The wilson reading program

Back in April, we had X tested for dyslexia. Our suspicions were confirmed. He also has dysgraphia and HFA. After we received the report back I sent copies to the CSE hoping they could restart his speech and OT services. We were able to start privately over the summer but the insurance burned up quickly. The CSE had us bring him in for reevaluations. The OT is recommending the use of graph paper, text to speech and speech to text. The speech results came back as average and that his issues are with phonetic awareness, not speech. They have a reading specialist but it's a gen ed service so it's not available to homeschoolers. He has made great gains with his writing and motor skills since becoming homeschooled. At least we were able to update his IEP to include the use of google doc's reader. I remember when his OT teacher had told me that his handwriting would never improve (his a's looked like q's). Well, I proved her wrong! Gladly X receives services through a local non-profit organization that was able to get him approved for the WRS. The WRS is a system specifically for dyslexics. I'm considering becoming a certified tutor in this program.

Death

I haven't posted because we had a death in the family. I'll be back next week...

Evacuation

Our local middle school had a bomb threat and had to evacuate the premises. Since X is homeschooled he was able to avoid that situation. Homeschooling is the life for us <3 Sadly not everyone is that lucky.

Love of learning

X has now been pointing things out to me for school. His favorite subject is science. He has been talking about wanting to become a pharmacist tech when he is older.

Cheetah presentation

X and I went to an endangered cheetah presentation. Counts as science. We even stayed afterward and chatted with the owner of the studio. I also ran into a former art teacher from middle school.

Turtles

We went on a field trip for a turtle presentation. X is hilarious. He calls C a turtle because of how long he takes in the bathroom when going #2 lol. So he told him we were going to see some of his relatives. While being told their names we just said hi daddy.

Trying something new

X and I tried yoga! He didn't really care for it but I found it relaxing. Here's to trying something new <3

It's officially been a year

Phew! We started homeschool last October and have now surpassed the one year mark! We've had so many opportunities to see things we would have never had the chance to do otherwise. What's holding you back?

Rocks

There is a new fad with rock hunting and painting. X has found a few around town and seems to enjoy it. So I decided to have him paint one of his own. And it counts towards art.

Woods walk

We went on a woods walk at the nature center. The guide Joel explained the trees in the area. X said it was the best walk ever and gave it a 10! He is excited to continue going for this weekly event. Science, history, health and PE check.   

Open mic

I found a local gallery that has a monthly open mic night. We checked it out and really enjoyed ourselves. This can be used towards music. We have a field trip Tuesday with other homeschoolers to the Wilder farm.

Negative interactions

The SLP (speech) asked X AGAIN if he thinks he will ever go back to public school... I've told her 3x's now that he will not be going back. Then she proceeds to say to him Why not? I think you would like it. He told her that he was bullied by both students and teachers and that his ears are sensitive and that they have bells in middle school. Her response was that he could use earplugs! He told her that he did use them in the school cafeteria. She changed the subject and got back on task.

I posted our experience in the local homeschool groups and received positive feedback. Some others have also been through this. So far this has been our only overstepping that we've been involved in. Outside of the CSE trying to make us feel guilty for pulling X. Family has been very supportive and notices the better in our decision. I've heard NY is more unfriendly towards the idea though.

Getting back into the routine

We like having a schedule around here. We have an order for our subjects to keep stress low. Our dry erase calendar was the best purchase ever! We've gotten back into our school routine even with car problems. I love seeing X excited to explain what he's learned for the day to C when he comes home. What is your homeschool like?

I went to a homeschool moms night

I had a much needed night out with other homeschool moms. It went great. We also just had a not back to school picnic where I met some more moms. I feel young compared to most of them and a little like the oddball out because I have an only child and we're not religious. Not to mention they're much more seasoned and already know each other. I really really wish I had started sooner. We have another trip planned for the end of the month and I can't wait.

School starts Thursday

This is our first year not having to buy a supply list or back to school clothes. I'm excited to see what this year brings. We already have a homeschool picnic at the park planned for the 12th. I'm always searching and finding new things to get into. Learning doesn't just happen Mon-Fri. I hope everyone has a great 1st day back!