*** Homeschool List ***

[jennz]

I agree, I think people get so hostile because they're defensive and feel like they're not doing a good job as parents.

I haven't homeschooled but have been seriously considering it. I think, for us at least, it's a much better option than private schools because the way we see it is private schools - same situation, more money. DD's going into 2nd grade and she gets speech therapy through the school, which is nice, she loves loves loves going and will be in a pull-out program this year, so we'll see how it goes.

 

[sweet maxine]

My GS tells me this morning that he really wants to stay home with me and "homeschool". He's only 4, so I made sure to explain what that word meant. I know he's heard me talk around the house using the word, so I think he does understand what we are considering. I have told him there will be other children at school, a cafeteria, work papers and colors, and also storytime. He just told me he would like to go there to look, but he doesn't want to go to school there.

He has such a past with getting into trouble with teachers at preschool. He probably has a touch of ADD, so I'm guessing he'll probably run into the same issues at kindergarten. I think that's the thing he's scared of the most. He does well with me at home when we work one-on-one, I just don't want to keep him away from the experience of being around other children. However in my mind I keep thinking that he may pick up illnesses, head lice, language, manners (or lack thereof) while at school. That's one of the biggies that makes me really want to keep him at home. I do have lots of ideas for things we could do together (field trips and such), and I think it could be fun for both of us if I don't get too overwhelmed with all of it. There are days when I would really like to have just a few moments to myself--you know, those "Calgon, take me away!" kind of days. I guess everyone has them. I also think it's only kindergarten, and they'll just be going back over what he's learned in preschool.

 

[laceemouse]

Maxine, I just wanted to encourage you! We are new to hsing, and I am SO SORRY that we had our kids in ps as long as we did. Don't get me wrong, we live in a great school district and they did learn a lot, but it was just so stressful for our family. Long hours away from home, mega homework starting in FIRST grade, push, push, compare, compare, ect... I know lots of folks love A Beka, it is a tried and true program, but I was never interested in doing "school at home." The idea of grading my kids, doing report cards, using workbooks and textbooks did not appeal to me. We chose Sonlight. It is literature based. Of course, we still use math textbooks and have writing assignments and such, but a lot of our day is snuggling up on the couch with a good book. It suits our style. And yes, we will do a lot of field trips and travelling too. I think most folks who object to hsing just have no idea about the resources available to us. When I tell people I have a program where what to do is laid out for me day by day they are shocked. Our math has a CD with a teacher explaining EVERYTHING, and we have a fantastic community college near us which offers classes for hsers, as well as college credit classes which my oldest dd can start whenever she wants to....

 

[westjones]

I know lots of folks love A Beka, it is a tried and true program, but I was never interested in doing "school at home." The idea of grading my kids, doing report cards, using workbooks and textbooks did not appeal to me.

This is true, A Beka is a 'school at home' program. You probably want to do some research on homeschooling and decide which approach you want to take. My my twin DDs were in Kindergarten, we took an eclectic approach (mixing our curriculums/books to whatever we wanted). We absolutely LOVED the program "Five In A Row". You read the same book every day with the child but you tackle different lessons/activities each day. I still remember our very first day of homeschooling and reading the Story of Ping!

Anyway, what I wanted to say is there are different approaches to homeschooling, like the School At Home approach (A Beka is a good example of this), the the Eclectic approach (Sonlight, Five in A Row are examples of this and then you may add in a math program or whatever else you feel is needed), then there is the Unschooling approach where you use life as a learning experience and you just fit in lessons to everyday living.

We started in K-1 grades with the eclectic approach, then moved to the school at home approach when they were in 2-5 grades.

Enjoy your time together!
DJ

 

[DreadpiratK]

Maxine- Don't think of homeschooling as keeping your children away from other kids, its' not like that at all. Its more like choosing who your kids socialize with, and in what environment, wich you can't do in PS. There are plenty of oportunities for homeschool kids to play with other kids, socialize, and make friends, you just have to seek them out! They can also be chances for you to catch your breath, with other homeshcool parents sharing the load. Most of the homeschool groups we have been involved in share teaching duties, giving some mom's a break when they are not teaching.

 

[Brier Rose]

I agree with everything said!

There is no one way to homeschool. It's all about finding what works for your family , and what you're comfortable with.

We stick with the "school at home" approach, because I'm just more comfortable being held accountable and having someone else track our progress.

I wasn't confident enough that I was doing a good enough job on my own, so that was my way of making sure.

To me it's the best of school with out all the bad!

I have lots of friends that take a more laid back approach, and it truly is working well for them.

It's so great to have options!

 

[sweet maxine]

Thanks for all of your input!

I guess I'm really getting to be under the wire with all of this. School will start on Monday, and I have to make this decision this week. I just went through an incredible experience (time and effort wise) of trying to get him enrolled in public school. I am in a guardianship position, and just getting paperwork filled out for him to register was unbelievable. While sitting there waiting for my number to be called, I began reconsidering what I was even doing there. There just is not any level of caring at the superintendent's office. I have not officially registered him in school, just began the paper work required to do so. I have thought about letting him try school, then taking him out if it doesn't work out, but I'm beginning to think that may be the harder thing to do. I don't see the school system very happily or willingly allowing me to remove him if he's very unhappy (or I'm very unhappy). Just being in the main offices to get the paperwork started really left a bad taste in my mouth.

The school I am thinking about enrolling him is a "Level 5" school if that makes any difference.

 

[Cindy'sCastle]

This is my 2nd year coming to homeschool my daughter. She's going to 5th grade. We use the Abeka DVD and it's worked out great. She did wonderful on her Stanford Achievement test so we're gonna stay w/homeschooling for now.

 

[disneymom3]

Thanks for all of your input!

I guess I'm really getting to be under the wire with all of this. School will start on Monday, and I have to make this decision this week. I just went through an incredible experience (time and effort wise) of trying to get him enrolled in public school. I am in a guardianship position, and just getting paperwork filled out for him to register was unbelievable. While sitting there waiting for my number to be called, I began reconsidering what I was even doing there. There just is not any level of caring at the superintendent's office. I have not officially registered him in school, just began the paper work required to do so. I have thought about letting him try school, then taking him out if it doesn't work out, but I'm beginning to think that may be the harder thing to do. I don't see the school system very happily or willingly allowing me to remove him if he's very unhappy (or I'm very unhappy). Just being in the main offices to get the paperwork started really left a bad taste in my mouth.

The school I am thinking about enrolling him is a "Level 5" school if that makes any difference.

Maxine, first off, I just have to tell you right away that your school district has absolutely NO choice in letting you take your GS out of school if you want to. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and while some districts try to fight homeschoolers, you can take him out any time you want to.

Also, did you say he is 4? I thought I read that in one of your posts. If that is the case and he would be a young kindergartner anyway, why don't you try K at home this year and if you feel it's not working, send him to K next year. Your post about his trouble with preschool teachers just really touched my heart. I think it is a tragedy what we now expect in schools of kindergarteners. The whole point originally was to get kids started in playing in a group and having different experiences with other people. NOT that they would sit all day and stay focused which a lot of little ones, especially boys at that age, are simply not capable of doing. I think it is really sad. Back in the Laura and Mary days, kids didn't go to school at all until they were 7 and that was in the beginnings of the concept of public school.

Anyway, just wanted to offer you some encouragement. I would also suggest you do a search on Yahoo groups for a homeschooling support group in your area. There people could tell you more about the legalities for your state. Also check out the Homeschool Legal Defense Association at http://www.hslda.org/

Good luck with your decision.

REGARDING people being threatened by homeschooling I think many of you have hit the nail on the head for a lot of people. Then I wonder, do I get defensive about it because I am not secure in my choice? So, I have decided to not let the naysayers bother me. I know I am doing the best for my kids and we love this lifestyle! The comment about how will you teach him chemistry really cracked me up! Actually, I am teaching my kindergartener chemistry this year. i am using a curriculum written by a homeschooling mom who is also a chemist (Rebecca Keller.) Now, when he gets to high school, I will probably send him to the local community college, but for now, I do know my ABCs and how to count teddy bears, so we're good. I am a bit worried about DD and reducing and dividing fractions, but hey, that is what a teacher's manual is for, right?

 

[disneymom3]

Phew! I just had to come back here and say I read the whole homeschool debate thread over on the CB and loved seeing so many of you all over there too. Several of you had some great responses and had them in there before I could type my own responses that were about exactly the same thing. Lisa, meandtheguys, and Brier Rose, great job on speaking your minds so eloquently! You are a credit to all of us who do in fact know what we are doing.

Many others of you too, but names aren't my sticking point on the board! Nice to be back home though! ha ha

 

[westjones]

Also, did you say he is 4? I thought I read that in one of your posts. If that is the case and he would be a young kindergartner anyway, why don't you try K at home this year and if you feel it's not working, send him to K next year.

Very Good Point! I don't know about all school systems, but here, Kindergarten isn't even required. Also, in other states at this young age you can opt to wait a year for Kindergarten, so why not use this year to try it and if it doesn't work for you and your GS you can move him to the school next year.

DJ

 

[sweet maxine]

Thanks for all of your help! It's nice to have a sounding board when you're dealing with this kind of issue, and I have no experience with homeschooling. It's nice to know I can come here to find out from those of you who are experienced with all of the ins and outs.

Westjones, I had that thought when this first came up, and it's been in the back of my mind ever since. If he doesn't do well, I can always let him go next year. He'll be one of the youngest in his class anyway.

 

[Brier Rose]

Phew! I just had to come back here and say I read the whole homeschool debate thread over on the CB and loved seeing so many of you all over there too. Several of you had some great responses and had them in there before I could type my own responses that were about exactly the same thing. Lisa, meandtheguys, and Brier Rose, great job on speaking your minds so eloquently! You are a credit to all of us who do in fact know what we are doing.

Many others of you too, but names aren't my sticking point on the board! Nice to be back home though! ha ha

Thank you so much! What a nice compliment!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thank you so much! What a nice compliment!

ditto for me disneymom!

 

[SSPrincessMom]

I think it is a tragedy what we now expect in schools of kindergarteners. The whole point originally was to get kids started in playing in a group and having different experiences with other people. NOT that they would sit all day and stay focused which a lot of little ones, especially boys at that age, are simply not capable of doing. I think it is really sad. Back in the Laura and Mary days, kids didn't go to school at all until they were 7 and that was in the beginnings of the concept of public school.

Hi Everyone! I'm new to the board (hoping I used the quote option correctly! ) But I wanted to say that I couldn't agree more with you, disneymom3! I am a former public school teacher (I taught K and then 1st) I now stay home with DDs (4 1/2 and 7 months) I am thinking of homeschooling when older DDs starts K next year. I feel, as both a mom and former teacher, that K is NOT what it should be at all. I always did my best to keep my K program developmentally appropiate, but with all the pressure from the state, it is very hard. I just feel that K should be about playing with a purpose, learning in a hands on manner, and setting the stage for a positive outlook on lifelong learning. Anyway, I'm very passionate about this topic and this is why we will probably be homeschooling.

I'm so excited to see all these great posts. I'm thrilled to share ideas and ask questions with others who are in the same boat! Thanks so much!

 

[nuzmom]

Maxine, this is so true!

Maxine- Don't think of homeschooling as keeping your children away from other kids, its' not like that at all. Its more like choosing who your kids socialize with, and in what environment, wich you can't do in PS. There are plenty of oportunities for homeschool kids to play with other kids, socialize, and make friends, you just have to seek them out!

We find that playgrounds and libraries are GREAT places to find play opportunities and potential friends.

It's fun and pretty easy to "educate" a 4 year old. There's great curriculum out there, but we're not talking MAJOR stuff here. I know you're worried, but that's why YOU'LL be a great teacher - you care more about your GS than any school will. You will find teaching resources and fun learning activities.

Also, IMHO, at 4 years old, they just need to be learning shapes, colors, letters, and numbers. If they're more advanced, start math and phonics. But really it's just a matter of playtime (blocks, puzzles, puppets, etc) and "learning" that learning is FUN!!! Oh yeah, read books, more books, and more books. Again, IMHO, "school" should be 1 hour or so and PLAY the rest of the time.

While at the school, did you get a feel for what they do all day? Our kindergarten was 3 hours long (they called it a 1/2 day) had "open play", "snack", "bathroom time", "story time", "music/art/library" on rotating days, etc. Of course, there was also worksheets and such, but they only covered shapes, colors, letters, numbers, and the sounds some letters make. That's not hard to do at home and it's actually VERY fun!!! (can you tell my youngest is 4?)

Oh, lastly, in Pennsylvania, a child doesn't have to be "on the record" until the school year following their 8th birthday UNLESS he was ever enrolled in school (kindergarten didn't count). This basically means that you don't have to file an affidavit/objections or do a portfolio/evaluation until then. You just don't send him to school - that's all, nothing else (you don't have to tell them or anything). Seems like a small thing, but why worry about getting paperwork done when you're busy seeing that your GS is learning. There will be MANY years of paperwork when they get older. Again, this is my state, check your state laws (internet should help).

(Please don't get me wrong, it relieves my mind to have my older DS evaluated. He tests WAY high, so it's sort of funny, but at least I can say "see, his education is not suffering" when questioned by others.)

What helped my DH and I make our decision to pull out of PS and go with HS - we asked ourselves "what's the WORSE thing that can happen? Ok, now what are the potential benefits?"

Good luck and tell us what you decide.

 

[disneymom3]

SSPrincessMom--first off, welcome to the DIS (and beware of posting about homeschooling on the community board. ) Anyway....My mom was actually a long time kindergarten teacher and one of my sisters also taught K for several years. She (my sis) stopped teaching K and moved to a higher grade because she didn't like what the state of CA was making them cover in K. I have an interesting family because 4 of my sisters are teachers, one of them homeschooled her kids, another one, my mom homeschooled my nephew for my sister for two years and then there is me. (Of course, there is the teacher sister who thinks I am insane too!! Oh, yeah and the one who is an accountant also thinks I am off my rocker!) The one who had my mom homeschool her son is a great resource for me. When DD was in 1st grade, she was teaching first, the next year she taught second and last year she taught 4th. She will be teaching 4th this year too and that is the grade DD is going into.

Again, welcome!! Oh, and you may want to check out My Father's World for kindergarten stuff if you have a Christian background.

 

[SSPrincessMom]

Thanks for the welcome! I'm so enjoying getting all kinds of great info (who knew that I would get SO much more than some great advice for our upcoming Disney trip!) Thanks for the tip on posting on the community board

That is cool that you have so many in your family with teaching backgrounds. I'm sure you are all great resources for one another!

I'm off to look for "My Father's World" on the net now....thanks for the suggestion!

Look forward to chatting!

 

[sweet maxine]

ARe there any other books for first-time homeschoolers that I should know about? Thanks so much for all of your help!

 

[TNKBELL]

I really like "The Well-Trained Mind" by Jessie Wise. Very simple yet thorough. I felt like this book holds your hand through the process as well as a realistic image of homeschooling. This method is a proven method, her daughter who is a college professor cowrote the book. If I can homeschool, I think almost anyone can, I have built up confidence over the 4 years I've been homeschooling. I have confidence in you!!