-=> Quoting Daveen Ehrlich to Regina Finan <=-
 DE> My husband forwarded this message to me so that I could read it
 DE> and reply if I wanted.  I'm curious as to what curriculum you use with
 DE> your children.  I'm having trouble deciding what I should do with my
 DE> son that has difficulties.  
 I use a comprehensive workbook as a guide.  It has all the things in it
 for their grade level, English, Spelling and so forth.  I deviate from
 it according to the kids.  A voice spelling program on the computer
 supplements the spelling words.  We are studying environmental science
 so I also use the workbook, do field trips, and also use Sim City for
 a better understanding of it.  That is a computer game where they have
 to build a city.  I have library days and other computer programs too.
 When I run into a problem either with their understanding or interest
 thats when I either slow down and investigate a better way to handle it
 or sometimes it must be put aside for a few weeks until something else
 is taught first for their understanding.  I go with my children's speed.
 Whatever it takes, however long.  I also plan  doing it through the
 summer.  I have used a computer phonics programs to help remind them of
 sounds and so forth.
 DE> she can work with most anything.  At this time we are using Modern
 DE> Curriculum Press and next year we will be using some Abeka along with
 DE> MCP and adding the public school reading and social studies programs. 
 I have heard Abeka is a very good program, but it is religious and not
 to my liking that way.  OBTW, I do teach religion, but mine and I also
 use tapes and books for part of our reading and comprehension program.
 DE> Right now for my son I just let him work on the computer with whatever
 DE> program he wants to run.  We have a few preschool programs that are
 DE> beginning to introduce him to letters and numbers.  He is 4 1/2 and now
 DE> finally knows some of his colors, numbers, and letters.  He has been
 It sounds to me you are already doing a fine job.  Things such as 
ecognizing
 his name would be also good.  Visual programs work very well for this age.
 Games of sorts, computers or if he can do it, go fish card game is good
 also.  You may try going through the summer too just to keep these things
 in his memory and to speed up the process of learning for him.
 DE> attending the developmental preschool program at the public school, but
 DE> he won't next year because I'm not at all impressed with the pricipal
 DE> at the new school he would have to attend.  I would like to meet the
 DE> teacher that will be taking the preschool class at the new school and
 DE> if she's really good then I might consider sending him, but I really
 DE> just want to have all the kids going to school with me and my daughter.
 Do what is comfortable for you.  You didn't say what type of difficulties
 he has?  Are they learning or physical problems?  If you really just want
 him home then I suggest you do it.  Regardless of whether you like the
 teacher or not.  This is your child and I am sure you want him to reach
 potential.  What you are doing already is similiar to Kindergarden anyway.
 Keep at it and he will probably be past it by Septemember.  Most of us
 homeschool right through the summer.  It may not be as intense during this
 time, but it gives them a chance not to forget.  And helps get them ahead
 of everyone else.
 DE> Luckily they do allow younger kids to tag along.  If they didn't then
 DE> it wouldn't be a good program because homeschool families almost always
 DE> have little ones tagging along.  Although I have run into several
 DE> places that wouldn't allow younger kids so we couldn't go there.
 Daveen, what do you mean by this?  Do you belong to a program that 
homeschools
 out of the home or do you mean the field trips?  You are already doing what
 needs to be done for your son.  If you tell me what difficulties he has I
 may be able to be more specific in helping you.  If you can you can get
 catalogs to find some other programs such as a speech program and later
 on some English programs for learning disabled.  I would just continue
 to help him recognize letters, numbers and such and then in the summer
 introduce him to printing them out.  Also try getting him to recognize
 what is the difference between big and small, left and right, body parts,
 object names and so forth.  Read to him, which is the best way to teach
 him communication.  Talk about the pictures and have him name them every
 once in a while.  You can also ask a question while you are doing it.  If
 it is a book you have read several times, before you turn the page, ask
 him if he remembers what happens next.  Or if it is not, ask him what he
 thinks will heppen next.  If he has trouble remembering things don't
 worry about it.  Try to give him a small hint to trigger his memory and
 always praise him for whatever he does.  You can also ask if he remembers
 what the book was about before you read it.  It is important for him to
 learn small motor skills (pasting, coloring, cutting) as this will help
 develop his handwriting skills and eye and hand coordination. If you get
 frustrated at something, give it a break.  Then either try again or ask
 a few questions here and we will try to help you find an easier way to
 handle it.
 By all means have fun learning.  This is the best way to teach and will
 help your son remember things much better.  You can make up songs for
 anything, address, letters, numbers, big and small.  Children this age
 will not work well with a workbook.  Games and such are much better
 teachers and he won't even know he is learning.  Which is something
 kids will sometimes not want to do if they think it is work.  And
 smile, you have already done more than many parents do before their
 children enter kindergarden.  Good Luck.
 Regina
 DE> Daveen Ehrlich
 DE> -!- WILDMAIL!/WC v4.12 
 DE>  ! Origin: The Tecnician's Corner BBS  (1:343/326.0)
... All I need is a Wave and a board to surf it on.
---
---------------