homeschooling advice

[dixipixi]

We are considering homeschooling our son (14). I would like to hear from other homeschooling parents out there. Anything you can think of that would help our transistion.

He was in public school from preK through 7th grade and he has spent 8th grade and the first part of ninth in a private school. I think he needs more one-on-one time and more personal supervision.

I am really debating this decision. I would just like to hear from other parents out there that have faced this same dilemma.

He attends church and also plays guitar with a group of friends (they have weekly "jam sessions" at a local cafe), so he has plenty of social interaction without a traditional school setting.

TIA!

 

[ilovedisney1]

I am not a parent, but I have been homeschooled for about three years. I am willing to answer any questions that you have about homeschooling?

 

[dixipixi]

Thank you.

A couple of questions:
Are you able to block out distractions at home and concentrate on your school work?

What do you like about being homeschooled and what do you dislike about it?

Are you happy with homeschooling and are there times when you miss traditional school?

thanks.

 

[ilovedisney1]

Yes I do block distractions out and concentrate on school work. I like that you can stay in pj's and do your work instead of getting dressed, take a break when ever you want to (meaning eating lunch, going to the restroom).
I do not think there is anything that I do not dislike about homeschooling. Yes I am very happy with homeschooling. There is not really a time when I miss traditional school. I still get to see my friends, just not as often as you would at school.

 

[bouncy54]

We are considering homeschooling our son (14). I would like to hear from other homeschooling parents out there. Anything you can think of that would help our transistion.

He was in public school from preK through 7th grade and he has spent 8th grade and the first part of ninth in a private school. I think he needs more one-on-one time and more personal supervision.

I am really debating this decision. I would just like to hear from other parents out there that have faced this same dilemma.

He attends church and also plays guitar with a group of friends (they have weekly "jam sessions" at a local cafe), so he has plenty of social interaction without a traditional school setting.

TIA!

I started homeschooling our youngest son right about the time that you are considering homeschooling your own.

I felt a little lost that first year. Finding the right curriculum for him was the trickiest part. I tried an 8th grade computer software program which was way ahead of what he could understand, then went to a "Mom makes the assignments and tries to do it on her own" kind of curriculum, which took up way too much of my time. We finally settled on a "book, with answer notebook" system that was perfect for him.

Corey has always been proficient at reading and comprehension, so the hardest subject to teach him was/is math. It's the one subject that he absolutely hates and the one that I'm not so hot at myself. We managed to get through Pre-Algebra but I think that's as far as he's going to go with the subject. He can now work fractions, decimals, percentages, basic algebraic and geometrical problems, but has no desire to learn beyond this and I've found you can't force anyone to learn something they don't want to learn. At least he can now divide a simple equation where he couldn't before I started teaching him.

Corey isn't planning on college and won't need any higher math for the career he is going into, so I'm not pushing it. We will see if he knows enough to get his GED.

Corey loves the freedom of homeschooling. Being able to study when he wants to and not having to deal with chaos in the classroom everyday made a huge difference in his attitude about learning.

As for socialization...he doesn't miss that part of school at all. He has always been a home-body...just like his 2 older brothers. He gets plenty of interaction with people from the ages of 5 to 75 in our family. IMHO...I think there's way too much emphasis placed on the whole socialization thing. It's just another way for society to fight those who choose to home-school their children. It does not take a village to raise a child...it simply takes a loving and encouraging family.

Good luck in making your final decision. I know it's a bit overwhelming but I know that if I had to choose again, I'd still choose the home-schooling route. It's been very rewarding and has made my relationship with my son much stronger.

 

[december]

I'm interested in answers on this topic as well. I can't afford to stay home with the kids, but if I could, I would homeschool. And I'm a teacher! I'm not at all happy with the MS State Dept of Education, and I really think I could do a better job with my kids. I'd love for them to be able to learn without emphasis on test scores. We don't even have field trips anymore because that would take away too much "instructional" time. My kids are 10 and almost 8, and I think we'd have so much fun together. (I teach math, so that wouldn't be a problem).

My problem with many "homeschoolers" that have dropped from our high schools is that their parents decided to put them to work, or needed a babysitter for younger kids, etc, and no learning is taking place. But if done right, I think it can be a great thing.

 

[pixiemagic30]

Hi dixipixi!

We are in our 6th year of homeschooling. We started when our ds was in kindergarten. Our dc are 10 (almost 11) and 9.

As for transitioning to homeschooling, I think part of that will be determined by when you plan to make the change. Is it now? At Christmas break? Next fall? By all means, next fall would probably be the easiest b/c of being away form others all summer. Then comes Christmas break followed by immediately. Because he already has a core group of kids that he hangs out with, I think personally that the biggest/hardest transition that you will have is at home. You have to remember that homeschooling is a lifestyle. It is very difficult to separate out "school" from "home" and for us, that is ok. We do our school work first thing in the morning when they are the freshest. While they are working on their math (or whatever the assignment) I am able to work on laundry, etc.

Finding the right curriculum can be a struggle, it has been for us at times too. I would find a local support group or other homeschoolers that you know and find out what they use with their kids at your son's age. Mine aren't there yet so I really can't help but there are many great resources out there

One last thing that I would recommend is that you check out Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA for short). The quick of it is: you can join them for $115 a year and if you would have any trouble with the school district or nosy neighbors calling Social Services and it has to do with homeschooling then as a member, they will be your attorney "for free." You can also find out your state laws concerning homeschooling to make sure that you are aware of what your rights are as well as the requirements as a student and parent.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

Blessings,

 

[ntsammy5]

Our son had severe coping problems when in 6th grade. He was diagnosed as having acute agoraphobia and we had no choice but to home school him with the help of the local school district. they provided a home tutor and things went well. Our goal was to get him back into a mainstream school. We did that the next year but he still had problems coping. To this day he still has problems socializing, but he's doing well. He's 28 now.

I guess the advice I would give is to seek help from your local school. it's amazing what they can do to help if they want to.

 

[Temair]

I'm a home educator to my DD 8. We are doing a virtual school through the k12 company. They run virtual schools in a lot of states. This is our second year and we are doing grade 3 curriculum. The reason I chose the virtual school was it is a charter school and paid for by the government. We have a teacher we talk to every 2-4 weeks. There are field trips, and school clubs. Some drawbacks of virtual schools are some do not offer high school yet. My state only goes up to grade 8. They hope to add high school in 2 years but you never know with government policies.
There are many different programs and curriculum's out there that fit different needs. Going to a curriculum fair is a good way to look and see what is out there and compare. I wish you good luck and hope that home schooling works for you.

 

[vettechick99]

There is a homeschooling thread on the Community Board somewhere. You may want to check it out.

I teach special education in a high poverty area and have considered homeschooling DD when she gets older. But we may move instead and find a good school district. It's hard to decide what is best for her. I love the social aspect of school, but want the very best for her. So we'll see.

Good luck!

 

[dixipixi]

I just wanted to thank all of you for your responses. We have decided to homeschool. I have been pretty busy the last couple of days dealing with paperwork and talking to friends/neighbors in our area who homeschool.

bouncy54, thanks for your story and encouragement. The one thing bothering me about DS is that he does want to go to college, but he'll probably start out at community college and that won't be as difficult to get into. Glad to hear that homeschooling is working out for you.

december, at least you're not in the Louisiana public school system! It has really gotten a lot worse in the last five years or so. We actually live in one of the "best" school districts and that is a total joke. I heard that this year they were probably just going to give up on truancy because at least 1/2 of the school missed more than 30 days last year . They claim they don't have the resources to go after them. I could go on and on, but I think you understand where I'm coming from.

pixiemagic30, thanks for the good advice. I will surely keep the legal info, but I don't think I'll have too many problems. Louisiana is pretty "open minded" about homeschooling. Everyone I have dealt with at the state level has been very supportive and even encouraging. We live in a small town and know or are related to everybody so I don't have to worry about anyone turning me in. They all know the problems we have had and understand our decision. There are also a lot of other families around here who homeschool, so we have a "support system" that I am very thankful for.

ntsammy5, I understand where you're coming from and I appreciate the advice, but our local schools can't really handle the problems they have so we're out of luck with support there. Believe me, we tried that route for 5 years before we moved our son to private school. We really do like the private school he is attending, but he is so far behind from the public school that we are really having trouble catching up. The private school has been very supportive and we have even been told that he will be allowed to return there if and when we're ready for that. I'm very glad that you received the help you needed and that things worked out for you all.

temair, thanks for the info. I have looked into the virtual school thing as well, but couldn't find high school curriculum. To start off, I'm going to use a curriculum program several of my friends around here are using because they seem to be happy with it and I can get help/support from them when I need it. We are also going to add lots of individual study and do some things just because he is interested in them. One thing I have found out is that there are many ways of doing things, each family just has to find what works for them. I'm glad you have found something that works and wish you continued success!

vettechick99, I understand what you mean about the school district. DH and I had a chance to own a beautiful home (for a VERY reasonable price) about 15 years ago, but we turned it down solely because of the school district it was in. I love where we are now, but it really makes me mad because we live in the highest taxed district in our parish for a school that my son can no longer go to because in the last few years that school has went to pot. So just be aware that no school is perfect and it's not always worth it to move into what you think is a better district because it only takes one catastrophic event to change zoning and district rules for the worse. I didn't mean to "preach" to you, just wanted you to know what had happened in our particular situation. I hope everything works out for you all and you find a wonderful school if you don't homeschool.

 

[Aliceacc]

I'm a teacher, (and honestly not a fan of homeschooling.) But you didn't ask that, you want concrete advise:

I would suggest that, for the subjects you're not comfortable with (say math, chemistry physics...) think about hiring a tutor or joining a coop. I know that they exist: you cover, say English and history and someone more comfortable with the other subjects covers them. That way, your son isn't limited by your own comfort zone.

You could also consider a private tutor for the subject(s) in which you feel you're over your head. (Again, for me as a math teacher: Chem and Physics.)

Best wishes.

 

[Magpie]

Just want to second the co-op/tutor idea for certain subjects!

I've done both public school and home school with my two. I found that having a regular schedule helps everyone. Get up around the same time of the day, do the work at a clutter-free table, finish around the same time... My family thrives on a flexible routine.

We've also found a lot of educational programs in our area for kids (and not just home schoolers). My 11yo daughter is currently taking a dissection course, working her way up to a fetal pig in a few weeks' time. You might be surprised at what's offered in your home town.

I enjoyed home schooling our kids, but it's worth keeping in mind that it's NOT a miracle cure. My child with a learning disability still had a learning disability when we home schooled. He had to struggle, it wasn't easy, and there were still frustration and tears for him, even at home. My hyperactive, easily distracted child was still hyperactive and distracted at the table. The same things that frustrated her teachers, frustrated me. But since I didn't have 30 other students to deal with, I could spend more time refocusing her on her work and teaching her time management skills. There were days I seriously wondered why I'd taken this task on.

But then I look at where my children are now and I know I've done all right by them.

Good luck!

 

[Swimnoid]

I didn't homeschool my DD but have many friends who do at all ages. Around here there are several different homeschool groups, highly organized and diverse. Our community college is cooperative in allowing students to enroll in classes. So the kids can get advanced opportunities in science, math or language for example. They even have homeschool sports teams and clubs. So homeschoolers can get plenty of interaction and still maintain the kind of learning atmosphere they want. I've watched my DD's freinds grow into really great people with a good education and the ability to get into good colleges. Go for it! And Good luck!

 

[december]

december, at least you're not in the Louisiana public school system! It has really gotten a lot worse in the last five years or so. We actually live in one of the "best" school districts and that is a total joke. I heard that this year they were probably just going to give up on truancy because at least 1/2 of the school missed more than 30 days last year . They claim they don't have the resources to go after them. I could go on and on, but I think you understand where I'm coming from.

I understand completely! It is actually a joke here that at least LA schools are worse than us. It keeps us at 49. I am in my classroom now-just got back from lunch. My son is with me. He is sick with allergies alot, but he doesn't want to go to school because of bullying. I spent half the day yesterday dealing with the elementary administration about it (he was covered in bruises the other night and I finally got him to admit what happened). He is throwing up every day, and ends up in my class by PE time (when most of it is occurring). And it isn't just my kid-3 other teachers kids are dealing with the same thing. They stay in our rooms constantly. And he is learning nothing! He is gifted, and is in a class that is half sped. (This is our first and hopefully last year in this district.)

On the way back from lunch I jokingly told him I should pull him out of school and homeschool him in my classroom. He told me to hurry up and do it before he "turns dumb."

The joys of the public school system!

 

[hildarumpole]

I'm a home educator to my DD 8. We are doing a virtual school through the k12 company. They run virtual schools in a lot of states. This is our second year and we are doing grade 3 curriculum. The reason I chose the virtual school was it is a charter school and paid for by the government. We have a teacher we talk to every 2-4 weeks. There are field trips, and school clubs.

I'm thinking of enrolling my DS5 in the K12 program. Are you satisfied with the curriculum and support? Are they flexible about the pace of the work, or do assignments have to be completed according to a schedule? Do the teachers offer assessments or grades? Thanks.

 

[Magpie]

I understand completely! It is actually a joke here that at least LA schools are worse than us. It keeps us at 49. I am in my classroom now-just got back from lunch. My son is with me. He is sick with allergies alot, but he doesn't want to go to school because of bullying. I spent half the day yesterday dealing with the elementary administration about it (he was covered in bruises the other night and I finally got him to admit what happened). He is throwing up every day, and ends up in my class by PE time (when most of it is occurring). And it isn't just my kid-3 other teachers kids are dealing with the same thing. They stay in our rooms constantly. And he is learning nothing! He is gifted, and is in a class that is half sped. (This is our first and hopefully last year in this district.)

On the way back from lunch I jokingly told him I should pull him out of school and homeschool him in my classroom. He told me to hurry up and do it before he "turns dumb."

The joys of the public school system!

That's awful! I hope you can find a better situation for your son soon. No kid should have to be bullied like that!

However, I twitched a little when you said your son's gifted and in a class that is half sped. I've got a highly gifted boy, too - fortunately placed in a congregated gifted class. And he's *also* sped. He's embarrassed when the teacher has to take him to the back of the classroom so he can dictate his essay to her. I worry sometimes about other parents and whether they resent the fact that my son is taking time away from their children.

A lot of people still think that kids can't be both gifted and sped, and I'm constantly having to correct them. I sincerely doubt you meant it that way, though. I just had to say something.

 

[december]

That's awful! I hope you can find a better situation for your son soon. No kid should have to be bullied like that!

However, I twitched a little when you said your son's gifted and in a class that is half sped. I've got a highly gifted boy, too - fortunately placed in a congregated gifted class. And he's *also* sped. He's embarrassed when the teacher has to take him to the back of the classroom so he can dictate his essay to her. I worry sometimes about other parents and whether they resent the fact that my son is taking time away from their children.

A lot of people still think that kids can't be both gifted and sped, and I'm constantly having to correct them. I sincerely doubt you meant it that way, though. I just had to say something.

I understand, and I didn't mean any offense there at all! These kids aren't like your son though. They are very low functioning. The school district doesn't really understand the inclusion laws, and have put all the sped kids in the same class with the teachers they know can put up with them. He has a girl he likes who goes to gifted with him and to tutoring. They are the only 2 in his class who go to gifted. But there are several who do nothing but fight, and hit other boys. Two are so bad they aren't allowed to eat with the other kids. I understand why there are inclusion laws, and support them, but the lower kids should be spread out. From my understanding, if over half the class is sped, the class is classified as sped so no inclusion is taking place (that is how it was explained in my old district). This is what my son's class has become.

I guess I just remember the old "sped" definition. I know tutoring (and gifted if you want to be technical) are really sped classes, but I meant the more severe learning disabled.

***also, both of my kids went to speech for years, also now classified as "sped."


Sorry I made you twitch!

 

[dixipixi]

I understand completely! It is actually a joke here that at least LA schools are worse than us. It keeps us at 49. I am in my classroom now-just got back from lunch. My son is with me. He is sick with allergies alot, but he doesn't want to go to school because of bullying. I spent half the day yesterday dealing with the elementary administration about it (he was covered in bruises the other night and I finally got him to admit what happened). He is throwing up every day, and ends up in my class by PE time (when most of it is occurring). And it isn't just my kid-3 other teachers kids are dealing with the same thing. They stay in our rooms constantly. And he is learning nothing! He is gifted, and is in a class that is half sped. (This is our first and hopefully last year in this district.)

On the way back from lunch I jokingly told him I should pull him out of school and homeschool him in my classroom. He told me to hurry up and do it before he "turns dumb."

The joys of the public school system!

Please pay attention to what your son is telling you. Our son was telling us for years that he just "wasn't happy" at school. Well, DH and I both kept telling him that was no excuse because you have to go to school and later on you have to go to work. We tried to figure out what was going on.

When he was younger, I think it was mostly verbal but when they moved into jr. high, everything got much worse very quickly. He came home once with a very bad bruise on his leg which he claimed he got playing kickball, but that explanation just never set right with me.

Then he calls from school one day and says he has hurt himself and we need to come get him. By the time DH got to the school, his eye was black and he was really upset. He claimed he turned around too quickly in the bathroom and walked into an open stall door. I just knew that explanation didn't sound right. DH and I kept questioning him, but he stuck with his story. A few weeks after it happened, another mom came to me and told me that her son knew what happened to him.

It turns out that 5 other boys ganged up on him in the bathroom. The sad part was that the school refused to do anything about it. They said that it was only our sons word against the other 5 and they just didn't know who to believe. The day after we reported this, one of the students attempted to bring a knife to school and was arrested. He was back at school 3 days later and threatened to kill the kid who turned him in for the knife. Nothing was done about the threat, BTW. Same excuse, the administration couldn't take the word of kids. The threatened kid had witnesses, but nothing was done.

Once our son told us, he refused to go back to school there. Which brings us to our current dilemma. Just be very careful with your son and if you find evidence of violence against him...go to the local authorities with it immediately. We would have gotten much better results if we had involved the sheriff's dept., but by the time we actually knew what had happened, it was too late.

Good luck. I sincerely hope everything works out for you all!!!

 

[Magpie]

I understand, and I didn't mean any offense there at all! These kids aren't like your son though. They are very low functioning. The school district doesn't really understand the inclusion laws, and have put all the sped kids in the same class with the teachers they know can put up with them. He has a girl he likes who goes to gifted with him and to tutoring. They are the only 2 in his class who go to gifted. But there are several who do nothing but fight, and hit other boys. Two are so bad they aren't allowed to eat with the other kids. I understand why there are inclusion laws, and support them, but the lower kids should be spread out. From my understanding, if over half the class is sped, the class is classified as sped so no inclusion is taking place (that is how it was explained in my old district). This is what my son's class has become.

I guess I just remember the old "sped" definition. I know tutoring (and gifted if you want to be technical) are really sped classes, but I meant the more severe learning disabled.

***also, both of my kids went to speech for years, also now classified as "sped."


Sorry I made you twitch!

No problem!

My son inherited a more severe version of a physical co-ordination and perceptual issue that I have. I can't drive because of it, but I'm still hoping he'll be able to when he's old enough. When I was a kid, being labeled sped meant I could not get any accommodations for giftedness - because in those days the two didn't go together. The public system wanted to put me in the low-functioning sped classes, and my mother had to scramble to find me a scholarship to a private school. So that's why I'm a bit twitchy.

I agree absolutely that there should be "soft" streaming. There's been ample research done that shows kid actually do better when grouped with children of roughly similar intellectual ability. In extremely mixed classes the least capable children are constantly having it rubbed in their faces that they're not as smart, and the most capable children aren't getting any instruction at their level. And it's impossible for the teacher!

I'm sorry you guys are stuck in this situation. Nobody wins - not the kids or the teachers.