Homeschool Chat

[amez]

Okay, I have yet ANOTHER question.

I will be starting homeschool in the middle of the year when we move. I hate to spend $1000 on curriculum that I will only be using for a few months. What could I use for just a few months of homeschool that won't be so expensive and will work? Next year, I will start with a packaged curriculum, but I don't want to spend an enormous amount of money for just a few months.

Any suggestions??

Are you set on having a packaged curriculum? There are many free or inexpensive sites that have unit studies, lapbooking, and other ideas. We use Story of the World for History and it's very inexpensive, Singapore Math runs about $30 -- library books free. We use free story prompts from the internet. We utilize free programs from our local metroparks. Explode the code for phonics books are about $5 each.

Sorry I didn't look at the ages of your children--so my suggestions may not work, but I just wanted to give you an idea that everything doesn't have to cost a fortune, but can be just as effective.

 

[karynnix]

I am definitely doing a packaged curriculum...either A Beka or A.C.E. The kids will be in public school here in Iowa until we move. Once we get our orders from the Army to move to Mississippi, I will begin homeschooling. The only problem is, we don't know EXACTLY when that will be, so I don't want to go into a lot of expense if I will only be homeschooling for a few months. Attending public school in Mississippi is not an option at all.

So, I would just need to get curriculum to cover the basic subjects (math, language arts, science, history, writing...did I miss any?), and then start the program next year? Could I just use workbooks, supplement with books and wing it for the rest of this year? My daughter is pretty smart, and won't miss much. My son is in 5th grade this year, but I am going to start him back with 5th grade materials next year. He has autism, and needs to go back over some things that he has missed. He probably should have been held back in kindergarten, but that is another story!

Thanks so much for your replies!!

 

[Temair]

Well it's official I'm jumping off the cirtual ship and into the warm waters of homeschooling. I've ordered my matirials and working on my paper work (due aug 15). I'm really excited about this year and what my daughter may be able to learn. I just hope the curriculum arrives soon and I don't have to wait a month for it. We hope to start school aug 18th.

Joanne

 

[DawnM]

Well, I have done WWEAT for a year, but we didn't do anything with them. Most in my church are part of HINTS, but I primarily do things with Explore and Discover....it is a group with secular and Christian families. It is all field trips, get togethers and things like bowling, lego club, that sort of thing.

We did a coop for a while, but we realized that it really wasn't for us. We need to do our school work at home and do social activities with hsers. It works better for us.

Dawn

I was a member of HOPE for two years. However, I dropped out a year ago. For this upcoming year I just joined PATH. http://www.pathnc.org/ I have not been to an official meeting or activity yet because I just joined. Quite a few of the homeschool families at my church are members so I decided to try it out.
Are you a member of a local UC group?[/QUOTE]

 

[mommyof2princesses]

Well, I have done WWEAT for a year, but we didn't do anything with them. Most in my church are part of HINTS, but I primarily do things with Explore and Discover....it is a group with secular and Christian families. It is all field trips, get togethers and things like bowling, lego club, that sort of thing.

We did a coop for a while, but we realized that it really wasn't for us. We need to do our school work at home and do social activities with hsers. It works better for us.

Dawn

hey, I am a member of explore and discover. Haven't done anything yet with them, but I plan to this year.

 

[jinia]

If I knew someone who homeschooled there children could they also school my DS6? I do not think I am quite capable of homeschooling my son, but I think it would suit him very well. Split whatever costs there are...Is this something that is acceptable or done? Thank yall for your time!

 

[LegoMom3]

If I knew someone who homeschooled there children could they also school my DS6? I do not think I am quite capable of homeschooling my son, but I think it would suit him very well. Split whatever costs there are...Is this something that is acceptable or done? Thank yall for your time!

That will vary by state. Laws & requirements are different everywhere, so there is no flat answer. I've heard of it being done, though.


.

 

[mommyof2princesses]

If I knew someone who homeschooled there children could they also school my DS6? I do not think I am quite capable of homeschooling my son, but I think it would suit him very well. Split whatever costs there are...Is this something that is acceptable or done? Thank yall for your time!

In our state it is allowed. A homeschool may consist of up to 2 families. You will have to check your local laws.

 

[Leader of the Club]

First, you would need to check the laws in your state to see if this is even legal.

This can be a touchy subject. I know I homeschool my kids because I like to spend time with them, I want to watch them grow, learn and discover. I do not mind having kids over to work on a project or something. I would not want to homeschool someone else's kids because no two home school families are the same and my style is like no one elses style.

Why do you think you would not be a successful home school parent?

 

[jinia]

I would absolutely get so wrapped up in this should be done by noon today then we .... I am a procrastinator by nature, but anything important I go way overboard on time schedules/organization. I am also concerned that I would be over critical. I also liked the idea of sharing homeschool because DS is an only child, but after reading the wonderful posts on this board about the ways yall socialize your kids that worry has lessened! My last concern is I am not sure if I could keep up in Math . Thank you so much for your replies.

 

[bear74]

My parents are so not supportive of our decision to homeschool our DD. She will be in Kindergarten this year. The reason my mom says she does not support us is she does not think my DH will really help me with this. I work 3 12hr shifts a week at the hospital. I am thinking A.C.E program or Abeka.

 

[antree]

Anyone from NJ? I homeschooled my son last year for Kindergarten and this year I am told I have to report it to the Department of Education for 1st grade. I am so nervous about doing it, I don't know why, maybe scared about what they going to say? Has anyone talk to them before? If so what is said?

Thank You.

 

[LegoMom3]

Anyone from NJ? I homeschooled my son last year for Kindergarten and this year I am told I have to report it to the Department of Education for 1st grade. I am so nervous about doing it, I don't know why, maybe scared about what they going to say? Has anyone talk to them before? If so what is said?

Thank You.

According to NJ law, you are not required to notify ANYbody. I just read about someone who left NY for NJ specifically for this reason. So I looked it up to verify and it is indeed the case. Here is a link to the info:
http://www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/New_Jersey.pdf

It's a .pdf file (Adobe) so if you can't open it let me know and I'll copy/paste the pertinent info here for you.

There is also another link, directly from your state:
http://www.state.nj.us/education/genfo/overview/faq_homeschool.htm

Actually I just went through that one and it may clear things up for you a bit more....#4 & #5 particularly. But I would encourage you to read it all and familiarize yourself with NJ requirements. If you know you're doing it all "right" and legally, you'll have nothing to fear from anyone who tries to overstep their bounds!

.

 

[karynnix]

My parents are so not supportive of our decision to homeschool our DD. She will be in Kindergarten this year. The reason my mom says she does not support us is she does not think my DH will really help me with this. I work 3 12hr shifts a week at the hospital. I am thinking A.C.E program or Abeka.

I am planning to do everything myself because my husband works. You should be able to work out homeschooling around your work schedule. How does your husband feel about everything? Is he willing to help?

I checked into ACE and Abeka and finally decided on ACE. Abeka seems to move VERY quickly. Have you sent off for the ACE catalog? It has samples of the PACES and a TON of information. It looks to be much more doable.

Good luck!!

 

[antree]

According to NJ law, you are not required to notify ANYbody. I just read about someone who left NY for NJ specifically for this reason. So I looked it up to verify and it is indeed the case. Here is a link to the info:
http://www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/New_Jersey.pdf

It's a .pdf file (Adobe) so if you can't open it let me know and I'll copy/paste the pertinent info here for you.

There is also another link, directly from your state:
http://www.state.nj.us/education/genfo/overview/faq_homeschool.htm

Actually I just went through that one and it may clear things up for you a bit more....#4 & #5 particularly. But I would encourage you to read it all and familiarize yourself with NJ requirements. If you know you're doing it all "right" and legally, you'll have nothing to fear from anyone who tries to overstep their bounds!

.

I read it and that is what I thought, I didn't think I had to report it. But the school in my Township told me I had to and get approved material through the Board. Now I really feel nervous. Should I contact them anyway? Do they know he is not in school?

 

[DawnM]

Oh good!

Dawn

hey, I am a member of explore and discover. Haven't done anything yet with them, but I plan to this year.

 

[DawnM]

Oh, we have a lot of naysayers in our families too.....by the way, my DH does ZERO percent of the schooling. I was working part time and hsing for the first 3 years we hsed. I am home now.

Dawn

My parents are so not supportive of our decision to homeschool our DD. She will be in Kindergarten this year. The reason my mom says she does not support us is she does not think my DH will really help me with this. I work 3 12hr shifts a week at the hospital. I am thinking A.C.E program or Abeka.

 

[bear74]

I am planning to do everything myself because my husband works. You should be able to work out homeschooling around your work schedule. How does your husband feel about everything? Is he willing to help?

I checked into ACE and Abeka and finally decided on ACE. Abeka seems to move VERY quickly. Have you sent off for the ACE catalog? It has samples of the PACES and a TON of information. It looks to be much more doable.

Good luck!!

he works as well. He says he is willing to help. He is for us homeschooling. I know the pace system very well. I doubt its changed much in the 18 yrs since I graduated. This is the curriculum I did in school. I like that ACE is more slower paced as well.

 

[bear74]

Oh, we have a lot of naysayers in our families too.....by the way, my DH does ZERO percent of the schooling. I was working part time and hsing for the first 3 years we hsed. I am home now.

Dawn

thanks Dawn I would love to stay home but that won't happen.

 

[DawnM]

Well, it didn't happen for us until we moved out of Southern California. Mind you, I actually LIKE working and if I could find a perfect situation that still allowed me to hs and was worth my while, I would work again. My plan is really year by year as I don't really like staying home if truth be told.

Dawn

thanks Dawn I would love to stay home but that won't happen.