The First Package

Today a big box was delivered by Fed Ex. It's our Techkit! I'm very excited to feel like things are finally rolling. Inside this jumbo box we have an HP laptop (complete with case), an HP printer (including ink cartridge), a very nice headset, software (Microsoft Office Pro!) and the coolest thing of all, a Wacom Bamboo Fun! You may be saying, "What is that?!" A quote from their website explains it well:

Now there's a simple, easy, and fun way to harness your creativity. Bamboo Fun makes your computer your canvas, allowing you to freely express yourself by simply touching the pen tip to the tablet. Touch up digital photos, draw by hand, create artwork and paintings, and even write in your own handwriting.


This link will take you to the sample of what it can do: click here

Tomorrow we will pull it all out and set it up to make sure it's all in working order. Our addition to the house is moving along, but is not ready, so we'll make do with a small table in the family room. The contractor says about 3 more weeks. Since PA Cyber's start date is August 18th, I don't know if we'll make it. Thanks to cyber flexibility, I don't need to sweat it!

I hope the box with our curriculum will arrive soon. I'm really looking forward to checking out that material. Our plan is to pretest our way through third grade math and cover any gaps in the first couple months. When our son was tested by a psychologist in March, he was said to be working at a high 3rd grade math level. We figure we can start into fourth grade math shortly. If he was in a brick and mortar school, he'd still be reviewing the second grade material by the time we have reached fourth grade.

I did hear one potential negative rumor about PA Cyber today. Someone I know was told by someone else that the Calvert Curriculum may be phased out. I would really hate to see that happen, so I'm going to pretend I didn't hear it. At this time, PA Cyber offers two choices; Calvert or Lincoln Interactive. Calvert is presented in more of a traditional homeschooling option. The facilitator at home does most of the teaching. I'm told it is very flexible and easy to differentiate. Lincoln Interactive is the Virtual classroom option. It follows the same pattern as a brick and mortar school. Scheduled lessons with a teacher moving all students at approximately the same pace. A good choice for children who left their traditional school as a typical learner. More of the same for anyone who needs a faster or slower pace. I REALLY hope it's only a rumor!