Allie Webster turns four years old in April, which means it's time to ramp up the homeschooling. Today was her first day of K-4. For those who are unfamiliar, K-4 is a preschool level that comes before Kindergarden. At this rate, it won't be long before she starts Kindergarten!
Photo courtesy of Alyssa and John Webster
Allie Jane Webster
Photo courtesy of Alyssa and John Webster
MO- Very sweet! Allie is so cute and is growing up so fast. Thanks for explaining the home school schedule. I have a B.S. in secondary education and have always taught in public schools. I'm not familiar with the home school grade progression. :o)
ReplyDeleteSo nice that you are able to homeschool. I wasnt in a position to do so with my children but i do think it is best.
ReplyDeleteThey grow up so fast. Cherish every moment.
ReplyDeleteIt's so much safer to homeschool. Happy for you guys that you are able to.
ReplyDeleteShe is growing up. So sad!
ReplyDeleteShe is just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThey grow up so fast. Cherish every moment.
ReplyDeleteSo nice that you are able to homeschool. I wasnt in a position to do so with my children but i do think it is best.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of K4 and I've lived in the US all my life. Why is she starting this grade in January? Wouldn't this September or next be better? What do you mean by "ramping up" the homeschooling for a three-year old? Is this their time to play?
ReplyDeleteWe also start our homeschool years in January so we can take off all of November and December for festivities. I am “ramping up” my 3 year olds homeschooling this year, and for us that means she now sits at the table with the older two with her coloring workbook learning to work quietly. And we have daily practice of counting, colors, ABCs, etc. More structure and not just all random bits here and there. We still have plenty of time for play. :)
DeleteCanada's province of Ontario has junior kindergarten (start in September and must be 4 by the end of December) then senior kindergarten then Grade 1. I've read lots of K4 American articles on line. Probably just not in every state, just like JK is only in Ontario but some other provinces just say pre-school.
DeleteWhy is one month better than another? Sept to June is arbitrary for learning and was only started for farm kids to work in the summer at home.
If she's using the same curriculum as her mom does, the company labels it as K-4.
DeleteShe's a doll baby! Does this mean she will be going to a public preschool? I know the Bates home schooled all their kids, including Alyssa. Just curious.
ReplyDeleteIs this homeschool? Congrats Allie.
ReplyDeleteLittle sweetie
ReplyDeleteWhat a cutie. Have fun pre- k
ReplyDeleteMarilyn,Joan and Marion
She is adorable!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to Alssya as she starts teaching her children!
ReplyDeleteThat is great!
ReplyDeleteShe has an adorable smile!
ReplyDeleteSo, is she in a pre-k or home school pre k.?
ReplyDeleteThat's cute.
ReplyDeleteALLIE IS SOOOO CUTE ON HER FIRST DAY!!!!!! I BET SHE'S GOING TO BE A GREAT STUDENT!!!!! I BET SHE'S SUPER SMART, I KNOW KIDS, AND SHE'S SMART!!!!! I LOVE U 5!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck Allie, such a sweet and beautiful little girl. Love the Webster family, Alyssa and John are the best parents.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special day ! It is so hard to believe she is such a big girl. Seems like she was just a baby not so long ago. Fun to see how they are growing up. I know I am just a fan - but I feel like I am a friend of the family ! I don't see my extended family as much as I watch the Bates family. Thanks for all the updates !
ReplyDeleteAllie is getting so big. She is so cute and from day one I always thought she looked like John's sister Tori. Lexi looks more like the Bates side to me. John and Alyssa's kids are just adorable. I hope Allie loves school and I wish her all the best. Good luck little one.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations sweetie😊😊😊😊
ReplyDeleteAllie, what a big girl you've become. I pray you enjoy your new learning adventure ahead! Don't forget to tell your sisters all about it.
ReplyDeleteBeing that Alyssa is a Florida resident, what is K4? We here in Florida call that PreK (pre-kindergarten). Is this term used by her because she is using that religious homeschooling program that the Duggars use? Will she simply sit her daughter in front of a computer by herself and expect her to learn as the other family does?
ReplyDeleteWhat is the issue they have in not sending their children to a brick and mortar school, even a Christian school? Please address what the aversion is to sending their children to school with classmates? Do they think that they are better than other Christian families to DO send their children to school, whether it be public or private? thank you
Homeschool is wonderful! Children have more play time. The family bonds a lot. There is time for travel and field trips. There is time to focus on each child's needs rather than them having to fit into a group.
DeleteI could turn around your question and ask, what is the aversion to keeping children at home in a relaxed comfortable atmosphere versus going to a school and dealing with all the societal problems at a young age? Did you know that teachers are no longer allowed to hug a child? My cousin teaches elementary school and she hates that. She is not allowed to give a little hug here and there and she is old enough to remember when the children loved that.
I’m a homeschool mom I don’t know if this is what she is doing but abeka academy has a K4 program it is basically preschool. And I can’t answer for the bates but I feel led to homeschool my children because I’m their mom I want to be able to teach them and I love having them at home with me all day! And I know for our area if you don’t prefer public school private Christian school is very expensive! Abeka academy is also a very good curriculum and the video schooling offers teaching from a certified teacher one thing I can’t give them and my kids love the interaction with the classroom feel! Also it gives them the ability to graduate with a diploma, something that I really want my kids to have! Hope this answers your question and God bless !:)
DeleteWow. First of all...I’ve seen the program the Duggars use at a conference they were at. Younger children are taught one on one. It’s only the older grades that use an online curriculum and there are many public schools that use online formats as well. Have you heard of a flipped classroom? As for classmates...most homeschoolers spend quite a bit of time with other homeschoolers. My association here offers various art, music, athletic, STEM, etc... We have to be picky about what we choose otherwise we would never actually be home. Christian schools usually cost money and that’s not practical for many families. Private schools also don’t have to accommodate for any special needs or learning disabilities which is a reality for many families. And while I can’t speak for everyone I don’t think I’m “better” than other Christians because I homeschool. And if anyone does feel that way they would find a way to feel superior no matter what they do with their kids. That’s the nature of that type of person.
DeleteThere are also tons of reason for choosing to homeschool. Alyssa grew up with it and it was probably a good experience for her so she wants her children to have it as well. I wanted my kids to be in the best environment for their personal needs so my oldest is homeschooled, my middle attends an Autism Academy and we aren’t sure where my youngest will land but based on what we’ve seen so far...he would not thrive in a public school setting because they aren’t set up for active little boy brains. And I’m speaking as someone who graduated public school and taught upper elementary for 5 years.
Do they think they're better than other people because they homeschool? Not likely. Honestly, your questions make me wonder what your aversion to homeschool is.
DeleteThere are many reasons for a family to homeschool. Every family has a right to choose for their family. I doubt it has anything to do with thinking they are better than anyone else.
Delete1. I haven’t heard the term K4 before either, but I don’t think it has anything to do with the ATI curriculum.
Delete2. They do not sit in front of a computer for school with the ATI curriculum. I’m not even quite sure how you came up with that, except for the fact that the Duggars INCORPORATE a computer-based program once the children reach an older age. Logic would tell us that sitting a 4-year-old in front of a computer would be fruitless, considering said 4-year-old wouldn’t be able to read any commands on the computer...
3. Their “issue” with sending their children away from home to be educated is multi layered and complex, and to be quite honest, I’m not sure you actually want to hear an answer but to just express your own contempt for their choice. I suppose we could all just ask you what is your issue with someone choosing to homeschool.
4. No, they do not think they are better for homeschooling. Each day as you live out your own preferences of life, do you think you’re better than the ones who choose things differently? I should hope not. Everyone has their own ideas about life and parenting, and those ideas don’t usually come with a feeling of self-righteousness or hatred for others who live differently. That’s sort of a crazy and wild assumption to leap to, don’t you think?
Thank you.
-Hayley
anon@4:28- Every family must decide for themselves what works best for them regarding educating their children. There is no one-size-fits all deal. There are more options today than ever before. Many public school districts provide resources for homeschooling families and there are homeschool cooperatives in which to be involved. Children don't have to work in isolation behind a computer all day. I am a retired public school teacher, with over 35 years of experience. I am now a volunteer reading tutor in our local school. I can see why parents may choose to educate their kids at home if they don't have access to a good school in their community, or wish to incorporate religious teachings. You certainly need the flexibility and committment to do it well. It's not for everyone and no parent should feel shamed or guilty for the choice they make, whether it's public, private or homeschool. Each one has the potential to be really good, really bad, or something in between. Unfortunately, not all parents have the best intentions for their own children. I would remind those who homeschool and tend to feel superior about it: Public schools are charged with educating a very diverse population of students with a dizziying array of needs. Class sizes can be quite large and they have to accept anyone that walks through the door. This is not the case with homeschooling.
DeleteGood question, im anxious for Ellie to be the one to answer this!
DeleteChristian school is very expensive. They can learn the same information at home without the cost. When you homeschool, you really get to know your children on a whole other level. You can tailor their education to what is best for them and how they each individually learn. Some homeschool teachers use the computer or video programs, but a lot of us just teach our kids ourselves. There is a ton of curriculum available for homeschool parents. K4 is just another name for Pre-K just as K5 was just called kindergarten for years.
DeleteAllie is so cute!
ReplyDeleteMy youngest will be three this May. I better get rolling with home schooling him.
ReplyDeleteLearning starts from birth. Sing the alphabet. Talk about colours. Name body parts and clothing items. Count to 100. Read books. So many simple fun things to do.
Delete4:29- One of the most impactful things a parent can do for their child is to read to them every single day, starting before they can talk.
DeleteI'm glad she's being homeschooled. I was pro-public school until my own kids graduated and I saw the damage the leftist indoctrination had done.
ReplyDeleteMy extended family suffered much more damage and right-wing indoctrination over the years from religion than they ever did from any public school or college "Leftist" education.
Delete3:20. Then your family belonged to the wrong religion. God is great.
Deleteanonymous 7:30 pm. As an employee of a public school system, I am curious as to what school system does not allow teachers to hug students. I am employed in Georgia, and the kids at my middle school certainly do get side hugs if they want one. Granted, middle schoolers do not want hugs like they did in elementary school, and there are not too many that do hug. I'm in my 19th year, 10 yrs at elementary level, and now in middle school, and not once were we ever told we could not hug a child if they initiated it. A brief side hug, and they are on their way. Even the resource officers will give side hugs if a student hugs first. Is it a law where your cousin lives? Or school policy?
ReplyDeleteIt is quite obvious to me that the home schooling in these families is because they want to isolate their children from those who do not believe exactly as they do. They need to be honest about it and come right out and say so. They don't.
ReplyDelete6:24- It's not surprising. That is also likely why Crown College is their go-to school. I wonder if everyone associated with UPTV is an acceptable.
DeleteYes, we should all put our children in situations we’re uncomfortable with. We should all expose our children to ideas we believe are wrong, and we should ignore any and all conviction we have as parents. Or...do you only want the Bates family to do all of those things?
DeleteThey’ve been very open that they believe homeschooling is the best way to raise their children and prepare them for life. There’s no secrecy or hidden motive there.
1:20- I'm not sure how a child can ever grow up and learn to think for themselves if they're never exposed to new ideas and opinions. Part of learning is sometimes being uncomfortable. It also involves being able to evaluate and use new information, with the goal being a critical thinker. Come to think of it, most church's aren't terribly interested in people thinking for themselves.
DeleteMaybe you don’t understand how the world works. No one can actually isolate their children from others with different beliefs unless they keep them at home locked in their rooms. Even kids that go to the same church have different ideas and beliefs. If your kids have any friends and the Bates have a lot, then they are exposed to different ideas and beliefs. Just as it is a parent’s job to protect their children from a hot stove until they are old enough to understand not to touch it, it is a parent’s job to protect their minds and hearts as long as possible from influences that could be harmful. Some of us choose to homeschool our kids for that reason. Some of us just enjoy teaching and getting to see the excitement as the kids learn to read and understand the world. Some of us make the choice for economic reasons. Some of us had bad experiences in public school and don’t want to our children to repeat those.
Delete@1:20 Specifically, what ideas do you think public schools are teaching that are wrong? What situations would make your children uncomfortable? I'm a retired public school teacher and would genuinely like to know. I spent all my time trying my level best to teach the kids academics and the Golden Rule.
Delete5:36, some of the things I don't agree with in public schools include the swearing, the moral relativism, and the general liberal bias, as well as the trend of hiding things from parents.
DeletePublic schools have drastically changed in the past 15 years. Less discipline, more money put into learning difference students, teaching to the test, and fear! I teach and if I had young children I would not send them to a public school!
DeleteAs a homeschooling mom, I've only seen K4 with the Abeka program, which does include videos if a parent decides to use them. There are so many curriculum options now. I was really hoping the second generation Bates and Duggars would look into those and not just follow the curriculum their parents used. They don't follow their parents' modesty standards, why not explore different curriculum?
ReplyDeleteI have never heard that the Bates use the Abeka program. Just because they are choosing to homeschool doesn’t mean they are using the same curriculum as their parents. The Abeka program is very good. I have used it for most of my children’s schooling. My son scored high enough on his ACT to get a college scholarship (without any help classes). He has also maintained an A in all of his college classes.
DeleteAbeka is a good curriculum. The private school I'm placed in as an SLP (that my sisters graduated and where I previously worked as a nursery school aide) uses mainly abeka for the 3 year olds up through elementary grades. They have now been making changes to upper elementary curriculum as it does lack in some aspects. However it is a very solid and sequential curriculum to use through lower elementary (like 2nd grade).
DeleteKelly posted about it on their family blog back in 2013. Here's the link, https://thebatesfamily.com/2013/09/homeschool-helps/ She states that the DVDs are "too good to be true". Personally, I don't care for Abeka. I tried it and find it very rigid, like public school with Bible and Scripture mixed in. If you used it and liked it, great! However there are so many options. I'm sad for the kids I know who sit in front of a computer or DVDs all day and have little to no interaction with their parents. Half the joy for me is being the teacher!
Delete6:20. Even if their plan was to isolate their family from ones with different beliefs, that is their choice. They dont owe us any explanation. People act like the bates and duggars need to tell all about their lives just because they are on tv.
ReplyDeleteIt is their choice, to an extent. Certain levels of isolation become abusive. Parents do not have absolute rights to abuse or harm their kids.
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