I need some guidance. I have two brothers, one is ten and the other eight. The ten-year old is having trouble in public school, getting bad grades, not turning in his homework, etc. BUT, he does soooo well with me at home, with reading, writing, comprehension, finishes all his homework and is just really bright. I learned that his class is filled with over thirty students, with one teacher, and he gets little attention at school. He needs attention though, that is how he focuses.
So, my question is, where do I go to find info on homeschooling him, how much time is it going to take each day, what do I have to do, and basically, how do I start.
I really think he will benefit from homeschooling. Moreover, I am planning on having children soon, whom I wish to homeschool.
Hi there... Starting to homeschool is sometimes a scary decision and then a roller-coaster ride after that. My wife and I homeschooled my son for 11 years--and since his sister was 3 years younger, she sort of endured it for 13+ years (both kids were usually together on field trips, kitchen-table and living-room work, and sporting activities). My son is now 25 and has a kid of his own... my daughter is working as an operations manager at a flight-training school (still not married--having too much fun as a single). I guess homeschooling sort of worked. You may find local "support groups" in your area... also, for more insight in how homeschooling *can* work, check out the any of the website links provided at squidoo.com/homeschool-adventure At the moment, I don't have any of our homeschool stuff up for auction (I'll be putting some up soon--when I figure out how to do it right)--but you can find a whole lot of goodies (and not necessarily "abeka" or "bob jones university" or other "curriculums"). The joy of homeschooling is that you can learn to read, write, and almost everything else from resources readily available to you (newspapers, magazines, Internet, art and photography galleries, and so on). I hope this has been helpful for you. Good luck with your new adventure!
Every state is different and you need to know your laws in your state. This is a good source: http://www.hslda.org/
I would also do a Google search, or better yet Yahoo group search to see if there are any home school groups in your area. If there isn't, I would call the district office and talk with someone who may know, or even a local church.
There are a ton of resources for books. Home schooling groups will help out with that. You may want to pick and choose different publishers. I have found Saxon to be great with math. You may not find it good for your siblings.
Good luck and let me know if you need any more help.
Im new to this neighborhood, but have homeschooled my children for their entire lives. Asking how to begin to homeschool is like asking how to fly an airliner. The topic is so large, mostly becasue there are many ways to homeschool and so many laws just depending on your state. I agree with the other posters. They have given great advice, but if you are wondering why you were not given specifics, just know that as time goes on, many of your questions will be answered as you begin to explore this idea of homeschooling.
I have to tell you, when I was in 4th grade my teacher explained to my mom that my rotten grades were due to me being mildly mentally retarded. She suggested that I be placed in an institution to help me become a functioning member of society. 15 years later I received my MS in Physics. I now work as a research scientist. In my case I am gifted and learning disabled -- sometimes referred to as twice gifted (to make me feel better? who knows :). What I needed most was homeschooling but at the my parents didn't know of this option.
We decided to home school our son when he became a behavior problem at school. I will just say the best two things you can do is join a Home School group in your area that has something in common with your family (we joined a Christian and a Catholic groups). Find out if there is a home school 4H or boy scout group in your area -- Scout is a very goo think to get two borthers involved in. The other advice is join Home School Legal Defense Fund (HSLDA) one of your replies has given you the link I see.
Don't be surprised if home schooling makes your family better at communication, but be aware that positive change like this can really suck while it's going on. This is one reason it is so good to join a group. If you can't find a group, find some old timers who have homeschooled and have seen their kids go off into the world. They are often geat people to ask for advice.
Find books on different types of homeschooling. We like Desgning Your Own Classical Curriculum by Berquist.
Good luck! Home schooling can be very cool and life changing!
As far as how much time it will take- it totally depends on his age, his abilities and your home schooling style. My 6 year old does about 15 minutes of school "work" a day- in three 5 minute blocks we do all of the written work you'd expect to see from a kindergarten or first grade child in school. But we spend all day learning things- in the course of an average week, we take at least one 'field trip', complete at least one big project, several small projects, draw, play etc. It's what works for us. I have a friend who's 6 year old does more like an hour of written school work each day- it's what works for them. There are families who want for their home schooled child to have a very structured day & may have a 6 hour day just like public schooled kids. Each state has their own rules about home schooling, and in some states it's local school districts that make the rules. Once you know what your state requires, you know what the minimum is you need to do- from their the sky's the limit.
Hi, I'm going to homeschool my ADD/asthmatic son in the fall for the first time. He's had some NICE teachers in the past but because of their experience level he's falling through the cracks. They want him on drugs he doesn't need when he get the attention he deserves. Money is an issue for us right now so I called our Public School District Office and they directed me to the Homeschooling Division (and your school district may have one too especially if they provide homebound schooling for sick kids). I will complete an application on 7/15th explaining exactly what you wrote; that he needs one on one, etc. They will provide all the text books and resource support. I'm networking with some Mom's and Dad's through craigslist from our community. But it's free; you already pay your taxes why pay tuition too? I hope this gives you another option. You're doing the right thing and how you choose to do it will be right too. That's what makes homeschooling so wonderful. And there are some wonderful auctions on ebay right for support material; so you can target problem areas and be a step ahead. God Bless!
cabrownlovin - I am new to this group and see that you have posted your question now almost two months ago. I, too, have two younger siblings (adopted). I saw that they (mainly one) were having trouble in school. She would have rather went to school and instead of sitting in her chair she wanted to sit on her head!! LOL! I at the time was homeschooling my 1st grader and had two younger ones to tend to as well. I taught my two younger sisters right along with my oldest son. Then they all took turns reading to the two little ones while I had one on one with another. It worked like a charm. So, with me telling you this, I am trying to incourage you that if you really want to educate your brothers - you go for it. Having a new wee little baby will be difficult - but you are aloud to take a brake. The boys are old enough to self-educate themselves with your guidance for awhile. And to help you with your future children. Homeschooling families work together amazingly, you'll see. Someone else posted that you need to check out the laws in your state - don't skip this one. Get with a homeschool support group of some kind - you will need them. And they also will guide you through. You have already done the first step here in good 'ol Ebay by asking for advise. I hope I don't make this homeschooling thing really easy - I do have less hair than I did just 7 years ago when I started this wonderful venture! Oh - and on the 'time' question - you are one on one with them - you will probably only spend about 2-4 hours a day with them. Some may take longer and some may not. It just depends on all that you do. Good Luck.
I read your question and everything else....I would do alot of research for this one...And i'm here to "wish you all the best of Luck" My sister and law teaches at home and she goes out for about an hour with each kid about 3 times a week. I'm not to sure what her fees are. But search and learn..If he seems to be doing good at home with you "Keep up the good work. And Best of luck to you sweetie, PS: I have 3 year old boy and I'm trying to figure out how to start him off in school...I feel like a total NOOBIE when it comes to all this. LoL.
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