How do I go about homeschooling my boys?

Question

My first son will be ready for school next year and I would like to find out how you go about homeschooling. How to get started, what are the good things and the bad things about it, could someone please help for I really don't want my kids to go to a place where they will see violence and learn other things that are not school related.

Answer 1

I was in the same shape you were several years ago. Today, I am happily and successfully homeschooling my son, age 7 and he is very well adjusted and loves it! His social life couldn't be any better than it is and he feels sorry for the kids stuck in the institution of classes at school! They are the ones unable to socialize with anyone except their peers...and being influenced by them...for better or worse. With homeschooling you can go on field trips, workshops, seminars, visit nursing homes, etc. We do so much hands on activities that he is never bored and he socializes with people of all ages...not just kids his own age.

You need to get a book with accurate up to date statistics about homeschooling... I recommend "Worldwide Guide to Homeschooling" by Brain D. Ray, Ph.D. You can get it on Amazon.com or check it out at our library....a great resource for homeschooling ideas, etc. Also, do some web searches for a homeschool group in your own area and join it. Lastly, go to the HSLDA website. You'll find tons of information there regarding legalities for your state, etc. Good luck!

Answer 2

imzadi is right - you need to start at the HSLDA website and find out what your state requires (compulsory attendance, testing, curriculum, lesson plans, etc.) Some states are very lenient, requiring very little. Others require yearly testing, lesson plans...

Once you know the laws, you can start researching curriculum and methods (classical, unschooling, eclectic). Depending on the age of your son (Kinder? 1st?) you may not want to do much in the way of 'formal' schooling using workbooks and (ugh!) textbooks until 2nd or 3rd grade (or even later). There are several sources for curriculum reviews - Cathy Duffy, Mary Pride, Rebecca Rupp

I would HIGHLY recommend finding a group in your area to get involved with - they are invaluable in the advice and support departments. Many have gone before you and can help you work through some of the issues you'll face. Here in Texas, we have an organization called "Smoothing The Way" that helps first-time homeschoolers navigate the ins and outs of this new journey. I know they've expanded to other states, but not sure they'll have a group where you are.

If you have further questions, feel free to email me. Best Wishes!

Answer 3

Start at Home School Legal Defense Association (website below) to find out what you are legally required to do to homeschool in your state. It is legal in all states, but the requirements differ.

After fulfilling all legal requirements, you will need to choose and purchase a curriculum. There are a million choices out there, and the variety can be daunting. So look for websites/books by Mary Pride and Cathy Duffy. They are experienced homeschoolers who evaluate homeschool curriculums and publish their well-informed opinions about the merits of them. You might choose to start with a curriculum that includes all subjects by the same publisher, some companies even offer record-keeping and a transcript, but this isn't really needed, at least not at the grade school level.

Lastly, you will need to plan your school year. Be flexible, unexpected things will occur, and field trips are great learning tools. In the early grades, learning at home should not take more than 3 hours a day plus breaks. Less is better. Also make sure you include some time off for yourself, a stressed mom is the most common cause of home-school failures. So plan in some 3 day weekends, and time off for holidays and birthdays. Relax, you won't screw your kids up, no one knows them better than you.

Answer 4

You will find the greatest help by getting to know other homeschoolers who can tell you all the tips and pitfalls. Preferably someone local, but in this day and age of internet even a homeschooler half a country away can be a Godsend. If you want to contact me, feel free too. We have been homeschooling now going on 14 years. We just graduated our oldest son this spring and I am still homeschooling a 5, 12, and 16 year old. It can seem daunting at first, but it is the most worthwhile endeavor I have ver undertaken and likely will ever undertake. It has been the richest of blessings to me and our children.

Stop in to my blog at http://homeschoolblogger.com/armoorefam/ to get to know me a bit. Then e-mail me at [e-mail].

Answer 5

Maybe you should go online and take a look at the curriculum most schools have. Teach them that or more advanced work. Children learn most of their habits from their parents and it's not always what you teach them but what you do in front of them.
Teach them by example. Be diligent and disciplined in whatever you do and they will do the same.

Only one downside that i can think of for homeschooling. Children need to socialize and be among peers also. That is how they learn social skills. If you don't want them to interact with the kids in your nearby school...enroll them in some afterschool activity outside of your area. Try Manhattan.

Answer 6

I'm from Ohio and here there are a lot of choice's to pick from. We had help finding the home school from my sons former school..Look up home school in the web browser for your state and that will give you a place to start . My son started homeschooling on May,1,06 he went from having straight F's to all B's in about 3 months. its the best thing i could of done for him.then i enrolled him at the YMCA for more activities..The home school i put him in is the best. All the one on one time he will ever need..He does have to sit at the PC but his teacher is there at all times to help.He spends 5 hours a day doing school work, and the best part about it is that i see everything that goes into his brain.They have field trips,prom, principles,counselors,special ed classes.its just like public school but he's home with me.Have you ever wondered what happened to all the good teachers well they are homeschooling now at least here they are.And the best part about it is hes learning so much more then he did in public school. I cant tell you the change this has done for our family.Its wonderful. Please e-mail me if you need help or just want to chat about [e-mail]

Answer 7

homeschooling depends on your state requirements . . you can find out by researching on the net . . we have Cyberschool here from kindergarten thru grade 12 that is free to the student - they are supplied everything they need and a computer . . students that are homeschooled are also able to graduate one year sooner than those in public school if they pass the exam . . good luck

Answer 8

Most simply, share your life with your children. Be with them not separated from them. Take them seriously and share your own curiosity with them.

Do not structure, rather explore. Learn how they best learn (hands on? outdoors? by listening to parents read?). Show them that YOU are a learner. They will want to share YOUR interests too.

If your oldest is five, let him have abundant play time. Imagination games and toys are best. Cut the TV ... get it out of your home if you can. Avoid passive learning in favor of active engagement in the community.

Move to a natural setting if you can. Nature is the finest teacher most children can ever have.

good luck

Answer 9

Contact your local homeschool group and get information from them on your local state requirements.

Answer 10

Check out
http://www.virtualhomeschoolgroup.com