Fellow homeschoolers ......question for you

[dutch_girl_scout]

AuroraBeauty--I understand your feelings of excitement and fear all at once. This is my first year of homeschooling my DD12.

There is so much information out there, it can be overwhelming. If you google homeschool curriculum you will find a wide range. Some of it is computer based, some workbook based, some literature based. Many people make up there own curriculum by picking and choosing material for each subject. The Rainbow Resource Center (http://www.rainbowresource.com/index.php) has a pretty comprehensive selection of what's out there.

I would also recommend you find your state's homeschooling association. http://www.hslda.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1
Oftentimes, they can give you the lowdown on the rules and regulations for hsing in your state, and connect you to a local association.

There is a homeschooling thread on this board it is entitled Homeschool List (we've asked for our own sub-forum but no luck yet). There are many, many, helpful people there that have been homeschooling for awhile.

Finally, if I haven't totally overwhelmed you I would suggest reading the book, The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child by Linda Dobson, I found it very helpful.

Sorry for the long post, there we're so many great people that helped me when I was unsure, I just wanted to encourage you. You know your child better than anyone.

 

[sl_underwood]

My family is not supportive of homeschooling either. My dad once asked my dd if she was going back to school and she said no she liked homeschooling and he then proceeded to ask her "Dont you wish you had friends?" and my smartass dd asked him the exact same question, he looked puzzled. And she explained that he didnt go to school either so using his theory he must be friendless. LOL... dh and I laughed forever over that one. My dsis is a teacher and she is constantly quizzing my kids. Again, same dd shut her up when she asked her if she knew how they neutered animals. DD volunteers for a vet 2 days a week and has participated in surgeries so she knew how it was done, how much sedation was needed, etc.
As for the age old socialization question, anymore all I ask is 1. Do you want to be my kids taxi for the day and 2. Do you want my teens cell phone bill.
I also dont get the whole living in the real world. Comparing highschool to the real world is the biggest joke! Unless I am mistaken, in the real world jocks and cheerleaders dont rule and wedgies and swirlies arent daily practice. I think by volunteering at a library and a vet clinic my kids are gaining far more real life experience than by sitting in a classroom.
I find you either have to laugh at the misconceptions people have or get angry. Most of the time, I can find the humor in it all.

 

[AuroraBeauty]

Dutch_girl_scout, thank you for taking time to share your encouragement. With so many great homeschoolers out there it's odd to have the feeling that I'm doing this alone. I know I'm not some great homeschool pioneer, but I feel like it.

I wonder if everyone feels like that at first. I guess it's like the first day on the job when you can't figure out the phones or the copier. Within a week you're tech support b/c 'you know so much'.

Fortunately, my state is pretty lax when it comes to homeschooling. You just fill out a form every September and send it in (Certified, return receipt of course!).

Thank you for the information about the homeschool thread on the DIS, it's good to have one place to get my disney and homeschool fix quickly.

I have reserved the book you recommended and will get it from my local library. I look forward to reading it at your suggestion. From the online reviews it appears to be an excellent resource.

Also, I'll bookmark the Rainbow link and check it out. There are so many websites that pop up on a search it's hard to know which ones other homeschool moms find useful. Greatly appreciate the help!



As for the socialization question, I guess it will be the one that never goes away. I know of one family that homeschools and they have a name for their homeschool. There are six kids and they all go to the same school -- PLH Traditional School. When asked, they just say it's a small private school and people are fine with that. Imagine that! And the PLH? It stands for peace, love & happiness.

As for my public school options, they stink! We're at the bottom of the heap. Sure there are good schools for open enrollment but even those won't love my child as much as I do or work with her one-on-one to help her along. No, even the best school have a lowest common denominator focus. I guess they just can't help it.

Thank you everyone for being so helpful and supporting of all the newbie homeschoolers. You are all inspiration that love and dedication to our children will get us through (well, and the occasional trip to see our favorite mouse house!).

My best to you all!

 

[Leader of the Club]

I do not tell too many folks that we unschool. Homeschooling is pretty popular around here and most folks know someone who homeschools so we don't get too many odd comments. I would probably scare them if I tried to explain our unschooling.

My kids have all been unschooled. I felt it was very important for them to know how to find out the information that they needed/wanted to know than to sit and do school-at-home. We do not use a curriculum or workbooks. We do not do grades. The kids each learn in the way that is best for them. They learn what they need/want to know when they are ready for it.

My oldest DD19 just returned from Japan. She spent the last few years working and saving for her trip. She found creative ways to earn money and also worked a regular mall job. She learned some Japanese on her own and then spent several months in Japan through a program with Ohio State University learning japanese. She plans on starting college full time in the fall and is currently an assistant manager at a retail clothing store. Her goal is to earn an English degree and teach in Japan. She writes continually and is working on her second novel.

Now, I just let the proof speak for itself when someone brings it up. Hey, she turned out just fine! The others will, too!

 

[DawnM]

Um....well, I am not the right one to ask because my MIL still doesn't know we went back to homeschooling! She showed her disapproval for the 4 years we hsed, then we stopped for all of 3 months, then I pulled the kids back out. We haven't told her or anyone on that side of the family.

Dawn

 

[ZPT1022]

I haven't read the rest of the thread, and I don't homeschool (because I don't have the temperament for it, not because I think it's bad) but I think if were you I would stick with a simple "They are in school" If they're home with you, and you're teaching them, that is their school!

 

[ZPT1022]

I do not tell too many folks that we unschool. Homeschooling is pretty popular around here and most folks know someone who homeschools so we don't get too many odd comments. I would probably scare them if I tried to explain our unschooling.

My kids have all been unschooled. I felt it was very important for them to know how to find out the information that they needed/wanted to know than to sit and do school-at-home. We do not use a curriculum or workbooks. We do not do grades. The kids each learn in the way that is best for them. They learn what they need/want to know when they are ready for it.

My oldest DD19 just returned from Japan. She spent the last few years working and saving for her trip. She found creative ways to earn money and also worked a regular mall job. She learned some Japanese on her own and then spent several months in Japan through a program with Ohio State University learning japanese. She plans on starting college full time in the fall and is currently an assistant manager at a retail clothing store. Her goal is to earn an English degree and teach in Japan. She writes continually and is working on her second novel.

Now, I just let the proof speak for itself when someone brings it up. Hey, she turned out just fine! The others will, too!

okay, I admit that I have no clue. What is unschooling? I'm not asking to be snarky, but I am curious. Even if you just have a good link to an article that explains it well, that would be great.

My DD is in a small private school and I question a lot if it's right for her. I just worry that I am too lazy and not patient enough for homeschooling

 

[sl_underwood]

You can ask every homeschooler this question and get a different answer. To me unschooling is a child led approach to learning. Its allowing my children to follow their interests. Its providing them with an environment that allows them to explore and create and dream.

 

[nicolemomof4cuties]

My family was really on me about HSing the chilren earlier this year but they have seen how much happier the children are at home and how much more that they are learning so they all have backed off. Actually, I have recieved quite a few nice learning games from my parents. And my Mom offered to pay for DD 7 next curriculum. She finished Calvert 2nd grade in 4.5 months. What is sad is she just turned 7 on the 26th and finished it when she was 6 quite a few weeks ago- like almost 2 months. We have been following an un-schooling unit approach with her until we can save up for Sonlight 3. But at least my family is supportive now they used to be really snarky and horrid about it and act like I was going to do the kids a disservice.

 

[ZPT1022]

You can ask every homeschooler this question and get a different answer. To me unschooling is a child led approach to learning. Its allowing my children to follow their interests. Its providing them with an environment that allows them to explore and create and dream.

thanks for answering, and what a beautiful answer. What parent wouldn't want that for their child? We supplement what DD learns in school in that manner but I sometimes wonder if the structure of school is stifling her creative spirit. She's a quiet, introspective and sensitive kid.

 

[AuroraBeauty]

My family was really on me about HSing the chilren earlier this year but they have seen how much happier the children are at home and how much more that they are learning so they all have backed off. Actually, I have recieved quite a few nice learning games from my parents. And my Mom offered to pay for DD 7 next curriculum. She finished Calvert 2nd grade in 4.5 months. What is sad is she just turned 7 on the 26th and finished it when she was 6 quite a few weeks ago- like almost 2 months. We have been following an un-schooling unit approach with her until we can save up for Sonlight 3. But at least my family is supportive now they used to be really snarky and horrid about it and act like I was going to do the kids a disservice.

Cheers for DD7!!!! Again proof that homeschool kids can and do learn things. I'm so glad for you that your family is supportive. Your DD does not need to hear negativity about her teacher/principal/superintendent (and mom!).

Keep up the good work!

 

[npmommie]

We would probably not be considered "true" unschoolers because we do use workbooks for math, and we have a language arts curriculum ( literature based), but we do not sit and "do school" each day, I base what we do on what the kids are interested in........it is child led. If my dd wants to do math, we do, I found some great sites today that I had not seen before, she was sick of the workbook but wanted to do something else "math", so we did that instead. If she expresses an interest in something related to science or social studies for instance we do that. I don't have a rigid set in stone schedule.

anyway, here are some links about unschooling
www.sandradodd.com
http://www.joyfullyrejoycing.com/

 

[Creekermom]

There are six kids and they all go to the same school -- PLH Traditional School. When asked, they just say it's a small private school and people are fine with that. Imagine that! And the PLH? It stands for peace, love & happiness.

I think that will be something we start to do *saying that we are a small private school* I want DD to be proud that she is HS, she knows no different*
DD often refers to public and private school as 'out school' LOL

I raised one child who attend public and private school and I know where that leads... I am a firm believer in doing what is best for MY family and I know what is best.

My DD just turned 5 in December and she is reading on a K/1st grade level and already completing Math on a first grade level... and this is all child led.
She played a game and learned how to add/subtract and presto she wanted more...

My MIL too has her own issues with HS but... I don't live to please her. I wanted her approval but as long as I have DH's it doesn't really matter.
I have learned that the hard way.
My DD wouldn't even be able to attend "out school" K until next fall, by then here at home she will be doing a 1st/2nd grade level if and when she is ready for it. She is a fast learner in most other areas of learning so she may just have a knack for it. I wait for her to lead the way. We do A LOT of hands on learning and do many unit studies this way we can go into depth about something if she so desires or if I am trying to teach her something specific.

To sum all of this up, I get questioned a lot too. People sterotype HS... I would have never HS my DS who is now almost 19 as things were different then... and to be honest HS has come a LONG way in the past 20 years!

Some people really do enjoy being with their children... ALL DAY.
I know for some that is hard to believe for some.

 

[sl_underwood]

We would probably not be considered "true" unschoolers because we do use workbooks for math, and we have a language arts curriculum ( literature based), but we do not sit and "do school" each day, I base what we do on what the kids are interested in........it is child led. If my dd wants to do math, we do, I found some great sites today that I had not seen before, she was sick of the workbook but wanted to do something else "math", so we did that instead. If she expresses an interest in something related to science or social studies for instance we do that. I don't have a rigid set in stone schedule.

anyway, here are some links about unschooling
www.sandradodd.com
http://www.joyfullyrejoycing.com/

That is how we are as well. I dont label us as anything, I really despise labels. My kids do have textbooks, my oldest does highschool/college online but it was her choice. My middle child uses math u see and handwriting without tears. We do notebooks/lapbooks with unit studies (before ds I made my own, now I usually purchase through homeschool estore) These books are not only a great resource but also great portfolio pieces and fun to make.