I'm I a candidate for DVD school? / unhappy with ways things are going here....

[MommyInTraining]

I am having so much trouble getting motivated and finding the time to get things done here. I am wondering if I should look into BJU or Abeka DVD school. I just can't seem to get done what I want/need to with a baby and possibly more coming behind him (which means nausea and all that that involves). Stopping homeschooling is not an option, but I am just not happy with the way things are going.

Hoping someone is willing to talk this out with me...

Thanks!

Terri in WA

[Night Elf]

I don't have personal experience with the DVD schools but I do recall reading they don't necessarily free up the parent's time. Instead, you might feel more pressured because you're still responsible for making sure the work gets done and you're following someone else's scope and sequence.

I'm leaving for work but I know you will get many helpful responses. I suggest you think about why you are unhappy with the way you're doing things right now.

Is it the materials being too parent intensive? Taking too much preparation time?

Is it time management? Do you have a time schedule for the day?

Is it that you just feel blah and don't get school done at all?

[Pongo]

I have a close friend that has a teen/babysitter come over for 2 hours and she takes the younger (5,2 and infant in stroller) outside in the yard and plays with them, on cold days she takes them downstairs and reads and does a craft with them. This allows my friend to spend 2 uninterrupted hours with her 8 and 6 year old. She does math, phonics, handwriting(copywork) the first hour and alternates history, science and art for the second hour. She has streamlined her curricula in order to do the essentials. It seems to work really well.
HTH:)

ETA: She does this 4 days a week, on the 5th day the babysitter takes ALL the kids outside and she cleans the house.

[Kim in SouthGa]

I considered the same thing last year after the birth of my 4th. However, I just couldn't make myself do it. We used some dvds (MUS, Latin for Children), and cdrom for Spanish. One of the things that is the biggest time sucker for me, though, is grading. We are using Switched on Schoolhouse for Science this year with two of my kids, and it has really been a big help. I know SOS is not real popular here, but for a season I think it may be more help to you than dvd schooling. You can buy the subjects individually or in a complete grade. It is very easy to use once you figure it out (the teacher portion-kids' portion is super easy from the get-go). You type in your kids info, what day you will start and finish and all the days you will be off, and voila! all the assignments are made, and it grades everything. You can even go back and erase work that they did poorly and make them redo it.

If I was in your situation, I would probably go with SOS for science, language, and any extras, then keep on with the math program that works for you all (SOS might work for that too), and the history that you love. You can always do read-alouds while you are laying in bed cuddling with the kids:)

By the way, we have not done any of the reports or experiments for SOS 4 science, and they are learning just fine. I know we won't stay with it forever, but for now it works.

[KayT]

I see your little treasures are 9, 5, and 7 years old. For starters I can tell you that you are not going to be able to just sit the 5 and 7 year old in front of the tv and school is going to happen. I usually had to sit with mine at that age and watch and oversee. Math uses lots of manipulative's that if I wasn't there riding shot gun over them, that 30 minute class quickly turned into an hour long class. I usually needed to be there to guide them through the worktext portion that they needed to do on their own for math, english, reading and science. The 9 yr old will probably adjust to doing most on his own after a period of adjustment. My 11 yr can do it by herself only coming to me for grading and help. Which leads me to one of the things I hate... feeling completely out of the loop with what she is learning.

I would think that if you are going to use all classes for all 3 kids your day is going to run you about 5 -6 hours a day. Now if you are very organized with all the papers, dvds, manipulative's , having supplies for projects and experiments if you are going to do them, already prepared then that could be shorter, more to the 4- 5 hour range.

We started using homesat when oldest was in Kindergarten, which was a fun class by the way. We did all classes for 1st grade and by 2nd grade we were totally burned out with being in front of the TV for so long. We hated school. I hated recording with passion. I recorded for three years and the reason we are still watching any classes is because under the old contract you didn't have to destroy your recordings and I recorded ahead. Some classes have been redone with new texts which is why we aren't doing english...one of the classes that dd loved on dvd. Anyway, we dropped the handwriting, spelling, bible and history portion of our day to make it shorter. We also did not like 3rd or 4th grade math at all and dropped watching the dvd part. Again, I could teach math quicker, see any problems in understanding on the spot and I was still having to teach the math facts. There is some review in the dvd of facts, but it is still something that needs to be practised outside of class.

I plan to continue with bju dvd for science and english as I think that next year they will offer all classes ala cart for purchase since Homesat is going away. I think these classes are superior to what I would teach! For math it is a toss between chalkdust and BJU for next year.

Just our experience here,

HTH



Night Elf has asked some good questions that should really be considered!!!

[GVA]

The logistics are significant, especially with younger children and more than one child. You still have to make sure they watch the right session and do the work, even with older children.

If you can hire help in, that would probably be better in the long run.

[Susan A.]

My 7th grade dd asked for BJU dvd's this year because she wanted to work more independently. It has not gone as we had hoped. The Teacher's tips that come with the package are helpful, but it still generated a lot of work for me as far as checking papers, making sure she has all the handouts, etc. We are down to using just two of the DVD's as well as Math U See (we never planned to use the BJU math). The Math U see is great because it is just once a week, but the daily DVD's are a drag and take longer than we are used to doing school. I had put a lot of effort in making school more user friendly for me this year because my MIL has been ill, and I am a major care giver for her. My other two dd's are doing Math U See, Winston Grammar, WTM style science and history for the younger, Abeka science and Streams of Civ for the older. Those have been very helpful and give us more time for Bible and language arts - areas where I want to spend more individual time with them. I will do this again for all 3 next year.

[Another Lynn]

You've gotten great replies! I've never used a dvd program (well, we do use MUS, but I've never used a complete DVD curriculum), but I do have a "Mommy's helper" one morning a week. If I was looking at the cost of a DVD curriculum, I would definitely just sink more $ into having her come more often. She is wonderful! And then I don't feel so guilty about not doing fun, preschool-y stuff with my youngers.

[In The Great White North]

Ds 17 uses video lectures on the Internet for physics (UC Berkley Physics for Presidents) which he loves. However, he just watches them. I'm under no delusion that he actually answers any questions at the end of the chapter. His mind is like a steel trap. He watches the lectures, reads the chapter (sometimes) and passes the test. This only works because he is 17 and likes the lectures.


There is no way my dd12 would sit in front of a DVD for any length of time and do anything. She might absorb but she would not produce. I would have to have her watch the video (which I found and put on in the right spot) and then go through it all again with her, having he actually do the problems. Not a time saver. Complaining would commmence immediately. She would want me to snuggle right next to her on the couch. She would feel that she wasn't getting enough attention and go out of her way to demand it. Trying to get her more independent would result in her becoming more dependent.

Your dc are young. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you might want to cut back to math facts and reading. Math facts can be done out loud, or with manipulatives (my dc favs were M&Ms). Science and history can be easily covered in your choice of read-alouds, and a couple of visits to the nearest science center.

The more it seems like fun and games, the more they will cooperate (be eager, even!) which makes it all go faster and easier.

[Shari]

I've tried video school in the past and my experiences are the same as some other posters. We subscribed to BJU Homesat for two years. While you think it will free up your time, it really doesn't. You still have to make sure your dc not only watch the video, but also pay attention, do the practice, take notes, etc., then you must follow up with grading and tests. I found that my ds was zoning out during the teaching time, or working on his worksheets while he was supposed to be doing drills or otherwise paying attention to the video teacher. Kinda like sitting in school and doing homework while the teacher drones on and on at the front of the classroom, but without the chance of getting caught, kwim?? ;)

That being said, I think video options are an excellent choice if you intend to use it with your student, as a supplement to your own teaching. But not, as I said, instead of your involvement. I plan to use BJU and/or Chalkdust dvd's again with my dc in jr high and high school for subjects where I need help. But I will be sitting along side my students watching as well, either as a lab partner or so that I understand what is going on if I'm needed to answer questions. I've seen posts concerning video classes where Mom has let a "very responsible" student go on their own with the video teacher, only to discover halfway through the year that the dc has been faking it / not getting lessons done / not understanding material.

You've gotten great advice so far about using your dvd money to hire some help so that you aren't so overwhelmed. There's no shame in scaling back to the basics if you are in a down period. In my experience, the video teacher is no substitute for an engaged Teacher Mom. Best wishes to you!

[Veritaserum]

I was feeling very overwhelmed about school when #5 arrived. It really helped to make sure all of our curricula are the open-and-go variety. The other thing I did was split my children up during school. While I'm working with dd8, dd6 plays with my 4yo and 2yo in another room. When dd8 is done they switch places. I keep the baby with me.

[MIch elle]

the 3 R's (reading, writing and arithmetic) and fill in the rest with library dvd's in science (Magic School Bus); history and others from Schlessinger Media (http://www.libraryvideo.com/sm/sm_home.asp?mscssid=S62XBJ8X6MST9KF985SVJ8QAMFKB29 1E) OR books on tape older ds can listen to by themselves or as a family (play with sculptey, legos or draw/color while you listen).

[74Heaven]

the 3 R's (reading, writing and arithmetic) and fill in the rest with library dvd's in science (Magic School Bus); history and others from Schlessinger Media (http://www.libraryvideo.com/sm/sm_home.asp?mscssid=S62XBJ8X6MST9KF985SVJ8QAMFKB29 1E) OR books on tape older ds can listen to by themselves or as a family (play with sculptey, legos or draw/color while you listen).

This is a season where "life" might dictate "school" vs. the opposite where "school" dictates life.

Focus on the basics, reading & math. Add huge #s of books and occasional good DVDs. Lots of fun toys, like legos, k'nex and plastic animal figures. Teach your children to love books and your life will be better. Encourage lots of hands-on activities.

I am not talking about being super-mom here - you deserve a medal just for schooling small bits with all your youngers. Just redeem what time you can.

Prob the best advice I could give you is to be consistent with reading and math. Set a reasonable goal (maybe 3 hrs a day is the goal - 9a-12Noon) then set a *minimum* goal (maybe that is 1.5 hrs a day for the oldest 2). Strive for the first goal; accept the second.

It is (imho) far more valuable to do *something* every day (weekdays) as possible (there will be baby-is-sick, no school days) then to try to cram in 3-5 hrs once or twice a week.

I have 5 kids too, ages 16 to 5 - so my age span was 11yo-newborn at the youngest stages - and things get easier. And don't feel bad - sometimes we all feel overwhelmed and with all your young ones, you are at the *busiest* season in terms of physical demands on yourself!

God bless!
Lisaj, mom to 5

[74Heaven]

If you want to try one or 2 subjects, feel free. Instead, books on CD and more routine and structure .

We have used DVDs for high school and Latin in middle school. I agree with the poster who says she found her child not paying close attn to the teacher - rather doing her homework or daydreaming in front of that expensive, well-trained, often talented (but not always) video teacher!

Lisaj

[Rebecca]

I would choose resources that are more user friendly and less time consuming.
For example: I would NOT use MFW, SWR, RS Math.

One thing that has been hard for me to accept as a "die hard" academic type of personality is sometimes having to "let go" of my ideal... and example of this for me was that last year I tried to teach my sons both Singapore and Rod and Staff math. I simply do NOT have time in my day to do that (last year I had five children and was expecting number 6.) I dropped Rod and Staff. My son tested above his grade level in math just using Singapore. This year I opted for just Singapore with extra practice for areas where my oldest needed reinforcement and was/is struggling. I could never teach Right Start. I do not have time- unless that is all I want to do.

I had to think about what my priorities REALLY are for my school. Then I have to adjust my curriculum accordingly. I think it is true that when you have a large family- you have different limitations. I can't just do all that I want- I can't fit it in. It is frustrating- but knowing this can be half the battle. And this might change as my children get older. My oldest is only eight.

For me, as far as I am able, it is important for me to keep my children progressing at grade level or as to it as close to it as I can... so I keep that as a priority.

Maybe we could start some posts with user friendly curricula in the major subject areas... I will start!:)

Phonics: Phonics Pathways

Grammar: FLL, Growing with Grammar, or Rod and Staff used mostly orally with whiteboard

Handwriting: A Reason K and then copywork; Memoria Press Copybooks- by third grade I am having my children create their own copybooks of literature passages from their favorite books.

Cursive: Cheerful Cursive (my son does almost entirely independently)

Math: Singapore; I have heard MUS is very easy to use/teach as well and personally know some large families who really like it

History: Mystery of History

Literature: library books from Classical Christian Homeschooling 1000 books list

Science: Choose an Apologia Elementary book: Read it with children. Don't worry about experiments this year if it is too overwhelming

Geography: A Child's Geography: Read together with children. Maps and Globes. Geography from A-Z.

Another option would be to choose all christian textbooks at appropriate grade levels and work through them with your children. I would adjust them for home school use and not do all the problems or feel the need to give all the classrooom instruction. These will not give you content issues and you will have the peace of knowing you are making progress in all the skill/content areas.

I am sorry you are feeling so overwhelmed and unmotivated. :grouphug:

Having in house help is not an option for our family at this time. It can make me feel depressed and jealous when others have that option!!! But I am blessed with a dh who carries a huge load with the household work. Dishes AND laundry! But I also have to be content when these chores are done differently- or sometimes don't get done when I would always like.

Can you and your dh make a plan together of what you could to do to help you succeed schooling... especially if it is a family committment for you to school?

Praying for you,
Rebecca

[LG Gone Wild]

I haven't read every single reply. We do use DVDs from time to time. The kids do like them but it really doesn't free up that much time I am sorry to say. Plus, it is easy to skip doing.

Some options are schooling in your bed, schooling in the evenings if that is when you happen to feel better, have the kids read to you while you rest, and have one kid watch the youngest while you work with the other and then switch off. I do this humble jumble routine because I frequently feel under the weather.

[Jenileigh]

We've used BJU dvds for many years. I just purchased the whole sets so I didn't have the headache of recording. For me I needed the convenience and not the headache.

What I found was that the dvds worked beautifully for my highschooler and she used them all the way through. I changed a few subjects but they were the meat.

I used these for 2nd and 5th grade also. I cut back the subjects my 2nd grader didn't have to have and focused on those containing the three R's. She did learn how to write beautifully in D'Nealian. It was a tough year for her, she was a slow to read child, but she learned a lot. I did have to big a part of things. I couldn't just expect her to sit and watch alone. We didn't however do absolutely everything required or recommended and she learned a lot of just viewing the dvds. (We turned our cable off that year and she welcomed the dvds and their puppets.)

5th grade was very tough on her. It took her longer than the year to complete them. She was so happy when I announced she wouldn't be using those again.

For those young ages if you really wanted to try it I would definitely opt for BJU and not abeka due to have the dvds are recorded and BJU is taught directly to the child, and you see the puppet shows, field trips, arts and crafts. They really are great. I would mix and match one year of dvds, because you can choose a grade say 2nd grade but choose K or 1st grade reading or 3rd or 4th grade math. I would choose a few subjects on each childs grade level and allow them to watch them together. Omitting whatever I didn't have time for. I would worry so much about grading or all the Teacher prep. I know others may disagree with me but they do learn anyway.

Then I'd hire someone a few hours each day to help you in the areas I needed it the most, whether I need help with house work or help with the children.

((((Hugs)))) I do hope you feel better and I'm praying for you.

[MommyInTraining]

Wow,

Thanks for all of the replies and encouragement!

I will have to read them in the morning, but I am looking forward to hearing what you all had to say :001_smile:.

[MommyInTraining]

Thank you for your heartfelt replies.

It doesn't really seem like DVDs are the answer as far as freeing up time.

Thank you for taking the time to talk this out with me!

[Lizzie in Ma]

We are using, for the first time, a dvd course. BJU Life Science.
I am thrilled with it and intend to continue on with the series.
BUT, it is time intensive. It is 30-45 minutes with the dvd and then another 30-45 with the assignment.
I would be hard pressed to have that work if we were using it for every subject.
Additionally, I believe there is no picking and choosing in the younger grades, it is all or nothing until Middle School with BJU and with Abeka it is all or nothing anyway.
You have your hands full, no doubt, but there are many wonderful folks on this board who have BTDT, who I am sure will help and inspire you on your journey.