Homeschooling programs, requirements, etc?

[Cyntillations]

We've been thinking about homeschooling one of our kids (DS12) due to problems he's been having in public school, and have been recommended to look into Alpha Omega Publications.

Where is the best place to buy the required materials? Online? In-store? eBay?

What else will we need besides the main package?

Is the Bible curriculum actually required?
(Not that I'm against the Bible or anything like that, but we've got very limited funds, and that would probably be the first thing dropped. Don't look at me like that, DS gets Bible teaching already)

Is there anything we're overlooking?

Thanks in advance!

 

[AQW]

Sorry to hear your DS is having problems... I'm a staunch homeschooling advocate, so I think it sounds wonderful that you might be bringing him home!

First thing you need to do is find out the homeschooling requirements for your state. HSing is legal in every state; however, each state has its own requirements for record-keeping, etc. One good place to start finding information is through HSLDA (www.hslda.org).

At that point, you're ready to think about what you actually want to *do* in your homeschool. Traditional curriculum is one way to go (usually called "school-at-home" in the HSing community). Alpha Omega would be one example, but there are TONS of different curricula available. Other options are classical education, unit studies, relaxed/eclectic (that's me!), or even unschooling. You would be well-served by doing a little research on the different kinds of home education, so you can pick something best suited to your DS's learning style.

One thing I *strongly* recommend is a period of de-schooling. Institutionalized schooling is all-encompassing... it affects how we process, how we view time, how we view learning, and how we view our own efficacy and worth. It takes time to recover from all that. The standard recommendation is to de-school (essentially doing NOTHING with curriculum) for at least one week for every year the child was in institutionalized school. So give DS 6-7 weeks off from curriculum - and that gives you time to get your ducks in a row and do some research about how you want to proceed. The deschooling time can be VERY stressful for the parent - thinking the child will fall behind, or will think that HSing is all fun and games, etc. - but it really is critical. Choose some activities that mesh with your DS's natural bent. You have the wonderful bonus that the deschooling period would carry you through the holidays, and you can start actively HSing in the new year.

I am PMing you with my email address - please feel free to email me any time. I'm more than happy to answer any questions you have, recommend some books/resources, or help you find information.

 

[momof4squids]

I agree with everything AQW mentioned. The de schooling part is a hard one to wrap your brain around...but it is very important. Homeschooling is a concept where children learn to love learning. They are taught HOW to learn...not "what" to learn.

If you provide a rich learning enviornment (library books on how things work, usborne books on history of___, ban the television and video games, require daily reading, pull out the lego box (lego website has some lessons and teacher helps, borrow or buy electronic snap circuits or something like that and have him work through the books of experments, tour your community, have him balance your check book, discuss family budget, look into 4H groups...the options are endless).

The goal of this de schooling time is to break away and learn from your surroundings and get back to that place where learning is fun.

Look at http://jeanniefulbright.com/ she wrote the Apologia series of elementry science books...she has some really good articles on homeschooling.

Remember, homeschooling is not school at home. Enjoy this time with your son and provide a rich enviornment for natural learning..then look at programs.
Check out TRISMS it is all the subjects rolled into one (have to add some math) and it is studies in Scientist, Explorers and Inventors.

 

[kbkids]

I'm a little of ahead of myself, but home schooling may be in the future for us next year short term. My DS is in 1st grade and doing well in public schools. I'm pleased with our school system here, but I have serious problems with 3 of the 2nd grade teachers in my kids' school. I have always said that if either of my child got one of them, if the principal wouldn't work with us, that we would be home schooling that year. It's not something we would do long term, just that year only. My DD ended up with the teacher I would have hand picked for her in 2nd grade if I had been allowed too, so we got through that year without my fears coming true. However, I'm already stressing over DS and 2nd grade next year. If he ends up in one those classes and I have to pull him out, I want to be teaching pretty much the same thing he would be learning at class since he would be going back to public school in 3rd grade. DD's 2nd grade teacher gave me several extra workbooks when DD was in her class that I have saved in the event I need them - but any suggestions on where I start if I have to go this route next year?

 

[DawnM]

It is a bit overwhelming when you first start.

No, you don't HAVE to teach Bible, you only have to teach what your state says you have to teach. For NC, I think that is Language Arts, Math, Science and History.

You also don't HAVE to use a curriculum at all. It really depends on your style.

There is just so much out there.

There is even a book called, "Homeschooling on a Shoestring." I think she really says that if you have a Bible and a library card, you are good! But if you don't want to do Bible, you certainly don't have to.

We have used Sonlight for several things and Singapore Math, some Abeka language arts, and now we have completely switched and we are using Tapestry of Grace and Character Quality Language Arts (we just got it, I think that is the name.) All are Christian based, but there are many curriculums that are not. Calvert is a full curriculum that is secular.

Take some time, learn what style your son prefers, what you prefer and what would work best for all of you.....and THEN buy.

Dawn

 

[cglaura]

I'm using Alpha Omega Lifepac right now.

The bible curriculm isn't required, unless you order the full set. You can order individually though. That is what I did, as dd15 is in grade 10 for some subjects, grade 11 for others.

We used the computer program one year. I found she didn't retain as much though because it was difficult to go back and review. With the Lifepac you have booklets, and it is much easier to go right to the information you want.

Note though, that there are many bible references in some lessons, but it isn't too bothersome.

I order directly form AOP.

If you happen to be a member at sunshinerewards, they are on their shopping section at 6% back. Which is nice rebate w/ the price of curriculums!

I have been homeschooling since day one, so I can't offer any advice to the transition, but I would not change it for anything.

 

[kwaisun]

homeschoolestore.com has a free downloadable unit study or lesson plan every week. You can start downloading them now. We download them all because you never know what you will need when.

Without knowing what state you are in, it is hard to help with requirements.

We use Sonlight and love it. We use Math-U-See and Singapore Math for math and Artistic Persuits for Art. Order a lot of free homeschool catalogs and use them for book ideas. Then check them out at your local library. Rainbow Resource is one of the best sources for all things homeschool (excellent prices too). You can also check out their holiday catalog and get a ton of Christmas shopping done.

The big Alaskan dog sled race, the Iditarod, is used by a lot of homeschoolers as a lesson plan. Do a search for homeschool Iditarod lesson plans and try it for a little homeschool dry run.

 

[kwaisun]

rainbowresource.com has below retail prices on AlphaOmega.

 

[sukaryan]

Hey gals,
just wanted to add my two cents. I think a time to just to take a deep breath and just investigate your options.
We have been homeschooling from the beginning for about 3 years now. We love it and wouldnt do anything us. Good luck!

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I just started homeschooling my kids this year, I wish I had heard of "de-schooling". We did take the entire summer break off and just decompress, but we jumped right in when the traditional school year started.

I would also suggest, in addition to what other posters have mentioned, joining a local homeschool group. I googled "homeschool groups" with my city/state and found a local one that has been a wealth of information and has helped me find resources I never would have found otherwise.

 

[da-winnie-pooh]

Personally, I was under-whelmed with Alpha/Omega. BUT you might save money if you have a Lifeway store near you. They have a punch card, you get 10 punches and save 25% off of your next purchase. That's how I got my A/O curriculum.

We're using the Abeka DVD program now, VERY Christian, probably more legalistic than we'd prefer. It's also very much a school at home program. Dd is thriving, but she'd thrive doing pretty much anything. Ds isn't thriving, but he's learning.

Good luck to you!

 

[lostmom]

I have been homeschooling now for about three weeks or so. I didn't have a clue what to do so the safe bet for me was the a beka video curriculum. They lay it all out for me no thought involved. My state had different laws as every state does. check out those requirements first. good luck!

 

[Cyntillations]

Thank you all so much for your replies! I will definitely be re-visiting this thread (if I ever misplace any of the info, lol) and visiting all the sites noted here.

Hubby bought a few books yesterday....
Homeschool Your Child For Free by Laura Maery Gold & Joan M. Zielinski
Homeschooling 101 by Mark & Christine Field
Homeschooling For Dummies by Jennifer Kaufeld

We're also checking into ACE Ministries.

I'm kind of unsure about the de-schooling downtime.... DS has been very uncooperative at school, not doing much work at all, just reading or messing with other students or things that don't belong to him. Mostly reading, thank God.

Oh, that's another thing.... the Christian theme doesn't bother me one bit; quite the contrary, I consider it a very important asset and focus in the curriculum, but it's kind of redundant since he already gets Bible teaching and Christian values at home. I just got a few looks (you know the kind) when I mentioned that we probably wouldn't be getting the Bible portion of AO.

OK, back to the de-schooling thing.... since he's so far behind, would it still be necessary to let him have the downtime? He's basically been enforcing his own downtime already.

Now, I need to get a new printer to print off worksheets for DS. Unless someone knows how to properly realign the print heads after they were fiddled with a whole lot, lol.

 

[horseshowmom]

We did A Beka, and DD did very well with it. She's now in pharmacy school and so far has gotten $50,000-60,000 worth of scholarships.

There is another option if you're interested in online education. Florida Virtual School has a program that's open to students anywhere (middle and high school students). I think they call that branch Florida Virtual Global School. Their test scores have been excellent, and the program seems to be very well organized.

http://www.flvsgs.net/index.php/e_solutions/for_students.html

 

[Cyntillations]

Cool, thanks, we'll look into that, too!

 

[castleview]

I'm a little of ahead of myself, but home schooling may be in the future for us next year short term. My DS is in 1st grade and doing well in public schools. I'm pleased with our school system here, but I have serious problems with 3 of the 2nd grade teachers in my kids' school. I have always said that if either of my child got one of them, if the principal wouldn't work with us, that we would be home schooling that year. It's not something we would do long term, just that year only. My DD ended up with the teacher I would have hand picked for her in 2nd grade if I had been allowed too, so we got through that year without my fears coming true. However, I'm already stressing over DS and 2nd grade next year. If he ends up in one those classes and I have to pull him out, I want to be teaching pretty much the same thing he would be learning at class since he would be going back to public school in 3rd grade. DD's 2nd grade teacher gave me several extra workbooks when DD was in her class that I have saved in the event I need them - but any suggestions on where I start if I have to go this route next year?

I quickly learned that I can't go by what other parents say about individual teachers...no matter how much I respect that parent. Every kid is different and you never know how they will interact with that student. Although I'm not big on homeschooling, Lisa Whelchel (yes, the Facts of Life girl) has an interesting portion on homeschooling on her website. I'm sure the moms on this thread can tell you if its worth looking at. Good luck!

 

[princesspwrhr]

Welcome to a whole new lifestyle! Homeschooling is far more than an educational choice.

I have to disagree with starting with HSLDA. Their website offers a brief synopsis of your state law based on their lawyers interpretations of it. Their synopsis is *completely* wrong for my state. You are better off searching 'your state' homeschool laws. Normally the information is buried somwhere on the state DOE webpage, but only a bloodhound or google can find it! LOL

After reading the HSLDA website if you feel ike you *have*to join before Child Protection Services comes beating down your door, please make an informed choice by reading all of the fine print. On their website, they tell you regardless of dues paid that they do not have to represent you and list several cases where they will not. They also lobby for other non homeschooling issues which gives the incorrect impression that ALL homeschoolers feel this way when in fact just a percentage of them do. If after reading all of the information you still feel you want to join, then by all means do as you have made an informed choice in the best interest of your family.

As for de-schooling or detox - it's not really from the school 'work', it's more from the school way of life. It's detoxing from the misconstrued thinking that learning only happens between the hours of 7am and 4pm while sitting in a desk being lectured to, working out of often bland and watered down texts and doing worksheets designed as busywork. It is a period that is reccomened so that you and your child can spend some time getting used to your days and your temperments being in close contact for suddenly longer periods of time, to learn to enjoy each others company again and to explore ways that learning can happen 'out of the box'. Methods of homeschooling range from 'school at home' which is the stereotypical child sitting at kitchen table and parent recreating the school atmosphere to unschooling and everything in between. You can use this detox period to determine how your child learns best (is it visual through reading & seeing, tactile by doing, etc) and work your way of teaching into their way of learning to achieve the maximum required results.

(before the anti homeschool lurkers respond - my major is in early childhood education, I'm not against a properly run public school - my idea of properly run and the current popular idea are just vastly different. )

If you choose to do an online school, read carefully again - many online schools are in actuality public school programs and are bound by the same requirements as the public schools - not the state homeschool statute. This may or may not work for you - only you can make that desicion.

When choosing materials don't feel bound to a box curriculum. If like the math from this and the science from that and LA from over here, you CAN do that.

Remember the difference in the definitions of the words SOCIALIZING and SOCIALIZATION. Socialization is "a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position." This is best not handled by a group of same age peers. Socializing is "the act of meeting for social purposes" - something not really allowed during the school day. Often the two words are intertwined - so unless you plan to chain yoru son to the kicthen table or hide him in a closet and never again let him see the light of day - don't stress on the 'what about socialization' question.

 

[AQW]

Princesspwrhr, what state do you live in, if you don't mind me asking? (PM me if you don't want to share publicly). I'd be interested to hear how HSLDA has all the information for your state wrong on their site.

Do you have another site you recommend for people seeking basic information on the legalities of homeschooling in all 50 states? I have no personal investment in HSLDA (and to be clear, I was not recommending the organization, but suggesting their website as a place to find links to state laws). I'd love to look at other options of sites that offer a synopsis of HSing laws for each state. I've found it less-than-helpful to recommend newbies read the education law for themselves from the get-go; not only do the documents tend to be difficult to slog through, but even legal experts disagree about what passages may or may not pertain to HSing.

 

[horseshowmom]

Princesspwrhr, what state do you live in, if you don't mind me asking? (PM me if you don't want to share publicly). I'd be interested to hear how HSLDA has all the information for your state wrong on their site.
Do you have another site you recommend for people seeking basic information on the legalities of homeschooling in all 50 states? I have no personal investment in HSLDA (and to be clear, I was not recommending the organization, but suggesting their website as a place to find links to state laws). I'd love to look at other options of sites that offer a synopsis of HSing laws for each state. I've found it less-than-helpful to recommend newbies read the education law for themselves from the get-go; not only do the documents tend to be difficult to slog through, but even legal experts disagree about what passages may or may not pertain to HSing.

I checked just out of curiousity, and it was correct for my state (can't speak for other states, of course).

 

[princesspwrhr]

I thought my state was listed under my name - but it's VA. Here's the HSLDA page about our state http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=VA

and here's what your options ACTUALLY are

To homeschool you must submit an annual notice of intent to the local school district showing that you are in compliance with one of the four options 1) hold a high school diploma or higher 2) hold a current teaching certificate for the state of VA 3) use an approved corespondence course or 4) submit evidence *why* you are eligible to provide an education to your child -or- state that your curriculum will meet or exceed the State Standards of Learning for the appropriate grade (option 4 is the only one with an -or-). The notice of intent must be submitted within 30 days of starting to operate a homeschool and then by AUg 15 of each year. Evidence of adequate academic achievement in the form of a nationally normed standardized test, a portfolio, or an independant evaluation from a certified teacher must be presented to the local school superintendent by Aug 1 of each school year following the first year that the child was 6 on or before Sept 30. (so if your K/1 wasn't 6 by Sept 30 you don't have to submit evidence)

To satisfy the Cumpulsory Attendence statue of the law you have the following options
1) public, private or religous school
2)religous exemption - true many do homeschool under this option, but it's not listed as a homeschool option
3)certified tutor - again many homeschool under this, but it's not under the homeschool statute
4) homeschool using one of the 4 homeschool statute options.

The HSLDA page is just confusing. We get people on local & state email lists and message boards saying that they are going to homeschool under option 2 - the religous exemption option, or option 5 under option 1 and it takes many questions to figure out exactly what they mean since neither of those are really options. So they start out confused, which does nothing for self confidence. HSLDA is based here in VA, you'd think they'd get at least this state right!

I know what you mean about even those fluent in leagalese not agreeing on what things mean. Prior to July 6, 2006, option 1 stated that you had to have a 4 year degree. It was lowered to High School Diploma and after MUCH debate and meetings between our state groups and the state DOE it was unfortunately determined that since it lacked the words 'or equivilant' that a GED recipient can not use that option, but even though it lacks the words 'or higher' a parent holding a 4 year degree can still use that option.

I do conceed that it can be overwhelming to start by reading the legal jargon. Heck it's overwhelming just making the decision and seeing all of your curricular options! I may have worded poorly, what I was getting at is that you can often find a more accurate wording of your state laws by googling your state homeschool laws. Yes, you will find the actual law as well, and it never hurts to know exactly how that is worded, but you should also find state support group webpages with explinations as well as the state DOE interpretation.

I realize you weren't suggesting membership - I was just pointing out that since they are a memebr driven operation that those interested should 'read the fine print' as it were to make an informed decision right for their family.

For basics on Homeschooling www.nhen.org is a good place to start. If you feel the need to have legal back up for peace of mind or for other reasons another option is http://nheld.com/index.htm There are more of course, but these are 2 that I have bookmarked. And of course - always read the fine print and make a decision for your own family. Most of the stuff I have bookmarked is state specific.