Homeschool Chat

[3princesses+aprince]

So , I'm about to make my first step. The letter of intent!

Would someone be able to share a sample letter with me either here or through a pm. Or if anyone knows where I can find a sample letter that would be great too. Thanks Alot

 

[LadyShea]

Although DS is only 2.5, we are seriously considering homeschooling (already people ask us when we're sending him to preschool!) and I wanted to subscribe to this thread and ask a question.

Our state has no curriculum or testing requirements for homeschooled kids (only attendance and enrollment in a recognized church school umbrella group). This leaves it wide open for me.

Anyone in this thread "un-school" or make up your own curriculum, or do most follow something specific?

 

[mommyintn]

Although DS is only 2.5, we are seriously considering homeschooling (already people ask us when we're sending him to preschool!) and I wanted to subscribe to this thread and ask a question.

Our state has no curriculum or testing requirements for homeschooled kids (only attendance and enrollment in a recognized church school umbrella group). This leaves it wide open for me.

Anyone in this thread "un-school" or make up your own curriculum, or do most follow something specific?

There are so many options on curriculum it can really make your head spin! This is our 2nd year homeschooling and the first year I used a boxed curriculum (My Father's World) which was great because everything was laid out for me. It was more of a Charlotte Mason style of homeschooling. This year we are more eclectic with a Charlotte Mason Bent. I just pick and choose from different curriculums and it is working for us. Homeschooling gives us the opportunity to give our kids a "custom" education which is why I love it.

Our state requires no testing and we pick our own curriculum, and we have to school 180 days 4 hrs per day. We can also register with an umbrella school or through the district. HTH some!

 

[sha_lyn]

So , I'm about to make my first step. The letter of intent!

Would someone be able to share a sample letter with me either here or through a pm. Or if anyone knows where I can find a sample letter that would be great too. Thanks Alot

here's the offical one for GA
www.ghea.org/media/docs/declaration.doc

If you aren't in GA you could probably fiddle with it a little and make it fit what you need.

 

[Ellester]

So , I'm about to make my first step. The letter of intent!

Would someone be able to share a sample letter with me either here or through a pm. Or if anyone knows where I can find a sample letter that would be great too. Thanks Alot

It depends on what state you are in. We've homeschooled in Georgia, where you have to send a notice of intent to the county school board each year, and in North Carolina, where you have send a notice of intent the state's Department of Non-Public Education just once. Both had to include basic information, but they were different. For NC, I had to prove that the instructor (me) and the principal (dh) of our school had at least a GED. Georgia didn't require that, but I do have to submit attendance once a month, which I did not have to do in NC. I had to test every year in NC, only every 3 years starting in 3rd grade in GA (although you don't submit the scores to anyone in either state, you just have to keep the info in your files). If you go to www.hslda.org you can find the information you need about your state.

 

[Disney_Angel]

Guess I've been too busy reading the homeschooling slams on some of the other posts to post here. I'm sure many of you have noticed the fairly new DIS member who posts on almost every family board thread who doesn't think most parents are "qualified" to homeschool. I admit I get too wrapped up in reading her ridiculous assertions.


The poster that is anti-homeschooling is IMHO unstabble. She said it was parents like me who teach children to disrespect authority and when the homeschooling fails we will send our emotional imature and socially neglected children to public school where they will act out violently.

My daughter is the sweetest child and goes out of her way to think of others.

She went on and on about ill-educated parents
Her behavior affirmed why I decided to school at home.

 

[sha_lyn]

The poster that is anti-homeschooling is IMHO unstabble. She said it was parents like me who teach children to disrespect authority and when the homeschooling fails we will send our emotional imature and socially neglected children to public school where they will act out violently.

My daughter is the sweetest child and goes out of her way to think of others.

She went on and on about ill-educated parents
Her behavior affirmed why I decided to school at home.

What no .....the only career a homeschooler will have is asking "Would you like fries with that?"

I'm dissapointed LOL

 

[Ellester]

http://www.colstate.edu/mathcontest/index.php

This is run by our local college, but is accessed around the world. Pretty cool questions. I had not heard about it until it was mentioned in our paper today.

 

[Ellester]

What no .....the only career a homeschooler will have is asking "Would you like fries with that?"

I'm dissapointed LOL

 

[DawnM]

I must have missed that one, or I don't remember (because I am poorly educated!)

I get tired of explaining anything to anyone. Sometimes I just want to say, "Go away and leave me alone."

Wow, guess I am a bit irritated today.

Dawn

Guess I've been too busy reading the homeschooling slams on some of the other posts to post here. I'm sure many of you have noticed the fairly new DIS member who posts on almost every family board thread who doesn't think most parents are "qualified" to homeschool. I admit I get too wrapped up in reading her ridiculous assertions.


The poster that is anti-homeschooling is IMHO unstabble. She said it was parents like me who teach children to disrespect authority and when the homeschooling fails we will send our emotional imature and socially neglected children to public school where they will act out violently.

My daughter is the sweetest child and goes out of her way to think of others.

She went on and on about ill-educated parents
Her behavior affirmed why I decided to school at home.

 

[LittleBlue22]

Hello fellow hsing parents!

I am experiencing difficulties with my ds (2nd grade). I've never thought until now that he has either ADD and/or ODD issues. I guess I've been in denial that MY SON would have ADD/ODD.

I'm struggling with him to get his work done and I'm lucky to get two completed units out of him in a day. I try to sit him in a spot where there'd be no temptation to goof around, but he always finds a way to get his focus off of his work. I've tried reading some of the problems to him, him reading the material to me, leaving him alone.... I still haven't found what works for him to get his daily school work done. I'm frustrated, angry, and sad that my boy isn't motivating himself or wanting to get tasks done.

So, parents of ADD/ODD kids, what do you do to get your kid to do his/her school work?

 

[DawnM]

When you figure it out, let me know! LOL!

My oldest is somewhere on that spectrum.

For him, very clear expectations, charts, lists of things to do, etc....have worked the best, but I can't always pull it together for him. Sometimes I feel like he would be better off in a school that could offer better help.

I have reread your post. My son is a bit different than you are describing. He has been preliminarily diagnosed as ADHD but it manifests differently.

Dawn

Hello fellow hsing parents!

I am experiencing difficulties with my ds (2nd grade). I've never thought until now that he has either ADD and/or ODD issues. I guess I've been in denial that MY SON would have ADD/ODD.

I'm struggling with him to get his work done and I'm lucky to get two completed units out of him in a day. I try to sit him in a spot where there'd be no temptation to goof around, but he always finds a way to get his focus off of his work. I've tried reading some of the problems to him, him reading the material to me, leaving him alone.... I still haven't found what works for him to get his daily school work done. I'm frustrated, angry, and sad that my boy isn't motivating himself or wanting to get tasks done.

So, parents of ADD/ODD kids, what do you do to get your kid to do his/her school work?

 

[disneymom3]

Hello fellow hsing parents!

I am experiencing difficulties with my ds (2nd grade). I've never thought until now that he has either ADD and/or ODD issues. I guess I've been in denial that MY SON would have ADD/ODD.

I'm struggling with him to get his work done and I'm lucky to get two completed units out of him in a day. I try to sit him in a spot where there'd be no temptation to goof around, but he always finds a way to get his focus off of his work. I've tried reading some of the problems to him, him reading the material to me, leaving him alone.... I still haven't found what works for him to get his daily school work done. I'm frustrated, angry, and sad that my boy isn't motivating himself or wanting to get tasks done.

So, parents of ADD/ODD kids, what do you do to get your kid to do his/her school work?

I have to catch up, but wanted to respond to this first. I have my son in OT and many would have thought this kid was ADHD before we started. I thought it myself some days. Long story, he is not. But the OT has given me some awesome tips on feeding a "sensory" diet. So, DS does some funky things to keep him focus. MAN would these NOT work in a tradtional classroom. First off, he doesn't like the feel of paper soooo...did you know that dry erase markers work on sliding glass doors? He does his math on there. He also spells his words aloud to me while jumping on a mini trampoline--one letter for each bounce. When he has to sit and listen to me read he holds some kind of squishy ball in his hands. Anything from a Koosh to a stress ball type thing. What happens is that by providing these other stimulations, his body gets the sensory input it is craving and his mind is able to focus on what he needs to for a much longer period of time.

I suggest you try it.

 

[LegoMom3]

I have to catch up, but wanted to respond to this first. I have my son in OT and many would have thought this kid was ADHD before we started. I thought it myself some days. Long story, he is not. But the OT has given me some awesome tips on feeding a "sensory" diet. So, DS does some funky things to keep him focus. MAN would these NOT work in a tradtional classroom. First off, he doesn't like the feel of paper soooo...did you know that dry erase markers work on sliding glass doors? He does his math on there. He also spells his words aloud to me while jumping on a mini trampoline--one letter for each bounce. When he has to sit and listen to me read he holds some kind of squishy ball in his hands. Anything from a Koosh to a stress ball type thing. What happens is that by providing these other stimulations, his body gets the sensory input it is craving and his mind is able to focus on what he needs to for a much longer period of time.

I suggest you try it.

This sounds a lot like us. First of all, remember that boys are boys - cliche though that sounds. They are made to move and be busy! That said, my DS11 also functions much like that. It's getting a little better as he gets older, but has not gone away. We have not had him tested for ADD but I have my suspicions. Anyway he does much better with school work if his hands are busy. If I'm reading something to him, he will take in what's being said much better if he's fidgeting with a Lego or a squishy ball or SOME thing. If I "make" him sit still (like a classroom would!!) then most of it goes right past him and he gets very distracted.

Don't give up!! Everyone struggles at the start of home schooling to find their place. You will find yours!

.

 

[Eeyore's Girl]

Ok, so a few weeks ago I posted quite a few questions on getting started and everybody here was so helpful. I was really thinking about starting this next school year. Well things have changed, my dd9 is having a hard time, I'm ready to go now. I believe I'm going to give myself a week or two to get everything together, and send a letter to the school.
My poor dd9 struggles in school. She has already been tested, she is not special needs, so i'm not sure what is up. Parents night at the school last night did it in for me. There were papers hung up on the wall of the kid's hopes and dreams. I read through a bunch and they were all silly and happy things that a 3rd grader would say, One said he hoped everyone here would someday win a gold medal at the olympics, the other one hoped for a room full of legos, another wanted a to go a chocolate factory and so on...
My daughter HOPED(in capital letters) and prayed that she could read and write better, like everyone else can. I wanted to cry right there. She is a happy , silly girl, but not in school. She tells me her stomach knots up every morning when she has to go in there. Now she has always been like this, but I'm noticing it more now. And I believe i'm noticing it more now because I realized homeschooling was an option. It never crossed my mind before, so I believe I tried to ignore the way she felt about school because what could I do, she has to go to school.
This morning I mentioned it to her and her eyes lit up, she was so excited we talked about it all morning and the things we would do.
I'm pretty sure we are going to order the curriclum from Abeka. I hope i'm making the right decision with who I go through. There is just so much out there for someone just beginning, I feel going through a set up program like that would be my best option. Sonlight looked good as well, but much more expensive. Sorry such a long rant, i'm nervous, but excited to get going at the same time.
Thanks for listening and thanks for all of the great advice.

Good for you and DD9!! Although she's struggling academically, the more critical concern is the condition of her spirit - which is being crushed at school. Who knows, after schooling at home with you for a year or so, she may catch up and be ready to go back into a traditional classroom. If not, no big deal. There's a world of opportunity for the two of you to explore and learn from during her time at home. Enjoy!!

 

[Belle & Ariel]

Mommyintn,
It is very easy to register with an umbrella school. As your kids get older, you will have to and it is alot easier if they have records from earlier years. We had to get proof of attendance to get a driving permit; the umbrella school gave a grade report that got us the discount on insurance. If you want to do dual enrollment in college, you have to have permission from the umbrella school. It even helps with the lottery scholarship. If you pm me, I can recommend one and tell why some are not so great.
Dawn,
Your child with ADD would be worse off in a classroom. You have more patience to deal with him and are not responsible for 20 others like a teacher would be. One of the biggest benefits of homeschooling is that we can custom each kid's education. I have found that curriculums that work for one are not as good for another--I have used Abeka, Saxon, and Teaching Textbooks for high school math depending on the child.
I homeschooled 2 from k to graduation which are in college now--the oldest takes 18 hours a semester and has a 3.98 gpa on 82 hours. Her one B was from a religion class--she did not have an open worldview LOL. The other started this fall. I am on the homestretch with just one left in my school.
Many people have been shocked over the years that our kids are homeschooled because they do not fit in the stereotype. I always say that public school kids are not all clones of each other and neither are we.

 

[sha_lyn]

Mommyintn,
It is very easy to register with an umbrella school. As your kids get older, you will have to and it is alot easier if they have records from earlier years. We had to get proof of attendance to get a driving permit; the umbrella school gave a grade report that got us the discount on insurance. If you want to do dual enrollment in college, you have to have permission from the umbrella school. It even helps with the lottery scholarship. If you pm me, I can recommend one and tell why some are not so great.
Dawn,
Your child with ADD would be worse off in a classroom. You have more patience to deal with him and are not responsible for 20 others like a teacher would be. One of the biggest benefits of homeschooling is that we can custom each kid's education. I have found that curriculums that work for one are not as good for another--I have used Abeka, Saxon, and Teaching Textbooks for high school math depending on the child.
I homeschooled 2 from k to graduation which are in college now--the oldest takes 18 hours a semester and has a 3.98 gpa on 82 hours. Her one B was from a religion class--she did not have an open worldview LOL. The other started this fall. I am on the homestretch with just one left in my school.
Many people have been shocked over the years that our kids are homeschooled because they do not fit in the stereotype. I always say that public school kids are not all clones of each other and neither are we.

That is one option, but it is not the only option.
The other option for highschool is that one of the parents have a BA in any field and you must include a list of courses with the letter of intent.
You can also file for an exemption to the teacher requirements (BA for 9-12, Highschool diploma or GED for K-8) but I don't know what is the
likely hood of one being granted .

 

[mommyintn]

Mommyintn,
It is very easy to register with an umbrella school. As your kids get older, you will have to and it is alot easier if they have records from earlier years. We had to get proof of attendance to get a driving permit; the umbrella school gave a grade report that got us the discount on insurance. If you want to do dual enrollment in college, you have to have permission from the umbrella school. It even helps with the lottery scholarship. If you pm me, I can recommend one and tell why some are not so great.

I think it was another poster that was asking questions about being new to homeschooling. I am already registered with a local umbrella school but last year we were with a state wide umbrella. If heard of few that people had some bad experiences, I'd be curious which ones have the bad rep. PM me if you'd like to. Nice meeting someone so close, we are in Knoxville.

 

[TLHB70]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I just received an email from a homeschool friend. It said that this upcoming Monday, September 29, Starbucks is giving a free cup of Pike Roast (Is that a flavor there???) coffee to homeschool parents. I don't drink coffee so I am sorry to say I deleted the email. I remembered after deleting it that I should post it here. There was a link with more information.
I have just sent my friend an email asking her to resend the message. If I get it again, I will post with more information.

 

[TLHB70]

My friend just sent me the email again. I have copied and posted it for you below:


This coming Monday, September 29, homeschool parents will be able to pick up a complimentary tall size (12 fl. oz.) cup of Pike Place Roast coffee from Starbucks. See http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/200809231.aspfor all the details. (You will have to show proof.)