I can tell you that it is not an easy decision. This is our first year Homeschooling. We have two children DD-10 and DS-8. Our main purpose for homeschooling was because our DS has some learning problems (Sensory Integration and Auditory Processing). Our local PS could not teach him in the way that he needed to learn. They could only teach to the whole class. I completly understood that, so my husband and I prayed long and hard and felt it was what we needed to do. I did not fault the system because they can't teach each child individually.
We started with just my son and sent DD went on to PS at the beginning of the year. I was afraid that I couldn't handle starting with them both. DD is on the other end and was in the advanced program. There was a couple of weeks of adjustments in several areas. DS had been in PS and was used to being on a time limit, having to sit in one place, etc. I was not used to having him with me all the time and I stayed tired for a couple of weeks.
After about 7 weeks, I was already seeing the advantages in having my DS at home. He was starting to make improvements with the one-on-one attention, etc. We let our DD decide if she wanted to come on home or wait until the end of the school year and she decided to come home.
Once she did, we went through another adjustment period. I have to truly say that our family is so much closer now. We are involved in a couple of different homeschool groups in our area. I didn't know where to begin looking, so I just started searching the web.
I am not saying that everyday is peachy, but it is worth it to see them learning what they need along with learning basic life skills that they are not taught in school. I love being with them and watching them learn. If we need to spend more time on something we do and if we can speed through it we do that. We don't have homework. We are not on anyone's schedule. We start our day when we want to. I try to have them finished with breakfast, dressed and chores done by 9-9:30 and then we get started with school.
We are usually finished with DS's work in about 3 hours. DD's takes longer as she is older, probably more around 4 to 4 1/2. Which is still better than being in PS and coming home with homework.
We live in NC and I know that the Homeschooling laws are different for each state. We have to file an intent with our state once the child turns 7. We have to keep track of our days (required to teach 180), and we have to give them a test at the end of the year to keep on hand at home. I can not help with the laws in your state.
I am sorry this was so long, if you want to PM me, please feel free. I will look through my websites that I have saved and send you some that I think would be helpful. Good luck in your searching and deciding.
Tammy
