What's the best educational option for my family?

Question

I have a nine-year-old daughter who is struggling in school, but meeting "minimum educational requirements" for her retained grade. I also have a bouncy three-year-old. When the two children are together my older daughter is easily distracted(which is also an issue for her at the public school.) Because they are so far apart in age and my daughter requires so much individualized time and attention from me in her education, I'm afraid homeschooling might cause my son to be neglected. My daughter is not the type you can explain an assignment to and expect her to do it on her own. The public school has refused my written request to have my daughter tested for learning disabilities, She has no IEP. We cannot afford private school or preschool for my son which I've thought might help him when I am working with his sister. I'm afraid I might pull my hair out with the two kids at home all day and not benefit either of them! What do you think is our best choice?

Answer 1

just let your kids so to public school, they will do fine. your 9 yr. old daughter will improve and just because there saying she is at the minimum requirements it doesn't mean she really is. just dont let them keep her back no matter what. when she gets in the junior high she will have a much better time!!

i hope this helps =]

Answer 2

If you do homeschooling, There are two christian curriculums when are really good. A beka, from Pensacola Christian College, has two options. One: You teach and keep all hte records and do the gradong yourself. Or, Two: You teach and send in the work to be graded and A Beka Abademy keeps records. A beka also had a DVD school that is very good. Bob Jones University has a good curriculum as well.

Answer 3

With regular attention and structure, your daughter's attention span and ability to work alone may vastly improve.  I've also found that my kids are amazingly motivated when they get to choose most of what they're learning.  I have three kids. While my eldest is doing his seat work (math pages, handwriting etc.), I can focus my attention on the younger kids.  During actual "teaching" times, I usually have the younger ones painting, doing play dough, cutting and gluing or whatever.  You have to get used to messes.  We also have a 21 month old.  We try to include her as much as possible, but a lot of the more difficult stuff is done while she's napping.  I would begin by expecting your daughter to sit still for ten minutes and quietly work at some kind of engaging activity.  After a few "school" days, you could add five minutes and gradually work up to half an hour or so.  With thirty kids in the class, the teachers may not have had time to ensure that every kid is sitting still and doing what they're supposed to.  She needs to get some new work habits.  It might be a good idea to determine what her present interests are and incorporate them in any way possible.  For example, if she loves dogs, she could graph the breeds she sees (math), paint puppies (art), visit a shelter (social, science), copy text from dog magazines (handwriting, LA), make a collage (art, hand-eye co-ordination),  read and write stories about dogs (LA), learn about the anatomy of dogs (science), and so on.  If you have a dog, you could even find dog food recipes on the internet and make them (math, cooking, home studies, science).  If she's particularly engaged, you could even package and sell little bags of the dog food (finance and business).  You can take almost any topic and "study" it in this way.  Once she's on track, you can then think about actual curriculum.  Just try to include your little one as much as possible, and make sure you have lots of "little" interests around the house.  For us, sometimes it's as simple as putting a bowl full of colored water on a towel in the kitchen and letting my toddler muck in it with spoons and dishes. On Friday, I gave the two little ones several large sheets of tissue paper and let them tear them and toss them in the air.  Believe it or not, it kept them busy for almost an hour.  But like I said, expect and appreciate messes.  I hope it all works out for you.  I'll bet your daughter is very bright and capable of far more than "minimum educational requirements".  All the best.

Answer 4

Well, no one option is best for every family. Do what works for yours. I've been homeschooled since I was seven and I'll be graduating June 7th. It has been a wonderful experience and one I wouldn't trade for anything.

I know that it did involve sacrifice for my mom's part but I can tell you I am so glad she made that sacrifice. I could not read when my parents decided to homeschool me and if they hadn't, I may not even be writing this. I am so thankful.

If you're interested, I can try to help. Just email me. :)

Hope this helps,

Debbie