Tuesday, October 04, 2023

Homeschool Q&A; #100305

Hi! I hope your first few weeks of homeschool have been going great! As we've gotten back into ours, I've jotted down some info that I'd like to share with your over the next few weeks - tips to keep your sanity and help save you time!

This year has been a new adjustment for me, because my 4 year old daughter, Maegan, just will not take 'no' for an answer to school. Now it's really showing how much more quickly girls mature emotionally than boys. She's already writing letters, etc. and I'm going to have to be sure her mind gets what it craves, and let my mind keep it's sanity too!

So, let's start off with some Q&A;:

"Dear Ms. Bankston; I read your article (ABEKA Text False Information) with great interest. In it, you mention the inaccuracy of the text in Abeka's Science. I became increasingly concerned as I read it, because last year, I came across an Abeka textbook that had an error in it that referred to the story of Adam and Eve! The problem is, now that I have a name to write to (LuWanda Bowman), I cannot remember the textbook! It was a Bible story that referred to how Eve took the forbidden fruit and gave it to Adam. I was outraged to read that they (the writers of the text) ignored the blatant fact that Adam was right there and was enticed along with her, and instead, insinuated that Eve went to find him or something to that effect. I do not remember the exact wording of the text but I recognized the fact that it did not go along with the scripture. The problem was, I didn't know what to do about it and now I cannot find this particular text. If I could find it, I would report it to Ms. Bowman, and would encourage her to think of it, not as a suggestion, but as a sincere effort to correct an inaccuracy. I guess I'm writing to see if you have ever come across this particular text. Thanks for the article and for listening! Mrs. Donna Blanchard"

L.B.: Donna, No problem, Donna. I don’t know which text that would be as I don’t use any of their Bible curriculum. I purchased one set and then never used it because we had so much to cover with Sunday school and Awana and Keys for Kids that it was just a waste of money. I hope you find it!! And, I’m glad that you too pay attention!!

"Hi Laura! How about teenagers boys? This is my first year homeschooling. My boys are 14 and 12. Thanks for every day e-mail. God bless, Regina"

L.B.: Hey, Regina. To be honest, my kids haven't hit the teens yet! My oldest is 10, but I've homeschooled him from the beginning. And so far, the principles, tips, and tricks havent' changed for me yet. And, if I were to start right now, I think that I'd get started the same way as before. Get your state requirements and forms, plan, and dive in. If you need some planning forms, you can get them at my library website . If you need step by step help with resoures, tips, tricks, and forms on disk, then I recommend you get 'How to Survive Your Frist 2 Years of Homeschool Knowledge System' that is also on the home page. Good luck!!

"Can you please tell me were I can get a 6 grade kit for homeschooling my child? I need a kit for w.v. kanawha county schooling. I need the teacher and student package. thank you. Someone told me to order from ABEKA will this kit work for my child? Kim Wilson"
L.B.: Kim, each child is different; and only you will be able to decide which one is right for your child. You can get some info on kits/choices available and comments from users at Homeschool Curriculum Reviews . If I were you, I would not start out with a complete kit. They are expensive, contain things you'll find you don't need, and may not fit the learning style of your child. First, sample some products and see how they work. I use different curriculum for each of my children as I have an auditory learner, a hand's on learner, and I'm still learning how my 4 year old Maegan learns best.

And now, some comments from the recent article 'Why Public School is Better Than Homeschooling'.

'i do not feel that public school is better than homeschooling. in fact i think you and your educated idiots should worry about what kind of children you are turning out. you make up all kinds of lables for children that are nothing more than ill mannered lazy brats. IEP for the children that you cant tesach but hey its not your fault there must be some thing wrong with the child lets givr him a lable so that the teacher and parent do not have to feel responsible. Lady i was in education and i got to see first had what your educated fool do to children and no thank you. Take God out of school and this is what you are left with the libral pain in the necks that will bring this country to its knees. Nothing is your fault everyone should help you. God help thoses that help themseves. I clould go on for a long time but i am sure you will not get a word of this . Do not send me anything further.'

'Amen Laura! Thanks for the encouragement. Love, Lyria'

'That is completely ridiculous. I am shocked that people believe this. My mother is one, her biggest complaint was lack of socialization. My daughter gets homeschool band and chorus, church chorus and athletics that we have her involved in. Their isn't any sheltering in that area with homeschoolers.'

Have a super week!

Laura Bankston

Laura Bankston is author of Internationally selling Cooking with Kids Curriculum: Homeschool Cooking in a Box and the Homeschool Cookbook. She currently home schools her three children, maintains home school support websites, and manages their family-owned service business. For information on her curriculum and free home school support services, please visit http://www.homeschoolcookbook.com

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