Trying to home school how do I start???????

Question

I want to home school my two daughters but I have a low-income and can't afford a lot but don't know where to start. Please give me some guidance.

They are 8 and 10 and have been in public school before but have had alot of trouble because my ten year old is adhd and the school wants to send her away and jsut throw her away like she doesn't matter.

Answer 1

I know what you mean! I had to start hs my 7 yr dd cause the school would not help with her learning problems.
First, each state has a homeschool agency with a website. I guess google your state name and add 'homeschool agency' . This should have the laws listed, forms to download and copy, etc.
Second, NEVER have anything to do with the public schools ever again LOL
Na, really, the law in my state is that the schools are not legally required to help anyone who homeschools, but they can at their discretion. Wouldn't hurt to ask.
And, I don't have much money either. So here's what I have learned.
1. There are SO MANY websites that you can use for every subject! I use the internet a LOT for school! The problem I have wiht this though, is it takes SO MUCH of my time searching and finding what to use. I guess this is what I have to do cause I don't have much money!!
2. EBAY!! I buy books, workbooks, supplies, etc.
I can't buy any kind of curriculum so I mix it up and use whatever.
(you have to make sure of your state laws allow this)
3.Do free field trips, grocery store outings, library, hospital tours, go to courthouse, post office, bank, etc. On your own and have field days at these places.
Use chalk outside to do math, spelling words etc. Go outside for science nature walk and make collage with what you find.
4. Join a local homeschool group. They are wonderful! You get together with other kids and have fun days, field trips, do classes together, PE, art, 4H, girl and boy scouts, etc.
I thought public school had more to offer than homeschool, but NO WAY!!

Doing all these things, I have spent less than $75 for a whole year, plus most of the things I bought can be used for years to come. (I know $75 is a LOT but I managed somehow?)
some people spend up in the thousands doing this.

If your children have learning problems, schools do NOT help with this. Oh they say they do but belive me they don't. Anyway, homeschool is so much better for learning problems IF you know what the problem is and if you KNOW WHAT to do for the problem.
And, all children have their own 'learning style' and schools only cater to ONE style- reading and writing. What about the kids who learn better visually, verbally, auditory?
That's the problem my dd had, and now I can choose what, how, when, etc on teaching her to learn in the way she learns best.
Now, she's doing so much better than she would EVER do in public school.

Answer 2

Typically there is paperwork to be filled out. In most states this just means registering your home as a school. You may want to check with your state board of education to see what forms need to be filled out. There may also be a filing fee associated with this. Make sure you are aware of all of this before you start so that you won't have any problems when your daughters aren't enrolled for the fall.

After that, you need to choose a curriculum. There are lots of services that offer full plans or just certain subjects. Select one based on your children's interests and learning styles. You can find a lot of information on curriculum services by doing a simple internet search. You can also do some correspondence courses, although some of these are quite a bit more expensive.

The next step is getting your home set up. This will include getting a schedule for your kids to follow. Don't let them think that just because they are homeschooled that they can lay in bed until 11 every day. A schedule that is similar to that maintained by public schools (school starting at 8 or 8:30 and ending around 2 or 3 with a lunch) is best.

You may also want to designate a room (the kitchen is good because it offers a table, chairs, etc) for schooling. This will help get your daughters on task when they can associate their school work with a room (as well as a time from the schedule).

You should also check to see if there are any local homeschooling organizations. They can help you with any local guidelines that will affect you. They can also offer tips.

Good luck.

Also to GERRY O, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states in the U.S.

Answer 3

Your first step is to make sure you follow the homeschooling laws for your state (it is legal in all 50 states). Check the HSLDA website for the general guidelines.

Homeschooling can be done for next to nothing by using the library. We buy a few "spines" each year, but check out loads of books from the library, especially for science, history, art, and reading. See if the library has any books ABOUT homeschooling (two examples are "The Well-Trained Mind" by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise-Bauer or "Home Learning Year-by Year" by Rebecca Rupp). They can give you great ideas about how to do it on the cheap. You should also look for used curriculum on eBay (especially math).

Homeschooling can be done however and whenever you want - it can be done from 8am to 3pm, like public school, or you can start at noon and be finished at 3, or do some in the morning, some in the afternoon and some in the evening. You can do 5 days a week, 4 days a week or two days a week. It's really whatever fits your family the best. We have formal schooling (with books) four days a week from about 8am until noon or 1 (that's for my 6th grader to be, the 1st grader to be only does about 2 hours). Then we have field trips and other outings, meeting with other homeschoolers, trips to the pool, chess club, tennis lessons. Almost everything we do is a learning oppportunity for my boys.

Good luck! Feel free to email me if you have more questions.

Answer 4

I'm so glad I came along and saw your question. I'm involved with a homeschooling group here California. Even if your not in California, these web site will be great for you. First check out;

www.hsld.com Homeschooling legal defense, it's cheep and affordable, us home schools never know when we'll need them. Also, you can contact a friend of mine, even if your not in California, Kathy is her name, she and her husband started a homeschooling net work. Send her an Email, and let her know your situation, I'm sure she can help.

her email address is www.ochomeschooling.com or
www.occonsiteringhomeschooling.com, these are also web sites.

But, if you do live in California, Email me, we have a meeting coming up this Saturday.

Good Luck

Answer 5

I home school my three children. We used to be low-income, it can be done. Use EBay, read carefully, and use your imagination. Budget through out the year and buy supplies when on sale. Get containers or boxes to store you supplies so they are well marked. Find a group of other home schoolers. Home schooling is very rewarding. Enjoy!

Answer 6

We home schooled our two youngest kids for three years. They received the same credits as the regular school kids. They worked fewer hours per day, received higher grades, and did better on state tests.

Answer 7

I do not think that home school is legal.Check with your local government first.

Answer 8

u should contact ur local school district and see if they have any programs in ur area. if they don't then they might start one for u.