastinate in the manner I do! I have the books for homeschooling, now I need to sit down and set out the daily lesson plans, schedules, and extra-curricular activities. Feeling overwhelmed, as I always do before I start something 🙂 Once I get it done I will feel like a champ! The trick is for me to realize I won’t get it correct the first time, and that many adjustments will need to be made to find what works best for both of us. Still not quite sure how I ended up with more, longer books than my daughter got though??? LOL Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated! Happy Homeschooling!

The Books Arrived!

Published August 24, 2013 by Angela

A whole bunch of school books. Makes the school year look longer than I'm used to!

A whole bunch of school books. Makes the school year look longer than I’m used to!

Well my daughter’s home school books arrived, and it felt pretty reminiscent of when I was going to college and that ridiculously heavy box would arrive at the door. I hope she is as happy in 2 weeks when she has a daily learning plan as she is right now.

I took the time yesterday to fax in my form to officially be a “homeschool” house, and hoping it all goes smooth. I have had so much going on right now I would prefer to not even have one hiccup in this process. I am sure there are plenty to come as we get going on this new journey; especially with one in college, one in High school, and one in elementary school. Any advice from pros in this situation would be greatly appreciated. Things that worked, and what definitely didn’t work! Because I have a feeling I may be trying everything 🙂 LOL

When It All Goes Wrong

Published August 21, 2013 by Angela

I have to have a positive attitude. That when it all goes wrong, it is really all going “right”. I am on a new journey of homeschooling for 1 out of 4 daughters. The books are on the way. $500.00 worth of “You will study and do this!” The desk is bought. The study area is set up. If I can go to college and get my degrees while raising girls, I can get one through homeschooling. I am scared, nervous, and unsure of what I am doing. But knowing I have no other options, I know her and I can make the best of this. Looking forward to getting the books and setting everything up.