Homeschooling, where to begin????

[AMaloy314]

We have made the decision to homeschool DSs (8 and 6). I know it is the right thing to do for our family, but I'm terrified. I've given myself the deadline of August 1 to start. I am not sure if this is something that I will be able to handle, so if I can't do it for a month they could always end up enrolling back in public school at the first of Sept. (My kids' education is not something that I want to screw up.)

Where in the world do I begin??

My first purchase was to order Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks, but that is still on the way. I can't find a local homeschooling organization (we are about 45 mins from Columbus, Ohio) via the internet, so I'm not sure where to begin to ask questions around here.

Just the thought of choosing a curriculum is giving me heart palpitations, and I know that is only one part of it. How do I figure out what their 'learning styles' are so that I choose the right type?

What kind of records do I need to keep? How do I find out if they are really learning anything? I don't think my kids are incredibly gifted, but I don't want them to fall behind their peers in public school in case this doesn't work for us and they have to go back.

Is there a place that you send all your beginner homeschooling pals? I really need to figure out what the heck I'm doing.

You guys all sound like experts. I want to be like you when I grow up to be a homeschool teacher.

 

[caytlyn]

Sonlight.com has a lot of useful information.

 

[dizcrazee]

I recommend that you start off very simply this year just to gain confidence and get used to this new way of life. I encourage you to check out the ACE program at ACE ministries for Christian-oriented material, or Curriculum Services for secular material. Either one of these companies can provide you with a comprehensive package complete with record keeping forms and instructions. They will both send you a catalog that will explain how they work. You may eventually decide to add more material or change altogether, but both of these programs will give you a good place to start and help you get set up. Good luck!

 

[AQW]

Welcome to homeschooling!

The first thing I would recommend is to relax. Honestly, you're not going to do anything in a year of homeschooling that would mess up your kids for life. I would definitely NOT start in August so you have a month to try it out and can send them to school in September if it's "not working" - that's way too much pressure! Maybe decide to do it for a year, and put them in school if you want to after that.

You're definitely on the right track in seeking out your children's learning style(s). Your choices of curriculum - if you choose to use curriculum, that is! - should depend heavily on the individual learning styles of your children - plus, it's a really neat thing to discover. There are a few books you can use... I will try to remember to come back to this thread with the title of the one I recommend, because it is *completely* escaping me at the moment. Feel free to PM me if I forget!

Do some reading for yourself, if you haven't already - arm yourself with good stuff from John Holt, John Taylor Gatto, the Moores, the Quines, Ruth Beechick, etc. etc. etc. The #1 book I recommend is "Things We Wish We'd Known" edited by Diana Waring - it's a collection of essays from veteran homeschoolers giving advice to newbies and sharing what they did right and wrong in the early years. It's an old book and might be hard to find, but definitely worth looking for. I'm also a big fan of the Moore's work, particularly "Better Late Than Early". With kids your sons' ages, that would be an *excellent* read for you.

As for requirements, you will need to learn what is necessary for your state. I'm in CA, so I can't offer firsthand experience there. Some states require testing, some don't. Some require you to register with the board of education, some don't. Some require curriculum outlines, some don't. And they're all different in what kinds of records they require you to keep. That's something you simply don't want to mess up on, so I would recommend you look into finding a *statewide* homeschool association to join - they will have all the correct information for you and can assist you in ensuring compliance with the law.

Sorry to blather on... please, feel free to PM me anytime if you want to chat about homeschooling!

 

[npmommie]

why are you planning to homeschool?
first i would check into the laws in your state.......www.hslda.org has tons of information about each state, they also have links to state organizations and groups.
you may buy curriculum and it may not work, you just try something else. you don't have to buy a soup to nuts curriculum either. i piece ours together from different sources.
www.rainbowresource.com has almost anything and everything and good prices too. request a catalog, they have short reviews about the products they sell too.
look locally for a support group, find other homeschoolers, once you start looking and get connected you will find many are out there!
I would not put pressure on my self to see if it works in a month, you will need time to work out the kinks. for them to deschool and learn at home.
remember learning takes place 24/7, they don't need to be sitting down "doing school" to be learning.
take advantage of libraries, museums, science centers, art classes, etc etc, and you will find other homeschoolers this way too.

the most important thing to do first is find out to legally homeschool in your state.
good luck!!

 

[luckey-lasvegas]

You might want to consider doing a virtual classroom. My DD11 just finished her first year with connections academy and we had a great year. They are available in Ohio, www.connectionsacademy.com , it might be the compromise between public school and home schooling your looking for.

Good luck with your endevor.

 

[In a hurry]

http://www.cheohome.org/

This weekend. We considered homeschooling, but need another year of my teaching salary to pay off the house. Good luck!

eta: Actually next weekend!

 

[AMaloy314]

Wow! Thanks, everyone!

I'm going to try to get to the CHEO Convention next weekend. I hope that I have a handle on what I'm getting into at that point.

Why am I wanting to homeschool?

Easy. I want to take responsibiliy for what my kids learn. I want my sons to like to learn. I also want to monitor what my kids are exposed to each day.

I do not want them growing up thinking it is normal for a friend's Daddy to go to jail for beating up the mommy.

I want the last two weeks of the school year to be more than movies and extra recesses. At least I can take them to the zoo or museums.

I want to know that if my child needs extra time on a subject that they can have it, even if the school doesn't believe in 'grade retention'. I also want to know that if they are ready to move on, they don't have to wait for the slowest child in the class (or the child that got pushed on before they were ready.)

My biggest concern, I think, is not knowing what to teach them and when. I can totally see myself forgetting to teach them a unit on money, just because it isn't something that I thought to do. I know that it is impossible because of children's differences, but I wish there was a list of things that we should be sure to remember to teach them at certain ages. For instance, I wouldn't expect a 3 month old to be talking, but I would definitely be concerned if they weren't talking at 6 years. When do I become concerned if they have bad spelling? How old should they be to have a concept of fractions?

<sigh> It just seems overwhelming. But I'm not giving up.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[In a hurry]

There are books/lists that allow you to check off what is expected, and what is learned.

This is a huge gathering with tons and tons of venders. You will be overwhelmed!!!!! So, take it in stride!

 

[MiniGirl]

COngratulations on making your decision. Just a few weeks ago I was where you are now. My girls are 8 and 6 -- entering 3rd and 1st grade. We are actually keeping our youngest in school for another year and only bringing our oldest home. There are a few reasons for that, and I won't get into it here unless you want me to. LOL!! However, we were never unhappy with our dds' school, so leaving 1 there in not a big deal to us.

First and foremost, as others have said, you need to find out the rules and regulations in your state. We are fortunately that our state is a very friendly homeschooling state. Secongly, what do you want to accomplish in your homeschool. In other words, what do you want to do that the schools aren't doing? For us, it was a solid Christian education. We want our children to see God and His Creation in their everyday lives. We also want to spend some time with them studying the Bible and working on character traits. Also, since this is new to me, I wanted a curriculum that had everything planned out for me, but was still flexible. We ended up going with My Father's World. We'll be doing Adventures starting the middle of next month. Actually, we're going to start doing math next week. Just math and just 2 days a week. (That is a weak area for my dd, and we are actually starting her a little behind where she is, so this will be easy for her.) We also ordered all of the math and language arts recommended by MFW as well. I just found it easier to do this. Once I did this, my anxiety and stress about the whole thing lessened dramatically.

Piecing together curriculums is very doable and effective, and RainbowResource is amazing. I just found it all too overwhelming. The rainbowresource catalog is the size of a phone book and just overwhelmed me more. However, as I become more comfortable with homeschooling, I'm sure it will become invaluable to me.

I also agree with the previous poster who said that you need to commit to at least 1 year. We have decided to just take it a year at a time. I just find that to be less daunting. Finally, I will leave you with what a friend of mine told me. I was worried about my tendency towards laziness and how that would effect my kiddos in the long run, and she told me not to worry. In her 3 years of homeschooling, they had plenty of lazy days where little to nothing got accomplished, but our children are always learning anyway. When they re-entered school, her children were at or ahead of their peers with one or 2 small areas and those gaps were quickly closed. She said that those years with her children at home were so precious though, and she would always treasure them. She also assurred me that my dd would not fall behind regardless of any of my shortcomings.

We are in Florida and have decided to start mid-July. It is too hot to play outside anyway. This way we can take more breaks during the cooler months. I know we will have to work around the school schedule still because of our youngest, but the following year will be great if it goes as I hope and we have both girls home by then. Also, MFW is pretty much set up as a 4 day school week and one light or easy day, and I am excited about this as well. I believe other programs do this as well. It leaves a day for field trips or a co-op or to just relax. I found that appealling.

Good luck to you. I'm sure it will be a great year for you -- and us, too.

 

[MiniGirl]

Okay, please ignore all the typos in my previous post. I had to keep stopping to get/do stuff for the girls, so it took so long to type up that I didn't proofread. Sorry.

 

[Arky]

Hi from another Buckeye!

Homeschooling can be so overwhelming. It can also be the best thing you've ever done.

Every family is different. Every student within that family is different. I can't say this is the one curriculum everyone should use. However, homeschooling has become a multi million dollar business. So there are lots of choices to consider.

I think going to the conference in Columbus is a great idea. I'm in SW ohio and I'm hoping I can go too. My advice is that you have a game plan for the conference. Look at the workshop schedule ahead of time to know which sessions you want to hear. Then the in between time spend in the book fair.

My sister is considering homeschooling next year and she and I went through the schedule yesterday. Here's what I told her.

David Hazell - great speaker - his wife wrote the My Father's World curriculum which I use. It's a Bible based classical education. I love it because it tells me what to teach, it gives daily lesson plans for me to follow. The early years provide great phonics instruction using the Bible. David Hazell is so easy to listen to and provide great help for homeschooling in general.

Jessica Hulcy- wrote the Konos curriculum. 20+ years experience homeschooling. Fun speaker to hear. She uses a unit study approach to homeschooling. So worth hearing as well

There are sessions on homeschooling and notification. They're not exactly fun, but needed so that you understand the basics.

Do you know what type of curriculum you want to use? Literature based, unit study, classical. I just ask because if you are leaning one direction, some of us might point you to the good curriculums to consider.

You're always free to PM me. Homeschooling is a topic I feel strongly in. I have tons to say, but I don't want to scare you either. Homeschooling is a great decision for any family. It won't always be easy, you won't always feel successful, but you are showing your kids you love them and want what is best for them.

Maybe we could meet in Columbus!

http://www.cheohome.org/getting_started/started/board_members.htm This gives a contact person for your area that could help you find a local support group.

 

[PA Princess]

Why am I wanting to homeschool?

Easy. I want to take responsibiliy for what my kids learn. I want my sons to like to learn. I also want to monitor what my kids are exposed to each day.

I do not want them growing up thinking it is normal for a friend's Daddy to go to jail for beating up the mommy.

I want the last two weeks of the school year to be more than movies and extra recesses. At least I can take them to the zoo or museums.

I want to know that if my child needs extra time on a subject that they can have it, even if the school doesn't believe in 'grade retention'. I also want to know that if they are ready to move on, they don't have to wait for the slowest child in the class (or the child that got pushed on before they were ready.)

My biggest concern, I think, is not knowing what to teach them and when.

Hello from another homeschooling mom

First, relax...you will be really hard pressed to do any one thing in a quick fashion that will permanently mar your child's education - really. Learning is a marathon (really a life long marathon), and not a sprint. So just make a plan, start a course, and revise as needed. Some things will work and some will not - that is okay. Even schools constantly revise and change as needed (and political whims arise). Just want to offer you that encouragement

As for what you want to teach...sounds like you have some basic ideas already in what you listed:

1. You want your kids to like to learn, so find topics in which they are especially interested and study those. For example, study dinosaurs...make spelling words about dinos, draw dinos, do an archaelogical dig, use measurement tools to map out in real life the size of various dinos, write a dino story, etc, etc. I find that wrapping several subjects around a key interest area really captures my kids' imaginations. This type of approach is called a Unit Study...tons available to buy or you can make your own.

2. You want to plan a ton of field trips. I have found that buying zoo and museum memberships is a wonderful thing. We tend to go often (though we stay for less time) and we like to really focus in on one area and just absorb everything there. Another bonus is all of the extra special events (including homeschooling events) that members are offered. Look around and see what kind of great museums and things are in your area.

3. You want your kids to work at their own pace, so I would advise that you select a basic math and language arts program (there are a ton available) and allow them to start at grade level and work at a pace that is comfortable to them...going faster or slower as they exhibit signs of readiness to move on.

4. As a homeschooling mom in 2008 the really great news is that we do not have to invent the wheel Just because you are the teacher, does not mean you have to write the whole curriculum, too Select a well known book company for basic textbooks in math and language arts. These will keep you on task and allow you to not "forget" to teach something.

Your children are young and you have time to figure out how to work the homeschool adventure for your family - hope it is an exciting and enjoyable journey!

 

[AQW]

I *strongly* recommend going to hear Jessica Hulcy speak if you can... I didn't know a thing about her when I went to one of her sessions last year, and she had me in absolute stitches - she's a total character, full of energy and very knowledgeable.

My biggest concern, I think, is not knowing what to teach them and when. I can totally see myself forgetting to teach them a unit on money, just because it isn't something that I thought to do.

One of the great things about homeschooling is that your children do not have to learn things on artifically-imposed timelines... they will learn about money when they have a need to learn about money. They will learn from being by your side at the grocery store, the bank, and the ATM. As they grow, let them help you put together the household budget, and teach them how to handle a checking account and write the bills. Do you think kids NEED to know that by age 18? I do. And guess what? Most public schools don't teach it.

I didn't "teach a unit on money"... but you'd better believe my 6yo knows the value of the various coins and bills. Why? Because I started giving him allowance on his fifth birthday, and he wants to know what combination adds up to the most money. Truthfully, he learned about money the same way he learned about the state flags, the human body, sign language, and several other topics - from a placemat. Yep... we homeschool by placemat. www.painlesslearning.com

I know that it is impossible because of children's differences, but I wish there was a list of things that we should be sure to remember to teach them at certain ages.

There are lists you can use as guidelines - there's a decent one on the Worldbook site, you can usually access the public school state standards on the web somewhere, or you can look into the "What Your _____ Grader Needs To Know" volumes. You won't be high and dry, I promise. You will ABSOLUTELY shoot too high, rather than too low. I guarantee it. Don't worry about the infamous "gaps in education"... do you think anybody has ever graduated from any school anywhere without "gaps" in their education? Nope. I would recommend you don't let your kiddos reach adulthood without learning their times tables... but otherwise, it's all good.

 

[disneyfinatics]

I've been homeschooling my guys since the beginning. They are going into 6th & 7th grade. We like Switched on SchoolHouse. http://www.aop.com It can be used starting in 3rd grade, we used the lifepacs & Horizons they have before that. They are computer based. You assign the school days & pick the grading options- it assings the schoolwork & does a lot of the grading. I would look in Yahoo groups and see if their might be a group near you. That's how I found ours. A lot of churches offer umbrella programs, which means they will monitor you instead of the school district. They usually get together for different activities.

 

[disneyfinatics]

.

Piecing together curriculums is very doable and effective, and RainbowResource is amazing. I just found it all too overwhelming. The rainbowresource catalog is the size of a phone book and just overwhelmed me more. However, as I become more comfortable with homeschooling, I'm sure it will become invaluable to me.

I totally agree w/ this. Every year when I get the catalog it fries my brain. It is a great resource, just don't panic when you get the catalog. There are tons of websites w/ downloadable dittos you can use to help supliment in areas you need. One thing I will recommend is A Reason For Spelling. We just got it and I wish I had found it sooner. Once you find the curicculum you can also look on ebay to get it used. If you need any help we're all here for you! You can also pm me or us my reg. email sbrentlinger@yahoo.com.

 

[bear74]

I am considering Homeschooling our DD who will be 5 in July. I too am overwhelmed. I am trying to figure out DD's learning style.

 

[npmommie]

My biggest concern, I think, is not knowing what to teach them and when. I can totally see myself forgetting to teach them a unit on money, just because it isn't something that I thought to do. I

check out http://www.worldbook.com/wb/Students?curriculum
it will give you a typical couse of study for the different grades, you can also use the "what your ____ grader needs to know" books, they are very good.

also let go of the arbitrary timetables, your kids will learn what they need to know. don't worry, like i said before learning happens all the time. you don't have to "teach money" for them to learn it for instance.
we lean toward unschooling here, although we are not technically unschoolers since i do use a math curriculum ( singapore)..........and only because my dd likes to do workbooks..........they learn all the time, even when it isn't traditional lessons, they learn.
good luck!

 

[dijid]

Greetings from another Ohio Homeschooling Mom! You've gotten a lot of good advice already. I'm going to suggest you join the Ohio Homeschool Yahoo Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/oh-homeschool/ as it may help you to find some other homeschoolers in your area. There's also a sample notification letter in the files in case you need it.

You mentioned you were worried about teaching them things at the wrong time. If you request the Connections Academy info brochure, you'll be able to quickly see what the state requires at different levels by looking at what they teach each year. I found it really insightful. The department of education also puts out grade level brochures that outline the standards, but I stopped getting those. I've chosen to follow the Core Knowledge sequence, use the free Baltimore Curriculum Project lesson plans, and go with my kids interests when they get excited about something.

And don't forget Disney has homeschooling days! I really want to do this next year, but I think budget is going to force us not to. Oh well.