Home school resources and where to start ?

[mbf]

Hi,

I am seriously considering homeschooling my 6 and 8 yr old children. I have searched on line and found some resources and information but wanted info from those of you who are home schooling now.

I also want to know how to proceed with the school district ? I am assuming they will give me guidlines to follow and I will have to bring my kids in for testing ? How often will they need to be tested and is it complicated process to get started ?

Thank for any help or ideas !

Mara

[elian]

It all depends on your state requirements. Go to Jon's Homeschool Resources http://www.midnightbeach.com/hs/ You can search by state, etc.

We've been homeschooling this year (my son is 6) and we love the flexibility. We lean more towards the unschooling side.

Good luck!

[Rawkinlocs]

Hi Mara and congrats on your (possible) decision to homeschool!

Laws vary from state-to-state so you'll want to check to see what the laws are for your state. For example, here in WA state, children between the ages of 8 and 18 are required to be tested annually to see where they are, etc. BUT they do not have to have the test administered by the district, but parents can order and administer specific tests for that purpose. However, when I lived in Michigan, they were not required to do any annual testing at all. So, it all depends on where you live.

Here is a good place to start to find the laws in your state: http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp

As for material, we use ACE (Accelerated Christian Education). If you're a non-Christian, then this might not be your choice...but I like it mainly because it uses what they call PACEs...booklets for each core subject that you give your child based on a diagnostic test that sees if they have learning gaps, etc. So for example, you might have two 12-year olds who test at different levels...one may be higher in math but lower in spelling while the other is the exact opposite...so they are working on PACE materials for where they are...one will start in a lower level math and higher spelling while the other will work in higher math and lower spelling. But, each can accelerate in their "weaker" subject if they and you feel confident that they are ready to move forward. So, each child works at his/her own pace.

But again, it's very biblically-based...each lesson has a scripture that they memorize, etc. and even some of the lessons are based on biblical teachings. So again, that might be an issue if you are not Christian or don't want your children learning Christian teachings.

I also just use life lessons...we're not a VERY structured homeschooling family...I don't have set times, etc. that they work...we don't UNschool...but we fall under the category of "relaxed" schooling where it's semi-structured, but not totally stringent.

[Spectatrix]

Whatever else you decide to do, you should strongly consider joining the Home School Legal Defense Association (or at least keeping up with their website, http://www.hslda.org). Look into finding a local homeschooling organization. While some can be very elitist, others are a good way to network with other homeschooling families, organize extra-curricular activities ("field trips", clubs, etc.), and many organize to administer standardized tests, such as the California Achievement Test, Stanford Achievement Test, etc.

From HSLDA, it does look like New York requires an annual assessment by June 30th and an annual "notice of intent" to homeschool by July 1st, both due to your local superintendent.

I was homeschooled by my mother and step-father for 7 years. The first year was fairly free-form. For three years we used the ABeka Book video program, which I wouldn't recommend -- you can't mix-and-match grade levels for different subjects (for instance, if you wanted your kid to do mostly 4th grade stuff, but 6th grade math). For the last three years, we used Seton Home Study School, which is very flexible. It's a Catholic program, though, so that may not work for you (ABeka is primarily Baptist).

[TP]

My wife has been homeschooling our kids from the beginning (our oldest is almost 9) and I know she aligns mostly with the Charlotte Mason methodologies. You might want to look into that...

I don't know if my wife has heard of ACE.. I am going to ask her because it sounds great! ;)

[Rawkinlocs]

My wife has been homeschooling our kids from the beginning (our oldest is almost 9) and I know she aligns mostly with the Charlotte Mason methodologies. You might want to look into that...

I don't know if my wife has heard of ACE.. I am going to ask her because it sounds great! ;)

TP, the website is http://schooloftomorrow.com

Some things they are still a wee bit outdated with, but they seem to be updating things more and more! That's wonderful that your wife has homeschooled for 9 years...we have done homeschooling "almost" exclusively...my oldest who is soon to be 15 started in the 1st grade and went to public school for one year during his 4th grade year...second oldest who is soon to be 14 did a total of two years of public school and the younger two (7 and 3) have never been to public school.

We love homeschooling...it used to be merely our "choice"...now it seems to almost be a conviction to do so! :)

[TP]

thats a good way of looking at it, "homeschooled since birth" :)

i just remembered though that she also had them in preschool and kindergarten classes, so they aren't totally pure.. j/k

i will definitely pass the link along as she is always looking for good material.. ty!

[Conscious Midwife]

Rawkinlocs you are my SHERO!!!

I didn't know you homeshcooled too.

I think I followed you and Swingbolder over here from NAppturality and now I'm hooked. Is stalking allowed???

I'm contemplating homeschooling. Very seriously. For me it's beyond choice, More like obligation considreing the state of many, not all, of the public schools in my city. My toddlers seem to need me more than ever and I believe my family will benefit from a reduction in commute time, which is usually 4 hours per day. Hmmm that's the minimum time required for academics by my state.

My 14 year old who has never experienced it is requesting it for Highschool.

My 12 yo son, use to attend a Christian School where they did "PACES". The concept was ok however it lacked the process of developing critical reading and writing skills.

[ChaiLife]

We have homeschooled our kids since the beginning and love it!
After you find out your state's requirements you are really free to look around at curriculum. Right now we are using Sonlight because is it all inclusive. We have also used KONOS for unit studies before and enjoyed it.

http://www.sonlight.com

Kelly

[mbf]

Wow! Thanks for the great information ! Has anyone felt they couldn't do this? I was an awful student in school! and am concerned if I will be able to educate them properly?
Also, has anyone heard of the Culvert home school program? My kids would log onto the web site and take some classes via the internet ? There seem to be a few of those type of curriculum programs out there.

Our public schools are not an option for our children, I would move before sending them there. they currently attend a nice small catholic school that is under threat of being closed by the Archdioces, we got a chance to appeal but we don't get an answer until the 24th, I have been looking at other catholic schools in the area and am not impressed. Also, being a Phys Ed teacher and in school often I feel so much time is wasted on ridiculous things! But again, i'm afraid I won't be able to teach them properly but will of course learn as much as I can and make a decision from there.

I will look into my state guidlines but I am honestly feeling overwhelmed at this point ! I had no idea there was so much out there on home schooling!

Thanks again !

Mara

[Sheryl]

To me the idea of sitting kids in front of the computer for large parts of each day for lessons is contrary to the spirit of what I imagine home schooling could be... as an adult I feel I'm here too long... kids should be playing and exploring and adventuring while they learn!

I haven't done home schooling yet... but will!

Cheers,
Sheryl

[ryana]

i think homeschooling is a wonderful alturnitive to public schools. however what about socialization? I mean I wouldn't want to shelter my children(they doen't exist yet)

[faith4u]

Hi Mara,

I think that we all go through times of worry, stress, fear, feelings of inadequecy etc...

You CAN teach your children better than anyone else. Believe me!! You know your children better than anyone else. You know how they learn better than anyone else.

I truly believe that the Lord will fill in the gaps that we leave. He sees our effort and blesses us through our children.

Go for it!!

[mbf]

oh, yes social interaction is so important BUT we switched schools 2 yrs ago because my son was having such a hard time in the most prestigous catholic school in our area, the kids were awful ! and the parents even worse ! his self asteem was shot and it took him months to recover emotionally. My older son graduated from that same school and did just fine, he had a great class with great kids and parents. My younger son was treated so badly by the boys in his class, so I guess it all depends on the type of socialization !

I have heard we have a large home school community in my area so I hope to be able to participate in some social events.

As far as computer learning, I don't excpect to sit my children in front of a computer all day but do feel it will be helpfull in certain areas that I am very bad in, for example math !!!! Again, another area of homeschooling I need to explore. That's why I am here asking questions.

Mara

[Rawkinlocs]

LifeAgift - Wow...I didn't know you came from NP! :) There are quite of few of us "naps" here, huh?

ryana - The socialization factor is the main concern of many but your children do receive socialization. We are in a homeschool support group and they socialize with the children in that, they socialize with the children they hang with here in our neighborhood, and they will both be enrolling in sports soon so they will have that opportunity to socialize as well. So, there are many avenues available for them to learn their social skills.

mbf - When your children are younger, they depend the most on you...once they get older, most times they become very independent and self-sufficient with their learning. Most homeschool curriculum is parent-friendly where there isn't a lot expected of the parent in terms of being able to help them with their subjects. However, there is always the option of joining a homeschool group where there are parents who are stronger in some area of learning than others. For example, in our group, there is a gentleman who is a former Science/Math teacher or major...so he has made himself available to any member whose child may need help in that area. There are a few ladies who are very into literature, so they offer to do literary studies with anyone interested. You could also get a tutor if need be...many times not even needing to pay anyone, but find a student (even within your own homeschool community) who is stronger in a particular subject that can help out! But so far, I haven't found need of going to outside people for my children and oftentimes, if they need help with something I feel I'm lacking in, I do a search on the Internet and usually find just what I need to help them! :)

As Faith4u said, YOU know your child(ren) better than anyone...their learning style, their strengths and weaknesses...we are our children's first educator.