Heather Said:

Homeschool vs.5mos public school for middle school aged girls?

We Answered:

Don't worry about them falling behind--that's highly unlikely, even if you "flubbed" it.

I started school in Australia, was homeschooled for several months, went to a school in another country, was homeschooled a few more months as the family traveled, and then went to school in the US. The only subjects I had difficulty with in the US were those I'd never studied--US history and geography and the rules for some of the US games in Physical Education--though I managed to figure those out. Every other subject I was ahead in (and ended up at the head of my class)--and US schools have gone far downhill since then.

I think you'll likely find the same with your girls--they'll be ahead in most subjects. I'd recommend homeschooling them for the few months, being sure to address topics that they might not have gotten where they are. (The US focuses sooo much on US history and geography, that they'll probably need to spend time on that to feel on target in social studies.)

P.S. You can easily have them very involved in activities without being in a public school. Look for homeschool support groups where you move to. (Check Yahoo! Groups for them.) Many areas in the US have very active homeschool support groups where the children will have plenty of options of activities and events with other children.

Audrey Said:

How do you think kids will take the fact that 0bama's taken away their summer vacation? How about their paren?

We Answered:

This isnt China and Im not raising productive robots for the state
Kids need down time . We all do. Childhood is short enough. I will homeschool

Sidney Said:

Any Chinese summer camp in Beijing in 2008?

We Answered:

Summer Camp 2008
University of International Relations, Beijing (UIR, Beijing) has a history of 50 years of Mandarin study. UIR trains professionals of international relations; it has academic trainings for bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. The Institute attaches great importance to establishing corporate relationships with universities overseas. It combines language learning relevant to subjects that you can study abroad.

The Center for International Education is located in the Beijing university area. It is one of the earliest institutions that accept students from abroad into China. In recent years, Center for International Education welcomes an increasing number of international students from around the world to study Chinese language and culture in the Beijing summer camp.

Summer Camp Program
• Grade/level: Age: 15 - 60 (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced level)
• Duration: 4 weeks (June 22 to July 19, 2008)
• Last day to apply: June 1, 2008
• Camp Accommodation: School dormitory

http://www.iscbeijing.com/summer_camp.ht…

Jeff Said:

what is a better job? elementary school teacher or school nurse?

We Answered:

If I were you, I would go with nursing since you seem more passionate about that. Every school NEEDS a nurse, but not everyone needs a teacher at the moment. I would go with being an elementary school nurse. Since you said that you wanted to educate kids on health, they are the most eager to learn. Of course the decision is yours, but I hope I helped :-)

Rosa Said:

So parents, summer-time is a time for our kids to relax, hang out with friends, and forget about homework..?

We Answered:

I think 5 books over the summer is a lot. My older two boys are in high school and they have to read 2 books over the summer, one can be any book they want and the other they tell you what to read. My boys have to read "The Soloist" this summer. Then they have to pick 10 lines out of the book and write them down then tell why they choose those lines and what they mean to them. They do this for each of the two books.

My middle son is in middle school (13) and he has to read one book of his choice and then he has to pick two questions from some choices to answer about the book.

My youngest is 10 and will get a math packet and one book given to him at his reading level to read and some questions to answer about the book. He will also be given a summer journal to write in.

I think it's good for kids to read and do some work in the summer to keep up their skills, especially the younger kids. My youngest has some learning issues so it's very important for him to practice what he has learned all summer in order to retain the information. This summer we will be working a lot on counting money, multiplication, division and fractions as well as writing in a journal, reading and doing some vocabulary papers. He still has plenty of time for fun and we spend a lot of time at the beach. I just like to set aside some time each day for him to work.