*** Homeschool List ***

[Ellester]

Thinking about home schooling... where do I start? Mind boggling....

Welcome to the post, Teacups! Well, it would help to know how old your kids are and a little bit about why you are thinking of homeschooling. Finding out more about the homeschooling groups in your area is usually a good first step, they can give you a feel for the local HS climate and any state requirements. We use Sonlight and their page has lots of good info for beginners (www.sonlight.com). This thread is full of helpful information and there are many regular posters that are glad to share their experiences. So think up some specific questions, and fire away!

 

[tnmomof4]

Thanks for all the advice on what to do concerning this TN bill. I had called all those on the committee voting on this bill, and I will also write letters. Thanks too for mentioning the private schools. I will call them on Monday just to make sure they know also.

 

[teacups]

Welcome to the post, Teacups! Well, it would help to know how old your kids are and a little bit about why you are thinking of homeschooling. Finding out more about the homeschooling groups in your area is usually a good first step, they can give you a feel for the local HS climate and any state requirements. We use Sonlight and their page has lots of good info for beginners (www.sonlight.com). This thread is full of helpful information and there are many regular posters that are glad to share their experiences. So think up some specific questions, and fire away!

Thanks! Well, I have always known I'd homeschool sooner or later... and situations have made me think sooner is better. I'll make a list of a few things:
Questionable morals regarding other kids
Questionable morals of a few teachers
Lack of right from wrong
safety
overcrowding
influences that I dont like

I dont want to seem like I'm perfect or anything. I'm FAR from it. But I dont like what's happening anymore. The last two straws were not the biggest deals, but enough to make hubby and I stand back and say, "We (as a family) dont fit in with the rest of the crowd." 1. A playground duty yelled to my son (6 yo, kindergarten) that he was a liar. And 2. A boy mildly sexually harrassed my 3rd grade daughter. I know that to a lot of people those are not big deals, kids need to learn to deal, kids need thick skins, kids need that socializing... etc. But to us, safety and quality education and right vs wrong need to be at the top. We were going to start HS when middle school (Jr High) rolled around, but that seems like we'd only be allowing this to fester longer....
Plus... we like to spend time as a family, and honestly I think I could do a better job, at these grades anyway. (High school? I dont know if I can home school! That worries me A LOT).

My kids are in karate and would continue. I would start an art class for HSers at my home (I used to be an art teacher) to help with interaction. AND we'd take other classes. We do not live in a neighborhood with kids. We live out a ways on a couple of acres... so no real friends out here. Here's a real dumb thing for me to be hung up about... who will the kids invite to birthday parties? I KNOW that should be so far away from my brain right now but it's those silly small things that worry me.

Am I totally "OUT THERE" ?
My kids are the best thing I have going... why would I send them someplace that I think is questionable? BUT... can I handle it? Will they hate me later for it? If anyone has read this far I have to thank you!!

 

[graygables]

I'm a former high school English teacher. I had serious concerns (much like yours) 13 years ago, when I quit, and those concerns have only grown (exponentially). My DDs are 22, 19, 12, & 9. What I have learned is that each family and each child has to make its own way along the journey of homeschooling. What works for me might not work for someone else. I love the flexibility that homeschooling afford me and for that alone, my DDs won't go to public school. There are many opportunities for "socialization" from local playgrounds to starting your own "class" or "group" (I run an American Girl Friendship Club for our homeschool group) to rec centers and studios offering classes.

As far as high school goes, there are LOTS of resources available to you, but you have plenty of time to worry about that. We take it one year at a time and try not to worry too far ahead. Suffice it to say that between my husband and I and the curriculum we used, my older 2 didn't have any problems. My now 19yo took the GED at 16 and went on to college from there. My older 2 don't hate me, btw They did have some opinions when they were 13 or so, but I just didn't let it bother me.

Finally, the Birthday Party Question. We don't invite kids. Our birthday parties involve family and usually a little vacation somewhere. This year, 12yo will be at Great Wolf Lodge for hers and we're taking 9yo to American Girl Place in NYC. That's a lot more fun and a lot less stress! They make friends through their classes/clubs and stay in touch mostly via email and message boards, but no one really does the birthday party thing, even within the group.

 

[disneymom3]

I know that to a lot of people those are not big deals, kids need to learn to deal, kids need thick skins, kids need that socializing... etc. But to us, safety and quality education and right vs wrong need to be at the top. We were going to start HS when middle school (Jr High) rolled around, but that seems like we'd only be allowing this to fester longer....
Plus... we like to spend time as a family, and honestly I think I could do a better job, at these grades anyway. (High school? I dont know if I can home school! That worries me A LOT).

My kids are in karate and would continue. I would start an art class for HSers at my home (I used to be an art teacher) to help with interaction. AND we'd take other classes. We do not live in a neighborhood with kids. We live out a ways on a couple of acres... so no real friends out here. Here's a real dumb thing for me to be hung up about... who will the kids invite to birthday parties? I KNOW that should be so far away from my brain right now but it's those silly small things that worry me.

Am I totally "OUT THERE" ?
My kids are the best thing I have going... why would I send them someplace that I think is questionable? BUT... can I handle it? Will they hate me later for it? If anyone has read this far I have to thank you!!

Well, my dear you are in the right place. No one on this thread is going to tell you that your kids just need to "deal" with situations that are beyond their appropriate developmental level. Life is hard enough and kids grow up fast enough without forcing it on them.

The kids will invite the other kids they meet at Karate, or book club or at the Y or at church or in homeschool co-ops or whatever. Really, it will take some time to find your niche, but your kids will be "socialized" just fine. When you think about it, do you want your kids socialized (learning the skills needed to get along in society) by the kid who harrassed your DD and others like him. Probably not!

Have you looked into any groups in your area? Do a google or Yahoo search and I bet you will find some quickly. You will probably have to drive a bit, but they must be out there. In MN there are a couple of large homeschool organizations that hold quarterly meetings with the topic of basically how to start homeschooling. One is Christian, the other is secular. Also, while it is VERY long, take it a few pages at a time and read through this thread. There is a ton of info here.

Welcome, take care, take your time and post any questions you have!

 

[teacups]

Thank you all for the replies. I have a very good friend who started HSing a couple of years ago and has always nudged me along half jokingly, always knowing sooner or later I'd be there. She is being EXTREMELY helpful. I have begun to look into meetings and will work my way through this thread, as well as the link provided to me yesterday here.
When I come up for air I'll be back!
Thanks again!

 

[sha_lyn]

I'll post more whne I have a minute. I just have to comment on the birthday party "issue" considering we are on our way to the 2nd Bday party this weekend. Both parties this weekend are for girls in DDs Girl Scout troop. Between long time friends, scouts, martial arts and homeschool groups, DD gets somewhere between 25-30 birthday party invites a yr.

 

[npmommie]

Thanks for all the advice on what to do concerning this TN bill. I had called all those on the committee voting on this bill, and I will also write letters. Thanks too for mentioning the private schools. I will call them on Monday just to make sure they know also.

I am curious in TN do homeschool kids get a high school diploma from the state now? here they do not and the school board makes it very clear on our letters each year that they are not eligible for a diploma.
we do not have to do any testing.
also, I was under the impression that these state mandated tests for schools, such as MCAS here, are to see the performance of the school systems? it would not be an accurate portrayal of public schools if homeschoolers and private schoolers were included in these tests.

 

[npmommie]

about birthday parties..........
we are headed to a birthday party tomorrow for an 8 yo. we went to one last month and the month before that.
once you get out there and meet other homeschoolers, your kids will have a circle of friends just like schooled kids do.
and the parties are nice because each party is a good friend, not just a casual aquaintance from school that gave an invite because they invite everyone in the class.

 

[tnmomof4]

I am curious in TN do homeschool kids get a high school diploma from the state now? here they do not and the school board makes it very clear on our letters each year that they are not eligible for a diploma.
we do not have to do any testing.
also, I was under the impression that these state mandated tests for schools, such as MCAS here, are to see the performance of the school systems? it would not be an accurate portrayal of public schools if homeschoolers and private schoolers were included in these tests.

I really do not know. Since this is my first year, I don't know a lot. I do know that my son who is in 5th grade is going to be tested in a couple weeks. My 4th grader does not have to be tested. I had to sign my 5th grader up for it at the beginning of the school year.

When my kids were in private school they were tested every year. I just assumed these were state mandated tests. So how do kids get a high school diploma then?

Also about birthday parties. This is a hard one for me. The thing that bothers me about this isn't who to invite, it is that they don't get invited anymore. I know my kids have been very, very disappointed. They went to the same private school from K-5 up until last year. So for 5 years they went to the same school. Now this year we start to homeschool, and they haven't got invited to one birthday party. It really bothers me a lot.

I guess since I decided to homeschool a lot of people and teachers didn't agree with me. My husband and I are separated, and the private school is a Christian, private school run by a church. Anyway....

 

[teacups]

Also about birthday parties. This is a hard one for me. The thing that bothers me about this isn't who to invite, it is that they don't get invited anymore. I know my kids have been very, very disappointed. They went to the same private school from K-5 up until last year. So for 5 years they went to the same school. Now this year we start to homeschool, and they haven't got invited to one birthday party. It really bothers me a lot.

When I ws in school, I remember having best buds that would have been invited no matter what school they moved to. What I have seen so far with my own kids is that it's all about who's in your class. Once a friend moves on to a different teacher, it seems like friendships fade. I know I will have to work at keeping kids around... I will take that step to have clubs, classes or something.
As for diplomas, my frined just explained to me that we dont get diplomas unless the kids re-enroll in 12th grade, or the last semester and test out. I guess GED is what home schoolers do here.

 

[sha_lyn]

As for diplomas, my frined just explained to me that we dont get diplomas unless the kids re-enroll in 12th grade, or the last semester and test out. I guess GED is what home schoolers do here.

No not really. In general a GED is looked down upon in the home-school community. Many colleges will accept home-schoolers without a diploma, and the number is increasing every yr. There are also many private accredited distance learning high school that issue "real" diplomas to their graduates.

 

[Helpmate]

No not really. In general a GED is looked down upon in the home-school community. Many colleges will accept home-schoolers without a diploma, and the number is increasing every yr. There are also many private accredited distance learning high school that issue "real" diplomas to their graduates.

Yeah, Shalyn. I've found it the same. I've found that there are a multitude of colleges and universities throughout the country who are accepting homeschoolers wih a parent issued diploma upon their completion of home study. There are many schools that are still a little gun shy about it who still need convincing. But as you stated, more and more schools are gladly opening their doors to homeschoolers and what they have to offer.

 

[disneydreamin-gang]

We used American School for our 2 older sons. It is not Christian but worked for our needs. They received a diploma that is recognized by the state. They have had no problems at all. Both are in carpenters union and was never questioned about it.

Our oldest daughter received her diploma that I issued. She wanted to work in a day care and needed to produce a diploma. Her diploma from me was not sufficient. I had to call the school board to produce a document that said she completed she schooling according to Ohio law. That worked and she is now employed at a day care.

 

[sha_lyn]

It really depends on the college and often changes yr to yr. The trend seems to be that it is getting easier for HS'ers to get into college with their ACT/SAT scores and proof that they met their states legal requirements.
At one time UGA was requiring additional testing (SAT II in every subject available I believe) but has dropped that requirement. Some colleges require a parent/student generated transcript or portfolio

 

[wvdislover]

Someone mentioned kids going back to school in 12th grade so they could receive a diploma. I don't know about other places, but here, you can't go back into public school once you start homeschooling high school. For instance, if you decide that you want to go back to school for your junior and senior year, you can't. You have to start in 9th grade and do all four years, even if you're old enough and have homeschooled through later years. You can go to a private school, however, and begin in the grade you're ready for. So, here, 8th grade is a year of big decisions.

 

[Ellester]

Someone mentioned kids going back to school in 12th grade so they could receive a diploma. I don't know about other places, but here, you can't go back into public school once you start homeschooling high school. For instance, if you decide that you want to go back to school for your junior and senior year, you can't. You have to start in 9th grade and do all four years, even if you're old enough and have homeschooled through later years. You can go to a private school, however, and begin in the grade you're ready for. So, here, 8th grade is a year of big decisions.

Wow! That's really interesting! It does make that decision during 8th grade pivotal, doesn't it?

 

[teacups]

I have so much to learn.




(I like the new smilies a little too much)



Except this one: It reminds me of the AlQuida chatter...

 

[Mermaid02]

Hi! I have a 5th grader who absolutely detests school. He has several diagnosis (adhd, anxiety, autism spectrum and mood disorder) and he is highly intelligent but hates everything about public school. I've always said I wished we could homeschool but it wouldn't work. He is a behavior challenge at home but not so much at school. This morning I had a thought- what would he be like at home without the anxiety and stress that school causes? He has NO friends, is never invited to anyone's house or birthday party... he is a social outcast. I worry what group he will fall into next year in middle school. I'm not an idiot- but I don't know if I am smart enough to homeschool. I also know my dh will be against it, he doesn't like to deviate from a plan. Is it too late to start at this age? How many hours a day do you "school" ? (4 hours is about his limit.... after that he's just done and FORGET homework in the evening..... not gonna happen). I would have to quit my part time job.....

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[lori1043]

I think you can easily get done in 4 hours.
I think you and DH need to really have a good talk about it and meet other HS'ers so he can see what kind of people do it-normal people.

Did I just call us "normal"? Wow, I thought I was wierd -at least that is how people look at us at times!!

Lori