*** Homeschool List ***

[loribell]

disneymom3 & Poohbear77 thanks for the information. So far everything is going okay this week. Last week was fall break so we only had school 2 days and 1 of those was a field trip. Her teacher is keeping an eye on things and will do all she can. It helps when you live in a very small town & the teacher has known her since she was born!

I really appreciate all the encouragement and information. I will keep you updated and look to you all for help if we decide to go the homeschooling route.

Thanks again,
Lori

 

[Denine]

I am back. We spent 16 days in WDW and on the cruise. We had a great time. DD wanted to know when we were going to do school again as soon as we got home. I am glad she likes it.

She is now out with daddy trick-or-treating drssed as Belle.

 

[Danovara]

My only fear is being overwhelemed doing it & having my DS's education suffer. So I would love a board where I could get some more info on it & talk with people who do it!

Of course you hs. You have been doing it since birth.

Most if not all homeschool parents have the overwhelmed feeling fear. You will even find verteran hs mothers who have that feal until their dc graduates. There will be good/bad days, good/bad weeks. There will even be good years/bad years.

We are just coming off of a bad year. My brother-in-law died in January. He owned 3 businesses so not only was my sister overwhelmed with grief she had to keep the businesses afloat until she could make decisions about them, so my children and I spent a month up there so I could help her in the office. Then my father-in-law had a major aneurism and heart attack in May. He was in a coma for 2 1/2 months. While that was happening my dh grandmother was hospitalized and then died at the end of June. Meanwhile my father-in-law is now at home but still requires extensive help with normal daily things. In other words, we pretty much were hurting with our schooling since January. So at the end of last year I was PETRIFIED that my dd was going to be placed on probation. Nope she did great. Not only did she meet her requirements, there were a couple of spots in subjects where she is way ahead.



I am so glad I found this thread!
We homeschool our dd (7) ds (almost 2) and dd (7 mo). Our oldest is working on 1st and 2nd grade work.

This year will be great! (I hope )

A few mothers and I began a supportive co-op group. We are awaiting our State recognition which is in the paperwork stage. Our objective was to do classes that would be more difficult to do at home and anything else our members wanted. It has been wonderful! We have four classes: Sign Language, Science Lab, Kitchen Basics and Drama. The kids love the classes! They gobble up the information! We also have social time and bible study at the beginning.

We are still in testing phase this year. Science Lab has stopped for the term so we can focus on building two gingerbread houses in Kitchen Basics for the holidays. We will be presenting one to the pastor as a thank you for allowing us to utilize the builiding. The other we will be presenting to a retirement home. We are working out details of a possible "show-type" presentation maybe with some Christmas singing.

Anyway, I am glad to be here! Thanks for the thread!

 

[disneymom3]

I just had to share this will all you homeschooling moms who I know can so relate to it!

Last night DS brought two of his phonics readers upstairs for reading time for bedtime and he read them both himself! I cannot tell you the relief in my life! I was really starting to think this kid was NEVER going to understand the concept of blending sounds to make words. He has been doing the individual sounds for like a year and it just was NOT coming together, but now HE GETS IT!!!! Yay!!!!

It has been such a test of faith and a struggle for me to keep trusting that he and I could figure this out and find a way that I could make sense to him. We finally got there and it is so exciting!

 

[noodleknitter]

Yeah! My 7 year old has just recently made the leap. I hate waiting until they are ready!

Congratulations!!!!!

 

[Wendebird]

I'm fairly new to the Disboards, but wanted to chime in as a homeschooling Mom.

I have 2 girls, 10 years in 5th grade & 7 years in 2nd grade.

Neither of them have gone to "school". This is my 6th years homeschooling.

We're currently using Math-U-See, LLATL, Beyond Five in a Row & Exploring Creation with Astronomy.

We're also leaving for a 10 day trip to WDW in 17 days!!!

 

[c3smom]

We're just starting as homeschool parents, even though we've always talked about it even before our son(4yr) was born! Right now he thinks we "play" school even though he's learning.
Do or have any of you had any opposition from your family regarding your childrens education? It seems when ever my in-laws watch our son he starts talking about when he goes to school, when he rides a school bus, he'll be able to play with kids at school, etc. It drives us crazy!! My husband says he's talked to them but my tolerence is low when it comes to that. If they are not going to respect our decision, or keep thier opinions to themselves then I feel they shouldn't see him anymore!! But, that' sthe frustration talking.
Anyhow, we've joined up with a group of homeschoolers in our area and get together with them often. It's fun now, I'm afraid it'll get harder as he gets older.

 

[Danovara]

I just had to share this will all you homeschooling moms who I know can so relate to it!

Last night DS brought two of his phonics readers upstairs for reading time for bedtime and he read them both himself! I cannot tell you the relief in my life! I was really starting to think this kid was NEVER going to understand the concept of blending sounds to make words. He has been doing the individual sounds for like a year and it just was NOT coming together, but now HE GETS IT!!!! Yay!!!!

It has been such a test of faith and a struggle for me to keep trusting that he and I could figure this out and find a way that I could make sense to him. We finally got there and it is so exciting!

Woot!

 

[Danovara]

Anyhow, we've joined up with a group of homeschoolers in our area and get together with them often.

That is so wonderful that you joined a group. An idea to help you weather the tough times is to start or attend monthly moms'/parents' nights out. They are such a wonderful experience and you can vent with other hs parents to release the stress or just let go and enjoy the evening. I have seen them done at restaurants, movie theaters and at homes.

We're just starting as homeschool parents, even though we've always talked about it even before our son(4yr) was born! Right now he thinks we "play" school even though he's learning.
Do or have any of you had any opposition from your family regarding your childrens education? It seems when ever my in-laws watch our son he starts talking about when he goes to school, when he rides a school bus, he'll be able to play with kids at school, etc. It drives us crazy!! My husband says he's talked to them but my tolerence is low when it comes to that. If they are not going to respect our decision, or keep thier opinions to themselves then I feel they shouldn't see him anymore!! But, that' sthe frustration talking.

Oh I am so sorry about this, wow. Yes we do have opposition in my husband's family. But they keep quiet about it so the only discussion ever is when we are telling of some wonderful milestone or event.

The only opinion I can offer is following but you and your hubby must decide if this will work for you because it is VERY difficult to do and for a while it will ADD IMMENSE PRESSURE ON YOU BOTH. And you will lose a babysitter for awhile. There is a small chance relationships will not heal also. So you both MUST AGREE!!!

I heard this somewhere a long time ago. We had to implement it when there was a drug-abuser relative being pushed on us to see our dc. It was difficult to do and it took almost a year to settle it but they now respect us more for it and do not pressure us anymore. AND the relative on drugs is on the hard road to recovery!

First, you and hubby discuss if you both want to do this and can handle the pressure. (Yes, they will most likely assume it is you and not your hubby doing this. I was called REAL bad names from the in law when we did this behavior modification. My dh had to get loud and say this was all his decision.) You also must agree to what consequences you will implement if they continue to talk with our child about schooling behind your backs. If you both agree, then you sit his parent's down and tell them you love them but you do not appreciate the <behavior/words that you want to end>. You inform them that until they respect what you do and so forth, you will not request babysitting from them until further notice and whenever they begin with <behavior/words that you want to end> you will leave! And inform them that there will be consequences if they continue to talk with your child about schooling behind your backs. And then stick with it.

Like I said it is very "tough love" but FOR US it worked. So I am just sending you an idea you can mull over or toss out.


OH BTW PEEPS! THE HomeSchool GROUP THREE OTHER MOTHERS AND I STARTED IS NOW OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE STATE!!! WOOT!

 

[fromscratchmom]

Do or have any of you had any opposition from your family regarding your childrens education?

I have heard about this from many other homeschoolers. Luckily, in our situation it was incredibly mild and not difficult to deal with. Some people just can't seem to believe in any of the benefits of it and can't shake the false allegations of poor socializations that have been mischaracterizing homeschooling. I know that with my own parents they are now partly in favor of what we are doing but also partly still worried that those things are true, especially in the older grades. And it doesn't help that an awful lot of homeschoolers give in to the pressure and become convinced of the same thing (in spite of having the experience to see otherwise.) Many homeschoolers subconsciously bow to the pressure and decide that the most reasonable thing is to acknowlege how great the experience has been but pretend that their children will magically reverse and become anti-social outcasts or oddballs in high school or middle school if they continue homeschooling in those years. They most commonly put their kids in school between 7th grade and 9th grade and believe that they have had the best of both worlds. I know a few adults whose parents did this, who would beg to differ. But it is a very common scenario, nevertheless.

The way that I bolster myself is too acknowlege how difficult homeschooling may become with advanced courses and also acknowlege the truth of the amazing kids that are being turned out by homeschooling families that go all the way with it. I keep trying to see all of the advantages and disadvantages on both sides as honestly as I can. And I keep trying to advocate for homeschooling and other school choice issues every time that I have the opportunity. I think that all families ought to have the freedom to decide for themselves exactly what they want and need to do. The choices they make can be impacted by a tremendous number of things. But so long as school choice and homeschooling are both increasing in popularity and acceptance, I think that our society will continue to increase in the benefits thereof.

I also take select opportunities to influence my parents towards seeing things the way that I see them. I'm on a homeschooler's email list that is really a wonderful resource. Among the amazing support that comes through on the list, there are some things that seem tailor-made for Mom or for Dad. So when something perfect comes along I send it along to whichever parent I want to see it. And I do the same sort of thing with friends and family when I see them. I watch for really good opportunities to say just the right thing. For example, I have a friend at church, who is a public school teacher and I have often been able to speak with her about the things that she knows to be flaws with public education in general and also with specific school systems and the laws that govern them. I also have been able to slip in a good bit of pro-homeschooling commentary in some of our conversations, but I do it as judiciously as possible and usually in small doses.

The older my kids get (and the more mature) the more people we know and love are able to see the benefits of our past decisions. Now days, most people we know do not question us very much. Where as, just a couple of years ago, we got a lot more of the questioning, because our oldest has so many learning challenges that no one could be expected to see our plans for him in a good light, while those plans had to be stacked up against the omnipresent fear that maybe if he were in government hands he would be better off (the government or the teachers unions or someother unknown "expert" would surely have known how to help him better than any mere lay person who happens to love him with all of her heart and soul and know him better than any other human being could), and our girls were so young that people didn't have any past school years of progress to go on. In truth I really am in favor of school choice, not just homeschooling. And I have sometimes homeschooled my son and sometimes taken other routes to navigate his learning challenges. Right now he is enrolled in a public school that is called a 'virtual school'. There is no school building. They give each student a computer and a myriad of other equipment and the students work from home. I am sort of anti-public school, but not to the point of wanting them disbanded all together. I just hope to see them little utilized in the future. I hope that in the future at least 40% of all students will be homeschooled and many more will be taught in private institutions or by private tutors. I see a need for public education to exist, but I think that a good many of our current systems are hopelessly flawed and the rest are in no immediate danger of being fixed. So, by standing up for what I believe in and trying to be diplomatic and otherwise successful in my communications with my loved ones, I've been able to manage pretty well. I'm so sorry to hear that your family is willing to undermine you as a parent. I'll be praying for you that the situation can be resolved and turn out with positive benefits all around.

 

[disneymom3]

We're just starting as homeschool parents, even though we've always talked about it even before our son(4yr) was born! Right now he thinks we "play" school even though he's learning.
Do or have any of you had any opposition from your family regarding your childrens education? It seems when ever my in-laws watch our son he starts talking about when he goes to school, when he rides a school bus, he'll be able to play with kids at school, etc. It drives us crazy!! My husband says he's talked to them but my tolerence is low when it comes to that. If they are not going to respect our decision, or keep thier opinions to themselves then I feel they shouldn't see him anymore!! But, that' sthe frustration talking.
Anyhow, we've joined up with a group of homeschoolers in our area and get together with them often. It's fun now, I'm afraid it'll get harder as he gets older.

We had mild opposition from the ILs. Let's just say I knew they thought I was nuts even though they never said anything. Now that DD is in 5th grade, I know again that they are getting worried about my sanity. The whole middle school/highschool thing is getting to them. If we lived closer to my family I would imagine that a few of them would have said something. What we run into more though is random people we either don't know or barely know who ask questions like, "Don't you miss playing with other kids?" "Wouldn't it be fun to ride the school bus?" "Isn't it strange to not go to school when everyone else does?" I have gotten to the point now that I simply let my kids answer the questions. Their answers are basically, "We do play with our friends a lot" "My brother is my best friend and he is here all the time" "No, I hated riding the bus in Kindergarten. It's very loud." and "We love homeschooling. We don't have to be in school all day and then have homework too." or "Huh? Lots of kids homeschool."

My two younger ones--just 5 and 6.5--don't know anything different. To them this is just life and normal. DD is 10 and she did go to K but she loves homeschooling and I am pretty sure you couldn't pay her to go back. We did talk recently about going to middle school and she had a list of rational reasons why she wants to continue to homeschool. I have my own list so that worked out fine.

I have totally different advice than the PP. I think what your ILs are reacting to is the "differentness" of homeschooling. EVeryone just basically assumes their cute little grandkids are going to go off to Kindergarten and play and finger paint and yada yada. The thing is that #1 Kindergarten isn't like that anymore and #2 their grandchildren really can grow up to be normal, happy, functioning little people by not following the trend. It's just hard for them to see that right now. I would bet that their discussions with your DS are coming from a place of insecurity and worry of not being in the "norm" wiht all of their friends whose little GKs are going off to school. I would suggest that for now--as your DS is too little--you answer the questions. Cheerfully, concisely and then change the subject. I found it was useful to then throw in something about "Our co-op is doing the coolest field trip to this living history museum next week. Have you ever been there?" In a very cheerful inquisitive tone of voice. They usually have been where we are going and then I could ask them about it. That is if you are around. If you are not around, just confidently remind him that some kids ride the bus or what have you, but he is going to do school with mommy and meet with his friends in your group instead.

I do agree with the PP that you might need to cut back on the babysitting times if this is happening often. And I also think that it is excellent that you have already found a group and are gettting together with them. That will help both you and your son feel like you are not out of the norm and trust me it really will help with those folks who think you are crazy.

You know, it has just occurred to me. People feel free to comment on my not sending my children to school fairly often. I wonder what would happen if I started saying to people, "You send your kids to public school? Really? Don't you worry about the bad habits they will pick up, the liberal agenda in the schools and that they are wasting a heck of a lot of time standing in line and waiting for all the kids to do what the teacher says?" What do you think guys? How would that go over?

 

[noodleknitter]

Dare you to start a thread...

My IL's think our kids are the nicest, most polite...blah, blah, blah...but still have a tuff time with them not going to school. I remind MIL that her son and daughter were getting drunk and high in the 7th grade...keeps her quiet for a bit.

I was the person giving my sibs a difficult time when they started HSing in the early 80's. I've eaten a lot of crow in my life....

 

[fromscratchmom]

I wonder what would happen if I started saying to people, "You send your kids to public school? Really? Don't you worry about the bad habits they will pick up, the liberal agenda in the schools and that they are wasting a heck of a lot of time standing in line and waiting for all the kids to do what the teacher says?" What do you think guys? How would that go over?

I love it. My only request is that you report back each time you do it.

 

[disneyelaine]

Hello,

We are new homeschoolers, for the past 2 weeks or so. I am homeschooling my son (4th grade who has High Fuctioning Autism, but too many sensory/behavior issues in PS). He also has speech apraxia. We also are in the process of checking into Ohio's Autism Scholarship, which gives you 20K a year to privately education your child, according to his IEP. But for now it is basically home school, as we are in a rural area, with the nearest private "autism school" being 90 min. away, 1 way. Even if we do eventually utilize the scholarship, our "educational providers" would be tutors we hire to come into our home, so.......I am not sure which route we will end up taking.

But for now, we basically are homeschooling. I just started Sonlight, Core 3 today. So far, so good. I like the stories anyway I never really planned to go down this route, but I can definately appreciate how good this is going to end up to be! I spent about a 2 weeks trying to research cirriculum and realize I will just have to wing it for now and see how Sonlight goes. Then last night I found Switched on Schoolhouse & that sounded kinda neat. Then I found Beyond Five in a Row & did a hmmm over that! We are doing Horizon's Math, which came with sonlight. I'd love to hear anyone's opinions of any of those I mentioned!

My 13 yr old son is still in Public School. He'd love to be homeschooled & that is a possibility we may consider. I am just not sure.

Well just wanted to introduce myself. I haven't read the 87 pages yet, but hope to find time too soon. We are leaving on a 3 night DCL & 2 WDW trip next week!

 

[sahwifeandmommy]

Hi! Thought I should introduce myself and say I love this thread. I have been homeschooling for the past 2 years and I sometimes forget that that is the only "school" my children know. My dad-who is a ps teacher asked my oldest at the Sunday dinner table how school was yesterday (trying to trip him up since that would have been Sat.). Of course ds told him what book he was reading instead. I thought that was so funny because he had read that book on Sat. Also I wanted to say that as a former ps teacher I thought homeschooling was the dumbest thing I had ever heard of and then I had kids I guess I have eaten a lot of humble pie. God truly works in mysterious ways.

As a side note my kids love the kid's workshops at Home Depot and Lowes. The kids get to build from different kits and see first hand how to follow directions and they are free.

Thanks to all the great Disney educational ideas.

 

[fromscratchmom]

We also are in the process of checking into Ohio's Autism Scholarship, which gives you 20K a year to privately education your child, according to his IEP.

Hi! I live in Westerville Ohio and my 15 year old son has severe ADD/ADHD and asperger's syndrome. I also checked into the scholarship, but have not ever utilized it. I think that would be awesome if you end up using that for private tutors! That is definitely something that it should do. I do know of a boy from my son's group therapy sessions that went to Marburne Academy and used that scholarship for that for 2 years. I decided against it since Marburne is not really set up to handle ASDs, but very accomplished with helping kids with dyslexia and a few other LDs. This year I'm homeschooling my girls and have my son in a virtual school, so he is learning from home, which is going well, so far. Hope to see you around on here!

 

[fromscratchmom]

disneyelaine,

I meant to mention that I love all of the Five in a Row materials! I think they are wonderful.

I also got into homeschooling originally in order to help my son. And now I can't imagine doing anything else for my girls either!

And as someone else just posted, I thought homeschooling sounded really stupid the first time that I ever heard of it, so I've undergone an incredible change over time to come to see how fabulous it is!

 

[Lora]

I just started Sonlight, Core 3 today. So far, so good. I like the stories anyway

We're doing SL Core 3 right now also. We're on week 19. I love SL and I've looked forward to this particular year (American History) and it's read-alouds since my oldest dd was in K! She's now in 6th and my other dd is in 4th. It took us a long time to get here, but we've also enjoyed SLK, 1 and 2 along the way!

Have a great trip!

 

[luvdiz2]

I read the groveling type of letter from the teacher in the one thread that reminds me one reason I am fortunate to be able to homeschool my children!

 

[disneygal33]

Yippee a home school thread!! I looked for this one day but couldn't find it

We started homeschooling after our oldest was threatened with failing 4th grade. She got Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and had to miss 12 days of school. She returned to school for the EOG and relapsed 2 days later. The school called to tell me she would fail if she missed another day of school. Didn't matter that she was under a doctors care, that she had gotten straight A's all year and received the highest grade possible on the EOG. The law in our state is very simple miss more than 15 days of school, regardless of the reason, and fail the year. She had to go to school for the last 5 days, where they were playing games and watching movies, with a temp over over 100. That was when I decided to home school. I can't imagine not doing it now.