-> I use a comprehensive workbook as a guide.  It has all the things in
-> for their grade level, English, Spelling and so forth.  I deviate fro
-> 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.
    I started off with the comprehensive curriculum also.  Now I have
added several other things to it to make a more involved school day.
->It sounds to me you are already doing a fine job.  Things such as
-> recognizing
-> 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.
->
-> Do what is comfortable for you.  You didn't say what type of difficul
-> he has?  Are they learning or physical problems?  If you really just
-> 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.
    I think I am going to keep my son home.  It seems to work better for
him to not have to have as many changes in his day.  He has problems
dealing with transition.
-> 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?
-> Regina
    We attend a homeschool resource center which keeps track of the kids
and pays for curriculum.  It is through a nearby school district and has
really helped with keeping us on task.  We have to record 20 hours per
week of school work and turn in time sheets.  We meet with a teacher
every 45 days to go over the children's learning plans and modify them
when needed.  We also keep some completed assignments in a portfolio
kept at the school.  They have a computer lab there where the kids can
use internet and lots of software.  It's a really good program for us.
I have found it very helpful.  I can talk to the teachers there any time
I need some assistance and they help out.  Katie has even made her own
web page with a report she did on Mozart.  She will continue to add to
the page as she finishes reports on other composers and the countries
they were born in.  We have been enjoying unit studies right now and it
has been working well for us.  I never thought I could do a unit study,
but I find it very simple and exciting.
                             Daveen
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