Homeschooling help needed

[shortbun]

I have considered home schooling for almost a year now. Considered is a benign word in that sentence because I have done no research-I've sat around trying to decide if DS and I would kill each other and I finally know that we would do well - so, what is the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and so forth step/s? Who do I contact? How fast can I get 'approved?' Curriculum, books, testing, awarding grades, standards, cons, cost, can you do it in the summer and take the fall off..that sort of thing? Tell me what I need to know or where I go to find out. Going to the library tomorrow. Any books I need to read? Thanks!!! Love the DIS!!!

 

[Buckalew11]

Check the HSLDA's website for your state's requirements. There will be a lot of info for you there. It will let you know the different ways of doing it, how many hours per day, how many days per school year etc.

Homeschooling is very flexible and has been a wonderful experience for our family. My DD has been doing it for the last 3 years (HS) and is a JR, on her way to college soon. My how time flies but this was the best decision we have ever made.

Good luck!

 

[my3sonsagn]

You definitely need to check the requirements for your state first - they vary greatly. Secondly, what age/grade is your son? In GA homeschooling elementary and middle school is a lot *easier* than high school (assuming your ds will be college bound) which requires you to either pick an accredited program or keep up with a very detailed portfolio of work completed - not sure about other states, but it's something to keep in mind. There are tons of options for homeschooling - many states now have virtual public schools which is paid for by tax dollars the way any public school is; we did that for awhile, but the standardized testing just became overwhelming (it was a key year for the program - they needed to prove results to get continued funding), so that may be a good way to start out. Cost can be as much or as little as you need - I know many people who get almost all of their materials from the library, but I know equally as many who will only use full-curriculum programs. We use kind of a hodgepodge - my oldest ds is in 10th grade, so we have him in a full accredited program; my middle ds is in 5th grade using one program for math, another for English, etc based on the ways he learns best. As for schooling in the summer and skipping the fall, I know in GA we could - so long as our Declaration of Intent is filed by the deadline and our days total the right number, they don't really care what part of the year those days fall on.

I know when I first looked into it (this our third hs year), I almost called the whole thing off because the sheer amount of info and possible ways of doing it were unending - I felt like I'd never be able to *get* it much less do it, but it has turned out to be the best decision we've made! Good luck!

 

[LadyZolt]

Well, the first thing to do is find out what your state's rules are regarding home schooling. I homeschooled in Hawaii and Louisiana, and it was pretty easy in both of those places. My kids just had to take a national test each year so the state knew they really were learning what they should be based on their ages. But every state has its own rules, so that's Step 1.

Next, you can research curricula and choose something that best fits you and your child(ren). Some programs you do completely on your own. Others, you maintain regular contact via email or regular mail and send in lessons or tests, etc. You can also check your local area for homeschooling groups. Some homeschool groups get together for things like field trips to zoos or museums, or for sports. Many public schools will allow homeschool children to join their sports teams even though the child doesn't attend regular classes there. So, you can touch base with the public school your child would have attended had you not homeschooled to see what they offer. Some public schools systems also offer curriculum for homeschoolers, too.

Once you have more information, you'll get your materials and then you'll be ready to actually homeschool. Most homeschooling people have found that it works best to have a specific schedule (like, school is from 8 am to noon, Monday through Friday), and that "class" be held in a specific room. I used the kitchen and put up the alphabet on the walls, a chalkboard, etc., to make it practical. A schedule and set place encourage learning and you and your child can both get into "school mode" by following a schedule.

Pros:
As you said, being able to schedule it when you want to. You can school over the summer and take fall off if that works for you. Remember, though, that the neighbor kids (possibly your child's friends) will have the normal school schedule, and if you get involved in a homeschool group, again there will be more of a traditional schedule.

Generally, it didn't take me long to get through the lesson plans each day. Homeschooling only a few children allows you to progress at your child's pace. If they need to spend more time on math, you can do that.

You will spend lots of time with your kids and will experience things with them. My kids are all grown now, but I cannot count how many times when they were younger other moms would say to me that they really admired the relationship I have with my kids and wish they had it with theirs. Even now that my kids are grown, my DD20's friends have told her dozens of times that they wish they were as close with their moms as my DD is with me. You will never regret spending that time, reading with them, exploring with them, laughing with them, learning with them.

Cons:
Believe it or not, some people don't "get" it and if you take your children shopping with you during normal school hours, people act like you're all playing truant. LOL!

Some will say that kids need more "socialization" than they can get with home schooling. I don't believe this as my kids always were involved in other activities like Sunday school, soccer, karate, Boy Scouts, etc., but I'm listing it so you now some say this. If your kids don't socialize with others, I do think they can benefit from doing so.

Cost -- it can be pricey to get a curriculum. You can shop online to get used ones, or your local used bookstore may have some, too. You can also share with another family, etc. But cost can be a factor.

That's the short version and I wish you the best as you research this. I wish you the best!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[disneyhand]

thepioneerwomandotcom (Ree Drummond) is a fabulous blogger with recipes etc. She also has a home school tab on her main page. I think you will find lots of info and links there. Plus as I said she is fabulous, great fun to read.

Good luck!

 

[Bunchkin]

My DH and I wanted to provide our children a better education than our area offers, but did not feel up to the challenge of setting up an entire cirriculum. As of this past fall, we decided to utilize Connections Academy, a free online public school. Check the web site to see if it is available in your area. The cirriculum is already laid out for you and there are teachers. Both my children are in gifted/talented classes and it is way more challenging than normal brick and mortar public school.
It is a huge commitment. Do some research. Check out different web sites to see if you want to do traditional homeschooling or if you want to do an online public school.

 

[shortbun]

Great info so far! Thanks everyone. I'm doing research today so keep the tips coming!!

 

[Buckalew11]

How old is your son, shortbun?

 

[shortbun]

How old is your son, shortbun?

He's a freshman in high school. Am I crazy? We're in an inter-urban, very poor public school system. It is apparent that they have stretched themselves way too thin. No books, bad teachers, coaches have no supplies-even first aid equipment, focus is on graduating anyone and not on quality education - I think they should be fighting for both...and on and on.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Shortbun, I've done the opposite of what you have done. I've researched a lot but I haven't stepped on the gas so to speak.

Here are some websites you might find helpful:

http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/?source=HF-11-09-10 (I get e-mails from a person that endorses this site)

http://clickschooling.com/ (I get e-mails from this site with daily stuff)

The last two are general resources:

http://www.homeschoolcentral.com/

http://www.homeeddirectory.com/herd_state_resources

That's some. If I can locate some more, I'll post them for you.

Metasearch homeschooling e-mail groups, forums, and support groups for your state. I bet you will find a lot of information specific to your area.

 

[shortbun]

OceanAnnie, do you mean that you've done the research but are holding off homeschooling? If so, can you share why?

 

[OceanAnnie]

OceanAnnie, do you mean that you've done the research but are holding off homeschooling? If so, can you share why?

Yes.

The kids are doing well in school and they are happy. I guess I don't want to fix what isn't broken. I like the idea of homeschooling. Maybe one day.

 

[Deb123]

We love homeschooling!! Best decision we ever made, hands down!!! My oldest is now a JR and I started HSing him in 8th grade. My youngest is in 3rd grade, and he has learned way more than the oldest did when he was in private school that age. Started HSing him in kindergarten. We travel alot and they are just both so well rounded kids from being exposed to more than just a classroom. The curriculum we use for our oldest is the ABEKA dvd's. We use the accredited system with them. My youngest is using the Bob Jones dvd's. Just wonderful programs! Everything is laid out for you and very simple to use. You can look up any of these online. Good Luck!!

 

[shortbun]

Yes.

The kids are doing well in school and they are happy. I guess I don't want to fix what isn't broken. I like the idea of homeschooling. Maybe one day.

Yea, I get it. My son is capable of so much more. He's just not being challenged. For instance, he's a grading period ahead of his Geometry class and the teacher just gave us the codes for him to go online and finish the course. Physical Science is the same thing. In his Humanities Course which is supposed to be an advanced course collaboratively combining Social Studies with Literature...they have watched the film 'oliver twist' and 'I Robot' instead of reading the books. They have not read one complete novel and the assignments are way too easy-little plays and short reports instead of meaty studies the way I did it. Heck in freshman year, we completely read and studied The Iliad and The Odyssey as well as several other types of literature AND had loads of European History. I'm telling you, he's got 'high school lite' going on. I've talked to parents of students in other school systems and private schools; their kids are roaring though the classics, past and current.

I don't intend for him to be overwhelmed with school. I just want him to be prepared for college and life. High school should be college prep, not piece of cake.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Just be careful of the sites you go to. Many of the HS sites are tied to fundamentalist religious instruction.

 

[Buckalew11]

He's a freshman in high school. Am I crazy? We're in an inter-urban, very poor public school system. It is apparent that they have stretched themselves way too thin. No books, bad teachers, coaches have no supplies-even first aid equipment, focus is on graduating anyone and not on quality education - I think they should be fighting for both...and on and on.

Well, since I started homeschooling DD when she was in 9th grade, no! I do not think you are crazy! Here, we are "umbrella-ed" under her previous private school, so I answer to and am accountable to them. I like it that way because I never in my wildest dreams ever thought about homeschholing. I was almost against it, even. We basically started because DD was bullied at a very small school and there was no other group for her to get involved with--this group was about 5 or 6 girls out of about 20 kids (mixed).
That, and she is a very serious student with goals early on while most of the other kids were students more like I was... So, she wasn't very challenged as schools tend to teach down. Maybe if she had been in a different class at this school it could have been different for her--a class where there was some friendly competition, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, we were thrown into in May of her 8th grade year so we tried it in the fall. She has thrived and loved it! Hers, on the HS level, is more of a ISP (Independent Study Program) and she moves at her own pace. She loves school, loves learning and pushes herself.

She's disciplined. Sets her alarm , get up and starts school work between 7 and 7:30 a.m. She finishes about 2 or 3 with a break for lunch. Our state requires 4 hours a day but on the high school level, you are NOT going to finish in 4 hours--no way. She has done several days of school over Christmas break when nothing exciting was happening. This way, she'll finish earlier (probably end of April, first of May). Her BFF is a freshman in college and will get out early for summer break so she is looking forward to getting out around the same time as her.

That's what I like about HSing---the flexibility and moving at your own pace. Mastering lessons and skills. HS material on the high school level is put together very thoroughly and they hit on everything. She finsihes every book where my niece in public school on block schedule may only finish 12 or less of a book. If DD has trouble with a concept, she stays on it until it is mastered. If she gets it quickly, she moves on.
I think your son will probably love that esp. since he is moving on in Geometry on his own.

People may say some darned judemental and negative things to you, so be prepared! Every client of mine had an opinion and felt free to give it to me, Every family member too. Church people were the worst (in my experience). Someone asked me the other day if we were going to TRY and do this all the way until graduation! lol Or, "Is she ever going to go back to school?" Oh Lord. She will have enough credits to graduate next December so we will see if she does or chooses to finish in June. we have a lot of ground to explore in cover between now and then, that's for sure!!

Under your circumstances, I think you'll be happy doing homeschooling. Your son has always sounded grounded and level-headed and will probably thrive.

 

[MiniGirl]

Welcome to the wonderful world of homeschooling. My girls are younger, so I really don't know much about homeschooling a high schooler. I do know that many homeschoolers take advantage of the local community college and take many, many college courses during high school. In fact, many graduate high school with an associate degree in place already. I don't know if that is an option where you are though.

As far as books..... So You're Thinking About Homeschooling by Lisa Whelchel (sorry. my spelling may be off) is a good resource. It shows some of the many different ways of homeschooling. Cathy Duffy's book is good as well.

Also, as a pp mentioned, some sites are run by fundamentalist religious groups. However, they still offer some good tips. It is a case of just sifting through what would and wouldn't work for you.

 

[shortbun]

The thing that is holding me back is the social. He's got loads of great friends who are around here all the time-too much sometimes, lol-and I really guess I don't need to worry about that. He didn't care for the school's basketball program because he saw the coaches neglecting injured players and that just didn't fly with him. smart kid. He's not going to the NBA or anything so he's happy to play in some of the private leagues and is going to play AAU again this year. Guess I need to dive in and get something organized. I'm a tad worried about what he's already done this year and IF it will count or IF he has to do it all again. Guess I'll figure that out somehow. I'd like to get started this winter while the call of the outdoors is not complicating our lives.

 

[OceanAnnie]

The thing that is holding me back is the social. He's got loads of great friends who are around here all the time-too much sometimes, lol-and I really guess I don't need to worry about that. He didn't care for the school's basketball program because he saw the coaches neglecting injured players and that just didn't fly with him. smart kid. He's not going to the NBA or anything so he's happy to play in some of the private leagues and is going to play AAU again this year. Guess I need to dive in and get something organized. I'm a tad worried about what he's already done this year and IF it will count or IF he has to do it all again. Guess I'll figure that out somehow. I'd like to get started this winter while the call of the outdoors is not complicating our lives.

When I first started researching homeschooling, that was my sticking point too. But I found out pretty quickly there are many, many opportunities to be had.

That's kind of the downside of public education (to me). The kids are locked into such a schedule at school and afterwards (with homework) that there are lots of things we can't do.

The funny thing that still rings in my ears to this day is a saying I heard from teachers over the years while in public school. This was said when kids were talkative. "You aren't here to socialize!". Man. Was that drummed into our heads. Of course socialization is a by product of school (not the only way to achieve it), but those memories are funny now.

 

[shortbun]

When I first started researching homeschooling, that was my sticking point too. But I found out pretty quickly there are many, many opportunities to be had.

That's kind of the downside of public education (to me). The kids are locked into such a schedule at school and afterwards (with homework) that there are lots of things we can't do.

The funny thing that still rings in my ears to this day is a saying I heard from teachers over the years while in public school. This was said when kids were talkative. "You aren't here to socialize!". Man. Was that drummed into our heads. Of course socialization is a by product of school (not the only way to achieve it), but those memories are funny now.

Yeah, a very wise mother once said to me, "school is for socialization and the real education happens at home." She was referring to her very gifted child who was getting almost no enrichment in public school because they didn't have the time or money in her system. Her son was offered three full rides in engineering and one in music as well as other offers from colleges. That boys' parents were fully engaged in his education as opposed to most parents who leave it to the school. I think we are going to home school. the amount of information is daunting. Research is my specialty but sifting through the carp is tough. Thanks everyone!!