not sure about homeschooling.... Need advice

Andrea - posted on 02/22/2009

I am a mom of 8 children and have been homeschooling since day 1. my oldest is almost 10. She did 1 year of preschool. By the end of her first year of pre k i knew homeschooling was for me. I have never looked back or regreted that decision. even on our hardest days I am thankful God has made it so clear to us that this was our purpose.

Amy - posted on 02/12/2009

Well, I sent my son to public school for kindy and now homeschool him this year in grade one. For me, it was my first year homeschooling my daughter in grade 2 (the year he was in kindy) and I wasn't sure I could do both. My daughter was really strugglingly in school and I wanted that first year to be all about her. This year it has been great. My daughter struggles with school, my son finds it easy (he does much of the grade 3 work she does). Next year my second daughter will do kindy at home, and my youngest will go to preschool. I am seen as kind of different by some homeschoolers as I send my kids to preschool and then bring them home for kindy. It works for us!

Shontae - posted on 02/08/2009

I also wanted to add that I just relocated and the church I attend has a homeschool group that meets once a week and they cover some amazing topics. The moms I have met and have had a chance to talk to reccomended SonLight curriculumn and encourage first timers to puchase the core curriculumn kit which includes items that you will use and not have to replace each year. It is literachure rich and includes Horizons math curriculumn. I have heard really positive feedback on this curriculumn from at least 6 diff. moms and if your child loves to read stories they will love it. It also adjusts to a 4 or 5 day week. I will be starting my son this year in this curriculumn for K and my 3 year old will be able to sit in on our reading too, if he wants. I hope this helps because I also felt a little overwhelmed when looking for a homeschool program that fit my child's learning style. I know that if you order in April you can get up to 20% off the curr. price.....  I hope this helps you and don't forget to pray, no one knows your child's needs better than God..

J - posted on 01/24/2009

Thanks so much for your insight, Jennifer. I'm glad to hear that my desire to teach helps me to teach my child. I am praying, and now wondering if I should give it a try for KG, knowing I can always 'send her away' the following year if things don't work out well.

Judi - posted on 01/23/2009

Quoting Jenna:

I really would like to homeschool. I am a certified K-12 teacher, but I don't know if we can survive giving up my income, at least that is what my husband is worried about. Help....

That second income is really hard to give up.  But you will also be giving up gas for the commute, keeping up a career wardrobe, eating out for lunch, etc.  I gave up my teaching job to homeschool my kids and even though we've had to cut back on certain things, I would never trade anything for the precious time I've had with my kids.

Do you have any work-at-home options?  I have started working out of my home part-time now that my kids are a little older and can do school more independently now.  I also have a great husband who's willing to take over with the kids in the evenings so I can work.

Jennifer - posted on 01/23/2009

When my daughter was 3 I was looking into doing some substitute teaching and having her in preschool. The more I looked into it, the more anxious I became, and my husband and I realized that there were other options we needed to consider.



To have your husband behind you, Sarah, is a wonderful position to be in. You will need him to be your cheer leader, your encourager, and your reality check! There will be days when you'll feel like quitting, but isn't that true for any job? And is any job more worthwhile than training our own children?



There are so many opportunities for children to get together, you don't really have to worry about them being secluded. And the absolute best relationships for your children to be in is the ones with you and your husband, hands down.



It can be a scary first step, and you'll feel like you're having to explain your decision at every turn. But it's soooo worth it!



If you want to be really inspired about home education and its value, take a look at Susan Schaeffer Macaulay's book "For the Children's Sake." It's a treasure!



Jennifer

Sarah - posted on 01/23/2009

Hi~ I'm in almost the same situation! Except I couldn't even send my daughter to preschool! I ended up pulling her out the week before classes started! We went ahead and bought the A Beka K5 curriculum then (she turned 5 last month) and started it a little, but then I got nervous thinking if I did send her to school- would she be too far ahead??!! Anyways, my husband is totally sold on homeschooling, I'm having a harder time worrying if I'll be good enough, if I'll be organized enough, if she'll stay her "normal" outgoing self. Anyways, I am praying hard about it too- just thought you'd like to know you aren't alone!!

Thanks!

Sarah - posted on 01/23/2009

Hi~ I'm in almost the same situation! Except I couldn't even send my daughter to preschool! I ended up pulling her out the week before classes started! We went ahead and bought the A Beka K5 curriculum then (she turned 5 last month) and started it a little, but then I got nervous thinking if I did send her to school- would she be too far ahead??!! Anyways, my husband is totally sold on homeschooling, I'm having a harder time worrying if I'll be good enough, if I'll be organized enough, if she'll stay her "normal" outgoing self. Anyways, I am praying hard about it too- just thought you'd like to know you aren't alone!!

Thanks!

Jenna - posted on 01/23/2009

I really would like to homeschool. I am a certified K-12 teacher, but I don't know if we can survive giving up my income, at least that is what my husband is worried about. Help....

Jennifer - posted on 01/23/2009

Home schooling is a wonderful adventure! If you and your husband are agreed on it, then you're probably okay to go ahead.



A lot of people are hesitant to start because they feel they don't have the experience needed to teach their children: no education degree, etc. But, there is really solid research indicating that home schooled children out-perform schooled children across the board, and that the parent's 'qualifications' have negligible impact on that! That means that home schooled children whose parents only have a gr. 12 eduation, for example, perform on average as well as those whose parents have post secondary education, even teachers' degrees! That's so exciting to me (and I am a former Christian school teacher with a Bachelor of Education) because I see that it is so much more than the academic qualification of the teaching parent - it is the interest and involvement in the children's education that makes the single most significant impact. (you can check out research done by the Canadian Centre for Home Education or HSLDA)



Teaching your child to read is one of the most satisfying, success-building things you can do with your child. It gives you an 'if I can do this, I can do anything' kind of boost. It's not always easy. Not every child is a natural reader. But it can be done.



It doesn't take a super-organized person to home school, either. As your children grow you grow, too, and you learn what works best for your family in terms of schedule, style, and so on.



Keep praying. Attend a home education conference if there's one in your area (preferrably with your husband) and know that the Lord wants the best for those little ones of yours as much as you do - He'll lead you through!



Blessings to you,

Jennifer

Karen - posted on 01/19/2009

Maybe it's a regional thing.  happens here:-)

Sarah - posted on 01/19/2009

I haven't heard of homeschoolers sending their little ones to be taught to read by the school, and I know a lot of homeschoolers!  Strange ... but if it works for you, I guess!

J - posted on 01/17/2009

Thanks alot, Christine. I will check out that website. I live in Michigan & have heard that our homeschooling laws aren't very rigid. Will also check out those books. Thanks!

Christine - posted on 01/14/2009

HSLDA.org is a great place to find out what your state requires. Any book written by Cathy Duffy is a wealth of information. Her latest book is a collection of curriculum reviews she put together. Before thinking about curriculum you should determine what type of learner your daughter is. Cynthia Tobias has a couple of great books on the subject, The Way They Learn, is a wonderful resource. Lastly, check out some books from Ruth Beechick, You Can Teach Your Child Successfully and The Three R's. These are great resources for early elementary grades. God Bless Your Homeschool!

J - posted on 01/13/2009

I also just found out today that our public school will have a 1/2 day option if at least 22 kids are enrolled. It is tempting to consider that. I will need to do alot of praying in the next month!

J - posted on 01/13/2009

Thanks alot for your responses Wanda, Katrina & Karen. They have helped me SO MUCH!

Karen - posted on 01/11/2009

I didn't.  It was actually easy because the child has an understanding of what "school" is at that point.  When I asked my son if he would like to school with mommy, he was thrilled. He knew he would be home with me, and that I would be his teacher. 

My son is in 1st grade right now.  I tried before K to teach him some reading and failed.  Watching him in public school and helping him with homework, taught me how he learned best and also taught me that the public school system couldn't offer him what he needed.  Last year he was placed into a group for kids that needed special help in K.  I brought him home this year and at the Fall review with my county school system, they were so impressed, that they asked if I was planning on advancing him to 2nd grade early this year! 

I have three kids and it was easy to pinpoint the learning styles of the the older two. The youngest was not because he has a very different style that requires various modes of learning.  Verbal, visual, and manipulatives.  Without that approach, he wasn't learning.  The public school gave him a foundation, but couldn't break through.  I can give him the one on one he needs when he gets stuck on a concept and work it until he understands.  No curriculum offers that, you work the curriculum to meet your childs needs. 

All of my kids are on the same curriculum.  The older two read and comprehend without the add-ons.  The third, I always have to be creative to find ways to explain thengs so that he can see/touch it.  I have him on 1st-3rd grade levels now, as he can grasp material, I run with it.

Long way to say, public school gave my youngest the opportunity to be taught by me. 

Katrina - posted on 01/11/2009

I have found that homeschooled children are actually more outgoing generally and more willing to converse with adults.  There is plenty of time to socialize with other children ie. at church or childrens clubs , at the park and other places.  I have found that A Beka is a good curiculum and also Christian Light.  They are fun and easy to follow (for the moms who have alot to do).  My children really like both and I mix them according to need.  I know you will be blessed in your new endevor.  Aloha!

Wanda - posted on 01/11/2009

Hi Julie, I have been homescholing my twon girls since they were born (practically) I remember going through those same emotions as to what to do for them, public school was not an option and we couldn't afford the private. God led me to people and communities like these that reassured me that homeschooling is in deed the best for my girls, and after seeking God's plan for our family we were at peace knowing that we are in his will. It isent easy my girls love people as well I have them involved in gymnastics, swimming, girls club where they can still interact but at the same time keep their learning priorities in order. I pray that God will bring you peace in this time of indecision. Best Wishes God Bless!

J - posted on 01/11/2009

Thanks so much, Karen! Great things to think about!



Another question I have: When mom's send their child to kindergarten & then homeschool after that, is the transition difficult for the child (from going to school to back at home?)

Karen - posted on 01/11/2009

I have talked to many homeschool moms and many agree that teaching a child to read is the single hardest task of teaching your child at home.  Many die hard homeschool moms in my area send their kids to public school for Kindergarten only and then bring them home.  It does two things.  It gives them the foundations for reading, and the structure of a school day.

My youngest son had difficulty learning to read even with "Teach you child to read in 100 easy lessons", and "Hooked on Phonics".  Public School gave him enough of a foundation that when I brough him home and could work with him one on one, he exploded in his reading capacity.

As for not being super organized, the beauty of homeschooling is that you have different options.  You can use a set curriculum or create your own and report to the school district directly, or you can use an umbrella agency who reports to the school district for you.  When using the umbrella agency, depending on their requirements, you can use their curriculum or create your own.

Most school districts require instruction in certain academic areas based on grade.  As long as you address each subject area and show adequate progress, you will be fine.

If she needs additional social interaction, there are many homeschool families out there who could give you ideas for things to do, or groups to join in your area.  I have my children involved in baseball, soccer and karate.  Not only does this provide them with social interaction, but satisfies the physical education requirement!

It is a lot of work for you the teacher, but the best reward is the bond you will create with your child, and the awe and wonder as they grow and learn is yours to witness.  Best of luck!