How can I home-school myself? (I'm 14)?

Question

I was recently taken out of school because of my severe depression/social anxiety..I've been treated for it.. during this time I was given tutors that came to my home and taught me... I couldn't stand this unusual schedule... And now i'm back to school ((my 2nd week back)), and although i'm getting good grades and making friends, I'd be so much better if I could teach myself

Answer 1

I'm glad to hear you're being treated for the depression and anxiety. I don't think a person can homeschool themself, however. Are your classes not challenging enough? Perhaps one of your teachers can help you do some independent study? Maybe you would function better in a higher level class (if it's too easy, I imagine it might be hard to stay focused and positive).

Answer 2

Of course I think you could homeschool yourself, with the part-time supervision of a parent, a mom or dad who was willing to do the paperwork for the state (or at least sign off on it for you), at 14 you are probably old and mature enough. (I had to basically homeschool myself when I attended a subpar public school during high school). But I think you have to ask yourself some questions honestly. Would it be the best thing for your depression and social anxiety for you to be homeschooling?) Maybe this needs to be discussed with your therapist and/or psychologist and parent(s). Also are you an independent type and self-directed learner and self-motivated learner? If not, maybe homeschooling wouldn't be a good idea. Even though, you may be having a stressful time now making friends, maybe in the long run, that might not be such a bad thing. I think you have to discuss this with your psych and parent(s) and think about this yourself (your own input in this decision). Plus, even if you are convinced this is right for you, I think you have to have at least one parent in your corner about this, or it would probably be difficult to pull off. Good luck and keep us posted! If you have any further questions; let us know. I am homeschooling a 12 year old and 6 year old for 6 years so far...

Answer 3

I understand you depression and social anxiety. I have experienced both. If you are serious about homeschooling yourself let me give you a few assignments.
1. research the homeschooling laws in your state and interview other homeschool students and teachers.
2. create a curriculum for yourself and present it to your parents. You will need thier permission.
3. Find a homeschool group in your local area. Make sure you will be able to work with other students and get plenty of time for socializing in work and play environments. This will be especially important for you because of your social anxiety. You may not want to socialize much, but if you are going to homeschool you have to have the discipline to force yourself to do it. You will need the social skills if you are going to become a productive member of society.

4. Pick a topic and try to learn it on your own. It could be anything, a history topic that is not in your textbook this year, Science, or even a religious topic. Read books from the library and internet resources. Create a project that you can present to your parents that proves you have learned the subject. It can be in the form of a written report, video recording, powerpoint presentation...the list is endless. Feel free to use your creativity on this one.

Once you have completed these assignments, you will be ready to homeschool yourself, or will have decided not to do it. Give careful consideration to the social aspect and make sure you are not doing this to avoid social interaction.

Answer 4

"The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Get Real Life and Education" by Grace Llewelyn...it is perfect for you! :-) You'll not only see how it has worked for other teens but you'll also be encouraed in your venture and also there are TONS of resources for anything you'd want to do be it college, straight to the work force, self-employment, etc. as well as individual chapters for "subjects".

I feel so much pity for those who think that need a teacher to learn. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that no one will ever need to be taught but there are teachers everywhere despite them not having a "degree". It's totally different when one seeks out guidance from a knowledgeable person (that is what "teaching" is, sharing you knowledge), say as in karate, than told that you "have to" sit in class and learn about the Civil War from a "teacher"....if one can comprehend, they can understand and perhaps they'd enjoy history even more outside of school by using living books, museums, tv shows, documentaries, movies, etc.

Good luck and enjoy your FREEDOM! :-)

Answer 5

You cant do that legally. You must be in a regular school or a school sponsored home schooling program. Maybe your Mom or Dad could help you but I think you are better off at school since they didnt do it themselves while you were out of school. Or you might try an alternative school many schools have them and it might work better for you.

Answer 6

I'm sorry about your physical things. :-( I'm 14 too... I would say that you really couldn't teach yourself. Unless you asked your parents to sign up for K12 cyber school. You get a computer and can do some of the work by yourself. But you always need a teacher.
Taryn H.
HIH!

Answer 7

Everybody teaches themselves. It's just how you take in the instruction that changes. I don't think you can legally homeschool yourself. Your going to have to get your parents involved. Check my source link and see if your state is a participant. That may help you get started.

Answer 8

On the contrary... in response to those that don't think that you can teach yourself ---of course you can!!!!

It will help to have an adult authority figure or mentor to whom to be accountable. But, even then it is YOUR responsibility to learn.
At 14 you are completely able to understand what you must do to become educated. It will take some diligence and lots of practice and you can definitely do it.

Set some goals for yourself. EVEN IF you remain in a public or group school situation take the time to define for yourself these things:
1. What is the basis of all learning? (math, writing, and reading -- these three are used in ALL other subjects)
2. What level am I at in math? Download a placement test from Saxon math online and assess your own ability.
3. Do I know my math-facts with instant recall? If not, do a refresher course with flashcards. Be patient with yourself and go over them hundreds of times until the knowledge is solid in your mind.
4. Do I practice writing every day? Make it a point to write a full page essay (or more) every single day. Write, write and write. Make it interesting and worthwhile for others to read. Ask someone to check it for errors in spelling and grammar. Rewrite it the next day until it is perfect.
5. How often do I read and for how long? Set a goal of reading for at least 2 hours every day. Choose old classic literature from the best authors of their time. Read historic autobiographies of people that made history --- learn about the United States by reading the founding documents and the writings of people like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Get books about science and industry, and about economics and geography. Don't neglect the encyclopedia --- you can get tons of information from these sets of books. I know a young man that read nearly an entire set and he aced the college entrance SAT in the verbal section!
6. How good is my vocabulary base? Take time every day to use the dictionary and look up the words from your reading time that you don't already understand. Make flashcards to match the words and their proper usage and meaning.

If you do these simple things -- math, writing,and reading -- every single day you can be studying for anywhere from 4 to 6 hours at a time. It is the best thing in the world that you can do for yourself.

Do your math with the goal of 100% accuracy -- no looking for answers -- figure them all out for yourself. One of the best self-teaching-friendly math texts is Saxon Math.

Focus on math, writing and reading with a goal of accuracy and truth. Keep these basic elements as your foundation of learning and build on them every day. It isn't hard --- it just takes time. Every hour that you dedicate to study will increase your mind-power and improve your chances at having a great future. You will be prepared for college and for the workplace.

You will learn how to become a life-long learner --- it is important because there is always something new to learn every single day even if you live to be 120 years old!

Answer 9

You can, BUT...it is going to require you to be very strong and have a very strong parent.

Tutors are and excellent way to homeschool in your situation, but expensive. One option might be if your parents' medical plan covers it, since you are out of school for medical reasons. Check into that one.

Answer 10

i am home-schooled too and i just joined a group for my area. you cant teach yourself but my mom is my teacher. yours can be too if she is at home.i'm sorry about you depression and anxiety. hope this works out.