Posted: 21/Aug/2007 at 12:50pm | IP Logged

The only advice I have for you is this: Don't give up on yourself or your kids. My two oldest were in ps until 9th and 6th grade. My oldest child consistently scored lower than grade level and her younger brother scored at least one year ahead every time he was tested. I want my children to learn more than how to take a test. I want them to have knowledge not just test taking skills. I think you want more for your children too, or you probably wouldn't have started hsing in the first place.

Keep up the great work!! You will find friends here. You will find support here. Hopefully, your husband will realize there is more to an education than what ps can offer.

Posted: 21/Aug/2007 at 7:50pm | IP Logged

This is my first time, but my mother is a retired school teacher of 35 years. She remided me that all children learn at thier own pace no matter how hard you try to push them all to be the same; but all of us are different especially when we are young, some of us are good test takers and some are not, some of us learn by reading some learn by seeing. Hang in there and keep teaching them all you can.

I am scared to death but I know that I can teach my child better than anyone else because I love them so much. I think we all need to keep in mind that all we can do is teach the best we can, give them 110% and they will succeed because WE never gave up!

Hang tough mom!

Posted: 22/Aug/2007 at 5:24am | IP Logged

Where you set the bar your children will meet. Occasionally they will exceed your expectations, but most of the time they will always meet it.  You can absolutely have fun and still learn.  The advice I have is to keep on teaching and don't get disappointed.  Because they will feel it when you aren't confident in your conviction. 

Tests are just a tool to measure if there are areas that may need more work.  Tests are not the measure of your child worth.  I have a child that does well on test, but you would swear she wasn't understanding the lessons.  I have another child that has never tested well, but is extremely bright and grasps processes with a depth of understanding. 

Take the results with a grain of salt and keep on, besides surprises keep us on our toes.

SchoolMom

http://www.thehomeschoolexchange.com

Posted: 22/Aug/2007 at 5:28am | IP Logged

Mommyof4 wrote: Amen, Angelflower!  Anyways, I was just wondering if everyone here has their child tested at the end of the year, or does anyone at all do portfolio reviews rather than testing?

I do comprehensive testing.  You can buy grade level testing online or through various publishers of the school textbooks.

http://www.thehomeschoolexchange.com

Posted: 24/Aug/2007 at 6:32am | IP Logged

You guys are all so encouraging. I appreciate all your help. I'm gonna stick with you guys. This is the most encouragement I have receive all year about hmsching my kids. Hmschers Rock!!!  I just needed a little re-adjusting, re-focusing in my thinking. I'm gonna continue to rely on the Lords strength, guidance, peace regarding this call. This is the most important thing I have done in my life so far. With His direction, is provision!  I'm praying for all you guys that you will have a successful year. And that peace will prevail in your households. thanks again.

In His Grip meka bean.

Posted: 24/Aug/2007 at 11:49am | IP Logged

I am so glad that you are sticking with it and are encouraged. I had a hard time deciding becasue I am a single mom and not only amI mom to my children but a few other lost young teens. I want to home school everyone, but am now running into financial trouble. 

Anyone have any ideas for financing... someone said they were getting home school supplies for free through thier church... can you do that ? If you Do not know please just pray for us... I beleive all children are special no matter the backround or family. I just want to do ALL I can and I feel like I'm failing

A frustrated Angelflower