The Noah Plan is a curriculum put out by the
Foundation for American Christian Education.  It is
named after Noah Webster.  We found their website
http://www.face.net/index.html  while looking at some
other information.  Then we discovered my in laws had
two of their main books.  But I'd like to talk to
someone who has used the material.
Thanks, Cindy

Hi, Cindy,

I'm out by the airport.  I have a 6 yo daughter and we're doing 1st grade.  I
really don't use a curriculum.  We have some Abeka and lots of stuff from the
Internet.  What is the NOAH plan?

Jenni
In a message dated 11/1/99 8:33:48 AM, cckajones@... writes:

<<
Hi, there.  My name is Cindy Jones and I am looking
into curriculum choices to homeschool my almost 5 yo
daughter.  I'd like to get to know other homeschoolers
in the area (Rapid City)  and would like to know if
any of you use Sonlight curriculum or one called the
NOAH plan.  Currently I am using the Sonlight
preschool program, but haven't made a choice for the
rest of school.  I need something with a well planned
schedule that isn't too expensive (who doesn't need
inexpensive?).  Thanks, Cindy >>

> into curriculum choices to homeschool my almost 5 yo
> daughter.  I'd like to get to know other homeschoolers
> in the area (Rapid City)  and would like to know if
> any of you use Sonlight curriculum or one called the
> NOAH plan.  Currently I am using the Sonlight
> preschool program, but haven't made a choice for the
> rest of school.  I need something with a well planned
> schedule that isn't too expensive (who doesn't need
> inexpensive?).  Thanks, Cindy
>

Hi Cindy,
We are going to use Alpha Omega next yr for soon to be 5 yo.  I dont think
its to bad in price.
Whats the NOAH plan? I have never heard of that, I dont think anyway.
Were out at the base btw.

Blessings
Jennifer

Hi, there.  My name is Cindy Jones and I am looking
into curriculum choices to homeschool my almost 5 yo
daughter.  I'd like to get to know other homeschoolers
in the area (Rapid City)  and would like to know if
any of you use Sonlight curriculum or one called the
NOAH plan.  Currently I am using the Sonlight
preschool program, but haven't made a choice for the
rest of school.  I need something with a well planned
schedule that isn't too expensive (who doesn't need
inexpensive?).  Thanks, Cindy

> I just wanted to thank everyone for the encouragement ! I definitely feel

> allot better about my ability to make this decision . Rhonda you have a
very
> informative web site ,I enjoyed it very much . Since everyone was so
helpful
> with that concern maybe you could help me with something else , if you
had
> to choose just one book about homeschooling that was the most informative
or
> best for a beginner what would that book be ?
>
>
I have the Ultimate Book of Homeschooling, the author is ? Bell. I think. I
have it packed away right now so mabey someone could help with the author.
Ive heard Mary Pride books are good.

In my opinion you can find just as much information on the internet and by
contacting other homeschoolers than you can in these books. If you have
curriculum questions call the providers and get some catalogs. They are
really helpful and free for the asking. Plus the staff will answer any
questions you may have. The states homeschool association can help you with
the laws and connecting you with other homeschoolers.

Good Luck :o)
Where are you at again?

Blessings
jennifer

I just wanted to thank everyone for the encouragement ! I definitely feel
allot better about my ability to make this decision . Rhonda you have a very
informative web site ,I enjoyed it very much . Since everyone was so helpful
with that concern maybe you could help me with something else , if you had
to choose just one book about homeschooling that was the most informative or
best for a beginner what would that book be ?

Hi Cheryl in Nemo!  Welcome to our list.  I only have seen very few people on
this list, it is very quiet.  I know a couple of us that have met here, email
each other directly now.  I am working hard to get more SD hs'ers online and
sharing with each other, but it's a slow road.  This is not my list, I don't
know who it belongs to actually.  But through this list I have met 2 hs'ers
who live practically next door.

I belong to the SD Christian Home Educators support group in Rapid.  Do you
have any support groups?  I also know a number of hs'ers who don't belong to
any group in Rapid.

I have an almost 5 yob and a 2yog.  We are doing mostly unit studies with a
lot of other "stuff" thrown in for K and 1st.  I loved your answer to the
teaching degree question.

Glad to see you here!

Rhonda in SD
abcmom
http://hometown.aol.com/welikekids

Hello, Just when I was beginning to wonder if there
really was a loop!  Now here is a great question.

First, I am Cheryl from Nemo, SD (and I would love to
get to know anyone from the Nemo area that hs.)  I
have 4 children 4.5 yo twin girls, 2.5 yo dd, and a 7
mo ds.  I am beginning with preschool this fall,
although I am finding that it is really too easy.  So
I am add Kindergarten LA in January, and possibly
math.  I am using Sonlight.

About the question, do you need a degree to teach your
children.  NO!  As a matter of fact you don't need a
degree to teach anywhere, until the last few years
even public school teachers often only had an eighth
grade education.  Remember the "little house" books?
And most children got a better education then than
they do now!  I began teaching just out of high school
in private schools and found that the best teacher is
one who is excited about two things, what she is
teaching and WHO!  You as their mother are the most
concerned person in the world about what your child is
learning, aren't you, and with the wealth of
curriculums available you can find one to suit your
personality (I find that the best is one that fits
you, the teacher, not the student, children will learn
almost anything, if the teacher likes it well
enough!).  And there will never be anyone else in the
world that is as excited about your child's education
as you are.  Don't fool yourself, most teachers in the
public school system or private for that matter are
not there because they are concerned about your child,
they are there because it is their job, and we
shouldn't expect them to be.  After all you don't go
to McDonalds and expect the person taking your order,
or even the manager of the store to be excited about
making sure that your family is getting good
nutrition!

Now I will climb down from my favorite soap box, I am
glad to have found this loop, hope to get to know all
of you in the coming months.

mommyX4
Cheryl in Nemo


=====

Rhonda,

You said it perfectly!

Jenni
In a message dated 10/28/99 12:22:04 PM, Rsc218@... writes:

<< And last, but not least, another saying that
helps me a lot is "Even my worst job of hs'ing can't be as bad as the best
job of public school"  I can't do any worse than they do.  And at least my
kids are in a much better environment with me. >>

In a message dated 10/28/99 8:26:44 AM Mountain Daylight Time,
challem@... writes:

<<
  Hello, I was just wondering what background in education any of the mothers
  and father here have ? I am still thinking and researching my decision to
  homeschool or not and have had some doubts because i have only a high school
  education . Did everyone here go to collage ? Am i silly for thinking i can
  do this without having gone myself ? >>


Hi Crystal.  NO, you do not need a degree or even finish high school, at
least in this state.  Some states require certain degrees, but South Dakota
is not one of them. ALL you need is the DESIRE to learn along with your
children.  At first, the ABC's, 123's are pretty easy.  One of my favorite
answers when someone asks me if I'm qualified to teach my own children is
"what part of Kindergarten do you think I can't pass?"   As they get older,
like into trig and algebra, science,  though, I will need some outside help.
There is plenty of it....tons of help.  Public school teachers basically only
are trained in discipline and crowd control, anyway.

You've already done the hardest part..you've taught them how to walk, talk
and various other things already.  The rest is a lot easier than those were!
There are so many different ways to teach and so many different ways to
learn.  Every student and every teacher is different.  Keep doing your
research, do some trial and error, and get lots of support.  There are lots
of good hs'ing books to read.

What ages are your children?  I might be able to direct you to something more
specific.  My website has lots of good links full of information on getting
started.  http://hometown.aol.com/welikekids.  There is also a list under
South Dakota for the state's support groups.  If you need something more
specific, please let me know.  Getting lots of support is very important.

Please don't let your own education stop you from teaching your children.
You know a lot more than what you learned in school.  Academics isn't that
hard...it's easy to follow the directions in books, and easy to find the
answers you need.  Learning takes place our whole life, it doesn't start nor
does it end in the those 12 years of "school".  I learn something new
everyday myself.  It's fun.  You don't need the answers, you do need to know
HOW to find them, that's all.  And last, but not least, another saying that
helps me a lot is "Even my worst job of hs'ing can't be as bad as the best
job of public school"  I can't do any worse than they do.  And at least my
kids are in a much better environment with me.

Good Luck!

Rhonda in SD
http://hometown.aol.com/welikekids

>
> Hello, I was just wondering what background in education any of the
mothers
> and father here have ? I am still thinking and researching my decision to

> homeschool or not and have had some doubts because i have only a high
school
> education . Did everyone here go to collage ? Am i silly for thinking i
can
> do this without having gone myself ?
>

Hi,
I only went through 2 semesters of collage but my dh has several
degrees.But None in education. He is an instructor here on base though. He
has shown me how to set up lesson plans,make goals and that kinda thing. He
had to go to several schools to become an instructor and he said it was
just showing you how to teach others.

I dont believe you need to go to collage to teach. If you can read and are
willing to learn along with your kids, You can homeschool !! Dont allow
that fear to hold you back. I do know what your going through though cause
Im facing it also.

I think the way most curriculums and educational programs are written
anyone can teach it. Most of our work books and things we are using are
very easy to follow. They tell you what needs to be done and all.
Plus there are teachers books avalable for most subjects.

YOU CAN DO THIS :o) Just a little faith in yourself cause you are the only
one who knows whats best for your child.
There are several books also out on the market that will guide you in
learning your childs learning style and whats the best way to teach them.

Good Luck
Jennifer

Hello, I was just wondering what background in education any of the mothers
and father here have ? I am still thinking and researching my decision to
homeschool or not and have had some doubts because i have only a high school
education . Did everyone here go to collage ? Am i silly for thinking i can
do this without having gone myself ?

>
> Jennifer,
> We're out in the southwest area, not far from Highway16.
> Did you all go on the 1880 train?  Is that the train youre speaking
about. I
> have a baby, so it will be a while before we join in too many things.
> Shelli
>
Yes I was speaking of the 1880's train ride
How old is your baby?
Ive got a 12month old and he did fairly well. I was concerned but he did
really well
Jennifer

Jennifer,
We're out in the southwest area, not far from Highway16.
Did you all go on the 1880 train?  Is that the train youre speaking about. I
have a baby, so it will be a while before we join in too many things.
Shelli

Here are the link I said Id send out in response to Crystal's email.
Blessings
Jennifer

PS I have TONS more but but have mainly lesson planes and teaching ideas.

http://home1.gte.net/jslewis/
http://www.geocities.com/~perkinshome/page54.html
http://familyeducation.com/topic/front/0,1156,1-2618,00.html
http://www.inlink.com/~jennings/hssites.html
http://members.tripod.com/~ziastarr/
http://www.annieshomepage.com/index.html

> I joined the loop about a week ago and tried to send a message but it
> failed.  Anyway, I just wanted to say hello.  We're in the Rapid City
area
> as are some of you I think.
> Shelli
>

Hi Shelli, Welcome to the list.
What part of Rapid City are you at?  Im out at the bse.

Sorry that I havent gotten those links out that I was planning to send (
the preschool sites), Ill get to it after supper- I HOPE :o)
Weve had a pretty full couple of day around here. My kids are finally
getting over colds but not without passing it along :o( Then yesterday was
the hs train ride.  Rhonda Im sorry I wasnt much for conversation and all
yesterday, I felt horrible. I think I drank a half a bottle of cough syrup
before we left so I wouldnt cough the whole trip,lol.

Well take care all, gotta get the baby up and supper started.

Take care
jennifer

I liked what Rhonda said about the fact that you are already homeschooling.
That is so true.  We homeschool the day our children are born.

I joined the loop about a week ago and tried to send a message but it
failed.  Anyway, I just wanted to say hello.  We're in the Rapid City area
as are some of you I think.  We've only lived here a year so I don't know
much of what goes on here with the homeschool community.  We've homeschooled
for 5 years.(My 6th grader is trying a year of private school, but I'm
teaching a 2nd grader and preschooler as well as having a 10 month old).

South DAkota seems pretty reasonable with the homeschool laws.  We have to
register with the school district and do standardized tests in certain
grades.  We were under an umbrella school in the last state we lived in.

Is anyone doing any co-op type things in this area?
Have a great weekend,
Shelli

welcome to the list.  I too am from the Black Hills area.  I know someone on
another list from Sioux Falls though.

I also am just starting out with a 4.5yo and a 2yo.  I've been researching
for over a year though.  We are primarily doing so because he is already
doing 1st grade work, and not old enough to enter Kindergarten in public
system.  Also, there is way too much negative socialism, and a long list of
other beauracratic stuff with the govt. schools that we just don't want
controling our children's lives.

I can't give you any specifics on how its going for us, cause technically, we
haven't started.  I use a mixed amount of materials for different things.  I
may go with ABEKA curriculum next year, or remain unschooled, or maybe a
mixture....just haven't found what is right for us yet.  I am still learning
his learning styles and my teaching styles, etc.

There are numerous sites to learn about hs'ing.  The laws listed in HSLDA may
not be quite accurate, but they are a start.  I'm trying to find seasoned
hs'ers in my area also to find out about the legal air here, and any troubles
they've run into, etc.  But haven't really found out anything yet.  I've only
recently joined the local home schoolers group.

Please check out my own website for lots of good links for getting started.
There is a South Dakota page with all the state groups, a very good one in
Sioux Falls.

http://hometown.aol.com/welikekids

Also, I manage another SD homeschooling site, and a support and encouragement
one, at MSN beta communities.  Go to http://beta.communities.msn.com and look
under Education, Homeschooling for lots of hs'ing sites to check.  Mine is
http://beta.communities.msn.com/SouthDakotaHomeschoolers and
http://beta.communities.msn.com/ParentSupportandEncouragement

We also have chats and message boards there.

You are already homeschooling, you have been from day one.  You are teaching
your child everything.  What can be harder than teaching them to walk and
talk, share and be polite?  I have a vast amount of resources available to
me, and will be happy to answer any specifics you may have.

Good luck, and nice to meet you.

Rhonda

I should know Tuesday morning!  I'll keep you posted!

Jennifer

> later. I guess the main question I have that some of you
> may be able to answer is about the laws in South Dakota
> would any of you have any information on that or know
> who i can contact for information ? It would also be intresting
> to here how the decision to homeschool was made by your families
> and the experiances that you have had  .
>

Hi WELCOME to the list !!

The link that was sent out earlier is a great site to look and learn, its
where I started.
Ill send you some links I have for preschoolers that may help also. Its
lunch time now though so when naptime rolls around Ill get those out to you
plus just some of my favorites.
I started researching homeschooling when my oldest was your sons age. My
son is only 4.5 but we find lots to do.
We are choosing to homeschool for many reasons but to name a few, I believe
this is Gods plan for our family. I dont particulary agree with the way the
public schools are going. I dont want my children flooded with worldy ideas
and ways that are so easy to pick up in ps. We also feel that its just not
safe to send them there either, thats probably one of the least reasons we
are choosing this way of educating though, noone where today is safe but I
want to protect my kids as much as possible at least while they are young.
I could keep going but it would be long.
Ill get those links out later this afternoon
Blessings
Jennifer

Thanks I'll have to check that out and do tell me how everything works for
you I'm curious to find out .


>From: Roeses@...
>Reply-To: SDakotahomeschool@onelist.com
>To: SDakotahomeschool@onelist.com
>Subject: Re: [SDakotahomeschool] hello
>Date: Thu, 23 Sep 1999 11:01:14 EDT
>
>From: Roeses@...
>
>Hi!  Welcome!
>
>Check out The Home School Legal Defense Association
>(http://www.hslda.com/).
>They have a list of all state requirements.  It's kind of vague, but most
>of
>the information was there.  Basically, you have to submit some paperwork to
>the school district (I just did that this week) for "permission" to
>homeschool.  I'm in the Black Hills, but it seems pretty painless on this
>side of the river!
>
>Jennifer
>
>>****************************************
>Visit http://www.nethomeschool.com
>take classes online-Chat, Home School Resources, Home School Store, Parent
>Bullentin Board, Top Home School Books, Kids Chat, Kids Bullentin Boards
>and MORE!
>**************************************
>
>Win a VW Jetta loaded with sporting goods from Fogdog Sports!
>No purchase necessary. See site for details.
>http://www.fogdog.com/cgi-bin/affiliate?siteid=985071
>
>
>**************************************
>
>Tell you friends to subscribe to the list by going to
>http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/SDakotahomeschool
>
>########################################
>

Hi!  Welcome!

Check out The Home School Legal Defense Association (http://www.hslda.com/).
They have a list of all state requirements.  It's kind of vague, but most of
the information was there.  Basically, you have to submit some paperwork to
the school district (I just did that this week) for "permission" to
homeschool.  I'm in the Black Hills, but it seems pretty painless on this
side of the river!

Jennifer

hello, I just joined the list today . I'm
actually not a homeschooler but I've been looking
into it and I am very intrested . I live in Sioux Falls.
Is anyone on the list from Sioux Falls ? I have a two
year old son so I have awhile before I relly need to make
any choices about his schooling but I feel if I educate
myself now it will be alot easier to make that decision
later. I guess the main question I have that some of you
may be able to answer is about the laws in South Dakota
would any of you have any information on that or know
who i can contact for information ? It would also be intresting
to here how the decision to homeschool was made by your families
and the experiances that you have had  .

Thanks, Rhonda.  I got some great ideas on how to make this work.  Now I've
just got to see which idea works the best.

Jennifer
In a message dated 9/13/99 3:01:41 PM, Rsc218@... writes:

<< Jennifer, you have a tough situation.  My idea is that you schedule school
in
whenever you can.  School does not have to be taught during daylight hours.
That is a great benefit of homeschooling, you can do whatever you need to
adjust schedules accordingly.  Use evenings, use weekends, and use dad.
Especially at only 1st grade you don't need more than a couple hours a day at
most.

It seems your bigger problem is the business/sitter thing.  If you have a
business during the day maybe you can find a sitter, a relative or something
for those particular times.  Or if it's in your home, won't a client realize
our children also live in our home?  Your daughter can stay in her room and
play or watch a video or something quiet when she knows you are doing a "work
meeting".  Our children are very important and sometimes we need to give
certain things up for them.  There is no perfect arrangement.

I hope you find that balance you need.  Good Luck!

Rhonda (abcmom)
alex 4, sami 2
http://hometown.aol.com/WeLikeKids
http://beta.communities.msn.com/Homeschool
http://beta.communities.msn.com/SouthDakotaHomeschoolers
http://beta.communities.msn.com/ParentSupportandEncouragement
  >>

Jennifer, you have a tough situation.  My idea is that you schedule school in
whenever you can.  School does not have to be taught during daylight hours.
That is a great benefit of homeschooling, you can do whatever you need to
adjust schedules accordingly.  Use evenings, use weekends, and use dad.
Especially at only 1st grade you don't need more than a couple hours a day at
most.

It seems your bigger problem is the business/sitter thing.  If you have a
business during the day maybe you can find a sitter, a relative or something
for those particular times.  Or if it's in your home, won't a client realize
our children also live in our home?  Your daughter can stay in her room and
play or watch a video or something quiet when she knows you are doing a "work
meeting".  Our children are very important and sometimes we need to give
certain things up for them.  There is no perfect arrangement.

I hope you find that balance you need.  Good Luck!

Rhonda (abcmom)
alex 4, sami 2
http://hometown.aol.com/WeLikeKids
http://beta.communities.msn.com/Homeschool
http://beta.communities.msn.com/SouthDakotaHomeschoolers
http://beta.communities.msn.com/ParentSupportandEncouragement

> Thanks.  I do know some people in the Rapid City/Box Elder support group.

> Sending in the form is no big deal as I have it filled out and just need
to
> take it to the school board.  As for a curriculum, I do have some things
> (such as the "Learn at Home" series for 1st grade) and know of TONS of
sites
> on the Internet.  What I'm more concerned about is the balance of
> business/college/1st grade to let it all work out.  Some things I can't
put
> off until my husband is home, but most things (like my classes) I can.
Right
> now, she is in ps, but I don't like that idea at all.  It's those things
I
> HAVE to do during the day that I don't know how to deal with.

If you dont mind me asking where do you live?   I just joined the list last
week.
Im out at the base? Weve been attending the support group for awhile now at
Emmanual church
Your situation is a tough one. All I really know to do is pray for you.
Im sure all can be worked out.
What kind of buisness do you have?
Jennifer

Jennifer,

Thanks.  I do know some people in the Rapid City/Box Elder support group.
Sending in the form is no big deal as I have it filled out and just need to
take it to the school board.  As for a curriculum, I do have some things
(such as the "Learn at Home" series for 1st grade) and know of TONS of sites
on the Internet.  What I'm more concerned about is the balance of
business/college/1st grade to let it all work out.  Some things I can't put
off until my husband is home, but most things (like my classes) I can.  Right
now, she is in ps, but I don't like that idea at all.  It's those things I
HAVE to do during the day that I don't know how to deal with.

Thanks.
Jennifer

>
> My 6yo daughter asked last night "why can't I be homeschooled?"!!!  As
I've mentioned before, my husband and I think this is the way to go, but I
have NO IDEA where to start.  (Other than the legal stuff.)  And I'm not
sure how to incorporate some of the babysitting issues I know will come up.
  I own my own business out of my home, so USUALLY it isn't an issue.  But I
do have a few clients I must meet with outside my office and I'm also
taking college classes to help with the business (learning how to run this
from a business point-of-view!).  What do I do and where do I turn???  Any
comments or suggestions will be appreciated!  Thanks!
>
> Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,
Is your dd in school now?
Id think the first place to start is with the legal stuff and getting a
curriuclum. Do you know what youd like to use?  Are you a member of the HS
group? Or SDCHE?  ( Im not sure what other groups are in the state,just
know of this one)   This group was a good deal of help for me.
Ive read alot of info on curriculums and how to get started and all on the
internet. That helped us alot as well.
As for your buisness, can you make your buisness hours while your dh is
home so he can care for your daughter. Can she just go with you? What have
you been doing?

Blessings
Jennifer

HELP!!!!

My 6yo daughter asked last night "why can't I be homeschooled?"!!!  As I've
mentioned before, my husband and I think this is the way to go, but I have NO
IDEA where to start.  (Other than the legal stuff.)  And I'm not sure how to
incorporate some of the babysitting issues I know will come up.  I own my own
business out of my home, so USUALLY it isn't an issue.  But I do have a few
clients I must meet with outside my office and I'm also taking college classes
to help with the business (learning how to run this from a business
point-of-view!).  What do I do and where do I turn???  Any comments or
suggestions will be appreciated!  Thanks!

Jennifer

Hello,
  Ive just joined this list and wanted to say hello.
  I see there are no posts yet,is the list new?  I was pretty surprised to see a
list for SD, but its a good surprise.
  Were a rather new family to homeschooling.

  I look fwd to hearing from you.
  God Bless
  Jennifer