Any home schoolers

[MadreBug]

Have any of you been home schooled, home shooled or are home schooling you children? I am looking for your opinions. If you could PM me with any pros and cons, I would really appreciate it. TIA

[Cees]

I was homeschooled my whole life up till college except for one semester of high school (to take Driver's Ed). I am also/have been homeschooling my three young children since they were born.

What exactly do you want to know in the PM--pros and cons of homeschooling in general, of teaching it as a parent, or being a homeschooled student?

[MadreBug]

What exactly do you want to know in the PM--pros and cons of homeschooling in general, of teaching it as a parent, or being a homeschooled student?

Anything you can think of really. As a homeschooled student, what did you like and dislike? As a teaching parent, what's the most difficult part? Anything you think a parent should know before deciding to homeschool their children would be highly appreciated.

At this point, I'm simply gathering information. Although, if they don't straighten things out with my son's school, I may be homeschooling. He definitely deserves a better education then he's presently getting.

[ImJAZZed14]

I was homeschooled my whole life up till college except for one semester of high school (to take Driver's Ed). I am also/have been homeschooling my three young children since they were born.

Awesome! I too was homeschooled growing up and will be homeschooling my daughter (as well as any others we get.) I don't often hear of other that WERE homeschooled so it's good to know you were and enjoyed it! I just went to a conference last Saturday and got all excited about it again. :)

[amyable]

We homeschool too...I just PMed you. :)

[c01dunlap]

I would love to hear anything that you all were willing to share here on the forums with us too!

For me, even if Sophie goes to regular school, I want to suplement and enhance her education with various hands-on activities.

[j25lovesSTtoo]

I would love to hear anything that you all were willing to share here on the forums with us too!

For me, even if Sophie goes to regular school, I want to suplement and enhance her education with various hands-on activities.

I, as well, am very interesteed. We were talking about this in the "afterchat" hours tuesday night and it's still very interesting to me.

So anything you are willng to share! Please share!

[amyable]

I for one could talk for hours and hours about this - there is so much info out there. :) What is it you'd like to know?

Clicking on the link to my blog in my signature can give you some info about our homeschooling lifestyle too - but be warned, I've been "in a mood" lately so I'm whiny. :rolleyes: I have my posts in categories, so somewhere on the left side you can click on "homeschooling" and get a list of my posts about that. But really, homeschooling is a lifestyle, so in a way all my blog posts reflect it somehow.

I'm happy to answer questions here too - I just don't know where to start! :D

[MadreBug]

Here are a few questions I have that others may have.

What curriculum do you use? How did you choose this curriculum? What are your thoughts on "unschooling"? Personally, it seems too unstructured. I don't think I could do it. I believe I would tailor the studies to my children's abilities and interests. However, I think, as a parent, the education should be led more by myself than my child.

Thanks again, Amy. Your input is appreciated.

[amyable]

Here are a few questions I have that others may have.

What curriculum do you use?
For this year, I've pieced together my own curriculum. In the past I have *tried* to go with lesson plans and books put together for me, from places like Sonlight (http://www.sonlight.com) and Catholic Heritage Curricula (http://www.chcweb.com) but I always wind up adding and subtracting my own things so much that it looks like a "pieced" together year anyway! :p This year we are doing Math-U-See (http://www.mathusee.com), my own spelling concoction using the methods of Spelling Power I think it is but the word list here (http://www.susancanthony.com/Workshops/spelling_hand.html). No phonics right now - my 8yo struggles so we just read books and I teach her as she has trouble, and my 6yo is reading many grades above her age so she doesn't need phonics! For history we are enjoying parts of Portraits of American Girlhood (http://www.unitsunique.com/) and soon Prairie Primer (http://www.cadroncreek.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=Pioneer_001&Category_Code=Pioneer) -- American history this year! Science is being covered in our local co-op, mostly nature study, but I have Considering God's Creation (http://www.eagleswingsed.com/products/cgc.html) on the shelf and may add that in again this year if I don't think the nature study is cutting it. :p Hmmm, what else? Ha ha, how could I forget SIGN LANGUAGE? LOL They watch ST almost every day. :D I'm sure there is more, I'm blanking right now!


How did you choose this curriculum?
Blood, sweat, and tears! LOL
Seriously, lots of trial and error, and reading homeschooling messageboards for ideas. My oldest has lots of learning "quirks" we can't quite figure out yet, so it's been a struggle to find what works for her. Luckily (for my sanity right now) her 6yo sister is a speedy learner and can pick things up any ol' way, so she just does what her sister is doing for the most part.



What are your thoughts on "unschooling"? Personally, it seems too unstructured. I don't think I could do it. I believe I would tailor the studies to my children's abilities and interests. However, I think, as a parent, the education should be led more by myself than my child.

I'm like this too. I think for some families, unschooling could work, and I admit we do unschool at various times of the year. But I don't call myself an unschooler. Some homeschooling moms and I joke that we are classical Charlotte Mason Montessori unschooly eclectics, or something like that. :D

I do find that "interest led learning" has a place, sometimes a large place in our schooling, but usually it's *in addition* to what I am doing as teacher. And I try to take their likes, dislikes, and learning styles into account all the time. That is why we are using American Girl books and Little House books for history (or maybe it's because *I'm* such a Little House fan, I'm not sure )

That's all I can think of, but feel free to ask more. :)

[c01dunlap]

Other homeschoolers want to add their 2-cents? It just seems quite overwhelming, to be honest. I would like, however, to us homeschooling techniques for preschooling concepts, and ongoing to supplement the school system education when she goes.

Any good solid reference books? I've noticed some positive comments elsewhere about Rebecca Rupp's books. BTW, Sophie just turned 3 yrs old.

thanks!!

[c01dunlap]

Apparently the concept I'm thinking of for Sophie is:

Homeschooling up to or through Kindergarten
&
Afterschooling K or 1st grade on.

Don't know if we'd ever end up homeschooling altogether, but I'd like to do thorough research now, and formal teaching for a bit to get a feel for it. We did know a family in the area who, due to the school social situation (boys inappropriate towards their daughter, and no school intervention :mad: ), pulled their teen for a year or year and a half and homeschooled. So, that does cross my mind too...

So, guess I'm still looking for good starting points online and in the library. BTW, Amy, loved your blog!

[MadreBug]

things have not improved with my son's teacher. On the contrary, they were getting worse. The little communication I could get from her went in circles. She would tell me one thing on the phone and then chastie me in writing for doing what she had told me. My son had been physically threatened- "I'm going to crush your head." "I'm going to strangle you."- on more than one occasion from one classmate. It wasn't just Ian making the accusations, there was another child threatened and witnesses. It happened twice in one week. The other child did not receive in-school suspension or even a detention. To top it off, the little bugger was still sitting next to my son, at their table. The principal didn't return my phone call and my husband and I decided to withdraw Ian. We started homeschooling 1.5 weeks ago. I know it hasn't been long but we are really enjoying it. I've found a language arts curriculum that I really like. The rest we've been using real life application to teach. Anyway, that's why I've been scarce lately.
-April

[c01dunlap]

things have not improved with my son's teacher....To top it off, the little bugger was still sitting next to my son, at their table. The principal didn't return my phone call and my husband and I decided to withdraw Ian. We started homeschooling 1.5 weeks ago. I know it hasn't been long but we are really enjoying it. I've found a language arts curriculum that I really like. The rest we've been using real life application to teach. Anyway, that's why I've been scarce lately.
-April
April,

Well done for standing up for your son! And, having taken the time to try to work with the teachers and administration, it sounds like (from the outside reading I've done so far) you should get less flak and more kudos from family and whatever the 'formal organizational hoops' you have to go through for homeschooling.

So great to hear that you are enjoying the process! What is the language arts curriculum that you like, if I may ask? I'm dabbling all around, not just looking at toddler-level stuff. Any favorite websites (beyond the many that Amy shared - thanks, Amy!) that helped get you launched?

Good luck - I'm sure you will do a terrific job!! (Miss ya a bit ;) )

[stefwvu]

Hi Guys! Some of you may or may not know I am a public school music teacher on a two year leave of abscence because I wanted to spend time with Cole. So I wanted to say a few things from a teachers perspective.

April I think your situation with your teacher and administration was horrible. I hate to say it but that is not the first time I have heard a story like that. In my experience you either have a school that tolerates such behavior or does not. There does not seem to be a down the middle of the road - (just in what I have seen).

I have not homeschooled - well Cole is 18 monthes old - and I guess all of us do homeschool in a way. But I think it is a great option. I don't want anybody to think I am against it I am simply throwing out an angle I have seen since I have taught both elementary school and middle school. If I were to choose when to homeschool Cole it would be during middle school. Middle school is such a rough age for children to began with. They are trying to figure out who they are and are going through all sorts of changes. Then depending on where you live your Middle school may be the start of drugs, gangs and all that other good stuff. :(

Usually - not always - and like I said I am not AGAINST it so please don't send email - just throwing out a position i see- elementary school is a much more gentle place. The teachers have more tolerance. The children are kinder to eachother and they learn to interact. I will say that before I researched homeschooling I thought it was parents who kept there children away from other children- OBVIOUSLY was wrong. I think it is really awesome that there is a network where homeschooled children get together. I would also like to say that with the trend at schools being towards teaching towards the TESTS - because of no child left behind - i can understand why many parents would chose to homeschool their children.

Ummmm so i just mumbled for awhile and I have a random question to throw out - ---- Say your best friend or sister or whatever homeschooled his/her children ---could you send your child to there house to be homeschooled?

Ok sorry if I wasted everybody's time with this post. I really didn't mean toooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:) Stef

[jenml]

things have not improved with my son's teacher. On the contrary, they were getting worse. ......My son had been physically threatened- "I'm going to crush your head." "I'm going to strangle you."- on more than one occasion from one classmate. It wasn't just Ian making the accusations, there was another child threatened and witnesses. It happened twice in one week. ......

At my school in the past year or two they have been making a BIG deal about ANTI-BULLY LAWS... I don't know if it's CT only or if it's national, but pls look into it. For us at our school, ANY SORT of bullying is taken as a very serious offense. Happening once, and it's a warning, and twice, it's considered a PATTERN and action can be taken. We have bullying logs that we have to fill out. Do you have your concerns documented? Have teachers noticed it? Please look into it! No one has a right to bully, and your child should not have to suffer because no one is acting. That is sooo wrong, so I suggest you research your rights. maybe the public school should pay for private schooling if they cannot provide a safe environment for your child. Is there an advocate that you can contact for support and more info?

Thinking of you....

(not that homeschooling may not work for you, but no one should HAVE to homeschool to avoid an AVOIDABLE plm.... and if it's not your child, it will be another ones....)

[fia's mom]

My DH, Chris, and I have discussed homeschooling with the children. I know that where we live in MD there is a program out there called "Parents as Teachers." I came across them at a Special Needs Resource Fair that I went to last Spring. That's not to say that they are only Special Needs based. I know that they actually will work with parents on teaching children in the home and provide materials for them for the "pre-schooling years" (ie the years leading up to your child entering school). They also work with the homeschooled children and their parents in our district as well from what I understand. It may be worth a shot looking to see if your area/district has this type of program. They may be a good resource.

As far as homeschooling our own kids, that will depend upon life and circumstances for us now. Part of me really wants Sabrina to go to school (partly because she would do well with peers her own age) and the other part of me is scared to death to send her, knowing that if she doesn't have a teacher that will keep her occupied and stimulated she will "railroad" the teacher and I will end up in multiple conferences and responding to many notes home. :eek:

Sometimes I swear she is my brother reincarnated. Look out world!

[MadreBug]

Let me start by saying that the bullying was not the main reason we chose to homeschool. It was simply the final straw. We have been considering it off and on for years. Ian wasn't thriving this year. His teacher was making MANY mistakes on homework and other things as she was teaching. I had a conference with her weeks ago and the vice principal was in attendance. I was assured that changes would be made and she would be more conscientious about the worksheets she gave the students.

She also said that she wanted to have him tested for dyslexia and screened for ADD. This was all about 6 weeks ago. I had still heard nothing. Plus, Ian had been absent and it took two weeks to get any make-up work. I also learned that he was confused as to what exactly to bring home for homework and what was supposed to be left at school.

I called and left a voice mail and got no response. When I sent a note, she finally returned my call. I aked if we could have a conference with Ian to make sure that he and I both understood the homework and make-up work procedures. She just kept telling me not to worry about it. Ian was doing well academically and understood the procedures perfectly. When I asked about the testing, she said there was nothing she could do to speed up the process. However, if I wanted to write a letter stating my concerns and requesting the testing and screening, that may speed things up. So, I did. She then wrote me an impolite letter stating that she had already told me that "nothing can speed up the testing process. They'll get to it when they can."

I called the principal three different times with no response. In fact the only response I ever got from him was when I told him I would be withdrawing my child to homeschool. Add to that the bullying, we decided that it was time to homeschool.

To answer a few questions:

Chris--The language arts curriculum I am using is Total Language Plus. It covers reading, vocabulary, spelling, grammar and some art. It's "language arts with a Christian perspective."

Being it Texas, there really aren't any 'formal organizational hoops' to jump through. It is the easiest state to in whcih to homeschool. They treat homeschool as a private school. Since there is no state funding, there is no state regulation. I simply had to write a letter informing the school I was withdrawing my son and keep him home the next day.

Stef--I'm not positive about all states but from what research I've done, you would be able to have you child homeschooled by a friend or family member. Also, I agree about middle school. I hated middle school and it only seems to be getting worse.

Jen-- Since I haven't gotten much response from teacher or principal, I plan on writing a letter of concern to the school board. Hopefully, that will at least make an official complaint. Maybe, someon will keep a closer eye on the boy.

Okay, now that I've written a book, I hope that clears up some things.

[stefwvu]

April =
Thanks for writing back to all of our multitude of questions:) I do hope that you make sure the school board knows about the problems you encountered. I understand that your number one concern is your son and the easiest thing to do would probably be to forget the situation and just take care of him at home. However the school- admin, and teacher should NOT be allowed to get away with the treatment that both you and your son encountered. Our schools are created to be a safe enviroment that are parent friendly- well that is at least the theory. I really hope that the school board takes action and puts pressure on the people that did not treat your family right. Remember you wil probably be saving another family who can't home school by putting as much pressure on the board as possible. I would also even consider writing a letter to your local newspaper if the board doesn't help you.
Blessings in your new adventure with homeschooling. I look forward to hearing about how it goes and ideas you have!!!!!
Thanks again for sharing with us!
Stef:)