Homeschool Chat Part III

[Nicolepa]

What testing did he do?

He takes the Stanford.

 

[bellebud]

just want to share...

my dd13 and her bff just went to the NJ Homeschool Prom last night. They had a great time! All the kids looked wonderful all dressed up. I'd say there was about 75 kids. It was a little over a 2 hour drive for us, so we stayed over in the hotel where the prom was held. bff's mom and I had a great time too, walking the boardwalk at night, a nice dinner (it was in a jersey shore town). we all shared a room, so the girls got ready together. we all arrived by 4pm, went to dinner, relaxed in the room w/ the girls getting ready. prom was from 8:30pm to 12:30am.

Next year I may stay there 2 nights (depending on the weather next spring). We could have laid out on the beach today... gorgeous weather!! We'll possibly make a weekend of it.

Our kids don't have to 'miss out' on anything, just because we homeschool

 

[Gitts2008]

Hello Everyone,

I posted on her awhile back about home schooling my DD, but my DD and DH were against it. Well...a child who is fighting with my daughter stated to my DD's friend that "She (fighting child) will bring a gun to my DD's home." I am besides myself here and feel that it is now the time.

I am looking for support here. I think that I can home school, but can I? DD has a better relationship with DH and DD is going to be 12 and fights me every step of the way. How do you all do it??

 

[Nanu57v]

I'm more concerned about DH being against it. You need your husband to be on the same page.

I think that a child who didn't want to be homeschooled would be difficult, but there would be consequences you can enforce.

And I'd make sure that threat was reported.

 

[jdcthree]

I'm more concerned about DH being against it. You need your husband to be on the same page.

I think that a child who didn't want to be homeschooled would be difficult, but there would be consequences you can enforce.

And I'd make sure that threat was reported.

I agree! Yes, you can do it, but you will need your husband's support. Especially if your dd will be difficult at first. I would figure out what the "fighting" is about with this other girl. Is it a bullying situation? Definitely deal with it no matter what you decide regarding homeschooling!

 

[Gitts2008]

DH is not totally against it. He has serious concerns. I do too, but I am at my end with the state testing, the bullying, lies and boredom that DD experiences on a daily basis. She has an A average, BUT she is never challenged. Her weaknesses are math (teacher can not slow down bc of the common core, she has a B in this subject) and her spelling is awful. I do not want to ruin my relationship with DD by being the mom, teacher and school enforcer. Dh works long hours, so everything would fall on me. DD can take private music lessons, join the kids gym, we can go on field trips once a month to a location that she is learning about.......It all sounds great, but oh boy to implement will require a great deal of commitment.

We (DH and I) are going to a meeting next week at our local library about home schooling. Finding out today that DD is being bullied again was the final straw. The bully's mom had the nerve to drive along side DD while she was walking home from school 2 weeks ago and yell at her. I feel like I am the insane one here bc I know girls bicker. They bicker and life goes on. But to yell at my DD bc DD can not handle her daughters is bipolar situation (yes, she is dx'd with bipolar), is crazy.

Oh what a headache tweenager can be and their friends and the school....

 

[Happiest mommy]

Gitts2008 I'm so sorry you are going thru this, but your DH must be on board with this decision, we will be HS this Fall and yes its scary but i'm excited too, I read everything on here and continue to do research I recently joined some HS groups which have been sooo helpful best of luck to you and your family...

 

[lucigo]

I do not want to ruin my relationship with DD by being the mom, teacher and school enforcer.

You will be all of those things. There are days when it can be exhausting. You will have to create a structure with rewards and consequences. If she wants to go to school it will be a struggle. You might consider a virtual school where she will have teachers to answer to (K12, Connections Academy, etc).

 

[chris31997]

Hello Everyone,

I posted on her awhile back about home schooling my DD, but my DD and DH were against it. Well...a child who is fighting with my daughter stated to my DD's friend that "She (fighting child) will bring a gun to my DD's home." I am besides myself here and feel that it is now the time.

I am looking for support here. I think that I can home school, but can I? DD has a better relationship with DH and DD is going to be 12 and fights me every step of the way. How do you all do it??

DH is not totally against it. He has serious concerns. I do too, but I am at my end with the state testing, the bullying, lies and boredom that DD experiences on a daily basis. She has an A average, BUT she is never challenged. Her weaknesses are math (teacher can not slow down bc of the common core, she has a B in this subject) and her spelling is awful. I do not want to ruin my relationship with DD by being the mom, teacher and school enforcer. Dh works long hours, so everything would fall on me. DD can take private music lessons, join the kids gym, we can go on field trips once a month to a location that she is learning about.......It all sounds great, but oh boy to implement will require a great deal of commitment.

We (DH and I) are going to a meeting next week at our local library about home schooling. Finding out today that DD is being bullied again was the final straw. The bully's mom had the nerve to drive along side DD while she was walking home from school 2 weeks ago and yell at her. I feel like I am the insane one here bc I know girls bicker. They bicker and life goes on. But to yell at my DD bc DD can not handle her daughters is bipolar situation (yes, she is dx'd with bipolar), is crazy.

Oh what a headache tweenager can be and their friends and the school....

Just like what everyone said DH needs to be onboard with this. Maybe DD needs to go to the meeting with you. That way she can see that there are other teens being homeschooled and she won't be the only one You, DH, and DD can sit and talk about what everyone's hang up and fears are about homeschooling. Then everyone can make a plan to handle those fears. It maybe not seeing friends or getting out of the house or totally stressed or constant fighting. Y'all can plan ways to handle the stuff.

This is gona be hard. There will be days when you and DD are like Then there will be days when

But I got a news flash as a parent you already are DD mom, teacher and enforcer. You are her parent. You teach DD right and wrong, how to eat numberous other things. You give DD consequences for breaking your rules. You already are DD mom, teacher, and enforcer Just gonna add academics

If DD is bored in school, before you start any school work.....I suggest you have her tested to place her in a grade. You may find that she is in 9th for math, 9 for language, 7 for spelling, .....Then you can customize your curriculum to her needs and get her up to speed.

I would also report the threat by the the girl at school and the mom.

 

[chris31997]

Gitts2008, Forgot to let you know it is possible to graduate someone from high school, next year our DD will do it and there are several on here who have also done it. Just take it one year at a time.

 

[Gitts2008]

Thank you so much everyone. I have requested information from Connections Academy and The Keystone school.

K12 stated "There are currently no public schools using the full K¹² program in this state. But new schools are always being added!"

DD is not permitted to attend the home schooling meeting next week. It is for parents only. A mom reached out to me a few months back and offered her assistance, so I will see if we can get together to discuss her experiences.

How do I get DD tested for her grade level? I saw a few "free" programs. Has anyone used MINDsprinting's?

In the end DD's friend lied about a few things in the past, so the school states that it's hearsay and not creditable. It's been a VERY rough year for us as a family and this drama just added to DD'd stress level.

In NY, DD would need to complete 990 hours of instruction. Can I start homeschooling once my school district has approved our individualized home instruction plan (IHIP) even if it's July 15th? I saw article regarding various ways to plan our year, but New York State appears to have strict laws/rules...so I am not sure.

Thanks again everyone. I am more determined now to show DH and DD that as a family we are making this decision together for the good of our family.

 

[jdcthree]

Thank you so much everyone. I have requested information from Connections Academy and The Keystone school.

K12 stated "There are currently no public schools using the full K¹² program in this state. But new schools are always being added!"

DD is not permitted to attend the home schooling meeting next week. It is for parents only. A mom reached out to me a few months back and offered her assistance, so I will see if we can get together to discuss her experiences.

How do I get DD tested for her grade level? I saw a few "free" programs. Has anyone used MINDsprinting's?

In the end DD's friend lied about a few things in the past, so the school states that it's hearsay and not creditable. It's been a VERY rough year for us as a family and this drama just added to DD'd stress level.

In NY, DD would need to complete 990 hours of instruction. Can I start homeschooling once my school district has approved our individualized home instruction plan (IHIP) even if it's July 15th? I saw article regarding various ways to plan our year, but New York State appears to have strict laws/rules...so I am not sure.

Thanks again everyone. I am more determined now to show DH and DD that as a family we are making this decision together for the good of our family.

I would check out the HSLDA site for specifics on homeschooling in your state. They can tell you everything you need to know legally. Blessings on your new journey!

 

[Gitts2008]

Thank you all so much You have taken the scariness out of home schooling. I have received phone calls today from Keystone and connections today. And, both look like promising choices. AND.....After another day of drama our DD can not take anymore bullying or lying by her "friend" and how we are forced to defend her from accusations.

Rant: I get a text message that so and so pulled my DD's ponytail bc so and so's friend told her to do it and the mother was texting to see if my DD is OK bc my DD is missing a chunk of hair....WHAT. so and so was trying to get past by DD in class and put her hand on the back of DD's chair, which cause a slight pull. I then get a call as to why my DD is telling everyone that blah blah hurt my dd....what..huh....blah blah is very upset and got called to the main office....what??? DD tells me that the principal asked how she was and DD siad "fine." The principal asked about the incident and DD had no idea what she was talking about..it was a 0.5 on the pain scale. It's a group of three girls and of course their mother's believing the lies. If it's not DD being a bully, it's DD lying about being bullied and I've had enough.

Thanks

I am still interested in meeting a homeschooling parent who lives on Long Island....Anyone??

Thanks again and I am very grateful for how you have all shared your knowledge and support.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Bullying in schools is truly the worst thing ever and I am so glad that you are making the right choice for your child. My daughter was told that she was going to be killed by a boy in her class. That same day that this happened, that same boy hit my son in the face. The school punished my son and didn't believe my daughter, even though there were MANY students present that saw what happened and were trying to tell the teacher (who was on the other side of the room heating up her lunch). It's incredible how much schools try to hide bullying.

We are so happy with our homeschool choice and will continue on our adventure until all 3 children have graduated high school!! We use Seton, which is a Catholic curriculum.

 

[nataliej_vk]

Hello all! I saw this thread and had to post! I am the product of a homeschooling life and honestly I cannot thank my mom enough!!!! It was the best thing to happen to me. I am not scared to be who I am and say what I stand for. I can not homeschool my daughter as I am a single mother but my mom has stepped up again (I love her!!!) and is homeschooling my daughter for me! I try to take her and my dad to Disney every other year as a thank you! So to all you homeschoolers out there your kids will be better for it and THANK YOU!!!!

 

[Gitts2008]

I remember us girls bickering but never EVER to the point of threatening physical violence.

My schools opinion on bullying is believe rumors and whose parents yell the loudest.

My family and I are not religious, so we are looking into programs that are non-denominational.

 

[Aunt Stepody]

I wish you all the best in your homeschooling adventure. We have been doing it for 6 years now (about to start High school with my oldest), and we know we made the right decision for our family. By the way, constant bullying by a student made us leave public school. The kindergarten teacher told the principal not to place the offender with my son for their 1st grade year. Well...you guessed it. They put them in the same class together. He kept beating on my kid. One day, my son fought back trying to defend himself. He was sent to the principal's office. They threatened to put my son in school suspension, and then proceeded to tell us that they could even fine us. My husband pulled him out of the school right then and there (mid year). We followed that nightmare with a burned out teacher in private school who refused to let the children go for recess amongst many other crazy things. So, homeschool was the result of us running out of options. We are so glad it worked out that way though. I know you can do it. Like a PP said, your DD will most likely thank you for it one day.

 

[Rayvn]

Hi! My name is Leslie. I am a SAHM of 2 boys. My husband works 2 hours north of where we live at the moment.

Ryan is my eldest son and he is 5.5yo. He is in a PPCD program with inclusion to Pre-K. He will be going to ESY during the summer. Ryan has Autism, Cognitive Comm. Delay, and Motor Incoordination. Ryan is reading at a 1st grade level and doing math at a kinder level. Ryan is working on potty training. Ryan sees many therapists and doctors. He has a limited diet due to sensory issues. Ryan has an immature gut and if he catches the stomach flu or has diarhea, he can miss a whole month of school.Ryan understands a lot more than he can tell me. He just learned his name in April 2012. He learned how old he was in the past 3 months.

Liam is my youngest son and he will be 3yo in 2.5 months. He is a firecracker and doesn't sit still. He just recently graduated from ECI for a Speech Delay. He talks a lot and wants to do "work". Work is coloring, worksheets, construction, cooking, and computer. Liam eats a lot of different foods and is fearless. He has the scratches and bruises to prove that he is my daredevil.

My boys are complete opposites of each other.

I want to supplement Ryan's schooling when he is home during school breaks and sickness. I want to re-direct Liam's energy into learning.

Leslie

 

[Nanu57v]

Hi! My name is Leslie. I am a SAHM of 2 boys. My husband works 2 hours north of where we live at the moment.

Ryan is my eldest son and he is 5.5yo. He is in a PPCD program with inclusion to Pre-K. He will be going to ESY during the summer. Ryan has Autism, Cognitive Comm. Delay, and Motor Incoordination. Ryan is reading at a 1st grade level and doing math at a kinder level. Ryan is working on potty training. Ryan sees many therapists and doctors. He has a limited diet due to sensory issues. Ryan has an immature gut and if he catches the stomach flu or has diarhea, he can miss a whole month of school.Ryan understands a lot more than he can tell me. He just learned his name in April 2012. He learned how old he was in the past 3 months.

Liam is my youngest son and he will be 3yo in 2.5 months. He is a firecracker and doesn't sit still. He just recently graduated from ECI for a Speech Delay. He talks a lot and wants to do "work". Work is coloring, worksheets, construction, cooking, and computer. Liam eats a lot of different foods and is fearless. He has the scratches and bruises to prove that he is my daredevil.

My boys are complete opposites of each other.

I want to supplement Ryan's schooling when he is home during school breaks and sickness. I want to re-direct Liam's energy into learning.

Leslie

Sorry, just saw this! If you are just supplementing, check out superteacherworksheets.com. A subscription is $20 a year. Normally, I cringe at the word "worksheet," but this site is pretty cool. Lots of holiday themed stuff, games, coloring, and of course worksheets at every level. I'd also recommend starfall.com for both of them. An amazing FREE site I think they'd both enjoy.

 

[100AcreWood]

I would love some advice! My dd is 6. She is about to finish kindergarten. Her teacher says dd is reading at a level 3/4 and should be reading at a level 5 before 1st grade. I love her teacher but I'm a little stunned that we are at the end of the year and now peddling fast to catch up. I recognize that dd is struggling to read but I don't know how to help her other than practicing at home.

Do you have any advice for me? Any programs I could use this summer to help advance her reading skills? I have been working with her at home but we're not making much progress. I have no idea how to teach a child how to read.

Thanks!