I would like to homeschool my daughter, but I've no idea how to get started. I also want to keep it legal. Does anyone have some advice for me? She is 8 years old and in 3rd grade. How difficult will it be for her to apply for college?
2006-09-26 11:14:40 · 7 answers · asked by Mrs.Fine 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Home Schooling
I would check your state law with hslda.org and pick a curriculum. I like to use Switched on Schoolhouse by Alpha Omega Publishing. Alpha Omega also has an academy if you do chose she needs a diploma.
I also like Five in a Row.
You may want to look into 3Moms.com. They offer a curriculum package of the major publishing companies with sample lessons so you can find the correct curriculum without spending a fortune.
Good Luck! Enjoy the year! :)
2006-09-27 09:29:36 · answer #1 · answered by MomOfThree 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, find out your state laws. You can do this by going to the HSLDA website. They have a simple overview of the laws in each of the 50 states. I wouldn't recommend talking to the district, as many administrators are not aware of the legal requirements of homeschooling and may ask you for things they don't need (like lesson plans and curriculum - not required in many states).
Next, determine your philosophy/method. There are many out there, including: unschooling, unit studies, classical, Montessori, Waldorf, Charlotte Mason, computer-based, ... If you need more information on these (or others), get a copy of, "Mary Pride's Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling". This is an important step because it will help you narrow down your curriculum choices, which is the next step...
Choose you curriculum. Now that you know HOW you're going to homeschool, it's time to decide WHAT you're going to teach. There are several good curriculum review guides, including, "100 Top Picks for Homeschooling" by Cathy Duffy (and her website) and, "Home Learning Year by Year" by Rebecca Rupp. Once you decide on curriculum, check out Rainbow Resource (they have the best prices and best selection).
You should also get into a homeschool support group or co-op. These people are a huge help when dealing with difficult days, issues, and people. They're also pretty good about loaning materials to look over before buying.
And don't worry about college - many colleges and universities are actively recruiting homeschoolers. Check out the info on HSLDA's website or go to NHERI.org
Best wishes for successful homeschooling!
2006-09-26 19:42:27 · answer #2 · answered by homeschoolmom 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Selfteach has given good information and I'd like to add a bit to it. You DO NOT need to go through an accredited school to get your child into college. In her latter years, begin keeping portfolios and transcripts (a record of hours per sujbect=1 credit, find out the required credit per subject), as well as any volunteering and extra-curricular activities she has done. You can issue your own diploma and colleges do accept them. Also, here in Florida a child can dual enroll at the age of 16 in a community college and earn both high school and college credits! Woot! Our son wants to take that route in 4 years, the credits will go to a bachelor's degree. All they need to do is take a placement test and if they are 'behind', they college will give them courses. They can also C.L.E.P. out of classes.
***We don't follow the schools rules, so I am not sure where the first poster is coming from.*** Please do not talk to the school about how or what to do for home educating, type in your homeschooling laws for your state and do what is required. In Texas, they don't even have to file notice of intent to homeschool, Texas is a GREAT homeschool state.
The opportunities abound, just find what works best for your family.
Best wishes.
2006-09-26 19:04:57 · answer #3 · answered by FreeThinker 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start out by going to www.hslda.org and find out what the law is in your area.
You will need to have an idea of what method of homeschooling that you want to implement.
Go to as many homeschool supportive websites as you can find and read, read, read. Decide if you want to "unschool", copy group school, internet school, correspondence school, workbook based school, textbook based learning, a combination of the choices or simply the basics.
We use a self-teaching program that focuses on the basics. Math, writing and reading. All of the other subjects are covered in one way or another but they are not an independent "course".
It is essential that a student have a full grasp of basic skills before venturing into advanced studies. 12 years of basic studies will prepare a student for college and the workplace.
2006-09-26 18:45:30 · answer #4 · answered by Barb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you do this you need to let your daughters school know and will have to follow their rules i.e. filling out a form or letter letting them know she will be home schooled. there are many home schools that are accredited so that she will be ok to get into college. Just check them out on the net. I am doing online home schooling after not such great success with a book and test curriculum.
2006-09-26 18:24:03 · answer #5 · answered by Cat D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I found my sons on line school through his doctors its a public school but through the state..i just sent them all his paper work and then they enrolled him in the school, and we signed him out of his old school..dont just jump into the first online program you find,,ask the school board if there is a online program they recommend. WHat state are you from?..My sons online school has everything that a public school has..and its a 100% free they even supply the computer and the internet..but he doesnt use the school computer, we have three computers here and he likes his personial one better. He has 7 teachers encluding a homeroom teacher.he can call anyone of them up til 7 pm 5 days a week if he needs help with home work, if i cant help with it. he even has gym class but that requires a ymca pass..just see if your state offers a on line program/school. type in your state and free on line schools.. here in ohio one of them is www.ecotohio.org/
2006-09-27 23:56:14 · answer #6 · answered by bllnickie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Read my two posts
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnhBiDyhHDrQwmEjl2jLUZ_zy6IX?qid=20060926071722AAf2Uyt
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Avom3JkE9Q3gMtA0gkIakUzzy6IX?qid=20060926054535AApoqM3
You should also look at the guidelines for your local state.
The ultimate idea is a smart person who can do pretty well on the SAT test, the Standford Binet test and the NY Regents Tests.
2006-09-26 19:27:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋