Homeschooling help...?

Question

Hi, I've been homeschooled for a long time, but now I'm almost 2 school years behind in my work because my mom stopped helping me. She said I could figure out what I should be doing by myself, because I'm old enough.

I want to go to public school next year, but right now I don't know what to do or how I'm ever going to get caught up! Help!

I'm 13 going on 14. 8th grade.

Answer 1

How old *are* you?

I only ask because if you are old enough to be concerned, and old enough to be on yahoo asking about it, it seems to me that you'd be old enough to buckle down and read through your school work.

Granted, mom should be helping you...somewhat. I'd say in handing you books and assignments. In high school, teachers don't tell you every little detail to know, they don't teach you as I'm reading your expectations, you are assigned reading and assigned worksheets and papers and reports, and that's it. It's not that big of a difference. Wait until college, if that's in your plans. You get the syllabus before class starts and you have four or five chapters in every class to read, and be ready to discuss or turn in a paper on the first day.

If you really want to get caught up, start reading your books. If you have questions or don't understand, then you ask your mom instead of sitting around on the computer asking questions about dating and rock bands. I wish you the best, you're going to need it.

Answer 2

EDIT: I read some of the questions you have previously posted on here and I'm totally confused. You say your mom won't help you with your studies, but yet you are a violinist and you were looking for music schools. you mom is more interested in your music career than your education?
You also posted a question about a cousin that was going to be homeschooled and you were going to help pull her curriculum together but couldn't remember what you studied in 6th grade.
This was six months ago, so it wasn't that long ago. Don't you still have your homeschool materials you could look at. Wouldn't your aunt ask your mom for information about homeschooling instead of you.
I'm really sorry I answered your question, because I have a feeling you're not being quite honest with us.

I'm going to leave my answer because maybe it will help someone that really needs help!



I take it you are in a state that does not regulate homeschooling, which means you are probably in a non accredited program. It is going to be difficult for you to get in the public system, if that is the case.
Do you attend church? Talking to your pastor would be an awesome thing for you right now. You need someone that can listen to you and support you.
Talk to your mom and tell her what you want to do. Do not assign blame.
If you are in a state that does not regulate homeschooling, and you are not in an accredited program, you may have to take entrance exams. They are difficult, but do-able. You should be given something to study, like a course syllabus, online resources, something.
Understand that not only is every state different, but each district within a state can be different. In my state each school district is allowed to set their own rules for admitting homeschool students and it can be very confusing. You will need help understanding what you need to do.
If your mom is resistant to you going to the public school, but insists on continuing to not help you, then you may need to talk to someone else outside the family (assuming you do not have a pastor to talk to)
But, hun, do not involve the authorities without proper advice. That could seriously blow up in your face.
Just let your mom know you are serious about doing this, and you would like her to support you.
While you are working up your courage to confront your mom, do some research and find out what the laws are in your state concerning home education and returning to the public school system
start by checking out: www.hslda.org
I think they even have a toll free number so you can talk to someone. They will listen and guide you in the right direction.

Answer 3

I was homeschooled for a few years during my school days as well. Your mom is definitely not doing the right thing by not helping you. That is awful.
You are on the right course though by enrolling yourself in a public school. You need a teacher!
If I were you, then I would not let this problem progress. Go to your local public school now and be evaluated. They will put you in the correct grade for your level.
If you wait and try to catch up at home alone then the chances are very high that you will fall even further behind.
I'd rather be a grade or two behind and get a proper education than sitting at home trying to play catch-up.
Remember, your education is very important. You already showed your maturity by worrying about it. Now get out there and get to school :)
Good luck!

Answer 4

I've been in the same position as you -- except I was into high school before I fell behind.
Your mother needs to realise how serious an issue this is, I've gone through it. Catching up sucks.
Honestly, maybe you're just not a self-motivator and need to be in school. Teaching yourself is hard, and I wouldn't reccomend you teach yourself junior high/early high school. The basics are simply too important. And frankly, it's not right for her to expect you to teach yourself these things with no help whatsoever.

Talk to your mother. You should have a homeschooling coodinator in your area that you can call and make an appointment with and talk things out together and make a plan. If she won't, show her this. I promise you, I've been there, and this needs to be dealt with now that you see it's a problem.

Answer 5

What do you mean that you are almost 2 years behind in your work? Do you mean skills?

If you are going to go to school next year, your main needs are adequate math, reading and writing skills. With motivation, you can DEFINITELY catch up on this from now until when school starts. You don't have to know the rest.

For reading, it's simple: read, read, read. At least an hour every day of just plain reading, ideally, up to 2 hours. Write a one-page essay every day and ask your mom to check spelling, grammar and all that. If she won't, find somebody else to help you out.

For math, if you don't have your tables learned (basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), work on those for about 30 minutes each day, including giving yourself daily timed tests. You should be able to do 40 questions in a minute for the basic tables. (And if you get really good, you can do even more!)

In addition to that, ask at your local library for books that help with basic math up to high school math. There are lots of books available intended for adults who never got their math down or who need a refresher. Some go back to the very beginning with basic addition and work up.

Set yourself a schedule and do your work. While you may complain that she doesn't help you, what she is doing is helping you develop a sense of responsibility. By her doing that, you've come to the realization that you need to be doing more and that you are going to do more to be able to go to school. You've found the inner motivation she was hoping for you to find.

You CAN do this.

Answer 6

Auuuuggh! Why would she DO that?! Does she plan on teaching you to drive by throwing the car keys and owners manual at you?

Sorry, had to get that out of my system. Now, as to some help. Boy you are in a tight spot. I would contact the school system you will be going into and explaining the situation. See if maybe they can give you some guidelines to getting caught up by next fall. Convince your mom to hire a tutor on a regular basis to help you get and stay caught up.

See if there's a local homeschoolers group (a local church or on the internet). I'm sure they would be willing to help you (especially since you mom is giving the rest of us homeschoolers a bad name).

You can also sit down with your mom and tell her your concerns. Tell her that you need help to get caught up and you can't do it by yourself (sweetie, most homeschooling parents can't do it themselves, asking a kid to do it on their own is absolutely unfeasible). Get her to work out a lesson plan and schedule with you (you can look at the local school syllabus at the school districts' website to get an idea). Tell her that it is unreasonable for a thirteen year old to know enough about education to put together a realistic lesson plan.

I really hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 7

Well, if what you say is the truth you are probably ABOVE the average highschooler!

Why ARE you behind? In COLLEGE they expect you to work on your own. No one will hold your hand except in the Composition Clinic.

A masters program is about INDEPENDENT studies. You are supposed to do work on your own.

Why aren't you now!

Get cracking!

If you need someone over you, then you are a MOO COW not a leader!

Only the sled dog in front gets a good view of the world!

No one is going to do the six pages of math homework except YOU in public school!

Answer 8

What grade? I think it would be harder to go back and forth in highschool.

You've got to talk to your mom in a mature adult manner and tell her you need help to learn the more advanced subjects. You've also got to get motivated to meet your goal of catching up at the subjects you are falling behind on. Perhaps just knowing you might go to public school next year will help you there.

Answer 9

Technically your mom should be their to teach, guide, and help you. She doesn't have to give you ALL the answers, however, if she's not your teacher, then who is? Because you are home-schooled she is now your teacher.

Does a normal public school teacher just sit there and say figure it out on your own? No!

Yes completing your work is your responsibility, but your mother has a part in your education, as she is the one that must teach you so that you can complete your work.

Answer 10

well i homeschool my self and im 13 almost 14 you can ask for help on here or other places!