Homeschool Chat

[GOOFY4DONALD]

I just found this thread and I don't know where to start so maybe I will just post and go from there. I have 3 kids DD12 DD9 and DS6. My DD12 and DS6 have always had a good public school experience. My DD9 has not. She started out not making friends easily and it just got worse every year. She is now ending her 4th grade year and it has gone from not making friends to full blown bullying. She is even being targeted at home. The teachers "try" and pacify us by giving us pointers on how to help my DD change so she can fit in more. My DD is a kind and sweet girl that has gone from A's to D's. She hates school, she no longer tries and she has become very angry at home. We considered changing schools but not sure that would work. We considered private school but not sure that would work. A friend of mine mentioned her sister pulled her son out of school and now homeschools for many of the reasons that I mention above. I think that my daughter would flourish in home school. I just don't know where to start or if it would be right for my family. I also don't know if the state I am in allows it or how to pull DD out of school. Any information or replies would be gratly appreciated.

 

[TSRE]

I wanted to share these sites (many of you probably already know of them), but someone asked where I bought my rosetta stone...

http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/

I also like...

http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/



enjoy! they both have some great things to offer.

Thanks - that was me that asked. I'm new and don't know all of the good sites yet.

 

[TSRE]

I just found this thread and I don't know where to start so maybe I will just post and go from there. I have 3 kids DD12 DD9 and DS6. My DD12 and DS6 have always had a good public school experience. My DD9 has not. She started out not making friends easily and it just got worse every year. She is now ending her 4th grade year and it has gone from not making friends to full blown bullying. She is even being targeted at home. The teachers "try" and pacify us by giving us pointers on how to help my DD change so she can fit in more. My DD is a kind and sweet girl that has gone from A's to D's. She hates school, she no longer tries and she has become very angry at home. We considered changing schools but not sure that would work. We considered private school but not sure that would work. A friend of mine mentioned her sister pulled her son out of school and now homeschools for many of the reasons that I mention above. I think that my daughter would flourish in home school. I just don't know where to start or if it would be right for my family. I also don't know if the state I am in allows it or how to pull DD out of school. Any information or replies would be gratly appreciated.

I am new to this also, but can tell you where I started researching, etc. There is so much information it can be overwhelming. I am sorry to hear about your daughter - I know it breaks your heart to see her going through that.

Anyway, I would start by looking into the different homeschooling styles and seeing which one(s) appeal to you. Someone mentioned a book by Lisa Whelchel that gives a rundown of that. I haven't read that, but just googled homeschooling styles and found good enough descriptions to point me in the right direction. From there I felt like I had enough of an idea that I was able to begin looking more into the style that appeals to me, and find books on it, which then had lists of more resources in them...

Have you tried googling "Montana Homeschool Laws"? I did that here, and found a really informative site with all the info I needed, plus links to local organizations. You could also look for a Yahoo group in your area that will connect you to local people.

HTH a little - and that you are able to get your daughter into a better situation!

 

[TSRE]

Sorry for the 3 posts in a row!

Can someone who is familiar with the Homeschool Buyers Co-op site tell me if their offers go away when they say they will expire, or just change to a new offer? I just went and looked at Rosetta Stone, and it says the offer ends on May 10, which was a little sooner than I was planning on buying it. If it really is going to go away, though, I will probably go ahead with it.

Thanks!

 

[robinsegg]

I just found this thread and I don't know where to start so maybe I will just post and go from there. I have 3 kids DD12 DD9 and DS6. My DD12 and DS6 have always had a good public school experience. My DD9 has not. She started out not making friends easily and it just got worse every year. She is now ending her 4th grade year and it has gone from not making friends to full blown bullying. She is even being targeted at home. The teachers "try" and pacify us by giving us pointers on how to help my DD change so she can fit in more. My DD is a kind and sweet girl that has gone from A's to D's. She hates school, she no longer tries and she has become very angry at home. We considered changing schools but not sure that would work. We considered private school but not sure that would work. A friend of mine mentioned her sister pulled her son out of school and now homeschools for many of the reasons that I mention above. I think that my daughter would flourish in home school. I just don't know where to start or if it would be right for my family. I also don't know if the state I am in allows it or how to pull DD out of school. Any information or replies would be gratly appreciated.

To find the laws in your state, go to http://hslda.orgTo do some basic research on the styles of homeschooling and the curricula, take a look at the book, "So, You're Thinking About Homeschooling?" It's just a really easy, but good, overview.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Hey, welcome to the world of Homeschooling Disney Lovers! You're in for a great adventure! My boys are rising 7th and 5th graders, and it's been quite a ride. Just take your time, expect some bumps and lots of successes, and don't forget to breathe! You'll do great!

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I appreciate it!

I had a friend do the DVD system, and she found it overwhelming! The issue is that A Beka covers everything in about 3 different ways. So my recommendation is to know how your kids learn and make sure you cover everything the way they learn and discard what doesn't work.
Another way to find out "what's out there" is to read the book, "So, You're Thinking About Homeschooling?" by Lisa Whelchel. It's an easy read that gives a good overview of the types of homeschooling and curricula available.
One other thing to know: January and February are the hardest months to teach. PS teachers will tell you the same thing. The kids seem less interested in anything, and everyone's tired. It seems to have something to do with the amount of daylight.
Rachel

We were leaning towards the DVD stuff because it gives them the teacher/lecture portion of a "class" that they'll experience in college. I can't be the teacher. My biggest problem with all of this is my absolute complete lack of knowledge & confidence when it comes to the thought of being 'The Teacher'. My teenage years were pretty much your typical 'After School Special'. I quit high school in the 10th grade, got a GED a couple years later, and went to a little community college for a little over a year before I got so discouraged with the fact that I couldn't pass Basic Algebra after 3 tries (the professor was a nightmare & I had no help) that I just got a job & moved on with life. Now I'm faced with all this & feel that I'm going to be more of a disadvantage to my kids than anything. I literally MUST find a system/program that teaches them while I offer guidance as needed and ensure that they're getting it all done. That's most essential when it comes to math.

We used Abeka exclusively until high school and were very pleased. We did not like their high school math and switched to Teaching Textbooks which are great. We used Apologia for chemistry and marine biology and were very pleased also.
We did not buy the packaged curriculums by grade. We had a great Abeka rep who suggested buying teacher editions and since you sit next to your child sharing them instead of buying a book for you and them.
Abeka gave our kids a great education--my oldest graduated summa cum laude with a double major and my youngest who just finished 10th grade got a 27 on his first ACT. I think once he takes geometry and chemistry he will bring it up to the low 30's.

I'm trying to figure out the whole diploma part of all this. Okay. If I don't do an accredited package program that at the end awards them a regular high school diploma and pick they're different subjects from different companies, where do they get a diploma when they finish high school? One of the things I am absolutely not willing to budge on is the thought of the boys ending up with a GED. That's not acceptable to me. I want them to get a regular diploma. I've spent hours online trying to find the answer to this question. Believe me, I'd love to **not** do a package program.

Looked at Keystone online today for a bit. I really like their set-up but at the cost! Holy smokes!

We haven't even gotten started and I already feel like !

I just found this thread and I don't know where to start so maybe I will just post and go from there. I have 3 kids DD12 DD9 and DS6. My DD12 and DS6 have always had a good public school experience. My DD9 has not. She started out not making friends easily and it just got worse every year. She is now ending her 4th grade year and it has gone from not making friends to full blown bullying. She is even being targeted at home. The teachers "try" and pacify us by giving us pointers on how to help my DD change so she can fit in more. My DD is a kind and sweet girl that has gone from A's to D's. She hates school, she no longer tries and she has become very angry at home. We considered changing schools but not sure that would work. We considered private school but not sure that would work. A friend of mine mentioned her sister pulled her son out of school and now homeschools for many of the reasons that I mention above. I think that my daughter would flourish in home school. I just don't know where to start or if it would be right for my family. I also don't know if the state I am in allows it or how to pull DD out of school. Any information or replies would be gratly appreciated.

I totally understand how you feel. We're in a situation right now where homeschooling isn't really optional anymore because of problems with bullying. My boys get pushed around, hit, picked on, harassed, degraded, threatened, their belongings stolen and/or broken, etc. My oldest has had his school binder destroyed twice (earlier this year by someone who stole it, took it in the boys bathroom, scattered the contents across the floor, then urinated all over it). I go to the assistant principal's office on a regular basis. The administrators say they have to report when these things happen but it didn't take long for them to realize that reporting it only makes things worse because they don't do anything about it & often the bullies retaliate even worse. We live in a small, close-knit community but we aren't from here. It's insane. The school district claims they have a "zero tolerance" for bullying but I'd say it's more like "the bubba tolerance" because all I ever hear is how boys-will-be-boys. I disagree but I can't be the parent to all the other kids in the school. I've taught my 2 how to treat other people, be respectful & kind, etc. So after 2 years of fighting with these problems (that have escalated to the point that my oldest who is an A/B student that has never even once been in trouble at school will be expelled in a few weeks and sent to boot camp by these people who'd rather make nice with their friend's kids than do the right thing and do their job) we're not subjecting our boys to it any longer. You know it's bad when an 8th grade teacher tells you, "I try to stop the harassment in my class but I can't. I don't even write those kids up anymore because it doesn't do any good." How do teachers teach our children when they can't get thru an instructional hour without disruptions from uncontrollable kids? : It's a very sad situation...one that doesn't leave parents who care a whole lot of options. Don't worry. I'm new & terrified, too.

 

[graygables]

I'm trying to figure out the whole diploma part of all this. Okay. If I don't do an accredited package program that at the end awards them a regular high school diploma and pick they're different subjects from different companies, where do they get a diploma when they finish high school? One of the things I am absolutely not willing to budge on is the thought of the boys ending up with a GED. That's not acceptable to me. I want them to get a regular diploma.

As a former high school teacher, I have no problem at all with a GED and think you might be transferring your own anxiety about your negative school experience onto it. I also believe the consensus around the GED has changed in the last several years as it has become a "homeschool diploma" of sorts. MANY places offer a diploma that has nothing to back it up (my nieces and nephew are enrolled in one of those "umbrella schools"), so at least the GED requires testing of basic knowledge. My niece has a diploma, but could never pass the GED. Colleges are wising up to that so a diploma no longer carries the weight it once did.

My 2nd DD took the GED at 16 (after asking if she could just take it and get on with her life after years of being homeschooled). She did. She did great. She also took the ACT and did very well on that and went on to go to college at 17. It is also important to remember that not every person is cut out for academics. She isn't. After a year of college, she has moved on with her life and is enjoying herself and her jobs right now. She may go back to school, she may not, that's her decision. As long as she is a happy, productive citizen, that's all that matters.

Some people need to mature a bit before they move on with education. My oldest DD graduated from a PS (after years of bullying and torture). She went to college (great ACT, scholarship, etc) and she dropped out after a year as well. She simply wasn't ready. The diploma didn't make her anymore ready than my 2nd DD's GED did. She is now 24 and is slowly working on her Associate's degree. She needed time to recover from her public school experiences and find some successes outside of school (finding and holding down a job, for instance).

Passion first. THEN make the plans. Plans without passion are just hollow motions.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Sweetpea & Goofy...don't be scared! You are on a great thread and we all had to start somewhere! First of all...the situation in most schools is a lot worse than people realize or want to admit..From the principal down the the Pre-K teachers and administration...they really want the school to look good and most will say or do whatever in that situation to appease everyone...which is not going to happen!! I dealt with bullies (girls..and they are MEAN!!) in Jr High and that was some time ago... I can't imagine what kids are put through now. And with so many parents not wanting to deal with all the school stuff when they get home, kids are left to fin for themselves..or if they are the bullies, the parents can't/won't deal with their kids. I do feel for teachers...some are really against a wall...BUT...if you can pull your kids and take them from an unsafe environment do it! Don't worry about not teaching everything and doing it perfectly...Public School won't teach your kid all there is to learn and no one worries about that..so don't be overwhelmed with that part. Even if you have a slow day, or one that you feel maybe wasn't the best.,.just remember that you are together, they are in a safe place and somedays you need to just 'live'!!
Definitely check the website mentioned from a PP and the Lisa Welchel book is fantastic.....look at local libraries around you and see what they have...
Another book I love is by Cathy Duffy, 100 Top Picks for Homeschool...it's great and you can kinda skim through some reviews on her website..which can link you to each company....
Learning can happen in just everyday life...cooking, cleaning, shopping, driving, lots of people skills,money management, time management,...I am a big advocate of reading good books. There are websites that list the great classics and just good reading books for kids....by good books they are not talking about short chapter books. They are fine for fun, but to really get into it, great old stories:Mark Twain stuff, Anne of Green Gables, Around the World in 80 Days, ..all of these help with vocabulary, spelling, grammar, ...just from being exposed to these great works helps them to learn all that even without knowing it....spend the summer getting info, researching, and getting them on the wagon reading. if they aren't used to it or just hate it, try to start with some classics on cd...most libraries have some great ones.
Just hang in there...the first year is the hardest..everyone is adjusting and finding their way..be patient! Ask questions..here or on other Curriculum boards....and remember to enjoy it....this has been one of the greatest blessings of my life...they grow up so fast!

 

[dis-happy]

I'm trying to figure out the whole diploma part of all this. Okay. If I don't do an accredited package program that at the end awards them a regular high school diploma and pick they're different subjects from different companies, where do they get a diploma when they finish high school? One of the things I am absolutely not willing to budge on is the thought of the boys ending up with a GED. That's not acceptable to me. I want them to get a regular diploma. I've spent hours online trying to find the answer to this question. Believe me, I'd love to **not** do a package program.

My homeschool is a real school, and at the end of the completed high school coursework a REAL DIPLOMA is issued, with the name of our homeschool printed on it. You can even order one made for you, complete with an embossed folder to hold it. Furthermore, the transcripts I issue are real transcripts, and I had no problem with my dd being admitted into a wonderful university with it. She complete 4 yrs. of English, 4 years of language, 4 years of science, 4 years of math, 3 years of history, plus assorted electives. Some classes were done exclusively at home, French class was taught by a homeschooling mom and French teacher, a couple of science classes were done in a group setting with someone else giving her a grade, one class was dual enrollment at community college.....altogether, they made up what I wrote down for our transcripts (along with a several page explanation of the classes, what was covered, and how the grade was arrived at).

HTH

 

[NHWX]

Sweetpea -

I don't know if the money's too much for you but as far as a diploma goes, check out North Atlantic Regional High School (narhs.org). This is what I'm using for our two high school aged children. Some people like them, some don't. I'm OK with them.

Just a couple of points - we have paid of our annual fee for them in 10 payments two years now. Saying "Remember, your teacher at NARHS is going to be seeing this" keeps my younger son somewhat tidier. They do issue a diploma, help with the college paperwork, offer a graduation ceremony, help with course selection, etc.

Your state might have a virtual charter school - ours does. My two can take classes over the net for free. The state pays for it, they get a teacher to call on for questions, there's a monthly call-in between the teacher and a parent, etc. It's not perfect like most things but it is free.

Brigham Young University Online High School offers many courses for a relatively low fee. We haven't used many (two literature courses) but didn't find any material that could be questioned. (Sometimes I wonder what our high school is teaching when I look at the booklist.)

I don't remember how much Hewitt Homeschooling charges for their courses where a teacher grades the work but their literature courses are fairly inexpensive, especially if you can borrow the lit books from a library.

I'm sure that there are other choices for you out there. Hang in there, and remember that you can figure out a solution with your two children. They're big enough to take a hand in doing some of the work too.

NHWX

 

[nono]

Sweetpea,

If this site is accurate, your homeschooled children would not need the GED to get into a Montana college.

http://www.mtche.org/mchefaq.htm

HTH

ETA: Also, once I received my college diploma, no one ever cared about my high school one. Once I received my Masters, no one has ever cared about my college one. And, once I proved myself in my career, no one ever cared about any of them! Just another perspective.

 

[danjoealexis3006]

Hi all! My DS is almost done with TT and I am wondering if I should get a 5th grade review book (like spectrum) or get the next level of TT so he can work on it during the summer (maybe a couple days a week)? Because he has dyslexia we will continue to work on spelling, reading, math, handwriting, math facts(he knows them but he needs to keep them fresh) and some writing or he will lose it and I will have to start all over in the fall. I am wondering if anyone here has used Writing with Ease? DS and his brothers writing is awful so I am looking at starting at the begining but I am not sure if I should start at level one or two? Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[robinsegg]

I'm sorry I didn't make myself more clear. I'm not suggesting you not use the A Beka DVD system, just that you not allow yourself or your students to become overwhelmed with it.
If you're most concerned with math, there are other programs out there, as well. Math U See has a teacher pack that comes with a DVD for the teacher to watch. But I actually let my 4th grader watch the teacher teaching the lesson, then do the work. That makes things a lot easier. If you could look for a program like that, you may feel more comfortable.
If A Beka DVD seems like the best fit for your family, use it! But if you or they start feeling overwhelmed, come here (or to a local support group) to help you weed out what's not really needed.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Oh wow! You're all such angels! Thank you thank you thank you a gazillion times over for the support, the encouragement, and the continued stream of info. Last night I was feeling overwhelmed and emotional and ready to throw in the towel. This morning, not so much especially after reading your responses. Thank you so very much!

Personally, I don't judge people or think of anyone any differently for having a GED vs. a traditional diploma (obviously...haha!). When I got mine (nearly 20 years ago) there was a certain amount of stigma attached. Even tho I quit school mid-way thru 10th grade, when I took my test nearly a year later I passed with a very high score. I kinda felt like with how huge homeschooling has become in the time since I got my GED that there had to be less stigma attached. I think my feelings about it are definitely jaded not only because of how it was perceived 20 years ago but also by how my dad made me feel at the time. In his words: "It's not the same as a diploma and not as good." Not that that's the only totally out-in-left-field wroooong thing that's ever left his mouth but I guess there are just some things that hit that nerve & sorta stick with ya. Logically, I don't have a problem with it. Emotionally, that hurt little kid in me doesn't want her kids to end up not as good as other graduates. Makes sense.

I'm a firm believer that nothing happens without reason, that there's always a purpose. The situation with my son right now is a nightmare to say the least but I think it took something like this to force me to push past my fear & apprehension. I think I stand to gain a lot from homeschooling in addition to all the big benefits for my boys. First & foremost, here's my golden opportunity to learn what I missed so that returning to college & finally finishing doesn't feel impossible. It's something I always wanted to do but just didn't believe I could. I think maybe more importantly I need to dig out the old emotional baggage, resolve it, and do some much-needed healing. I swear, just when you think being a mom has taught you everything a whole new lesson presents itself. That's an awesomeness unto itself! :

My dearest friend who homeschooled both her kids had me buy Mary Pride's 'Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling'. I picked up the '100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum' also. I started reading them a while back but will definitely dig 'em back out again.

Thanks again for all the outpouring of support. I'm breaking back out my note pad and creating new lists of stuff to research. I'm gonna do this and we're gonna totally rock it!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Sweetpee!!! Yay for you!! yes...being a mom makes you face things from your past & get over it!!Things that you would rather be dead and buried!! I know myself I have had to resolve things..but maybe it's the Lords way of making you forgive and move on!! You are really gonna enjoy hsing more than you could imagine..and yes, you will learn and remember things you would not believe!! Those are 2 great books!! I don't know if I told you already, but I use Christian book (CBD.com) for most of my ordering..there homeschool section is quite large and they give you several pages to view for samples so you can get a better idea what they are about. you don't have to order from them, but it's a great research tool!! I am sooo excited for you! Are you going to pull him out of ps now? I would!! Just go down there and tell them you are taking him out..some schools make you turn in a paper with the intent to homeschool...so find out what you need to do...maybe just pick them up early today and then turn it in on Monday!!! Wouldn't that be a great surprise for them!!!
The whole topic of bullies makes me wonder...if all the kids who are bullied get pulled out, what are the bullies gonna do? Beat up each other? Interesting concept.....

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I am pming you about a curriculum store....

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Sweetpee!!! Yay for you!! yes...being a mom makes you face things from your past & get over it!!Things that you would rather be dead and buried!! I know myself I have had to resolve things..but maybe it's the Lords way of making you forgive and move on!! You are really gonna enjoy hsing more than you could imagine..and yes, you will learn and remember things you would not believe!! Those are 2 great books!! I don't know if I told you already, but I use Christian book (CBD.com) for most of my ordering..there homeschool section is quite large and they give you several pages to view for samples so you can get a better idea what they are about. you don't have to order from them, but it's a great research tool!! I am sooo excited for you! Are you going to pull him out of ps now? I would!! Just go down there and tell them you are taking him out..some schools make you turn in a paper with the intent to homeschool...so find out what you need to do...maybe just pick them up early today and then turn it in on Monday!!! Wouldn't that be a great surprise for them!!!
The whole topic of bullies makes me wonder...if all the kids who are bullied get pulled out, what are the bullies gonna do? Beat up each other? Interesting concept.....

We're trying to let them finish the year so the whole homeschooling thing doesn't come off to them as a "Get Out of Jail Free" card. LOL! With what's happened with our eldest it looks like they've had a bit of a wake-up call at the school and are trying to do some things to make changes. As long as my youngest says he feels okay there then we'll let him finish the 4 or so weeks left. Our oldest is currently at the alternative campus which is much better supervised and he's actually enjoying it. Even with the bigger work-load from his teachers, he gets in the car every afternoon happy as a lark chirping away about all the stuff he did at school. Another thought is that he does need to have an amount of consequences for his poor decisions. Even tho he never would've done what he did had the school's problems not been an ongoing issue for so long, ultimately he had choices and he chose poorly. At this point I think he's learned a lesson but we also feel like if he perceives our actions as sheltering it could also have a negative effect. Life isn't always fair. Even when adversity is stacked against you there are still choices that are better than what he demonstrated. What he did he clearly knew better than to do. Also, there's the negative effects from all of this. First & foremost, when we discuss finding avenues for the boys to get social interaction with their peers once they are homeschooling he gets upset and is very adamant that he does not want anything to do with other kids. He says he doesn't trust kids outside of our family and doesn't want to be anywhere near them. In his words, "Nobody likes me. They're not going to like me. I don't want to feel bad anymore. I just want my family." While in the alternative campus he's with other kids who also made poor choices. It's like the principal over there said when we were doing his intake: The kids in alternative campus aren't bad kids; they're good kids who made poor choices. The interaction amongst them is very controlled. He's had good experiences there so we feel like as long as he's in a place that's positive for him we'll let him stay. ((Not to worry. We do realize this is a big red flag & we are making arrangements for counseling for him in the very near future.)) We expect the expulsion hearing notification next week (judging by how long we it took for another student we know) then scheduled for the following week. I'm curious to see what the boot camp will be like for this other student we know. They only go during the day on weekdays. It's basically an even more strict version of alternative campus with P.T. thrown in the mix. Depending on what it's really like we may or may not let him go on to that arrangement. We'll have to reassess when the time comes. It takes up to like 5 days from the expulsion to get a time set up for the intake into the boot camp. Also, it may be more of an issue for us because there's 4 kids all together in this. They'll need to have 4 open slots in that program in order to send them. We may not have to deal with it at all. It's just a wait & see situation.

Our oldest is begging for homeschooling. I know he'll blossom and flourish. My youngest has a little hesitation because he says there are people he'll miss. I've assured him that just because he doesn't go to school with his friends doesn't mean he'll never see them again. There's still plenty of opportunity to do things together. I'm going to buy him a little address book so he can take it to school the last few days & write down names & phone numbers so he'll feel better.

Thanks again for all the help & support. It truly means a lot!

:

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I see what u r saying about the 'get out of jail free' thing!! I didn't realize it was that in depth at this point..yeah, he's gotta finish all that!!!! Glad y'all are handling it well and sounds like you have a good handle on things with all of the results!! Way to go!! Just get through it, right?! I know you will be glad when it's over & done!!! Then you can enjoy the new phase of education!!!

 

[BuzzandAriel'smom]

Ready to join the chat! We have recently decided to homeschool our soon to be 1st and 3rd graders. We have been thinking about it all year almost and now everyone is on board and excited. We have social reasons, kids' peers have no manners, respect, morals, etc. And my dd8 can't handle it. She gets very upset when a child tells her a bad word or acts inappropriately. There are also academic reasons, mainly the fact that our kids are above grade level in all areas but not encouraged to excel. They are just coasting through school and my ds6 is very bored.

I think my teaching style will fall more into the eclectic category since I will use math, spelling, language arts structured texts and then the rest will be done through exploring our local library and researching topics. The kids are so thirsty for knowledge and I want them to learn that there is so much out there to learn you just have to go looking for it.

Locally there is a public school/homeschool hub that offers elective classes as well as free rosetta stone languages. We will be looking in to that since it is already built into our taxes.

My question is, after that lengthy introduction, what do you all think about using workbooks like spectrum for the first year to gague where the kids are at academically. It is sooo much cheaper and the kids enjoy workbooks. I would make some copies of the harder lesson plans so that they can have more practice with them. We will also be using Study Island to keep up with state standards.

Anyone use workbooks instead of texts?

Also, I have homeschooled before. We took temporary custody of our niece two years ago. She was failing 6th grade for the second time and I took her in and she got through 5th and 6th grade in 12 weeks and is now doing well in public school. I have an idea of my teaching style and am pretty confident in my abilities in creative teaching. If that helps in your response.

We are very excited to start. I have the kids finishing the year (1 month) at school then we are free to school they way we want!

Yippee!

btw, my blog has a little more specific information on our decision to hs.

TIA!

 

[DreadpiratK]

I'm trying to figure out the whole diploma part of all this. Okay. If I don't do an accredited package program that at the end awards them a regular high school diploma and pick they're different subjects from different companies, where do they get a diploma when they finish high school? One of the things I am absolutely not willing to budge on is the thought of the boys ending up with a GED. That's not acceptable to me. I want them to get a regular diploma. I've spent hours online trying to find the answer to this question. Believe me, I'd love to **not** do a package program.

If it's college you're worried about, the whole diploma thing is much less of an issue than you might think. Our two oldest both got into the college of their choice without a GED or 'real' diploma. In the case of my oldest son, it was into several ivy league schools. Most colleges now are not only accepting of Home-schoolers, but many actively recruit them. It is a common misunderstanding that a high school diploma is a requirement for college admission, it isn't in many cases.

We had a kind of funny episode years ago now when my oldest was trying to get into the local community college to take credit courses-he was 15 at the time. Anyway, we thought we had everything all set until a few days before he was to start when the admissions officer called and said 'all we need is a copy of his diploma... Anyway, my wife called a good friend and seasoned home-schooler whose advice was 'just make him one!' So we did, she made him a 'diploma' on the computer printed it out, I signed as principle, and we faxed it over and held our breath. The admissions counselor called back the next day and said "great, thanks, that's all we needed". The just needed to check a box off on their list, they didn't really care about the diploma itself at all.

After that he went on to earn a associates degree from the CC, and then transfer in to RIT. Once you have the AS, no one cares about your HS diploma.

I can say for an absolute fact that you do not need a HS diploma to get into any community college in NY or CT, can't swear to the rest. They admit you based on thier placement tests. My daughter just took them last week, and even as a so-so homeschool math student, tested into a fairly high math class (She was NOT pleased by that at all!)

We have found that CC's are an excellent adjunct to homeschooling older teens, Most of the classes are really on a par with AP high school classes (at least as they used to be) and kids can earn college credits fairly early and often for free. Plus there is the added benefit of earning a 2 year degree for little or no money, and then transferring into a 4 year school and only paying 2 years of high tuition. College for 1/2 price! and let me tell you, at a school like RIT, that's a life saver!!! Once you get a BS or BA, no one cares where you took freshman English.