Need some advice about k12

[taya31]

Hi. I'm Tara. I have a 5 year old DD, 2 1/2 year old DS, and expecting our third at the beginning of September. DD will be starting K in the fall. I have a degree in Elementary Education and have always thought I would do my own curriculum, choosing things from here and there. For pre-K we have been doing a lot of un-schooling, and it worked for us very well until I got pregnant and got hyperemesis. For the last couple of months when I've been so sick I feel like we've done nothing. I'm afraid that in the fall I'm not going to be able to keep up with homeschooling on my own. We're considering doing K-12 through the Ohio Virtual Academy. I'm not sure it's the ideal situation for us, but really feel like I need more structure and accountability when we first get started since I'll be dealing with the Kindergardner, a toddler, and a newborn.

Those who have experience with K12, what are the pros and cons? How flexible can you be with the curriculum?

I've always felt strongly about home-schooling my children, but now that the time is here, and I'm going to have a brand new baby when we start, I'm scared to death!

Thanks.

[Catherine12]

I don't have experience with the virtual academy you mentioned, but just wanted to give you some encouragement. I have a kindergartner, 3yo, and almost 2yo. It is tough sometimes doing the hsing and balancing that with the younger-child care. I remember when I was pregnant that we definitely got a lot less done, and i had the same feelings of being scared that I wasn't going to be able to make hs work.

But this will pass. If you need to take it easy for a few months, I say let yourself off the hook. You can make up the lost school time later by schooling over summer vacation. You may find you feel better later in the pregnancy or after the baby is born. Personally, I find taking care of a newborn to be a lot less tiring than being pregnant.

Whatever adjustments you have to make to get through this difficult period - whether it's the virtual academy or something else - you can always change your mind about them later if it's not working, or if your situation changes. I would try a number of approaches and see what works best for you. And don't stress too much!

[kittie313]

Tara I have a K'er and 1st grader both enrolled in Ohio Virtual Academy. Our teacher for the girls this year is SUPER flexible and sweet to work with, and I've had a great time so far with the school. I've written a bit about it all in my blog if you want to look, www.livinggraceacademy.blogspot.com We are really happy right now with OHVA, and I couldn't imagine doing something else right now with 4 kids ages 2-6yo. You do have to log hours with them, but K'ers only have to do 2 1/2 hours a day "by the books" so to speak. You do phonics/ lang. arts, math, and history with technology and health being "optional" at the K level (that's probably where almost half of my K'ers hours have come from) Oh, and your required to do 36 hours of PE but supervised play at the park or teaching to ride a 2 wheeler, soccer classes, dance, etc. all counts for that.

If you want to know more feel free to let me know and I'll be happy to share.