OT: Homeschooling Tips?

[gothmommie]

In the past I've noticed many parents on this board home school their children. Does any one have any tips, etc. they want to share regarding beginning a secular-based home schooling program or any networks, etc in the Hunterdon County, NJ area?

I am disgusted by our local school (even though I SPECIFICALLY researched the school before we moved here and am paying the highest taxes in Hunterdon county for the 'privilege' of sending our daughter to public school). I am considering pulling our child out next year. At issue - the usual concerns that the public school is good for average students but not for the rest (less of a concern as we supplement the curriculum). More importantly, the school can't seem to get a handle on managing the kids. Since beginning Kindergarten, we've had tales of hitting, punching, kicking and just general mean-ness. It's like Lord of the Flies at that darn school and I grow tired of having to call it to their attention! And I volunteer my time and get involved whenever I can....or at least I did - now I'm rethinking that.

 

[dturner]

In the past I've noticed many parents on this board home school their children. Does any one have any tips, etc. they want to share regarding beginning a secular-based home schooling program or any networks, etc in the Hunterdon County, NJ area?

I am disgusted by our local school (even though I SPECIFICALLY researched the school before we moved here and am paying the highest taxes in Hunterdon county for the 'privilege' of sending our daughter to public school). I am considering pulling our child out next year. At issue - the usual concerns that the public school is good for average students but not for the rest (less of a concern as we supplement the curriculum). More importantly, the school can't seem to get a handle on managing the kids. Since beginning Kindergarten, we've had tales of hitting, punching, kicking and just general mean-ness. It's like Lord of the Flies at that darn school and I grow tired of having to call it to their attention! And I volunteer my time and get involved whenever I can....or at least I did - now I'm rethinking that.

I feel your pain. I had DS(8) in public school in Kindergarten, when I decided to homeschool in 1st grade, I called the school and asked them what I needed to do to withdraw him and the school secretary said to me and I quote "good, that's one less kid I have to worry about."

That told me that I made the right decision.

I use a secular program, I wanted DS to have actual books so this year I just ordered the 3rd grade books from Harcourt (www.harcourt.com, I think); I got books and work books for math, language arts, science, history, spelling for about $250.00. They are ok, some chapters I don't teach - seems some of the stuff is overlapping from last year so I pick and choose what to teach out of the books.

Being that I live in Texas, our home schooling laws are so simple, no tests, no reporting to anyone, just promise to teach reading, writing, arithmetic and good citizenship.

You can get your state information from the HSLDA website (www.hslda.com).

There are numerous curriculum websites also, just google secular homeschool curriculum and you'll get lots to look at.

Happy Homeschooling!!

 

[gothmommie]

Thank you....this helps. I find the whole home school thing very intimidating and I'm scared I'll be hurting my child more by taking her out (what is she can't learn from us, what if we do a bad job...)

I can't believe the audacity of that school official to say "good, one less kid to worry about." You really have to wonder about people.

It just doesn't make sense for me to shuttle my kid off to school for 7 hours, that doesn't feed her mind, protect her or nurture her curiosity and spirit...unless I need really bad daycare that is constantly looking for a hand out of my time, money, etc.

 

[dturner]

Thank you....this helps. I find the whole home school thing very intimidating and I'm scared I'll be hurting my child more by taking her out (what is she can't learn from us, what if we do a bad job...)

I had the same feelings when I started.

I like to read the message boards at sonlight (www.sonlight.com) it's a Christian based curriculum but I love to read their boards, makes me feel better about homeschooling. There is always someone with the same problem as I'm having and it's reassuring to know that others have the same problems.

My DS(8) is head strong - so homeschooling for me is challenging but we manage and it's so rewarding.

 

[gothmommie]

Thanks....I'll check out that forum. Support networks are priceless - especially when you're first starting out and very nervous.

 

[DreadpiratK]

We've homeschooled our kids, 14, 12, 10, from the beginning, and for very similiar reasons to those you cite. Best advice I can give you is this: The goal of homeschooling is education, not school. by that I mean, worry about teaching you kid what he or she needs to learn, the best way for them, not about re-creating school at home. We've seen too many people 'fail' at homeschooling over the years because they stress themselves out trying to create a formal school atmosphere at home, and then feel like a failure when they don't.

Our kids sometimes do school in their pj's. So what? Granted we are more relaxed homeschoolers then some.

The best part of homeschooling?? Disney in September!!!!!

 

[Mom to Jordan]

[! And I volunteer my time and get involved whenever I can....or at least I did - now I'm rethinking that.[/QUOTE]


Until you decide to take her out, please stay involved. If the school is having real problems, you need to be there to see what is really going on. Whether it's homeschooling or private or public school, parents being involved is the key issue. There is also nothing that says that you have to wait until next year to remove her. If things are that bad a 1/2 year can really be a long time. If you are not yet ready to home school, look into another school situation. Thumbs up for standing up for your child.

Jordans' mom

 

[gothmommie]

Yes, I won't stop being involved until/if I pull her out. That would do a disservice to HER. (I'm a room mom and I'm there for every party, before and during. I also do the snow chain calls, the fundraisers you name it.)

Right now I'm doing my reading on homeschooling, researching, and awaiting my appointment with the school principal and teacher to address my concerns and, if necessary, the school board.

At the very least I won't leave quietly.

Good news is that DD is largely nonplussed by the whole thing. But this Momma bear is protecting her cub and I won't risk her love of learning being diminshed because of a disruptive classroom and unruly children. I've seen in happen and it's a sad, sad thing.

I appreciate all who have responded with information, URLs, etc.

Thank you!

 

[Selket]

Check out the K12 curriculum at http://www.k12.com. My older one is in public school but I plan to homeschool my younger one who just turned 3 and this curriculum appeals to me the most. It isn't cheap but if you live in a state with virtual acadamies I think it is free (can't remember if NJ is one - where I live we don't have them darn it). It is a secular program. There is a great discussion group for it too at Yahoo Groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/k12users/

So what kind of goth are you? I had to ask

 

[Carrie Ellis]

Hello, I homeschool my set of 8 year old twin boys and lovvvve it!!!!! We are relaxed and learn instead of memorize! This was my first year. The school they attended was not a bad one but seemed that there was a lot of politics going on. Plus I found out that kids in 4th and 5th grade these days know more about grown up stuff then I knew at 14. I don't want my kids in a bubble but I would like them to enjoy being innocent children for a little while! Anyway, I started off doing a lot of google searches. Read up on the laws in your state and find a support group. Someone in the support group, I am sure, help you through the process should you decide to HS.

We use www.christianliberty.com. The boys also do quiet a few of the hands on tours that the support group lines up. It has been very educational and personal! Plus our YMCA has a HS PE class on Thursday, they take iceskating lesson (discounted and in the morning for HS), and I am going to enroll them in a HS strings class.

 

[TNKBELL]

It sounds as if you are a very involved parent!! I think you would be shocked at how quickly your DD would learn without as many hours in a hs environment. I was very skeptical at my own abilities to teach my DKS so I had them on the waiting list at the local private school(just in case) I wasn't capable. 3 years later I am still hs and I love it and the intangible rewards alone are worth every second. It is not always easy and some days are longer than others but when I look back on this time there will be no regrets! I wish you the best and it sounds to me that you are a very capable person!! Good Luck!

 

[gothmommie]

So what kind of goth are you? I had to ask

LOL, medieval goth....usually in surburban Mom disguise except for the music in my car.

 

[gothmommie]

Thanks to all who replied...lots to digest but I'm feeling a little more capable. I just don't jump into anything...especially something so very important as my DD's education.

 

[TiffJ]

I understand your apprehension. I just started HS my DS7 in January. I took him out of PS at the winter break. It is going much better than I thought. My biggest concern was us butting heads & fighting all the time(we are too much alike) The more I read, the more comfortable I was with it. Google on homeschool forums-reading posts from people in the same boat as you helps alot! Good luck!

 

[jimmytammy]

In NC, we have to let our intentions be known to the State that we are going to homeschool. Beyond testing them at the end of the year to evaluate them, we are pretty much on our own. Check to see what NJ requires of you to do so that will be behind you.

Also, check around your area for HS groups. This will help in support for you and your child. And another poster mentioned to not try to setup HS like the traditional PS. I agree with this. You will find what works best for you and your child.

Our DS is challenged, but he is thriving in HS. PS just wasnt helping him much. DD was AIG in PS. She was thriving in PS. But we see we made the right decision with her also to HS. She was straight As, very outgoing, did very well in PS. But HS has brought her out even more. Both kids confidence levels are up very high.

Pray diligently about your decision. God will give you your answer. The idea has already been planted.

 

[laceemouse]

Thanks for starting this interesting thread! I have been lurking on sonlight for a couple of weeks. I do have a question. Do any of you HS just one of your kids and not the others? I have 4. DD13 will be in HS next year. Although she is gifted, she is not straight A. However, she is really against HS so I guess we will try High School and see how it goes. DD11 is a good girl, bright but not gifted, straight A kid. Our district is very tough/competitive. She fits in the best of all my kids in our PSs. DD7 is a little behind on reading, but they are giving her special help. She is a social butterfly and really thrives on the interaction with other kids. The problem is DS9. He tests very high but has trouble getting any work done. He has fine motor problems, but not bad enough for the school to help him so we have been paying big $$$$ for a private doc. He is an advanced reader, so I feel a literature based program like sonlight would be great for him. We have been talking about trying it over the summer. My concern, would he feel like a weirdo if he was the only one I kept home? DD7 might join him in a few years, but at first it would just be him. I also work at the school a lot and really enjoy it. The staff seems loving and caring for the most part, I just don't think they are serving him very well.

 

[Carrie Ellis]

laceemouse,

My children are 8,8,4 and 4. I am HS the 8yo twins (as I write they are doing their math). They are boys and distracted very easily in PS. When you have 1/22 ratio in the classroom, it is common sense that there will be little one on one. I know many mom help in the class rooms but I could not because of the little ones. We have no family here. I was helping them in the evening with their homework. Teaching them things that they did not catch in the classroom. On Thursday we got their Thursday folder and that would be when I would find out what they did not catch on to. A skill that was taught between M-W. By then the class was pass that. So now we have our work at home and it takes about 4 hours a day, give or take. It is all one on one and if they are struggling on a subject we work on it until it is mastered. We started mid August and have up until August this year to submit a test to the state. Therefore we can work on this grade even in July if we need to so that takes away the pressure to accomplish everything by June 1st (for example). Now our family is less stressed and the time I spent every evening is done in the morning and they can read or play outside in the evening.

The support group we have here does sooooooo much. They HS prom, dances, yearbooks, and school pictures. They have nature classes that I have signed my kids up for, bowling, dance, music, strings, spanish classes, iceskating, etc..

I think a hump I had to get over was that it seemed like I was making a lifelong decision. But actually if it does not work you can put them back in PS. It does not have to be black and white.

Check your states laws first and talk to some local HS families first. Good luck in whatever you decide! Sorry so long!

 

[laceemouse]

Carrie, thanks for the reply!! I am currently checking out different curriculum and am seriously considering starting with DS9 and maybe DD7 during the summer. DD11 wants to be a teacher and I think she would actually have fun helping with the younger ones. We can just take it slow at first and see how it goes. I do need to check Il laws, and contact a local group about activities and such. Your group sounds great. My kids are currently saying "no way" to HS but I think if we try it they may change their mind. My oldest DD13 will start HS next fall. The bus picks up at 6:40. That alone could be enough to sway her to stay home LOL! I still need to do some research and then will decide and let you guys know.

 

[sanibelover]

One important thing you should do if you homeschool is join Homeschool Legal Defense. (www.hslda.org) There are sometimes problems with school systems, neighbors reporting you for neglect, etc. Some states are worse than others, but I think it's important that you have some legal support in case of problems.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I am seriously considering homeschooling my DS, who is in Kindergarten special ed. He is high functioning autistic, and there are no programs in our school district that suit him. My only concern is that he won't be getting the speech therapy if I pull him out of school. I have already looked into virtual academy. Do you guys use work books exclusively to teach? My DS is more hands on. Just working on workbooks does not help him.