I have just started homeschooling Oldest Child and Child Three. We're experimenting with it at the moment. They are part of the Utah Virtual Academy, which is part of the public school system. I guess it's like being part of a charter school that I, as a parent, have a great deal of involvement in. The school is sending us all our supplies, including another computer, from which the lessons are taken. Some of the lessons are online, some are offline. The kids do their lessons and then occasionally take assessment tests. I grade them and enter their scores online. They have a teacher who can help them with anything they are having trouble with, as well.
We're still operating in limbo a little bit, as we haven't yet received all the textbooks and other supplies. Oldest finished all her lessons in about 45 minutes yesterday. Oops. She's supposed to be spending 5 1/2 hours in school, on average, a day, but she has a goal of finishing high school by the time she would technically be in 10th grade. Fortunately, UVA is very flexible that way. The kids can go as slow or as fast as they wish to. Once we get the books, she'll be able to start doubling up her lessons as much as she wants.
Three needs a bit more parental involvement, so I sit with her as she goes through her lessons and we discuss things. Yesterday she and I did some science experiments to learn about mixtures, solutions and substances.
What's nice about this particular program is that a) I don't have to come up with lesson plans, b) I am not stressed out about running around finding all the books and materials that all cost money, c) there is a definite order and schedule, which is just to Oldest's tastes, and d) they get a high school diploma because this is public school. And they can do things on their own schedule. Best of all worlds!
We're still getting into the swing of things. I've still got two little boys running around here, too, which makes it interesting, plus all the regular housework chores and shopping, etc. I'm busier, that's for sure.
Last night I made a quick and easy recipe that I got from Shanna. The kids love it.
White Chocolate Popcorn
2 packages microwave popcorn, popped (natural or butter flavors work well)
1 package white chocolate chips
Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave, 30 seconds at a time, until the chips are mostly melted. Stir chips to melt them completely. Pour melted white chocolate over popped corn and stir to coat all the corn. Lay the coated popcorn out onto cookie sheets and let harden at room temperature (if you're really impatient, stick them into the frig). Eat. Now try to stop.
2 comments:
Wow! Good luck!
Lol! The secret's out! If you want to stretch it you can use three bags of popcorn and I usually do the white chocolate for thre minutes at half power stirring every minute, but its chocolate and if it works it works, right? If you want to dress it up put sprinkles in it after you have coated the popcorn thoroughly. It makes great neighbor gifts for christmas and its so easy! That is if you don't eat it all first! Sometimes we can't wait for it to harden. Then we have to lick our fingers (tragedy!) Lol! Enjoy!
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