Should I homeschool my kids?

Question

i've got 14 kids from grades 1-12. they have all come to me saying they want to be homeschooled and have it all figured out. They said we could turn our junk/sitting/video games room into a school room. while i'm at work, the two oldest could teach (age 19 and 17, they love the idea, both want to teach when older). when i'm home, i could teach. sort of like a one room school house. none of them like public school very much and have all done their research on the pro's and con's of homeschooling. they sat me and my husband down and gave us an hour long presentation on why they should be homeschooled. we told them we'd think about it. i'd grade papers and teach my 17 year old and help with the other kids. my 19 year old is a community college student. thoughts?what should we do? anybody homeschool? how much do books cost?

Answer 1

My sister homeschools her six kids, though she's phasing her oldest into high school activities and classes because her daughter wants to graduate with a class of her peers.

Contact your state's homeschooling association. They will help you understand all the state requirements and help you get in touch with local homeschoolers. Most homeschooling families around here don't just teach their own children. They group up with each other for the social aspect as well as to spread the instructing duties around among those best suited to teach different subjects. Plus they do field trips and such too.

However, I wouldn't saddle your 19 and 17 year olds with the primary daytime teaching duties. It may sound fun to them now, but it will get old, and they are at the ages where their responsibility should be for their own progression, not focused on their siblings' schooling.

Answer 2

How good are your local public schools? If there are good schools in your area, would they accept the compromise of additional instruction after school? Some public schools only teach what's on the standardized tests, not what kids actually need to know. Homeschooling is best accomplished by a homebound parent who supervises and teaches. There are many resources available for homeschoolers and there are several formats, ranging from casual to strict homeschooling. The cost for homeschooling can get expensive, with the cost of teaching materials for that many kids, and educational field trips. Do your research, ask around in your community if anyone homeschools, or if there is a homeschooling network you can join.
The vital thing, no matter what you decide, is to get involved with their education. Make sure they know the basics and get a good foundation for their life. If everyone in the family can agree and commit to a homeschool, it could be a very good thing.

Answer 3

Your kids are all asking to be homeschooled and you have a plan worked out. I'd definitely give it a try. There are all kinds of homeschooling support groups on the Internet and you might even be able to find a group to meet with sometimes in your neighborhood. They can help you decide what kind of curriculum would work best for your family and help you find low cost ways of doing that. There are some really great free educational sites on the Internet.

Answer 4

Well, Home schooling takes a lot of dedication. If they really want to do it and you really want to do then do it but, do not do it with a half hearted attitude because your kids can suffer. A great place to start is the HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association)web site for info on the laws and regulations in your state. Make sure though that you or the older 2 kids can be disiplined enough to make certain that school work is done (not playing video games etc.) also check the laws well in your state it may not be legal to allow the older child to do the homeschooling. I disagree with one of the previous answers about getting a better education in public schools that is so not true. Public schools are not always able to taylor leaning to each child like a parent can. I have home schooled my son and I believe it has been the best thing for him. Also look up home school orginaizations in your city and in your state for help. You can find these on the HSLDA web site. They will be able to give you more info and support. Hope all goes well.

Answer 5

I homeschooled my oldest son last year. He is AD/HD and we were having some trouble with the local school system. I didn't go through a homeschool program provider. I went to my local bookstore and bought some learning workbooks for his grade level. I looked into Abeka, I was impressed but didn't have that much money to put into it. I think we made the right decision though. He is back in the school system this year and makes straight A's. With as many children as you have, the cost could prove stressful, but you can save the work books by having them write their answers on notebook paper. Then reuse the books for each child as they need them. That is if you plan on doing all the grading yourself. With most homeschool programs, you mail in their tests and a certified teacher grades them and sends them back. That can be expensive also considering your family's size. I believe it is worth having them homeschooled, but the money is the main factor. My problem was that my son wasn't getting the social interaction I believe he needs. That obviously won't be an issue in your house hold. God luck with your decision. Best wishes.

Answer 6

my moms friend spends a lot of money on books for her son. but she had him learning college level in middle school. she buys books from people in college, like their old books. he is very bright because of his mom, she pushes him. and he took piano lessons and mastered it, now he doing guartars. hes also a qiz with computers and his mom owns like 5. i think any child could be this bright if they had someone who was dedicated to teaching them like his mom, so i don't agree that the kids would get a better education in public school like the first person said. and i have seen some kids that were homeschooled not know anything b/c they watched t.v all day instead of actually learning. so it depends on you, how much your children get from it. if you have 14 kids, homeschool would be a lot of work to help each child at different grade levels, i don't think you could still work and do it, but im sure its possible.

Answer 7

School will teach your children much more than academics.

Homeschooling is not a good idea for 14 kids.

Answer 8

homeschooling is great if you can handle it. I know I couldn't with that many kids b/c everyone would be doing something different and aren't even on the same level. I would advise to make sure they get outside interaction, sports etc. (which I'm sure you would)
If your up for it-go for it and good luck :-)

Answer 9

it really depends on the person/family/kids. i wouldn't homeschool only because the kids miss out on social skills they could learn. yes the world can be a harsh place, but it could make them thicker skinned and easier for them to deal with life. i have seem a couple kids homeschooled and they did seem to lack coping skills in life.

Answer 10

14 kids...that has to be a joke..unless of course you are the most generous person in the world and has adopted and taken in foster children.
I have 4 kids and can't wait to ship them out the door to school ..I have 1 at home with me. I would never home-school...maybe it's selfish of me but I feel that they can get a better education at school. I don't just mean book smart. By them going to school they get to face the everyday things that they need to grow mentally, emotionally, educationally and physically.
Good luck whatever you decide.