Homeschool Chat Part III

[chris31997]

A few years ago, I read through a hs magazine, the hsers where not interested in hearing from or dealing with classroom teachers. I wanted to do something like offer a class for small groups (my favorite way to teach) in some fun, but eductional area. I've read that some parents are looking for informal evaluations for thier kids. I don't know if people offer these services for free or are paid or how it might work.

Ultimately, I want to stop subbing. I think I could do so much more by hsing my kids or maybe offering services to others and eventurally both.

Sorry this is so long! Any advice or thoughts would be helpful!
Jessica (PS-You TOTALLY need your own separate forum here!)

It kinda depends on your state and what is required by the state. For instance, in NC I could submit to the state either an evalutaion or a test. There were certain requirements for the evaluator, and I don't know those off the top of my head. Here in HI, at certain grade levels, I have to submit test scores. The one group I was part of in NC had a mom who would do evaluations and she was paid for them.

As for teaching a class. Most of the time, it is a co-op situation. Where you are sharing responsibilities. But, you may want to talk some of the local groups and see if there is a need or want.

Good luck

 

[Nicolepa]

I LOVE HOAC lapbooks. LOVE them. Easy to follow, the kids enjoy the hands-on, cutting, coloring, etc. Create your own formats make them unique (some fold out, some are just folders bound like a book, etc). I like to print some of the pages on colored card stock, just to brighten it up a bit. I use them for 2 kids, and download them straight to my computer. I think they are a good value, personally.

OK, I bought a couple of the HOAC lapbooks and I think I am in love! I sure hope my son enjoys them as they look so much better than what we've been doing! I think this is going to be fun. I also bought some mini state lapbooks (not HOAC) for our state studies. I think they will work so much better than what I've been doing and at $1 each I don't think we can go wrong! I think I'm going to love that we will be easily able to go back and look at what we've done for review etc.

Thank you Greygables! I can't wait to start them!

 

[Jessica14]

It kinda depends on your state and what is required by the state. For instance, in NC I could submit to the state either an evalutaion or a test. There were certain requirements for the evaluator, and I don't know those off the top of my head. Here in HI, at certain grade levels, I have to submit test scores. The one group I was part of in NC had a mom who would do evaluations and she was paid for them.

As for teaching a class. Most of the time, it is a co-op situation. Where you are sharing responsibilities. But, you may want to talk some of the local groups and see if there is a need or want.

Good luck

Thanks for the input. In NY, there are a lot of regulations for HS parents. I now fully understand why so many people feel annoyed by them and feel that they should just be able to do what they do without interferrence. If its a requirement to present data, scores, evals, etc, I could see that I might be able to help in that regard, even help with on going eval. tools to present at the end of the year.

With the class, I had spoken to a hs parent many years ago and she said that sometimes they did utilize outside teachers, but that seemed mostly secondary.

I really enjoy teaching, but feel the confines of a classroom kind of squelch my and the kids' creativity which is why if I can think of a way to work from home, eventually I can HS. Thanks again!
Jessica

 

[disneymom3]

Hi all! I have finally bit the bullet and I will homeschool a 5th and 3rd grader next year. I am a little bit nervous about telling their current school but I am confident that I can do a good job with my kids!

I have met with a few friends who homeschool and wow! What a resource they are!!!

So hello all!! I hope to see you all at homeschool days!

Hi!~ My boys are those exact ages this year and it has been a really good year. It's nice having them close enough so that in science and history we do it all together. I am so glad you have friends already doing that. After the first couple of months for sure, it's important to have support. There will be days where you will wonder why on earth you ever thought this was a good plan and your friends will be there to remind you.

We have decided to take DD back out of school next year. She was homeschooled for 8 years, went to a charter high school this year for 9th grrade but we are bringing her back home for 10th through 12th. She is not going to be happy about it at first but hopefully she will get there. We have not told her about it quite yet. Early next week we will. So, pray for me if you are a praying kind!

Academically she has done fine, socially she has done more than fine. But it just doesn't "work" for us. Plus, I feel like we only have three years left with her and they waste SO much time in school. I personally don't see the value in watching basketball tournaments in American Lit. Yes, that has happened.

today I have found an online Japanese course for her to take. I think she will be excited about that. She is currently in Spanish, but she really wants to learn Japanese. If she can do that at home, all the better!

I leave tomorrow for our state homeschool conference. I am really excited. Zan Tyler and Carol Barnier are two of the speakers who will be there. Plus ALL that curriculum to browse!!

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Thanks for the input. In NY, there are a lot of regulations for HS parents. I now fully understand why so many people feel annoyed by them and feel that they should just be able to do what they do without interferrence. If its a requirement to present data, scores, evals, etc, I could see that I might be able to help in that regard, even help with on going eval. tools to present at the end of the year.

With the class, I had spoken to a hs parent many years ago and she said that sometimes they did utilize outside teachers, but that seemed mostly secondary.

I really enjoy teaching, but feel the confines of a classroom kind of squelch my and the kids' creativity which is why if I can think of a way to work from home, eventually I can HS. Thanks again!
Jessica

Many HSers take art, drama, writing, cooking, language, etc. classes that are not part of a co-op. Some teachers are hired for that specific class (using meeting rooms at a church or library) and others teach several classes (not just HS) at their location. And some tutor or do small groups at your home.

Hope these options give you some ideas.

 

[Belle0101]

I saw this in Belle0101's signature and thought it deserved full-post status:

Do not train children to learning by force and harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds.

Plato
(427 BC-347 BC)

Wow. Pretty smart guy, that Plato.

Thanks for noticing.

When I get to doubting myself as a homeschooling parent I remind myself of Plato's quote. HS a highschooler is daunting for me but I see the difference in DS15 - his personality, his growing self-confidence - and I know we made the right choice. He's much happier at learning that which amuses his mind and at his own speed.

 

[graygables]

Thanks for noticing.

When I get to doubting myself as a homeschooling parent I remind myself of Plato's quote. HS a highschooler is daunting for me but I see the difference in DS15 - his personality, his growing self-confidence - and I know we made the right choice. He's much happier at learning that which amuses his mind and at his own speed.

Same w/ my 15yo DD. While she's never been in PS, I am SO relieved when I see all the garbage that goes on (and I used to be a PS English teacher, so I speak from experience!)

 

[Jessica14]

Many HSers take art, drama, writing, cooking, language, etc. classes that are not part of a co-op. Some teachers are hired for that specific class (using meeting rooms at a church or library) and others teach several classes (not just HS) at their location. And some tutor or do small groups at your home.

Hope these options give you some ideas.

Thank you! I'm looking into these ideas and I'm glad to hear that there could be a need. The more I investigate, the more that I think I want hs to become a viable option. I think it would be just a really great experience for all of us!
Jessica

 

[robinsegg]

Thank you! I'm looking into these ideas and I'm glad to hear that there could be a need. The more I investigate, the more that I think I want hs to become a viable option. I think it would be just a really great experience for all of us!
Jessica

Hi Jessica!
First, I want to encourage you that there *are* co-op classes that are taught, generally within a homeschool group. Sometimes there is a fee (esp. if there are materials needed for each student), other times it can be more a general understanding (I'm teaching geometry this month, you can teach sewing next month, and the month after that she will teach about the cultures in the Middle East). It can also be done by barter (I'll teach your child chemistry if you'll teach mine piano).

Secondly, I want you to know that many families have found that they could live on one income with just a few adjustments, because they also take into account how much it costs to go to work (meals, gas, work clothes, day care, out-of-pocket spending for work, etc.).

Thirdly, if there is someone close to you who can care for your children after work, you could homeschool when you get home. That can be exhausting and, if you are a teacher with other kids all day, very demanding and draining. But it *can* be done.

If you're really getting interested in homeschooling, I would recommend the book "So, You're Thinking About Homeschooling?" by Lisa Whelchel. It's a great overview of the styles of homeschooling and the curricula types available.

Have a great journey!

 

[C&G'sMama]

Thanks for noticing.

When I get to doubting myself as a homeschooling parent I remind myself of Plato's quote. HS a highschooler is daunting for me but I see the difference in DS15 - his personality, his growing self-confidence - and I know we made the right choice. He's much happier at learning that which amuses his mind and at his own speed.

Love this. We are going to HS DS (7) in the fall. He just heard us say the quote and asked us to repeat it. I think it's a sign.

 

[C&G'sMama]

Hey all. I posted awhile back that we are probably going to HS ds (7) in the fall. We made the decision to do it. Well an announcment made at our company this week indicates that I'll probably need to start looking for a new job soon. DP and I said when I started this job that when it ended we would probably need to leave our current area. So, I plan on sending resumes out up and down the East Coast. I have family in Massachussets but the HS regs in MA scare me. Of course we're in NY now and I guess NY isn't the easiest place either.

So IF we were to end up in Massachusetts what do we need to be prepared for? Any advice would be great. I don't know where we're going to land but I want to start preparing now.

Thank you.

 

[donaldandpirates]

Hi, everybody! I'm new to the boards, been lurking for a long time. I homeschool my DD-12 and plan on homeschooling my DS for kindergarten in a year or two. We just started homeschooling a little over a year ago.

 

[figment3258]

Hey all. I posted awhile back that we are probably going to HS ds (7) in the fall. We made the decision to do it. Well an announcment made at our company this week indicates that I'll probably need to start looking for a new job soon. DP and I said when I started this job that when it ended we would probably need to leave our current area. So, I plan on sending resumes out up and down the East Coast. I have family in Massachussets but the HS regs in MA scare me. Of course we're in NY now and I guess NY isn't the easiest place either.

So IF we were to end up in Massachusetts what do we need to be prepared for? Any advice would be great. I don't know where we're going to land but I want to start preparing now.

Thank you.

Hi I am in MA and we have hs from the beginning. It vary s from town to town but i have never had a problem with anything. You need to submit a letter of intent to hs and then the school should just ask for your education plan and that should be it. If you want more info just pm me and i can share the letters i write. Also pm me if you have any questions! Take care

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Hi all! I'm a long time Disboard user, but just came across this thread for the first time. We homeschool our kids. The oldest is our only official school aged child, but of course they all are learning all the time-- just try to stop them!

DH actually does almost all of the planning and teaching. He's a stay-at-home dad. I own my own business and am away from the home 3 days a week usually. I'm just about to birth our 4th child though, so I'll be home for the next few months.

We went to a nice homeschool conference a few weeks ago that had a lot of unschooling information. I'd say we fall between homeschooling and unschooling. We're getting more and more relaxed about having to have a very structured plan each day/week.

 

[C&G'sMama]

Hi I am in MA and we have hs from the beginning. It vary s from town to town but i have never had a problem with anything. You need to submit a letter of intent to hs and then the school should just ask for your education plan and that should be it. If you want more info just pm me and i can share the letters i write. Also pm me if you have any questions! Take care

Thank you. Like I said I don't know where we'll land but I want to be prepared. If I do per chance end up in Mass. I'll be PMing you. Thank you.

 

[Jessica14]

Hi Jessica!
First, I want to encourage you that there *are* co-op classes that are taught, generally within a homeschool group. Sometimes there is a fee (esp. if there are materials needed for each student), other times it can be more a general understanding (I'm teaching geometry this month, you can teach sewing next month, and the month after that she will teach about the cultures in the Middle East). It can also be done by barter (I'll teach your child chemistry if you'll teach mine piano).

Secondly, I want you to know that many families have found that they could live on one income with just a few adjustments, because they also take into account how much it costs to go to work (meals, gas, work clothes, day care, out-of-pocket spending for work, etc.).

Thirdly, if there is someone close to you who can care for your children after work, you could homeschool when you get home. That can be exhausting and, if you are a teacher with other kids all day, very demanding and draining. But it *can* be done.

If you're really getting interested in homeschooling, I would recommend the book "So, You're Thinking About Homeschooling?" by Lisa Whelchel. It's a great overview of the styles of homeschooling and the curricula types available.

Have a great journey!

Thanks Rachel!
I brought the whole thing up with DH the other night. I have been doing a lot of research and bought a book called Homschooling-Take a Deep Breathe-You Can Do This! It's been very helpful. I also wrote out a tentative list of books and curriculums I would use. He's almost there with it. My original intent was to start in three years but I think I want to start in September if I can work an income thing out. I agree though, that we may be at least in part, be able to decrease spending just by virtue of them not going to ps.

I am hopeful that we will be in full agreement soon! I really can't wait to start this new part of our lives!
Jessica

 

[mfulk]

I haven't had the chance to read through this thread yet so I apologize if I'm asking something that's been asked many times.

Anyone have any links for using the World Showcase as a field trip?

We leave next week and I just realized I was missing out on an educational opportunity by thinking to incorporate the WS in to our geography lessons.

 

[TwinPrincessMama]

Just wanted to stop in and say hi. I have 3 year old twin girls. They go to school 3 days a week right now but I decided this will be our last year of formal schooling (at least for now). I'm committed to homeschooling them for at least PreK and Kindergarden. We live in Maryland. My huge plan is to go to Disney World in September/October of next year as a hooray we survived one year of homeschool and are going to do it again this year (Alternatively as a hooray we saved $700 a month in preschool costs.)

 

[steves1bear]

I'm looking for some guidance and hoping this is the right place to post. I have a DD (8) who has mild Aspergers. She is currently in 2nd grade and has had an IEP for the entire year, but we are seriously considering taking her out for 3rd grade and homeschooling her because the way the school is set up, it just doesn't work for her personality.

I guess what I'm needing is some guidance about curriculum, programs, and such that many of you use or have found helpful. As many who look into homeschooling say, I have absolutely no idea where to start and there is so much out there it's overwhelming. Also, my DD has social skill problems and really needs the socializing public school can give and also the programs they have available to teach her social skills. Is there any hope for her in terms of learning social skills? I only ask this because she is an Aspergers kid and I live in a very very small town and basically if you are not part of the only elementary or high school, then you really don't exist. Also, while there are other families who homeschool, everyone keeps to themselves and has no desire to form a co-op or to really interact with any other homeschooling family. They have their very set way of doing things and aren't looking to group together in any way.

Anyway, we're still on the fence about what we should do, but after what has happened this year, something has got to change.

Thanks!

 

[chris31997]

I'm looking for some guidance and hoping this is the right place to post. I have a DD (8) who has mild Aspergers. She is currently in 2nd grade and has had an IEP for the entire year, but we are seriously considering taking her out for 3rd grade and homeschooling her because the way the school is set up, it just doesn't work for her personality.

I guess what I'm needing is some guidance about curriculum, programs, and such that many of you use or have found helpful. As many who look into homeschooling say, I have absolutely no idea where to start and there is so much out there it's overwhelming. Also, my DD has social skill problems and really needs the socializing public school can give and also the programs they have available to teach her social skills. Is there any hope for her in terms of learning social skills? I only ask this because she is an Aspergers kid and I live in a very very small town and basically if you are not part of the only elementary or high school, then you really don't exist. Also, while there are other families who homeschool, everyone keeps to themselves and has no desire to form a co-op or to really interact with any other homeschooling family. They have their very set way of doing things and aren't looking to group together in any way.

Anyway, we're still on the fence about what we should do, but after what has happened this year, something has got to change.

Thanks!

There are co-ops out there. I would do a search for local groups for you in your area. The groups would be able to help you and DD with socializtion. I had a friend who is an advocate for special needs students in NC. Her son is autisic, high functioning. She pulled him out to homeschool him and he just bloomed and came out of his shell. I know it is not the same situation as you, but it can work. She had to find a book on idioms, and teach him about those(cat got your tongue). She took more of an unschooling approach with him. He did not have ability to sit for long periods of time. He needed lots of hands on work. She pick what would work for him.

Good luck