Homeschooling

Posts Tagged ‘curriculum’

Question: A question for anyone who has used the aBeka Homeschool Curriculum?

Are students able to know the names of their fellow students? Do the students have the option of interacting with fellow students via internet?

I guess what I'm wondering is . . . If 2 people who knew eachother were both students with aBeka, would they be able to find out that they are fellow students without telling eachother?

This question sounds strange, but I would appreciate any answers. Thank you!

Answer: It is my understanding that aBeka is a boxed curriculum that you buy at a store, so I don't see how anyone would know anyone else using it, aside from local folks.

If you're looking for other homeschoolers, Yahoo groups have loads of state and local groups to join and find other homeschoolers in your area.

Mrs. Coghlan Discusses the Abeka Program

Question: Volunteer Opportunities for 9 yr old?

Please read completely before answering.

I know this is young. But I am only looking for a 1 day a week, or so service available for my son. Reason being:
1) To break some selfish and unappreciative attitudes that have been growing in him.
2) To aid in his Homeschooling requirements of good citizenship.
3) To compliment his "active" learning style. He learns best when physically moving around. (one of the reasons I'm going to homeschool him, sitting for long hours is countereffective for him).

Examples of organizations that would allow a very young person to offer time would be helpful. He is already in scouts, but they focus more on group activities than volunteering.
I'm not looking to leave him alone. Working with him is ideal for me. A family thing.

Answer: Hi, I think that is a good thing. Its good that you recognize that your son needs to break his bad habits of selfishness. The children growing up today are known as the "entitlement generation", and they think that I pods, expensive sneakers, and video games should be handed to them on a silver platter.

But what happens is that when children--especially black boys--grow up like that--they tend to be lazy, unproductive members of society who turn to using different women or crime as a way to achieve that lifestyle of luxury--because they just cant understand a hard days work. I know because I saw my brother become a man like this--he was very spolied and catered to as a child.

I think that homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and working with seniors can be good. A boy needs to do Physical Labor. Plus, he will see that not everybody lives a life of priveledge and luxury.

I also think that you as a Mom can have a big impact on him. My brother & I had 2 different Moms. His mom gave him almost every new sneaker that came on the market. While my mom made it clear that expensive shoes, clothes, or anything was not a part of our family motto. I had chores, and I had to get A's & B's or else. I got my first job when I was 14, working under the table at a local store making $80 a week. By the time I was 16 I was helping my mom pay household bills. Meanwhile, my brother lived a lavish lifestyle. My brother used to think he was hot stuff with his jewelry, clothes, and sneakers--and he even looked down on "poor people" who couldnt afford such things. My Dad and Mom divorced when I was young--but Dad remained in both our lives...Well, my brother messed up in school, then started selling drugs at age 17 after his mom could no longer give him expensive things. He ended up doing the drugs he was selling, became an addict, and his life was a mess.

Me, I graduted, went on to college, graduted, now I'm a Teacher and am starting my own business--and I dont touch drugs or alcohol. My brother did clean his life up around age 30, got married to a wonderful black woman. But, he started craving the lavish lifestyle agian--and he couldnt seem to hold down a job. His marriage ended last year after his wife couldnt deal with his being "irresponsible".

I say all that to say that if you dont nip your sons behavior in the bud now ASAP, he can end up like the stereotypical, irresponsible, lazy black male. Dont think its only poor blacks who become that--I've seen upper middle class blacks have sons worse than some so called lower class blacks.

Stop giving your boy expensive gifts, toys, games, sneakers, clothes etc. Say No when he asks you for such things, and dont allow hos grandma or auntie to give him those things either.Give him chores that must be done. Keep him busy sun-up to sundown with chores, his volunteer work, etc. If he comes asking you for the lastest sneakers like "rollerskate sneakers"--tell him no, because he doesnt get what he "wants" from you--he gets only what he "needs". Let him know that if he wants anything "extra" in life besides the food, shelter and clothes you give him--tell him he needs to go out here and get a job, even if its shoveling snow or raking leaves. And, when he turns 16, make him get a job and help with the household bills. He will have to pay bills as a grown man, and you're raising a strong black man, not a weak one.

I saw this documentary where this black Mom & Dad had 3 sons. Their parents didnt give them expensive toys, videogames or anything because they were poor. When those boys turned 15, they started raking leaves and shoveling to help their parents pay household bills. They were such nice boys. And, when the oldest son finally had on his cap & gown to graduate from college, his black momma cried and cried. They were all so handome and proud, strong young black men. We need to raise more responsible young men like that--But it starts from the parents and grandparents making it clear that only hard work will give them things they want out of life--not sitting back accpeting gifts from Momma like she's Santa Claus.

Ok, I didnt mean this to be sooo long! Good luck with your boy, and make the next 6 years of his life the most important---it will shape his destiny.

Intro to Homeschooling Declaration of Intent Requirements - 6