How many Dis'ers homeschool?

[Kewz1]

I thought I had replied to this earlier...hmmm.

Anyway, we're homeschoolers who love Disney too! Just got back last night.

My kids are 8 & 10. We use Saxon math and Sonlight for everything else.

Off to read the rest of this thread!

Kristen

 

[TNKBELL]

I am living proof that anyone if they have support and good materials, can homeschool! I was very unsure when I started hs, I had my DKS on the waiting list at a private school just in case. Although I have had some college and other cont. ed. courses, I do not have a degree. There is a level of support as well as complete curriculum schools you can join if you need to, which I did the first year. Now,however I put together my own curriculums for my DKS. I can't tell you enough how my decision has been reinforced ten times over, especially when I witness the actions of some "schooled" children both public and private, and the stark contrast of the hs children, most noticably the teenagers. I myself have learned so much just with the wonderful opporunity to teach my DKS that I have wept tears of joy and am thankful for this awesome privledge!!! You can do it!! There are so many activities that I have to turn down more than I accept!! My DKS cringe at the thought of a conventional school, just on the basis of the time factor. I wish you well and have all the confidence in your success!! God Bless.

 

[TNKBELL]

Sorry I forgot to add, I also have a Noah!!

 

[sha_lyn]

I'm giving home schooling a lot of thought. Here's my question to all of you. Were you worried that maybe you wouldn't be good enough? I mean to say, were you afraid that your child wouldn't learn from you?

DS attended PS k-6. We started realizing about 1/2 through 6th grade that his class was way behind. DS was in the highest math class, but didn't know about fractions, dividing or decimal. He was in the 2nd highest reading level, but was a full grade behind (I did not know this until I looked at his reading book). I started looking into the school's record and found a large % of kids from this Ele went into remedial and special ed once in middle and high school (the class ahead of him was 81.7%). There was no way we could afford private school. So we decided to HS for the summer. I did not plan on HS'ing him for the school yr. I didn't think either of us was cut out for it. DH kept telling me "the 2 of you always fight over home work, how in world will you be able to teach him?". About 1/2 through the summer I could not believe how much ground we had covered, but still had a ways to go. We decided to HS for 7-8 to get DS ahead of the game for high school. We found that HS'ing fits us very well. We had planned on sending DD to PS out of district (due to low school scores we could get her into other schools in our county) but her preschool teacher thought she was a perfect candidate for HS'ing. Well this is DD's 3rd yr at home and DS's 4. Right now I can't imagine putting either of them in PS.

 

[beautybelle]

I am just thrilled to have found the thread. I have a son who just turned 8 and is in the second grade. He is having a reading comprehension problem. The public school he goes to now has him in a special reading class which I cant see is helping him. So, I have been looking into homeschooling. Seems you all love it. Is it hard to do? The teachers that my son told I was thinking of this approached me at school and asked if I was thinking about doing that and of course they said I would ruin him if I did. What do you all say and any advice I could use in making this so very hard decision? I cant wait to hear from you on this.

 

[ohiominnie]

Iand of course they said I would ruin him if I did.

my GOODNESS!!!

 

[Nik's Mom]

Thanks for the encouragement. So glad to hear from so many happy home-schooling Parents!

 

[TNKBELL]

I have some understanding of the thought ps teachers have,being that I am related to one and have friends that are also. They know that hs is taking off like wildfire and might feel a little threatened job wise. But the more the teachers in my life are around my DKS the more the wheels are turning and they have even come to me to ask for advice!!! I also have an 8 year old. Sometimes motivation helps encourage reading. For example try unconventional reading like a treasure hunt through the house ending in a reward, a mailbox (made of cardboard or a paper sack) hung on thier bedroom door that you fill with mail from mom or dad, action commands is a game where you write a word or a sentence telling DS to act something out like a dog, or pretend to walk on a tightrope,ect... fold the papers up and put them in a cup or bowl and have them draw them at random, and my DS's personal favorite stories that I wrote on his level about his favorite characters, Star Wars, Bionicle and Justice League.All these games are adjustable to your DK's reading level. My son really protested when we started reading so we played these games until his comprehension and speed improved. Now he reads 250 page Illustrated Classic Novels. Hope this helps!

 

[2cutekids]

Beautybelle, I don't know if this will help, but my DD6 was having quite a bit of trouble with her reading. I was really worried because her twin brother was reading smoothly and was way ahead of her. Well, I bought one of the big "Dick and Jane" books at Walmart and it has helped her 1000%!!!!!

We've used ABEKA for the last couple of years because I was so scared that I wouldn't be able to teach my kids. ABEKA has everything planned out for you and builds upon each lesson so it helps the kids learn smoothly. As the kids get older we will probably use more of an ecleptic approach so I can mold the lessons to each child's learning style and interests.

To any Mom out there thinking about Homeschooling.........I would have NEVER thought that I would have ever considered HSing before I had kids. I was scared to death before, during and after making the decision. But after we got started, I really had a peace about it and now I can't imagine sending them to PS. And when you realize that your kids ARE learning and excited about it you'll know that you made the right decision. I know it's not for everyone but if you have a desire and you feel it's best for your child then GO FOR IT! Give it a semester and try it out!

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

This thread has been very inspirational. My DS is high functioning autistic and I have had a heck of a time finding a class that is right for him in our school district. He is currently in a class for children with learning disabilities, but it really isn't the right class for him. Thanks to a Mom on DisAbilities board, she mentioned that she home schools her aspergers kids and it seems to work well for her family. So I'm considering this for my son.
My DS has picked up some bad habits from from the other kids in his class. He came home saying "sh*t" one day, and says "damn it". Keep in mind that he has a speech delay, so he had to hear that language alot in order for him to get the hang of it. And me and DH do not use that language!

I'm giving home schooling a lot of thought. Here's my question to all of you. Were you worried that maybe you wouldn't be good enough? I mean to say, were you afraid that your child wouldn't learn from you? I am worried that maybe I don't have what it takes. I don't know how to teach. Where do I even begin to learn?
Also, what are some of your favorite home schooling websites that you go to?

Thanks!

Worried??? Try "SCARED TO DEATH!!" lol But seriously, once I found the curriculum that fit us the best, the hard job was over. They make it very clear for you.

Actually, the problem I find the hardest, and this is what I hear from other HS moms also, is that sometimes you and your child "but heads", if you know what I mean. Every child is different, and some (like my first DD) need the proverbial dynamite to get moving. I have to constantly keep her on task. She doesn't like this sometimes, but she would never get her work done otherwise. (I am also trying to teach her to be independent, though. Sometimes I let her go, and then she doesn't finish her work. Well, then she knows she can't go play with her friends because she has "homework". She doesn't like that either, so next time she tries her best to finish school by 2:30pm) Now my other DD put her fists on her hips when she was barely 4, and stated that she was mad at me because I hadn't taught her to read yet! What!? So she read at 4. Now she is in 3rd grade and works ahead in her books. Sometimes when she can't sleep at night, she gets up (unbeknownst to me) and does a math page or works on her spelling! She's the complete opposite of her sister.

But, as I was saying, I think "personalities" can be the hardest part. If your child was in school, they wouldn't question the teacher, they would simply do their work. But at home, sometimes it's tempting for them to push you and say they don't want to do it. I just simply tell them that if they were in school, they would have to do it and if they don't, they will be in trouble with the principal! (that's Daddy) THAT usually gets them going!!

 

[sha_lyn]

Beautybelle
My 7 DD also struggles with reading. Phonics comes very hard for her. She can sound out each letter but can't put them together, so she got discouraged and didn't even want to try. Once I laid off the phonics and went to bokks that build on sight words (ie Bob Books) she started to like reading. Phonics is still a bit of a struggle for her but she is slowly getting it. Since phonic is a struggle she also has a comprehension problem. Does it seem like he has to "work" to read. Try reading something aloud to him and see if he retains more information that when he reads.
Have him a paragraph at a time and then ask him questions about what he has read. After a couple of days build on that by having him read one paragraph, ask question, read another, then ask questions about both paragraphs. Continue that for a few days then move on to him reading 2 (and then eventually more) paragraphs before asking him questions.Have they work at all on sentence structure/parts of speach? I think sometimes that helps with comprehension. I really like First Language Lessons for the Well Trained Mind. It works on memorization, parts of speach, puncuation etc.
The 200 lessons in it covers 1-2 grade.
My advise is to not make any decisions now if you're not 100% ready to homeschool. For now just try working with him a few days a week, and see how things go. Work with him a little on school breaks (not too much don't wnat ot burn him or you out) and just see how it feels. Once summer comes and you still aren't sure, work with him. Find ways to make it fun.

 

[thinkpinktink]

We have home schooled since 1/2 way through kindergarten. My DS is now 14 and in the 8th grade. We always plan our school year so we can take vacations in the off season. Twice to Disney and once to the Bahamas. We are currently planning another trip to Disney for right after Thanksgiving. We love that aspect of it. I recently asked my DS if he wanted to go to public high school next year. He thought about it for a few days, then answered with NO. He said he knows he is getting a better education at home, even though it is tough. He did go to 6th grade for 2 weeks and was very bored. He had done all that work two years before. His teachers even told us he was very bright and socially adjusted, so they encouraged us to pull him out. They contined to invite us to all their field trips that year. Those teachers were awesome. Good luck with home schooling. The years go by fast, so enjoy.

 

[beautybelle]

Sha lyn
Thanks for the advice on the reading. When I read to him he understands the story but if he has to read it himself and then I ask questions, he doesnt understand nothing he's read. When he takes his tests at school he has to read the test and by the time he gets to the answers he's forgotten the questions. I feel so sorry for him and Ive done everything I know to do to help. Thats when I started thinking about hs. I figured that if he were home I could work with him more closely. Tell me this is true.

 

[sha_lyn]

It sounds like either he has to put all his energy into reading, or he might be an
a auditory learner. See what happens when you have some upbeat instrumental music in the background when he reads. He might need to have the auditory part of his brain stimulated for him to retain the information well. This method worked wonders for DS.

[/QUOTE]I figured that if he were home I could work with him more closely. Tell me this is true.

He would have 1 on 1 teaching, plus you would customize the curriculum and the environment to his needs. That is what is so wonderful about HS'ing, you don't have to work to the "middle" of the room.

 

[lotofhats]

We homeschool (by we, I mean MDW!) our four oldest children (13, 11, 8, 6); the youngest two are just too young as yet. We have hs'd since the begininning, and had planned to re-evaluate yearly. Well, we still do that, but it has been such a blessing that neither of us could imagine ceasing! Our plans are to go k-12 for all 6. What a treat it is; tiring, chaotic, and wonderful.

BTW, would love advice on taking this brrod to WDW this year. We've never been, and this is the year (it seems). Ideas on packages, time to go, anything at all. I don't wanna spend one of their college tuitons on this, but would rather pay more to make the trip less stressful and more easily enjoyed.

Thanks!

 

[summersfam4]

Sha_Lyn Thanks for the information on what you use at home. I am loving the information that you are so willing to share with everyone. I plan to take a good look at the courses that you mentioned, as well as some of the other courses that have been posted. Right now we are using Abeka, and I do like the language arts and math books, so I may stick with those two for next year but I want to expand elsewhere. My DD was advanced coming into this year and so far she's keeping up in first grade just fine so I want to keep challenging her, she's at that wonderful age where she wants to learn everything! We also do some Bob Books, she started these at Montessori and we have stuck with them because she likes them. I am also buying her a set of Pony Pals books that we will read together for now untill she can read them herself, she takes riding lessons from me, and has her own pony so I know she'll love the books!

beautybelleGive homeschooling a try like others have mentioned, on your DS's days off, or even a little time on the weekends maybe (we usually do a half day on Sunday), just make it fun so you both don't burnout. To us that's what's best about homeschooling is that as long as we are learning the material, we can do it our way which can be FUN! Also I feel that even though we butt heads at times we are forming such a strong bond that my DD will be both loving and independent, knowing that she can talk to me about anything. You have to do what's right for you and your family, it might work for you as it has for so many others as my mom used to say, "You never know untill you try"!

TNKBELLThose ideas for encouraging reading (i.e. the mailbox with letters from mom & dad) were great! Thanks for sharing, I think I'm going to fix up a mailbox today!

Have a great HS day everyone!

Kelly

Also [Lotofhats- ] we have gone before in the late spring (after regular schools return from Spring Break) we enjoy that time of year, but last year we had to go in September (15-25) although we were very lucky to go between hurricanes this past year, it hasn't been so bad other years. The weather was wonderful but then again we are used to hot (I prefer hot to cold), the temps were in the mid to high 80's. We did have showers some afternoons but it just helps to cool things down and they were brief (after going in sept. DH refuses to go any other time of year, with the exception of short trips). We stay offsite in a condo with a full kitchen. This offsets costs for us as we eat breakfast in the room, pack a light lunch and then eat dinner when & where we please (we also own a timeshare so cost for our stay is very minimal). Tickets, well there is just no getting around it, they are the most $$ we have to spend. It looks like the advance purchase prices are OK though. Subscribe to Mousesavers.com newsletters, Mary from Mousesavers will keep you up to date with the latest money saving deals at the World on the 15th of each month, as well as sending you breaking news ASAP!

 

[PaulaMurf]

My DS is 3 now, and, we are up in the air about HSing. We know if he does go to regular school it wont be for K anyways, we have alot of friends who homeschool here, and there are several groups of local parents that meet regularly for HSing support.

If we were still at our old house, we would DEFINATELY be HSing bc the school system in our previous city was HORRIBLE. So, I was preparing myself for HSing, but now we are in a much better school district so, i am just not sure.

For those of you who are doing it, what type of classes/other activities do you have your children enrolled in? Just curious -

Paula in CT

 

[sha_lyn]

At this moment the only thing they are enrolled in is Martial Arts, but we have a local group we do field trips, playdates and such with. Last yr I headed up a science co-op using The Jason Project. I'll do it again in futher, but DS is too old for the curriculum and DD is too young. In the fall DD will likely start attending a HS drama class (taught by Dakota Fannings old drama teacher).

 

[TNKBELL]

I think you will find there are so many opportunities available through local hs organizations that you will have to choose some and turn down many. We, like SHA LYN, belong to a local group that has many organized activities, my DH and DKS and I love to travel and go on many field trips ourselves, so we don't do as many with the local groups but it is there if we choose to participate! Our DKS are also enrolled in seasonal activities through the local recreation centers here, currently Judo and Indoor Soccer.

 

[thinkpinktink]

Our DS is in Boy Scouts, working on his Eagle. He is also involved in 4-H, this has many projects involved. Cooking, Wool and Mohair Judging, Plant I.D., Shooting, Fishing, Share the Fun (trumpet) and more. He takes trumpet lessons from the local high school teacher, and he is also involved in golf. We live in a small town (3000 ppl). Everyone here is supportive of our school now, however in the beginning we were ostersized. We are the only family that home schools within an hour radius. It has been that way since the beginning. We just never made it where it was a personal attack on their school system but rather a calling we felt lead to do. Good Luck and Enjoy, it is a decision that will bless you and your kids.