home schooling kids

[drumerboy]

my wife and i are thinking of home schooling our son any one have any advice or how to get started.
                                                                               

[dnr1128]

What are your motivations for homeschooling?

[drumerboy]

the school system he is in is good but we are having problems with his teacher,bulling,intimidation and such. He does not want to go to school (they aren't likely to fix the problem) He's geting sick at school and we thought it would be better to home school him.

[Sis]

See if you can find out if there's a network of home schooling parents in or near your city/town. There usually is.

Also, Mellow Yellow is doing it for the first time this year, you might drop her a PM.

[drumerboy]

thank you for the replies, I am new at this and am not sure how to PM someone. any help would be appreciated.

[gospelgirl]

I home schooled my oldest for a few yrs we used the ACE program,you can look it up online if ya wish.
You have to first find out what the law is in your town

[Sis]

That's the reason that he should find out if there's a network of home schoolers in his town, to let him know what's available locally.

How to use PM, or Personal Messages:  http://godplace.com/forum/index.php?action=help;page=pm

[gospelgirl]

Yes great idea as they might have where you meet and get together too, a great resorse for home schoolers.

[Melody]

This is my first year homeschooling my 2 children, ages 7 and 11.  I was homeschooled for a few years and seen things not to do.

I started by asking other homeschooled folks and looking stuff up online.  There is so much info and resources, it can be overwhelming.

But you asked how to get started... I can only tell ya what I know so far.

As someone said, find out the homeschooling law in your state.  Next, look into different curriculums.  There are A.C.E., Abecka, Bob Jones, S.O.S., just to name a few.

Once I started digging I saw that I need to start with basics and let it evolve naturally.  This is happening! 

Everyone will recommend or discourage every type of curriculum.  It's because everyone is different and what works for them is different.  I heard A.C.E. wasn't challenging at all.  For my 7yr. old, this is true, she is literally flying through this stuff, will be done ahead of schedule, and really hasn't been challenged at all yet.  I will need to subsidize along the way, which is great because my 11 yr. old has some things that she can participate in also. 

My son last year (5th grade) tested out at an 8th grade reading/comprehension level.  So the A.C.E. spelling is almost insulting to him...lol  Everything else though he is REALLY enjoying learning thoroughly because they just ran through it before he could fully grasp it as a foundational rule/formula.  But he's been in public school for 6 yrs, so there's bound to be some gaps.

Decide who will be the primary teacher, how much time you really have to invest in this and most of all... Pray about it.  I seriously considered homeschooling 3 years ago but it just wasn't time yet for whatever reason, maybe even I wasn't ready to take it on.

Think about your child, and your teaching/disciplining style.  Nobody told me this before hand.  But spending day in and day out together often requires some adjusting.  It's one thing being a stay at home mom with a toddler, it's a whole 'nother ball game with bigger kids, even other than summer.  You may want to read a book or two on disciplining, parent teaching, and/or personality types/love languages.  Sound silly?  Figuring out how YOU tick and most of all how your child ticks will enable you to inspire him toward success better.

After talking to some novice homeschooling parents I see a bit ahead.  I know eventually I am going to be using a little bit of everything depending on where my children are in each subject.  I will use more/less paper work and testing in certain subjects.

I am on a hunt to find a measure by grade level to make sure my children are at least up to par in every subject.  I already see they will excel in others.

I have the time and the zeal to take the ACE cirriculum and build around it for a fuller learning experience.  Almost everything is a potential learning experience.  Every trip is geography, history, etc.  Day to day life is economics, life skills, etc. 

MO state laws requires I account for every hour of school time with a record.  This may be a pain but it gives me security too.  There are other important laws that I must abide w/ also, like writing a formal letter to the school district stating the info of homeschooling my kids.

Find out about the homeschoolers around you.  Chances are they go on field trips and have extra cirricular things your son will benefit from.  They also will hook you up w/ resources like 2nd hand cirriculum and such... it can be expensive getting everything new.

Think about what you really want to be your son's biggest strength in all of this.  For some, it simply is education, for others it encompasses a much bigger objective: Faith in God, character building, life skills, communication, relationships, etc.  They are all interwoven and are able to be strengthened in homeschooling if that is your goal.

Think outside the box.  Having your kid in public/private school unwittinly confines your perspective too.  MO state law tells me what dates the school year is to be accomplished in, which if I stay organized and my children on track, makes for a very awesome schedule. 

That's all I can think of right now.

Keep us updated!

[Sis]

Also, the Board of Education is supposed to provide extra equipment needed for the education process. Most school systems have a "teacher library" for the teachers to pick up things for their classes to use. Home schoolers are supposed to be able to use these resources, too.

Usually they lend globes, science things for simple experiments, books, etc. If you want to keep your child on the same reading level because they're moving too fast, they have age/grade appropriate books.

Also, my friend home-schooled her kids. They even did things like family bike rides, which counted as phy-ed.

[drumerboy]

Thank you for all the information. I have been on line and found the homeschooling laws for the state I live in and also looked at some of the on line homeschooling options...ouch so much money$$. Anyway everything is so overwhelming we're still  trying to figure it all out, our son is 7 and wants to be homeschooled but I'm not sure he really understands that there will be work involved and not just staying home spending the day with mom.You did make  a good point about praying about it, which we haven't done...so we will pray and I'll continue to search. Thank you again.

[Ashlee]

Also, the Board of Education is supposed to provide extra equipment needed for the education process. Most school systems have a "teacher library" for the teachers to pick up things for their classes to use. Home schoolers are supposed to be able to use these resources, too.

Usually they lend globes, science things for simple experiments, books, etc. If you want to keep your child on the same reading level because they're moving too fast, they have age/grade appropriate books.

That is different in every area. Here, they use to allow you to use old outdated books or books that were rejected, but they're getting really strict on it. You have to make an appointment and tell them specifically what you want. It's different in every parish/county.

Also, check with your board of education. It's not necessary for you to buy the curriculum. If you check with libraries and also with the board of education, you can get the materials for free. Most of the time they come with the test booklets and everything already for you.

[Melody]

I think Ruby said it before?  Homeschooling is a lifestyle.  It's nothing like sending your kids in the morning and seeing them in the afternoon after a day of school. 

You will be involved in it so much because you want him to succeed AND because he needs you to respond to his efforts with real interest.

[dnr1128]

Homeschooling has definite benefits, and definite drawbacks.  

Benefits:

Academically speaking, it is the best.  Homeschoolers consistently rank at the top of the charts on standardized tests, as well as college prep tests.  Ivy league colleges have become very open to homeschoolers because  they've found that they make excellent students (in terms of grades), both in and out of the classroom.

Homeschooling allows you, as the parents, to tailor the education to fit the child.  He can learn in the ways that best fit him.  This, combined with the one-on-one teaching, make for an excellent atmosphere for learning

Homeschooling also allows you total control over what your child learns and when.  No more worrying about sex ed, evolution, and other issues.  

Drawbacks:

Homeschoolers, because they aren't forced to adapt to other in learning styles, often have trouble adjusting to the classroom environment.  Kids that are taught at home sometimes struggle socially.  I know I have.  I was homeschooled before it was legal;  both my older brother and I are homeschool graduates.  

In my experience, homeschooled kids tend to be stunted socially, being forced to learn social skills at an older age than most kids, often with greater difficulty.  I've found in my own life that being sheltered and kept away from kids my own age for most of my childhood (except for a few neighboorhood kids and sunday school) made the adjustment to adult life very difficult.  

In the end, pray about it, and do what God leads you to do.

If you're interested, there's a network for apostolic homeschoolers, including a yahoo group that is quite active.   You can reach them on the web at Apostolichomeschoolers.org  It is spearheaded by Rev. Steve and Carol Ryerson, UPCI couple based out of Western Kentucky with years of homeschooling experience.  They have a lot of good insights, but I will say that I don't agree with some positions they take on certain issues such as dating, sheltering, etc.  

God bless you and give you wisdom as you make this important choice!

[Sis]

Again, you can't say " homeschooled kids tend to be stunted socially, being forced to learn social skills at an older age than most kids, often with greater difficulty." Because that IS your experience.  That's not the experience of the majority of kids. Some parents overprotect their kids and that's when that comes in. But I can attest to the fact, that the majority of kids aren't over protected and do develop social skills with church kids, neighbor kids, and other home schoolers, if they're networked.

[dnr1128]

My experience with homeschoolers, well into the hundreds, has shown me that homeschooling fails to adequately equip students with the ability to function and be accepted in a social environment with young of vastly different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Homeschoolers are different from everybody else;  sometimes thats good, sometime it's bad.  I can pick out a homeschooled student, even well into adulthood, out of a crowd with no problem, based on behavior and attitude.  I've done it.

I'm by no means saying that homeschooling doesn't produce well mannered, well behaved, intelligent young adults, nor am I totally against it.  I've just seen both in my own experience and in observations of many homeschooled teens the very real weaknesses that the environment produces.   Just know that it has its downsides, just like public and Christian schools.  Every education method has strengths and weaknesses, and homeschooling is no different. 

[Ashlee]

Not every homeschooler is socially stunted. Within the group that I'm in, they were very social and outspoken and well involved in the community. They knew what was going on, not just locally, but globally. They protested in Washington, met the president, rallied with goverment officials.....on and on. 

Not only that, but they paid attention to peoples needs in our community. While others were in public school, we were out painting bridges in the park, adopting a highway, visiting nursing homes.....

I could go on and on, but it's not necessary. My point is just that every homeschooler is different.

To me, homeschooling was beneficial for me in many ways. I learned more, actually ENJOYED school work, and most importantly, I got involved in my community. I was always on the go. I wasn't so tired from a full day of school and all the pressures there that I came home and went to bed, I got out there and actually cared about others that were in need of assistance. And since I wasn't in public school all day long and then riding a school bus home for two hours (even though I lived only a 1/4 mile from the school), I had time and energy to do more.

[Sis]

In all my years of teaching and working as a museum educator, I've only met one. And she was living on a farm and didn't have any contact with other kids, other than her sister her whole life. Other than that, I've never, and I mean NEVER met a home schooled kid who lacked social skills because of all the chances they have to interact with other kids.

[dnr1128]

It's not just about interaction, it's about challenging.  The move on in the homeschooling community now, both in apostolic ranks and in the denominational world, is to prevent kids from having "bad influences" from friends.  I was at a homeschooling conference years ago with a speaker who proclaimed that he would never allow his children to play with any friends without him being in the room.  That statement was met with resounding applause.  That mentality, of protecting "innocent minds" is spreading throughout the homeschooling world, and I fear the result. 

When in homeschooling do you work closely on projects with kids who don't agree with your lifestyle?  Never.  When do you learn teamwork (ie sports, etc)?  Homeschoolers are used to an environment tailored to their individual needs that teamwork is difficult.  Hardly ever, since homeschooling parents often don't want their kids to be involved in sports because of "bad influences."  Don't say in youth groups or at youth camp, because the move on now is against youth groups and camps.

A few months ago we were shorthanded at work so they sent a hand out from another rig that wasn't working at the time.  He showed up, was a hard worker, but I could tell he was a homeschooler just by his behavior.  Good guy, don't know anything about it or his background, but I could tell he's a homeschooler simply by the way he kept to himself.  That's characteristic.  His coworkers made the statement about him that "...he's a good guy but got some weird ways."   A fair assessment.

To each his own, and every parent is responsible for deciding where they stand.  Whatever the choice, go into it knowing both the good and the bad.  For me, I have very serious issues not with homeschooling, but with the homeschooling world that says that if you don't do it you're sinning. 

[Sis]

*SIIIIIIIGGHHHHHHH*  Not true of most. Maybe one or two or some in your circle.  The ones I knew played outside with the neighborhppd kids when they got home from school, and on weekends. The goal is NOT to protect kids from other kids and learning how to interact. The goal is to protect kids from being taught the leftist, socialist propaganda that the school system pushes.

They don't need to learn spells from the neighborhood practicing witch. They don't need to learn to be Muslim for a day including wearing headwear.  They don't need to learn to find their spirit guide and let that spirit guide them through life. They don't need to learn that parents ideas are old fashioned and they are the new voice for a new generation.

There IS a reason that I won't teach in the public schools anymore.

[Ashlee]

dnr, I believe the people you're referring to are what we call down south a 'cult' church.  Those people who belive that you cannot interact with anyone unless they're just like you.  Well, that's not typical of every homeschooler, however it is typical of 'cults'.

My opinion and my experience. Not meant to start a debate of any kind. Just saying it's not how everyone is.

[dnr1128]

People I've had interaction with comes from all over the eastern half of the US, mostly Baptist and Pentecostal. 

Let me also be clear;  there is a vast difference between homeschooling (education which takes place at home led by the parents) and the home discipleship lifestyle.  Read some of the articles on the cited website for more clarification.  They can explain it better than I.  It is to the latter which I refer. 

My wife was homeschooled for the last three years of HS, and she had a very good experience, because she'd been in public school, had an awsome youth group, and many friends (even drug heads lol).  That's not what I'm talking about.  What I'm against is parents that seek to have influence and control over every aspect of their kids life from birth on, up to and including no sunday school, no youth groups, no dating, no church camps, and very closely controlled extra-family activity, even the parents having a vote in the choice of spouse.  This the attitude that is coming into the homeschooling world.

[dnr1128]

*SIIIIIIIGGHHHHHHH*  Not true of most. Maybe one or two or some in your circle.  The ones I knew played outside with the neighborhppd kids when they got home from school, and on weekends. The goal is NOT to protect kids from other kids and learning how to interact. The goal is to protect kids from being taught the leftist, socialist propaganda that the school system pushes.

They don't need to learn spells from the neighborhood practicing witch. They don't need to learn to be Muslim for a day including wearing headwear.  They don't need to learn to find their spirit guide and let that spirit guide them through life. They don't need to learn that parents ideas are old fashioned and they are the new voice for a new generation.

I agree with your last paragraph.  No dissent here.   But that's not merely what homeschool leaders are pushing now.  I get their articles, the emails, the magazines.  They're not pushing just schooling at home to avoid wrong ideas, they're pushing a total lifestyle change. 

[Melody]

my church is running 500 give or take.  1/4 about is other cultures and we are good friends with many of those.  We have 2 other homeschooling families presently.  There are kids in our neighborhood that my kids play with too.

I don't know how on earth, unless you are cultish, you can avoid working with and around people that have different ideas.  Especially if you are at all evangelistic, that meanst you're going to teach a Bible study or at the very least, fellowship with the unchurched which come in ALL sorts of ways.  This means my kids have and continue how to interact with all levels of classes & cultures.  Sunday school and youth events have non-church kids often.  Just with other church people, there are SO many different ideas out there and my kids catch conversations regularly.  We all know very well, that even within our church friends, the parenting perspectives alone, vary.

That's not counting the homeschool group.  I'm sure every area is different, but up north here, (and Iowa), MANY homeschool for reasons other than religion.  And that makes for some interesting interaction.  And because it's in a controlled enviroment, I have no reason to shun my kids from those experiences.

And we will be learning about evolution and sex ed by the way.  It's just that it will be from a Biblical stand point.  So when they enter the world, they have a good idea of what the world thinks they know, but also how to discuss it because of what's right.

No one on here really knows me, but I'm not playin'.  I'm taking this seriously.  I want my kids well rounded and educated AND confident in their faith.

[dnr1128]

No one on here really knows me, but I'm not playin'.  I'm taking this seriously.  I want my kids well rounded and educated AND confident in their faith.

Good.  Provide lots of challenges and they'll be confident in themselves and in their beliefs.