Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Homeschool Update



We are almost done with our second homeschooling year. Our preschooler is done (yet loves to learn on an ongoing basis, so we have started some of the kindergarten material we already have), two of my sixth graders are done, and the last two are almost done with 6th grade.

Mr. T will finish this week, and Mr. D might finish this week, also. Apparently the internet connection has been a bit choppy up in Maine, and the weather actually nice, so Mr. D has been taken a lot of recess time and PE :-) Mr. T is still playing Little League baseball, which takes up a fair amount of his time.

I am really excited, though, because both boys have been getting school done, even though they are in Maine and I am in Virginia! We occasionally call and send emails & text messages to each other, and with a little help, they are mostly working independently.

We liked Switched-On-Schoolhouse last year for 5th grade (it allowed us to homeschool successfully - even though I didn't want to), but Monarch is so much better for our family. Mom's computer doesn't need to be up and running in order for the students to access their lessons, and mom can check on schoolwork from several states (or countries!) away.

For the most part we are planning to use Monarch again next year for 7th Grade, which will allow us to continue hopping between Florida and New England!

This weekend my sister and I are planning to attend HEAV Homeschool Conference in Virginia (my first homeschool conference ever!), if you are also attending and spot us there, please stop us to say hello. Here's a picture so you can recognize us :-D



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11 comments:

  1. So glad you are coming with me!!!

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  2. Thank you for stopping by my blog! I'm in love with yours! I'm a new follower! Can't wait to read about more adventures :)

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  3. Sounds like Monarch works wonderfully for your family! You'll have fun at the conference! (They can be a little overwhelming though!)

    Jessy

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  4. Saina, I know!!!! Awesome!!!

    Ashley Key, awww!!!! Thank you!! It was neat to find your blog too (gotta love blog hops :)!

    Jessy, I understand it can be overwhelming.. I have two must-see booths, and I need to do a little more research what else I must see. My sister will be looking at Kindergarten material too, so that's helpful. We are not planning to go to any sessions this time, this is mainly for hands-on review of material.

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  5. so exciting on so many levels! congratulations to all... and welcome to summer (though here in the NE of the Big C we're also experiencing a cold front!) :)

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  6. Congratulations to you all! Homeschool five kids is a big achievement. Are you Florida resident or Maine? Check out Florida Virtual School.. it is very popular with homeschool families. I am sure they will be at homeschool conference. It is free for Florida resident.

    Enjoy the summer! Weather has been absolutely beautiful here.

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  7. Isabelle-Alpha Omega PublicationsJune 9, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    I am so excited to see that you are enjoying Monarch! Isn't it great that the program allows you to correspond with your family across states?
    Have a great time at the homeschool conference and keep up the great blogging!

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  8. Thanks so much for visiting my blog ~ now following yours!! I can't wait to read more about your adventures....we also used Switched On Schoolhouse for one year (4th grade), but didn't care to repeat it ~ doing all subjects in the computer format proved to be a little boring for my kids! =) They can handle one or two, but are then ready to get away from the screen ~ can't say I blame them! ;)
    Blessings to you,
    Jill @ Sweet Diva

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  9. jdavis2 - thank you!! I'm really hoping we'll be done this week! Amazingly hot in Virginia (100) but cooler in Maine, which will be nice..

    Kelly and Allison, I have heard of it, and need to find out more. I don't think they are at this conference, but I'll look into it. Thanks!

    Isabelle - so sweet of you to visit & comment, thanks!! Two of my older kids want to do full Monarch next year, but we might change things a bit for two of them.. Can't wait to go to HEAV - tomorrow!!

    Jill, I understand! Mine enjoy doing school on the computer, and since we travel so much it's a great fit (no need for heavy books and material to bring with us).

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  10. Oh, I'm happy I found Your blog - I'm an adoptive mom of three, from western Finland, hoping to live in Usa or Canada some day :)

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  11. Welcome, Salanimi!! I enjoyed visiting your blog, also <3

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