Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau

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Dec 17 2014

Withdraw your student / begin homeschooling any time of year

In general, families tend to withdraw children from schools and start homeschooling in either (a) August/September, (b) December/January or (c) May/June.  Those are certainly those times of year I receive the most inquiries about getting started. And though there isn’t a whole lot of data about it, some numbers, lots of experts, and 20+ years of hearsay confirms these peaks in homeschool registrations across the country.

But, despite peaks during certain times of the year, homeschooling a child can actually begin at any time.  And though parents are sometimes advised that homeschooling must begin at the beginning of a year, in fact, parents can legally withdraw students from school and start homeschooling any time they want.

Sometimes, parents are misinformed — led to believe it is not in a child’s best interest to withdraw him/her during a school year.

Often, parents get bad advice — most often from districts and school-related personnel.  Sometimes, from grandparents or other family members. too.

When considering homeschooling, it is very important to consult state homeschooling laws and to gather information from trusted sources (e.g., established homeschool organizations, veteran homeschool parents, or legal associations aimed at helping homeschool families).

When considering withdrawing a student from school, it is critical that parents make contact with the people and groups that can accurately explain the procedures and protocols followed in an area.

[Contact me for help getting started.]

Blind faith is never a good idea.

Guesswork isn’t a good idea either.

I never recommend winging it, only to realize later on that a child was under-served, or that things could have gone much more smoothly.

I never recommend winging it, only to realize later on that a child was under-served, or that…

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Plainly, school districts — as well-intentioned as yours might be – are not equipped to advise parents about homeschooling.  They are unable to relay accurate or helpful homeschooling information to families considering making the switch.  It’s just not what they do.

School teachers — no matter how wonderful your child’s teacher might be – do not usually understand homeschooling, either.  They cannot offer worthwhile guidance.  It’s not part of teacher training.

So, are you considering withdrawing a child from school?  Is homeschooling something you are planning to do — but you’ve been waiting until the right time to begin?

Please don’t wait.

If you want to, start now.

No matter what you have been told, there is no law anywhere preventing parents from beginning to homeschool at any time. Families may legally start homeschooling any day of the year — whether in July, mid-November, end of April, or even on New Year’s Eve!

No matter what you have been told, there is no law anywhere preventing parents from beginning to…

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I frequently hear from parents who have been advised to “finish out the school year” before withdrawing a child to homeschool instead. Some parents are even told their child will lose credits, fall behind, or have trouble keeping a student on pace if they withdraw in the middle of a school year.

False.

Legally and otherwise.

In my 20+ years of working with homeschoolers, I have never come across a situation where leaving a child in school (prior to homeschooling) was beneficial for any reason!

Why leave a child in a bad situation?  Why leave a child in a program that isn’t working?

Surely, you’re homeschooling for a reason.  If that reason is unlikely to change, or if you’ve decided homeschooling is right for some other reason, do it when the time is right for YOU.

How about today?

Marie-Claire Moreau, Quick Start Homeschool

 

 

I’d be happy to help you get started. CLICK HERE to let me know if I can be of service.

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Pulling kids out of school: 10 things to do right now

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Written by Marie-Claire · Categorized: Homeschool · Tagged: laws and legal, lesson planning, scheduling, struggling learners

Aug 31 2014

Think about it: Staggered first days

Not everybody does the first day of school the same way.  There are some families who jump in exactly the way they left off the month before, without making too big a deal about it.  Then, there are others who start with making a huge breakfast, taking creative photos of the kids, and holding a special kick-off celebration.

Whatever works in your family is always the best way to go.  Remember, homeschooling is about you and nobody else.

One idea I love, that worked well for us as the kids got older, is to “stagger” the first day of school.

It’s not always as fun as doing a BIG first day.  But it has BIG benefits in other ways.

staggered first days

What I love about staggering first days is that I get to spend an entire “first day” with every child.  We can make it as special as we want — and it’s all about them.

On a child’s first day, we go over all of the books or curriculum I have planned for the year, and I show them exactly how each is supposed to be used.  I make sure the student understands all of our resources in detail, including where each book is kept, where to find the resource sections, what to notice while reading through the chapters (e.g. vocabulary words or review questions), how to take notes from that book (if I am requiring it that year), how much is to be completed in a day, where to put any completed work so I can see it, and anything else.

We do the same thing for non-book things, like art or science supplies, DVDs or web sites I have saved for their use, logs they are supposed to fill out, online courses, or anything else the student is assigned that year.  I work with them to make sure we both understand the language that is used, any difficult instructions, what needs to be photocopied or filled-in, or anything else that needs understanding and training early on.

On that child’s first day, we also go over what is expected by the end of the day, what the general time frame might be, and we do a dry-run through any schedules or plans I have put together for that day.  The dry run includes chores, quiet time, outside activities that need to be coordinated with the rest of the family, or anything else that make sense for that particular student  for that year.

Something I also like to do on the first day is organize that student’s work area.  We use our time to find favorite supplies, decide where to hang charts or calendars, locate a favorite chair or school-time toy, and talk about where the student would like to store his stuff for the year.  (I used to organize my kids for them.  As they got older, they enjoyed participating in the process, plus it was more meaningful to them since they chose what made them most productive and comfortable.)

Basically, every child gets a personalized first day.  Focused just on them.

It’s like training, but it can also be fun.

Staggered first days means I am able to sit with each child and be there to personally help and explain anything that might arise during the course of the day.  At the end of the day, we end the day with some family treat or perhaps a small reward for that child.

It also means I am able to spot road-blocks right away, and make a change that immediately impacts the next day.  That actually happened to us this year, when my son and I noticed that a book I had selected was way too easy for him.  We actually spent an hour going through the chapters looking for one that was even remotely challenging for him, and finally decided together to scrap the book altogether and go with something else the very next day.  (Working with him was the only way to really test the book out in real time.  I’m so glad this happened!)

When I stagger first days, I always feel like every child gets a special first day just for him.  It’s nice to start a year knowing I gave my full attention to a child before the multiple-student chaos begins!

I know this may not appeal to everyone, but I wanted to explain how it has worked for us.  As my kids get older, they no longer need so much attention and individualized academic coaching any more, but I use this idea in other areas of their lives.  I highly recommend you try this if you think your kids could benefit from personalized first days.

Good luck!  And if you try it, come back and leave a COMMENT about how it went!

Marie-Claire Moreau, Quick Start Homeschool

 

 

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Written by Marie-Claire · Categorized: Homeschool · Tagged: elementary, high school, large families, leadership, lesson planning, middle school, organization, preschool, relaxed, struggling learners, unschooling

Apr 07 2014

Why change is good

{Quick Start Homeschool} Change is Good!

One of the advantages of homeschooling is the flexibility to try many different things.  If something doesn’t seem quite right, we can change it up.  And if that stops being right, we can change it again.

Sometimes, different seasons of our lives require a new take on homeschooling.  As new babies come home and families grow, homeschooling a larger family may require some adjustment.  Changes can occur during times of illness, financial stress, job change, moving to a new home, when long-term visitors come to call, and for a thousand other reasons, too.

Sometimes, trying something new is about seeing our friends having success with it, prompting us to try it, too.

Other times, trying something new is nothing more than that — trying just for the heck of it.

Change, and responding to change, is what homeschooling is about.  It means we have replaced something outdated with something new, something tired with something fresh, something dull with something more intriguing.  It means we are aware, we are growing, and we are opening ourselves to the possibilities that exist outside of our daily routines.

Change is good!

As homeschool parents, we must welcome change.  We must progress and move ahead.  We must accept the changes brought about by new seasons of our lives and respond with enthusiasm and vigor.  It is only through change that even more extraordinary things can happen!

I sometimes meet families who have been purchasing the same curriculum, from the same company, and using it exactly the same way, for umpteen years.  The students are clearly in need of change.  And the parents cannot understand why enthusiasm and a thirst for learning has turned into boredom and resistance.

There is nothing wrong with using a product or a system year after year — as long as it’s still working.   As long as learning is still happening.  As long as it still satisfies a need.

Sometimes, a change is just a tweak.  Other times, a more drastic change is required.

Reexamining the home education program at the start of every year is one way to determine if change is needed.

Attending a homeschooling event is another, as new ideas often surface, causing us to re-examine our own.

Asking a spouse, grandparent or close friend often uncovers the need for change.

Chatting with our children is perhaps the best way to gain new perspective.

I urge all parents to welcome areas of change in the homeschool and tackle them head on.  Change does not signify failure.  Actually, it represents success!    The recognition that the program has moved beyond what it once was, and needs updating for the future, is something to celebrate!

To your success,

Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau, Quick Start Homeschool

 

 

Need homeschooling advice? CONTACT me!

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Written by Marie-Claire · Categorized: Homeschool · Tagged: lesson planning, struggling learners

Feb 28 2014

Quick Tips for learning times tables

{Quick Tips: Times tables}

Many of our parents and grandparents remember endlessly reciting math facts.  Today, rote memorization is rather frowned upon — that is, unless students first understand the principles underlying the facts.

No matter your stance on this debate, few people question the need for kids to remember math facts — especially “Times Tables”.  There is just no substitute for being able to retrieve multiplications facts quickly, since knowing them makes other math problems so much easier (and quicker) to solve.

Lots of kids pick up math facts quickly — even on their own.  Others need help and lots of practice before the facts are cemented into their heads.

Fortunately, lots and lots of tools exists for teaching math facts. Here is a list of products that have helped the students I work with — see if any of these could help your student:

Musical times tables, like THESE from Amazon

Books like THIS ONE from City Creek Press

Timez Attack computer game from Big Brainz

Hands-on tools like THESE from Learning Wrap Ups

Any of the multiplication games, stories, printables and poems found on Clickschooling

Math board games, like MATH BINGO and MATH SCRABBLE

Small toys and gizmos, like THIS from Small World Toys or THIS from Thinkfun

Apps like My Math Flash Cards and CardDroid Math

Let’s not forget, tools for learning facts can easily be made from scratch.  Creating flash cards, tables, and charts is very easy to do, and can be done [free] using supplies most people already have on hand.  Designing posters to hang on the wall is really simple, too.

Making board games to teach facts is fun, too.  Kids love to design their own games, learning all the while without even knowing it!

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Written by Marie-Claire · Categorized: Homeschool · Tagged: classroom resources, elementary, math, struggling learners

Nov 14 2013

Homeschooling boys

Tips for homeschooling boys

If there is one area I can claim experience and brag about results, it would be homeschooling boys.  As a mom of only boys, boy-schooling  has been my modus operandi for the past 20-some years, and where I’ve really earned my homeschool stripes. Though I have the privilege of working with both boys and girls in my classes and all of my work over the years, I could fill the pages of a book with strategies and tips about that have worked for the young gentlemen in our home.

Is there anything about homeschooling boys that makes it different from homeschooling girls?

Are there particular subjects boys prefer?  Or methods of teaching/learning that seem to work best?

How do moms of boys manage to keep the house clean, the fridge full, and their sanity intact by the end of the day?

What are the secrets to getting active boys to complete lessons when all they want to do is throw rocks, play Mine Craft or build forts?

There is much to write about the differences between homeschooling boys and girls.  But let’s get this disclaimer out of the way first:

Every child is unique.  Not everything I say here applies to all homeschools and all boys.  I know that.  Please don’t write to me about blanket generalizations, stereotypes or discrimination.  Some of my boys aren’t even always like this.   Overall, however, there are known and documented similarities that many families notice when homeschooling boys.  Those are the ones I’ll talk about here.  Look for more articles tagged with boyschooling in the future, too.

Boyschooling 101

1. Handing the loud, messy or sloppy.

We have all noticed groups of girls playing quietly during park days while groups of boys wield sticks nearby.  It can be helpful to make mental notes of situations like this, and then modify schooling efforts to better meet the styles of boys.  For example, putting several homeschooling boys together in one room may not always be the best idea; that is, if you demand quiet or independent work from them individually.  Forgetting to teach or reinforce things like neatness and organization, and still expecting good results is not a good idea with boys, either.  On the other hand, if cooperative work and interactive play is what you’re after, by all means, go for it.  But knowing what boys tend to be like can be helpful when planning curriculum and activities.

2. Satisfying the need to “do stuff”.

Reading about things in books and watching things on television can be really good stuff.  Many boys enjoy how-to and reference books for this very reason.  But, experiments performed outside with mud and explosives?  Now, you’re talking boy language.  Hands-on science activities, reenacting historical events, active language exercises, and building projects from the ground up are all ways to satisfy the boy need to do stuff.  Keeping this in mind when selecting curriculum materials or a homeschool methodology may come in handy if you have boys.

3.  Problems with laziness?

Everyone is lazy from time to time.  Despite stereotypes, I don’t believe that boys are more lazy than anyone else.  This is actually reflective of something else.  Notice when parents observe that boys are lazy about tying shoelaces and buttoning shirts, yet are then surprised when these same boys cannot find a pencil or remember where they left the math book.  Encouraging good habits, such as putting things neatly away, and establishing a consistent routine (supervised as long as necessary) is the “cure” for such laziness. If a child, particularly a boy, displays these characteristics, this is merely a message that parental intervention is needed at that time.  Not all children master such skills on their own.

4. Keeping them active.

There are many ways to keep boys active throughout the school day.  Frequent movement breaks is one (e.g., stretching or running in place).  Multiple physical activity sessions split up throughout the day is another.  Incorporating movement throughout the teaching of academic subjects works, too.  Examples like doing jumping jacks while reciting math facts, racing to write letters on poster board or a chalkboard, and reading aloud while bouncing on a chair or a couch work well for some children.  Holding school outside or at remote locations (like a beach, park, or playground) are good ideas, too. If boys cannot sit too long, finding ways to incorporate movement throughout is the key to a pleasant, productive day.

5. Handling the hungries!

No child should be expected to work when very hungry.  Sadly, this is a problem faced by public schools.  Homeschoolers have the advantage of taking snack breaks any time throughout the day.  Depending on schedules and/or rules in your home, hungry boys should be allowed to snack during lessons or as frequently in between as necessary.  Working snack breaks into block schedule systems works well for this. Antsy or unpleasant children are sometimes just hungry children.  Making healthy snacks available throughout the day, even before boys even realize they’re hungry, can make a big difference in behavior and performance.  Any parent of boys understands the need to keep food on hand, particularly during growth spurts.  Inadequate meal and snack schedules work against a boy’s natural urge for nutrients and calories, so this must be addressed during homeschooling.

Follow the boyschooling tag for more articles like this one.

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Marie-Claire

 

 

Written by Marie-Claire · Categorized: Homeschool · Tagged: boyschooling, elementary, large families, leadership, middle school, Outdoor classroom, struggling learners, unschooling

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