I was wondering if anyone here homeschools, currently or ever. I'm starting to consider it and I was wondering if anyone could recommend any websites or books that are helpful. My biggest concern is my patience,lol. Also, being in college myself still, I don't know. I'm just thinking but any info would be great!

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 06:29 pm:

We use Abeka
http://www.abeka.com/
I have home-schooled my 2 children for over 3 years. There is a lot of choices for curriculum out there. We use Abeka because it is nationally recognized. It is also the same curriculum the private schools here use.
Our typical day is 9:00-12:00 completing Abeka and then we work on extra assignments in the afternoon. We belong to a support group that allows us to go on several field trips a year.
I am leaving on vacation but would be happy to answer any questions you have when I return.
Yvonne

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 07:10 pm:

I would think the first step would be to see what your state laws and requirements are concerning homeschooling.

HSLDA

By Nicki on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 09:46 pm:

Rayelle, dh and I are in the process of exploring the homeschooling option. I recently discovered our county offers an Independent Home Study Program through our Office of Education. I have been to a meeting and was pleased to find out it allows flexibility in curriculum as well as assistance from a credentialed teacher on a weekly basis. I need to learn more about this option, but just thought I'd mention it since you stated you are also attending school, yourself. Perhaps you want to check to see what your county offers.

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 10:07 pm:

This is a great guide to start with:
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/directory/Beginning.htm

Knowing your state laws is important. Most are easy to follow with requirements of either portfolios (saved school work) or end of year testing.

Great books:
~Mary Pride's Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling.
~100 Top Picks For Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing The Right Curriculum And Approach For Your Child's Learning Style by Cathy Duffy
~The Homeschooling Book of Answers: The 101 Most Important Questions Answered by Homeschooling's Most Respected Voices
by Linda Dobson
~The Ultimate Guide To Homeschooling by Debra Bell

By Rayelle on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 10:27 am:

Thanks so much! I can't wait to look into these. I know there is a local support group here that does field trips and things, I think I'm going to call and see if they have meetings or something. If you wouldn't mind I'd like to hear what made you decide to homeschool. I'm concerned my children are being held back and that they're not really learning, rather spitting out things for tests.

By Yjja123 on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 11:28 am:

There are several reasons why we decided to pull our children out of public school. FCAT was one of them. Our schools do teach to the test and it is questionable what the kids were learning.
We had other issues (bullying, etc) that factored into our decision.
For us, home-schooling provides our children with the best education we can provide. Instead of being limited by being in a certain grade, we work at the grade level they are. In most subjects, they are 2 grades above what they would be in public school.

A support group can be a huge benefit. There are seasoned home-schoolers who can answer your questions. Group field trips are wonderful.

Personally, I would not do an Independent Home Study Program. It allows the school system to collect $ for your child (as though they still attend public school) and you have to be under their watchful eye. Part of the reason of home-schooling is because you are not satisfied with public school. If that is the case, why would you want them dictating your home-school? Just my opinion.

By Nicki on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 02:58 pm:

Yvonne, that was my impression of a Home Study Program until I attended a meeting and talked further with parents and the director. Perhaps it depends on the individual study programs. As I said, I'm still learning. My impression of our home study group was that they, too, are disillusioned with the system, but are there to assist parents if they want to educate their children at home and not be subjected to testing. The parent and child determines the pace of the curriculum. The parent is also encouraged to bring in their own curriculum. They have various teachers on staff including Montessori and Waldorf, if a parent is leaning towards these philosophies. So, in all, more diversity than I expected. Still, we are looking at other options, and we may very well decide to do it on our own. I just suggested it to Rayelle as an option. I guess I'm not feeling very brave, yet, so the idea of a support system and some guidance appeals to me at this point. I've also met an unschooler, and she has me doing some serious research and thinking! Talk about indecision.
Rayelle, I didn't mean to hijack your post. I'm in the same spot you are, so not really in a place to advise.:-) Best of luck to you!

By Yjja123 on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 04:03 pm:

A support system and guidance are great. You can find both by joining a homeschool support group.

It is possible that each Home study program is different. Years ago, I researched the concept of them. We were so disgusted with our public school that we did not want to be connected to them in any manor.

There is an unschooler on Momsview that may be able to give you information on that method.

It is a big step to make. I was a nervous wreck when I pulled my kids out of public school. Now, I wish I had done it sooner. Academically, they are far ahead of their peers. They have a great network of friends and activities. It is rewarding as a family to be able to spend so much time with my children. We use Abeka as our curriculum but we add extras that the kids are interested in. This year they will be attending science lab classes at a local museum. Once you get into homeschooling, you will be amazed by how much is out there.

I will check back on this thread in a week. We are *finally* off for our vacation.
Yvonne

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 11:00 pm:

The Scripps National Spelling Bee winner tonight, was a home-schooled kid!

Spelling Bee Winner

Serrefine was his word. He apparently knew the word, too! LOL! I sure didn't, and it's even a medical term! I'd never heard of the word before!