"I Want to Sit on My Rooster"

Before Q&A today, I want to share something with you.

It was only 12 hours ago, but it's so funny...It's like it just happened and I can hardly keep from laughing.

Last night we ended up taking the kids to a movie. I wanted to see Princess Diaries 2, so we all ended up going. The boys weren't overly interested :-), but it was simply out of the question for Maegan and Mom to go alone!

So, we went to the theatre, got inside, and found the theatre room with our movie. And, you know, before you enter, there is a stack of booster seats.

"Do you want a booster seat Ryan?" I asked as I picked one up for Maegan. "The seats will fold up on you if you don't have one."

So, Ryan grabbed one too.

"You want one, Nathan?" I teased.

He gave me a look that said it all.

We went inside and found our seats and got all situated. I was having Nathan read the screen advertisements for practice.

Then Wade leaned over to me and said, "You know, you might want to ask Maegan if she has to go to the bathroom so she doesn't have to go in the middle of the movie."

I sighed. I knew he was right. I didn't want to have to take her, but I knew I definitely didn't want to take her in the middle of the movie!

So, we made the quick trip and came back.

As we walked into our row, I asked Maegan, "Do you want to sit on your booster or on Mommy's lap?"

She looked up at me and replied, "Oh.....I want to sit on my rooster."

Okay, on to some Q&A:

Laura,

I'm having problems with the download. Could you send me an e-mail with an example of a Letter of Intent to Homeschool and an example of the curriculum for a 7th and 8th grader.

My son failed the seventh grade. He should not have made less than an "A" in any subject that he took last year, but he did. Public school has been a nightmare for my oldest child. His first grade teacher diagnosed him as having ADHD and was determined that it was her mission in life to prove to me that he should be on Ritalin. She told the other children in the class that Christopher had problems and that every time he did anything they needed to tell her. They did and then she told me about it every day. They still tell, whether he actually does it or not. He is not always innocent and I know that. I just feel like he is not ever going to get the kind of education that he deserves from that school. I want to homeschool him, but I don't know how to get started.

I need help!!! I would be grateful for any advice that you could send my way. Oh, and thanks for taking the time to read my letter.

Melinda

L.B. Melinda, that is so sad to hear about your son's experience in public school. That teacher should be put in jail for creating an atmosphere where your son can't possibly succeed. She has created an environment where everyone is picking on him and is against him.

You need to have him close where you can see what is going on. You need to have him close so that he is loved. You need to have him close so that you can support his gifts and skills.

As far as forms, different states have different requirements. You can check if I've already added your state's information at https://www.homeschoolingrequirements.com . If not, let me know. Don't rely solely on the school district to tell you what you need for your letter of intent. They often tell you to give more information that you are legally obligated to give. There are also some states that require different procedures if you're pulling a child out of public school vs. starting with homeschool at Kindergarten.

Most public school websites will have curriculum/learning guidelines included - but they can't be relied upon. You can see my list of curriculum at https://www.homeschoolcookbook.com/home_school_curriculum.html

My 5 year old is starting to read and often mistakes b and d. I think this may be a common mistake even though I never recall doing it as a child. Anyway, I am not terribly worried about this since he has just started reading but to make reading smoother for him, I wonder if others have any tips as to how to make distinguishing the b from d any easier? He knows the sounds for the letters and if he looks at them in the alphabet he can clearly identify them but when it comes to reading them in word form, he mixes them up. Any advise? Thank you.

L.B. Yes, this is a very common mistake; and I wouldn't worry about it at this point. Just show the difference. Some people use the picture example of "b" as the headboard and "d" as the footboard of a bed. I've had great success with my children by having them write them differently. "b" is a line down and bounce around. "d" is a line down, pick up the pencil, and then write the round part. The difference between bouncing and picking up has made it easy for writing - and my youngest is dyslexic. In reading, it's much easier to get them confused. It usually irons itself out. I wouldn't worry about a 5 year old doing it - just show the difference. Don't make them feel self-conscious or bad or anything.

Other comments:

"Laura, Thanks so much for this note. I struggle constantly with trying to please others. I know that the only one I need to strive to please is God....then everything else will fall in place. Thank you for allowing Him to use you to encourage others. Have a great week." Because He Lives, M.

"Laura, You ARE a "Super MOM". I just love reading the homeschooling newsletters you send. Even though Ziona goes to public school, you have some wonderful, inspirational things for me to think about. Or self improvments. You may not know it but I look up to you sooo much. I wanna be like you when I grow-up. ;) I just love and adore you and your wonderful family. And thank you for promoting house-keepers!!!" :) Jo.

"This was very encouraging. I have passed it on to several families. I appreciate the list of curriculums you posted. We will begin using Sonlight this year and we areVERY excited. My daughter is a huge reader and she is thrilled to be able to read, read, read her way through history, reading and language. I have been impressed with the instructor's guide and all the extra info. they include. I'll let you know how the year goes. Also, my husband and I laughed hysterically as I read the story about the"syrup in the hair". Aren't we all thankful for a Savior who lets us laugh together and love each other through the roller coaster of parenthood. Thanks for sharing such a funny and heart warming family moment!!! Have a great day." Because He Lives, Marianne

"Dear Laura: I have really been enjoying your articles but this last one was very meaningful for us. My now 4 year old was hospitalized when she had just turned 3 and it was quite an experience, as you can well imagine, but you are absolutely right on, on the discipline. We practice attachment parenting along with homeschooling and I believe the whole thing went easier for everyone involved as a result (As does everything in our lives ;-) but that just makes sense.) When our children know what is expected of them and what to expect they are secure. I was given that from my mother so I had a good role model. I am always flattered when people we meet comment on how well behaved and how easy they are to be around and how polite they are (but that is another story altogether, lol children learn what they see) Thanks for your emails, I look forward to reading them." Yours in Peaceful Parenting, Elizabeth

So, have a great week! If you haven't signed up for the tele-seminar, there are still some places left. I will be sharing how to homeschool several young elementary aged children - with a toddler - and reduce stress and be able to enjoy it! You can sign up now at https://www.homeschoolcookbook.com/homeschool_teleseminar_registration.html

Sincerely,

Laura Bankston

Laura Bankston is author of Internationally selling Cooking with Kids Curriculum: ï¿œHomeschool Cooking in a Boxï¿œ and the ï¿œHomeschool Cookbookï¿œ. She currently home schools her three children, maintains home school support websites, and manages their family-owned service business. For information on her curriculum and free home school support services, please visit https://www.homeschoolcookbook.com

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"I Want to Sit on My Rooster"