My daughter is in 5th grade and I am thinking about homeschooling her. I just don't know how to go about doing it.
2006-09-26 11:21:28 · 12 answers · asked by joannem199 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Home Schooling
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.
Best wishes for successful homeschooling!
2006-09-26 12:38:42 · answer #1 · answered by homeschoolmom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Answers forum is only a small start. You will need to go to bigger and better websites.
Start with www.HSLDA.org
It is the Home School Legal Defense Association. The site will have many links to resources and support groups in your area. It will also have all of the information that you need about keeping it legal.
Go to www.NHERI.org
It is the National Home Education Research Institute.
This site will have good information for you.
I use a self-teaching curriculum that is founded on the basics. You can read about it at www.robinsoncurriculum.com
Contact home-school organizations in your State.
Many bookstores are beginning to carry homeschool books and supplies.
Public libraries often have a section for homeschool material. Look up as many books as you can on the topic and you will be well on your way.
In the meantime --- your children can begin homeschooling by doing math, writing and reading everyday. If you find a need to do other things along the way you can add them in whenever you want.
2006-09-26 12:09:20 · answer #2 · answered by Barb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really does depend upon the state you are in. For instance, in California all homeschools are actually undefined and fall under the Private school category. You do not need to file anything with the state or your district except for a form of intent (private school affidavit) Homeschooling is REAL schooling... diplomas and all! All universities accept the diplomas ... even the military academies give homeschool graduates preferred ranking! Contact Home School Legal Defense for the rules in your state. If you are in California, call our private school: Highland Prep. School (Info at the HSLDA) After you follow your state rules, then your curriculum can be determined by the Scope and Sequence of many good publishers... that is what tells you what is supposed to be taught to public school children of the same grade. Always remember that one on one teaching is by far the excelled education... focus on reading, writing and math... but do fun stuff like art, music, field trips... etc. Document your attendance and your class work.
2006-09-26 12:01:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) check with the local superintendent to find out what your state and county requires
2) start researching about weather or not you want to home school, unschool or both. - the local library and places like pennywise learning, and alpha omega publishers and Saxon are good places to start (all on-line)
3) find local home school group in your area to meet with a nd find resources...it is also a good way to get field trip groups together
4) the bonding time you have with your child will be valuable beyond measure
5) also by home schooling you have more time opportunities for music, art, foreign language lessons, gymnastics, sports and so many other subjects that traditional school don't offer!
I have been homeschooling my 12 year old for 7 years and he can interact with children and adults of all ages and in all situations. I homeschool my 4 year old and he is 2 years beyond the standard grade level (one-on-one tutoring) and my new born is always around as the boys learn their lesson so she is always exposed as well. I am a sociologist and my children and I do more than Math, Reading and Writing. We talk about world politics, social inequalities, running a successful house and family, social responsibility, and so much more!
2006-09-26 16:49:45 · answer #4 · answered by gizmo357 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your state law out on hslda.org. You do not have to register to glean information.
I like Switched on Schoolhouse by Alpha Omega for my 5Th grade son. It is a CD-ROM subject based program. Cost about $300 a year or they offer an academy with on line teachers and diploma for about $1100 a year.
You may also want to try 3Moms.com. They offer a curriculum package with a variety of real lessons for you to preview and teach to find what works for you. It cost about $30 I think.
Have a great year and enjoy.
From one Homeschool Mom to Another :)
2006-09-27 09:17:14 · answer #5 · answered by MomOfThree 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on your state, each district has to provide you through the superindendent's office with the necessary paperwork. If you look into Connections Academy, it is a free state of the art home school that provides you and your child everything you need, including a computer free of charge. There is also K-12, another type of free virtual school that it free, only certain states allow these programs so it does depends where you live. Write me if you need anymore info.
bjweberfreeatlast@yahoo.com
2006-09-26 11:38:17 · answer #6 · answered by barbarastilltrapped 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was in fifth grade I was home schooled I was home schooled because my teacher was slow for me,and was very rude. go on line and get a good quality kit make sure your daughter will still be very socially and dont be afraid to push a little. Most kids think they can take advantage of there parents so stay on top. ask other parents what there kid is learning the right curriculum. good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-09-26 12:39:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please, do NOT go through the school system...they know absolutely nothing about home educating. Go to http://hslda.org and find info on your state. After that, decide what you want for your homeschool and go from there by googling. Different programs and different methods work for all kinds of people.
Good luck!
2006-09-26 11:57:52 · answer #8 · answered by FreeThinker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can find out from the school she goes to. They have info on it. When she reaches highschool she can do online highschool classes as well if she wants. (Yes, Virginia, the future is here. Accredited, REAL high schools are offering classes online now, and the ones that are government funded are free to attend.)
2006-09-26 11:29:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check them out online decide if you want an online or book type curriculum. And when you have decided on one let the school she is attending now know she will be home schooled.
2006-09-26 11:25:15 · answer #10 · answered by Cat D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋