Busy Times

It's been awhile since I've posted anything so here's an update. In Oct. we closed on our new home and moved in Oct. 31st (and we still managed to go trick-or-treating). For Oct. and Nov. we did relaxed homeschooling, nothing formal/planned, but still educational using their workbooks and print outs. Then, in Dec. we welcomed a new addition to our family. Her name is Katylee Kathryn Dodge. She was born Dec. 17th at 6:20 pm, weighing 6lbs. 14oz. She's our smallest baby, so far. Yes, we plan on having more :). I've become "bored" with doing mostly workbooks this year so I'm exploring other avenues. So far, I really like what I'm seeing at time4learning.com. My kids have immensly enjoyed the demo lessons and have begged me every morning for the last three days to do them again. How could I pass up a request like that. They provide a scope and sequence for every grade (pre-K through eighth) and subject (LA, Math, Science, and Social Studies). They keep reports that are printable on the childrens' scores (percentages, not letter grades), time spent on each lesson, and lessons completed allowing the parents to turn the information in to the state if need be. Some lessons also have printable worksheets. They also do quizzes and tests along with assessments to help for placement. You also get access to the grade directly above and below. You can change their grade for any subject at anytime with no additional cost. Mind you, this is totally parent involved, no teacher whatsoever. You can skip lessons too if you want. Having looked at their various scope and sequences I am very pleased with the thoroughness of what they teach. They are from the same company that does Compass Learning with the public schools. They just made it completely home school friendly. They have a monthly cost but if you pay quarterly or yearly you get a discount. I would recommend checking them out. We're going to subscribe as soon as we get our taxes back so we can pay yearly. I'll touch back on this later after we've used them a bit to let you know how it goes. In the mean time, check them out.

http://www.time4learning.com/

Beware

If you are new to homeschooling, a veteran, or just thinking about getting involved in an online program, please read this article and do some research (ie. reading a lot of reviews from other parents) to make sure the company is legit. While your at it, do some research on this lady just so you can be aware. It will be well worth your time.

Although this article is from 2008 she us still out there doing the same thing.

http://www.ripoffreport.com/Private-Schools/Jubilee-Academy-Morn/jubilee-academy-morning-star-cb8e2.htm

Here's one from back in 2002

http://www.wired.com/culture/education/news/2002/04/51489?currentPage=1