homeschool classes
[email protected]
Hi All,
I'd appreciate a little feedback. My son (age 5) is very interested in
animals and sea creatures so when the zoo here offered a class for
homeschoolers on ocean creatures, I asked him if he'd like to go. He said
yes. Our first class was today and he seemed comfortable there. Anyways,
apparently he was wandering around the room instead of sitting quietly and he
was listening to the teacher. The teacher suggested that next time I stay in
the room, presumably to keep him in his seat. I would like him to stay in the
class as he is interested in the subject and as long as he isn't disruptive,
I don't see why he can't stand or wander. (By the way, the class is K-2nd
grade and he's the youngest and I do get the feeling that most of the kids do
school-at-home.) Any thoughts?
Amy
Amy Kagey
Give the gift of reading:
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366"> Usborne Books!</A>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I'd appreciate a little feedback. My son (age 5) is very interested in
animals and sea creatures so when the zoo here offered a class for
homeschoolers on ocean creatures, I asked him if he'd like to go. He said
yes. Our first class was today and he seemed comfortable there. Anyways,
apparently he was wandering around the room instead of sitting quietly and he
was listening to the teacher. The teacher suggested that next time I stay in
the room, presumably to keep him in his seat. I would like him to stay in the
class as he is interested in the subject and as long as he isn't disruptive,
I don't see why he can't stand or wander. (By the way, the class is K-2nd
grade and he's the youngest and I do get the feeling that most of the kids do
school-at-home.) Any thoughts?
Amy
Amy Kagey
Give the gift of reading:
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366"> Usborne Books!</A>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/20/2002 2:10:23 PM Central Standard Time,
amycats2@... writes:
for my kid in school-like situations as much as possible. At 5 I would have
never let him go to a class without me in the room.
It's not that I think he's so fragile or whatever. It's just that I don't
want him to pick up on the idea that his way of learning is inferior to the
school model, or that he can't own his own learning. I certainly don't want
him to get the idea that any worksheet or other activity they ask him to do
has any bearing on his worth as a human being.
My son attends the monthly homeschool science day at the science museum.
Since he's 9, and most of his friends are, I put him in the lower age group
class (1-3 grade). Most of the other moms chose the upper age group for
their kids. He was disappointed that he wasn't with his friends, and the
classes were full so the museum wouldn't let him move up. But he enjoyed it
anyway and didn't complain.
So, one of his friends who doesn't read yet dropped out of the upper classes
altogether and so we asked if my son could take his place. He came out of
there so disappointed! He had a worksheet in his hand, and was complaining
about how stupid it was and that the teacher went too fast when she told him
what to write on it. He was really frustrated. I asked him if he wanted the
worksheet, and he said no. So I took it and crumpled it up and I said "this
worksheet means nothing. You never have to do them if you don't want to,
ever. It's simply a way for an uncreative teacher to make herself think
she's getting through to you some way. Did you learn anything about what she
was saying?" yes. "Then you don't need a worksheet to tell you that. Do
you want to go back to the older class next time?"
"No. They don't do anything fun."
Yes, I insulted the teacher, and in the midst of a whole bunch of other
homeschool moms milling about, too. But my kid having *that* kind of
frustration warranted a strong affirmation from me that he was right.
Tuck
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
amycats2@... writes:
> . My son (age 5) is very interested inAs an unschooler in a world hostile to unschoolers <g>, I run interference
> animals and sea creatures so when the zoo here offered a class for
> homeschoolers on ocean creatures, I asked him if he'd like to go. He said
> yes. Our first class was today and he seemed comfortable there. Anyways,
> apparently he was wandering around the room instead of sitting quietly and
> he
> was listening to the teacher. The teacher suggested that next time I stay
> in
> the room, presumably to keep him in his seat. I would like him to stay in
> the
> class as he is interested in the subject and as long as he isn't
> disruptive,
> I don't see why he can't stand or wander. (By the way, the class is K-2nd
> grade and he's the youngest and I do get the feeling that most of the kids
> do
> school-at-home.) Any thoughts?
>
for my kid in school-like situations as much as possible. At 5 I would have
never let him go to a class without me in the room.
It's not that I think he's so fragile or whatever. It's just that I don't
want him to pick up on the idea that his way of learning is inferior to the
school model, or that he can't own his own learning. I certainly don't want
him to get the idea that any worksheet or other activity they ask him to do
has any bearing on his worth as a human being.
My son attends the monthly homeschool science day at the science museum.
Since he's 9, and most of his friends are, I put him in the lower age group
class (1-3 grade). Most of the other moms chose the upper age group for
their kids. He was disappointed that he wasn't with his friends, and the
classes were full so the museum wouldn't let him move up. But he enjoyed it
anyway and didn't complain.
So, one of his friends who doesn't read yet dropped out of the upper classes
altogether and so we asked if my son could take his place. He came out of
there so disappointed! He had a worksheet in his hand, and was complaining
about how stupid it was and that the teacher went too fast when she told him
what to write on it. He was really frustrated. I asked him if he wanted the
worksheet, and he said no. So I took it and crumpled it up and I said "this
worksheet means nothing. You never have to do them if you don't want to,
ever. It's simply a way for an uncreative teacher to make herself think
she's getting through to you some way. Did you learn anything about what she
was saying?" yes. "Then you don't need a worksheet to tell you that. Do
you want to go back to the older class next time?"
"No. They don't do anything fun."
Yes, I insulted the teacher, and in the midst of a whole bunch of other
homeschool moms milling about, too. But my kid having *that* kind of
frustration warranted a strong affirmation from me that he was right.
Tuck
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Tia Leschke
> I'd appreciate a little feedback. My son (age 5) is very interested inhe
> animals and sea creatures so when the zoo here offered a class for
> homeschoolers on ocean creatures, I asked him if he'd like to go. He said
> yes. Our first class was today and he seemed comfortable there. Anyways,
> apparently he was wandering around the room instead of sitting quietly and
> was listening to the teacher. The teacher suggested that next time I stayin
> the room, presumably to keep him in his seat. I would like him to stay inthe
> class as he is interested in the subject and as long as he isn'tdisruptive,
> I don't see why he can't stand or wander. (By the way, the class is K-2nddo
> grade and he's the youngest and I do get the feeling that most of the kids
> school-at-home.) Any thoughts?How about asking the teacher exactly what he was doing that was disruptive.
In other words, find out what her minimum standard of behavior is. And make
sure you point out how much he learned while wandering around the room
instead of sitting. If she insists that he stay seated the whole time, then
he might choose to not continue with the class.
Tia
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/20/02 8:37:45 PM Eastern Standard Time,
tuckervill@... writes:
they don't use worksheets etc and it is more fun. They really enjoy that.
We have an art group at the museum of art and I do the same thing there. I
have watched the older groups in passing and it is more structured than I
want for my kids. They are told what to draw or paint or collage etc. But
in the younger group they give them the tools and let them have at it. That
seems like art to me and the boys love it.
Pam G
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
tuckervill@... writes:
> , I put him in the lower age groupI also put my sons in the lower grade level. I seems that in the K-2 group
> class (1-3 grade).
they don't use worksheets etc and it is more fun. They really enjoy that.
We have an art group at the museum of art and I do the same thing there. I
have watched the older groups in passing and it is more structured than I
want for my kids. They are told what to draw or paint or collage etc. But
in the younger group they give them the tools and let them have at it. That
seems like art to me and the boys love it.
Pam G
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/20/2002 11:13:38 PM Eastern Standard Time,
leschke@... writes:
he was wandering and that as long as he isn't being disruptive to just leave
him alone. I saw what they talked about as far as information and it's
totally not over his head so I know that wasn't the problem. He did mention
to me that he didn't want to just sit there and listen, he wanted to be out
in the aquarium. They spent some time in the classroom and some time out in
the zoo. He was excited that he got to pet an armadillo, though!
Amy Kagey
Give the gift of reading:
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366"> Usborne Books!</A>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
leschke@... writes:
> If she insists that he stay seated the whole time, thenThat's what I'm thinking. I'm going to mention he really was listening while
> he might choose to not continue with the class.
>
he was wandering and that as long as he isn't being disruptive to just leave
him alone. I saw what they talked about as far as information and it's
totally not over his head so I know that wasn't the problem. He did mention
to me that he didn't want to just sit there and listen, he wanted to be out
in the aquarium. They spent some time in the classroom and some time out in
the zoo. He was excited that he got to pet an armadillo, though!
Amy Kagey
Give the gift of reading:
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366"> Usborne Books!</A>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Liza Sabater
>How about asking the teacher exactly what he was doing that was disruptive.I agree. Also, for how long does this person expect them to sit and
>In other words, find out what her minimum standard of behavior is. And make
>sure you point out how much he learned while wandering around the room
>instead of sitting. If she insists that he stay seated the whole time, then
>he might choose to not continue with the class.
what kind of hands-on activities does she/he have for the kids. Talk
to this person about your child's learning style (this is normal
behaviour for a 5 year old boy). Still, if this person asks for you
to stay, you could take it as an opportunity for your child to
practice sitting and listening for an X amount of minutes --but that
would turn the class into something else.
In most of these cases, though, the teacher is just ill trained in
dealing with young kids. I am sure he is disruptive to the teacher
and not the other kids.
Liza
Liza Sabater
Are you a member? A re you paying for the class? Write a letter to
the teacher and cc the director of the program and their boss. They
need to know these things because, really, a lot of people create
these programs without a clue as to what exactly what the kids need
or want. So they offer the courses and cross their fingers.
Most of the time this type of feedback is what management has been
waiting for to make decisions about additional classes. It really
could not hurt to let them know what your older kids would enjoy in
an age appropriate class.
Liza
the teacher and cc the director of the program and their boss. They
need to know these things because, really, a lot of people create
these programs without a clue as to what exactly what the kids need
or want. So they offer the courses and cross their fingers.
Most of the time this type of feedback is what management has been
waiting for to make decisions about additional classes. It really
could not hurt to let them know what your older kids would enjoy in
an age appropriate class.
Liza
>In a message dated 12/20/02 8:37:45 PM Eastern Standard Time,[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>tuckervill@... writes:
>
>> , I put him in the lower age group
>> class (1-3 grade).
>
>I also put my sons in the lower grade level. I seems that in the K-2 group
>they don't use worksheets etc and it is more fun. They really enjoy that.
>We have an art group at the museum of art and I do the same thing there. I
>have watched the older groups in passing and it is more structured than I
>want for my kids. They are told what to draw or paint or collage etc. But
>in the younger group they give them the tools and let them have at it. That
>seems like art to me and the boys love it.
>Pam G
>
Shyrley
My first thought on reading this thread was why join a class for a 5
yo?
If he likes the animals, take him round the zoo at his own pace.
Shyrley
"You laugh at me because I'm different. I laugh at you because you are all the same."
yo?
If he likes the animals, take him round the zoo at his own pace.
Shyrley
"You laugh at me because I'm different. I laugh at you because you are all the same."
Liza Sabater
May I venture a response? There is nothing wrong with anybody trying
things out. This might not be the best group learning setting for him
but who said that they can't try. Humans do need to be in groups once
in a while. I know my kids do. They just hate the idea of being
locked up in a place for what seem to them hours on end --whether a
class, a museum or just home.
At 10:42 AM -0500 12/21/02, Shyrley wrote:
things out. This might not be the best group learning setting for him
but who said that they can't try. Humans do need to be in groups once
in a while. I know my kids do. They just hate the idea of being
locked up in a place for what seem to them hours on end --whether a
class, a museum or just home.
At 10:42 AM -0500 12/21/02, Shyrley wrote:
>My first thought on reading this thread was why join a class for a 5[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>yo?
>If he likes the animals, take him round the zoo at his own pace.
>
>Shyrley
>
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/21/2002 10:38:57 AM Eastern Standard Time,
shyrley.williams@... writes:
about the class that sounded really cool is that the kids get to actually
play with zoo animals and that seemed to be really the only part he enjoyed
much.
Amy Kagey
Give the gift of reading:
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366"> Usborne Books!</A>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
shyrley.williams@... writes:
>Oh, we definitely do. We go to the zoo several times a month. The one thing
> My first thought on reading this thread was why join a class for a 5
> yo?
> If he likes the animals, take him round the zoo at his own pace.
>
about the class that sounded really cool is that the kids get to actually
play with zoo animals and that seemed to be really the only part he enjoyed
much.
Amy Kagey
Give the gift of reading:
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366"> Usborne Books!</A>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
kayb85 <[email protected]>
Sometimes you get opportunities in classes that you don't get
otherwise. For example, we were in a class once where they let the
kids see a snake eat a (dead) mouse. Another time we were in a class
where they organized the kids into a really fun game that taught
about the food chain. Other times it's only in classes that you get
to use certain equipment, like a camp we go to sometimes that offers
astronomy classes with a really huge telescope or a kiln to bake our
pottery.
Sheila
otherwise. For example, we were in a class once where they let the
kids see a snake eat a (dead) mouse. Another time we were in a class
where they organized the kids into a really fun game that taught
about the food chain. Other times it's only in classes that you get
to use certain equipment, like a camp we go to sometimes that offers
astronomy classes with a really huge telescope or a kiln to bake our
pottery.
Sheila
> My first thought on reading this thread was why join a class for a5
> yo?are all the same."
> If he likes the animals, take him round the zoo at his own pace.
>
> Shyrley
>
>
> "You laugh at me because I'm different. I laugh at you because you