Home schoolers - why do you do it?

[mefordis]

For those who home school their kids -- what motivated you to go this route? I'm just curious. Also, how do you make sure they don't lack in the social department? I'm sure you make that work, since so many people home school their kids these days.

How do you teach subjects you aren't able to (advanced math in some cases, etc.)? Do you bring in tutors?

Thank you in advance!

 

[mom2rb]

I work at night. I teach gymnastics from 3:15-8:30. If my kids went to a normal school, I would never see them. I home schooled everything myself until a few years ago. Now my boys go to a small private school based on a University Model. They go to school twice a week and they get a whole lot of homework that they do the other days.

 

[Momvic5]

I homeschool because I love everything about it. I went to school to be a math teacher, and I found that I love teaching. After I had my 3 children, I wanted to be home with them. I decided that I wanted to do the thing I love(teaching) with the three children that I cherish the most. It has been a great experience for us all. I haven't ever worried about the social issue associated with it. My children are schooled at home, but they live everyday of their lives in the same world as everyone else does. They are on sports teams, attend church activities, have a ton of friends in the neighborhood and community, go to summer classes at the college, etc. We have at least 5 kids at our house daily, and all of the them are public school children. They are all fine socially.

This is my fifth year of homeschooling. I have taught through the 8th grade, and I haven't had a need for a tutor yet. I am a math teacher, and I also have a reading specialization, but I will admit my biggest weaknesses are in English and History. Last year, I did have a friend of mine who is a high school English teacher read a few of my ds's writing assignments. I wanted her opinion, and I also wanted her to tell me how he compared with other kids his age. This school year, my ds14 chose to go back to public school. His friends begged him to go back, and he wanted to play football for the high school. He was homeschool from the grades 5th - 8th, and he has done fabulous in all aspects. His grades are great. He was voted a peer counselor by his teachers and classmates. He was the captain of the freshmen football team. If I ever had any doubts while homeschooling him, they have all been put to ease by this experience.

I think that as a home-school parent, you will worry from time to time if you are doing the right thing especially when you feel incapable of teaching a certain subject. The good news is that there are some great curriculums available, and home-schooling has become so popular now that when you do hit a wall, you can find opportunities for your children that will help them where you feel you can not - whether it be an online curriculum, a tutor, another parent, etc.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

My kids are not school-aged yet, but I will homeschool, because I want to indoctrinate them with my own ideas and values, of course!

DH is a physicist, so he will handle higher math and science and technology once we get to that point.

 

[rie'smom]

We weren't happy with the school options in our area. Her classes are taught in online videos by teachers. If she has extra questions, I help with that. As for being social, she has tons of friends.

 

[Magpie]

For those who home school their kids -- what motivated you to go this route?

My son was miserable in kindergarten, and his teacher recommended homeschooling as the school system wasn't really equipped to help him. She said I was doing a great job at home already, and all that school would do would take away hours from the day when I could be working one-on-one with him. He homeschooled from 1st though 4th grade.

My daughter got an absolute .... of a teacher in 3rd grade. She was awful, and she hated our kid. Our only other option involved an hour and a half bus ride to another school, so as we were homeschooling one already we decided it wasn't that big a deal to just homeschool this one as well.

Also, how do you make sure they don't lack in the social department?

What do you do during the summer? As I used to tell people, for us homeschooling was like having summer 365 days a year. My children went to swimming classes, martial arts, gymnastics, etc... They got together with their homeschooled friends during the day and went to museums and played in the park. We went to the national park and climbed mountains. And when the day was over, they went outside and played with all their public schooled friend (none of whom went to the same school anyway). Academics in the early grades only takes, at most, a couple hours a day. Growing plants and doing complex science experiments can take a little longer, but there's still plenty of time left over to get out into the real world.

I remember when we were studying fish. I had the kids come to the butchers with me, and they asked for a whole fish with the head and everything. Then we dissected it at home! I had my young children handling my grocery money, ordering food in restaurants, banking with me, and basically learning the ins and outs of the adult world.

How do you teach subjects you aren't able to (advanced math in some cases, etc.)? Do you bring in tutors?

Yes. Either you find someone who can teach it, or you learn it right along with your child. I'm tutoring a friend's homeschooled son in Algebra this year. He comes over twice a week.

Am I an expert in Algebra? Nope, I failed that class in high school. However, I bought a very good curriculum and we're figuring it out together. In some ways, I think I'm a better teacher because I don't know everything. I don't assume he already knows things, and I'm not impatient with how long it takes him to work things out.

And it's fun, too... Because sometimes I'll set this 13yo boy a challenging problem, and then I'll say, "Okay, see if you can beat me to the solution!" And then we both work on it together. When I first got him as a student 2 years ago, having just dropped out of school, he was afraid of math. He used to sit at my table with his shoulders hunched over, looking miserable. He didn't even know his basic arithmetic functions! Now he's confident, and able to challenge my son - who is taking gifted level math in public school!

Nothing beats one-on-one instruction, when it comes to learning.

However, my children have both chosen public school, as there ARE things that homeschool doesn't do as well. Band, for one.

 

[mefordis]

Thank you for the replies! How many hours of instruction do you do each day? I have heard real instruction only takes a few hours a day. The rest is filler (in school).

I appreciate the replies! I have never considered home schooling before but I am now.

 

[Magpie]

Thank you for the replies! How many hours of instruction do you do each day? I have heard real instruction only takes a few hours a day. The rest is filler (in school).

I appreciate the replies! I have never considered home schooling before but I am now.

The number of hours a day will depend on the grade. How old is your child? A kindergartner might have an hour of formal instruction, while a 6th grader might have four or five hours, or more if they're working on a project. There's different types of homeschooling, too. Some are more time-intensive than others.

And, of course, as a homeschooler you do get into the habit of making everything a learning experience. Even shopping!

I started with a packaged curriculum, and then branched out from there as I got more confident.

There's a number of really wonderful curriculums out there! I used Sonlight, which is religious, but easily adapted to a secular worldview.

Browsing curriculums is still one of my favorite things to do.

 

[Momvic5]

And it's fun, too... Because sometimes I'll set this 13yo boy a challenging problem, and then I'll say, "Okay, see if you can beat me to the solution!" And then we both work on it together. When I first got him as a student 2 years ago, having just dropped out of school, he was afraid of math. He used to sit at my table with his shoulders hunched over, looking miserable. He didn't even know his basic arithmetic functions! Now he's confident, and able to challenge my son - who is taking gifted level math in public school!Nothing beats one-on-one instruction, when it comes to learning.

However, my children have both chosen public school, as there ARE things that homeschool doesn't do as well. Band, for one.

I do math challenges with mine as well. My oldest used to love to do this. If I had the time, we would do his entire math assignment as a challenge. With each problem, we would see who could finish the problem first with the correct answer. I really had to work to beat him. It was a lot of fun especially in Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1. It helped him to focus, show his work, and to work steady and accurately.

 

[npmommie]

I think homeschooling is the best kept secret! and it works for us.

you can check out hslda.org for the regulations in your state.

 

[Magpie]

I do math challenges with mine as well. My oldest used to love to do this. If I had the time, we would do his entire math assignment as a challenge. With each problem, we would see who could finish the problem first with the correct answer. I really had to work to beat him. It was a lot of fun especially in Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1. It helped him to focus, show his work, and to work steady and accurately.

I think the biggest advantage to learning along side of a student is that you're modeling independent learning for them. They know they can teach themselves almost anything, because they've watched you do it.

My favorite phrase: "Okay, let's see if we can figure this out!"

 

[Nayan]

I do it because the schools in my area suck. By the time my son was ready for K, he was already reading, knew colors, adding, subtracting. He learned all that by playing games with us, me reading to him from day one and even the teacher he would have had said to home school him, otherwise he'd be very bored. So I did and have been doing it for years now. He'll be 16 this year and I've never questioned my decision, it was the best thing we could have done.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

This is not an attack on home schooling, but for you that home school, are you highly educated? I find it kind of disturbing to think about home schooling your children if you yourself are not that highly educated. I do understand if you live in a bad school district tho. I did know someone who was actually on this board a couple years ago that home schooled her children, and she herself had atrocious spelling. I'm sure it does work at times, maybe if your children live in a bad school district, etc. I remember LOVING school. Just trying to understand it, that's all.

 

[mefordis]

I think they have to test out of each grade to be promoted to the next level. I'm sure there is something in place to ensure they have properly learned and retained the material.

For the lower grades I think most people can teach reading, writing, basic math, etc. For the upper grades that is where tutors might come into play.

Also, one reason someone might want to home school would be if the parents do not agree with some of the policies of the school.

This is not an attack on home schooling, but for you that home school, are you highly educated? I find it kind of disturbing to think about home schooling your children if you yourself are not that highly educated. I do understand if you live in a bad school district tho. I did know someone who was actually on this board a couple years ago that home schooled her children, and she herself had atrocious spelling. I'm sure it does work at times, maybe if your children live in a bad school district, etc. I remember LOVING school. Just trying to understand it, that's all.

 

[shortbun]

My son's school was failing to challenge him academically and there was no discipline in most of his classrooms. He is in a virtual charter school and he's actually getting a good education. His life is well socialized at this point, he does all the out of school activities with his friends. He would not have chosen school actiivities because he doesn't have faith in the school's ability to control the students or keep him safe. It became a real issue for him. I supervise him as far as checking the teacher's gradebooks to make sure his work is done and when he has a paper due, he discusses it with me for thoughts or final editing.

 

[JVL1018]

ETA: Mefordis says:I think they have to test out of each grade to be promoted to the next level. I'm sure there is something in place to ensure they have properly learned and retained the material.


I don't believe they do in NJ.
A child just left my children's school to be homeschooled and the only thing the mother had to do was write a letter saying that the student will be homeschooled.
Come next September, another letter has to be sent to the school to say that they are homeschooling again.
That's it. No one ever has to check up to see if the child is learning anything at all.

http://www.homeschoolacademy.com/resources/state-laws/new-jersey-homeschooling-laws/

 

[mefordis]

Wow, that's nice that no one is looking over their shoulder, but surprising.

ETA: Mefordis says:I think they have to test out of each grade to be promoted to the next level. I'm sure there is something in place to ensure they have properly learned and retained the material.


I don't believe they do in NJ.
A child just left my children's school to be homeschooled and the only thing the mother had to do was write a letter saying that the student will be homeschooled.
Come next September, another letter has to be sent to the school to say that they are homeschooling again.
That's it. No one ever has to check up to see if the child is learning anything at all.

http://www.homeschoolacademy.com/resources/state-laws/new-jersey-homeschooling-laws/

 

[Magpie]

This is not an attack on home schooling, but for you that home school, are you highly educated? I find it kind of disturbing to think about home schooling your children if you yourself are not that highly educated. I do understand if you live in a bad school district tho. I did know someone who was actually on this board a couple years ago that home schooled her children, and she herself had atrocious spelling. I'm sure it does work at times, maybe if your children live in a bad school district, etc. I remember LOVING school. Just trying to understand it, that's all.

I have a degree in Classics, but I can't say it was ever a factor in teaching my kids to read.

I am, however, fairly intelligent. I know how to track down resources and I'm in the habit of life-long learning. I've known some pretty stodgy people with advanced degrees who would make terrible homeschoolers. I've also known some people with no degree at all, who are fabulous homeschoolers.

As for the lady with atrocious spelling... my kids have had some teachers with atrocious spelling, too. Even someone with atrocious spelling can use a spelling curriculum and teach her kids (and herself!) to spell, when she decides it's necessary.

The only thing I don't understand is why people don't pay attention to all the red lines under their words when they post...

Not everyone loves school. My kids do, and they go because they choose to go. I would not ever make them go to school, if they were miserable. I had to endure that as a child, and I think it's awful. Adults can change jobs, can walk out of abusive relationships... Adults have options. Most kids don't.

I think they have to test out of each grade to be promoted to the next level. I'm sure there is something in place to ensure they have properly learned and retained the material.

For the lower grades I think most people can teach reading, writing, basic math, etc. For the upper grades that is where tutors might come into play.

Also, one reason someone might want to home school would be if the parents do not agree with some of the policies of the school.

It varies from area to area. Where we live, the school system has no interest in any child who isn't formally enrolled. As long as your children stay out of trouble and you aren't being investigated for other reasons (ie, beating or starving them), then their education is your responsibility. Parents are legally required to provide an "appropriate" education. That's it. Mine were in whatever grade they were supposed to be in, according to their age.

All I ever had to do was inform the school that I was withdrawing my child, and then I was on my own. I was fairly laissez-faire about my approach (we once spent two weeks studying 20th century history by watching every James Bond movie ever made ), but when my children went back into the school system in Grade 5, they were both years ahead of the curriculum. As a result of their academic test scores, they went directly into the gifted program, bypassing the waiting list. And that's even with my son having a diagnosed learning disability!

My daughter thanked me last year (Grade 8) for the good job I did in laying a foundation for math. She was one of the few kids in her class who wasn't struggling with the material.

 

[DawnM]

I homeschool. I was a high school teacher and counselor before I had children. I keep up my credentials as I do plan to go back at some point.

I could probably write a volume about why I homeschool, but here it is in a nutshell.

1. I have a child who has some learning struggles and the one on one is INVALUABLE for him and his development.

2. Above child has Asperger's and struggles socially as well. He is thriving in our homeschool groups and activities, where people are much more willing to accept him and be patient with his social struggles.

3. We have the time to do things we want to do when we want to do them. Our schedule is not dictated.

4. We can teach things that I still find important, like phonics and Latin.

5. Our values are not necessarily the same values the general public adheres to. I know that will come across as judgmental, after reading many parents complaints about other kids, I think most can understand some point of reference to which I am referring.

Now, you asked about subjects I don't know as much about. Higher level math is not my thing. DH is able to do that with them, but there are so many ways to get it these days.....DVD classes, local CC classes once they turn 16, local private schools that offer individual classes, computer based instruction, and on and on it goes.

Where we live, there are so many activities, both academically based as well as socially based, that I never worry about them not getting out or getting what they need.

Dawn

 

[Liberty Belle]

I don't homeschool (well, I do some in the summer), but I would without a second thought if my husband and son would let me.

Why? I'm a para who is out of work and I love to teach. Love everything about it. Also, my son has adhd, sensory issues, and anxiety, and regular public school is just not serving him well at all. Luckily, he learns a lot on his own and he's a very smart kid, so he gets more out of it than it seems he would.