Introduce Yourself...

[qanda]

Welcome and please introduce yourself.

How long have you been homeschooling, how many children (their ages/grades), which method do you use, and anything else you would like to say.

[Pacifist Patriot]

1. Hello!

Homeschooler in Florida here.

My husband and I began looking into educational options not long after our eldest son was born. We spent two years researching and then spent another several years making choices that would optimize the possibility of homeschooling.

We have three boys, only one of compulsory school age. He's almost 8, middle child just turned four and the "baby" is closing in on 18 months.

I don't use a particular curriculum, but we're not exactly unschoolers either. I have a few "guideline" books that I use to get ideas for age-appropriate learning and I used to refer to the skill expectations on the public school website from time to time. Not really necessary anymore because he's so far ahead of his "peers." That is NOT to say he's a genius. Very average kid. Just ahead of PS expectations.

The four year old has expressed an interest in learning how to read so we've started the "Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" which I used successfully with my older son last year. I won't be surprised if he gets frustrated and gives up though. I'm not one for pushing. If he's interested, we'll work on it. If he's not, we'll set it aside for awhile.

We belong to a wonderful homeschool group created to support secular homeschoolers who are open to alternative lifestyles. Alternative being a variety of religions, political beliefs, family structure, you name it. Very eclectic group. It's my sole source of flaming liberals in real life.

I've taken plenty of criticism for the homeschooling choice we made for our family, but this week was the first time I was called an uncaring cold elitist because of it. I'll take comfort in the fact that this came from someone who doesn't know me from Adam. I'm very glad to see this forum here.

Ann

[Shrek]

2. One 12-year old boy

Homeschooled since kindergarten.

His mom is a former public school teacher who is state-certified in elementary ed and secondary English ed, so she does most of the instruction. I handle science and pitch in elsewhere as needed.

He also takes Latin, logic, and music appreciation from a local private school that has a homeschool outreach program.

[Sybil Reitz]

3. Unschoolers/organic learners here.

I have a 6yo son who attended a Montessori program part-time for about 2 years before we realized that it wasn't working for our son's abilities/disabilities and didn't mesh with our educational philosophies and goals anyway. Very bright, very energetic, very social kid who not only doesn't color inside the lines but also frequently doesn't even see the lines. And we like it that way. :)

We belong to several HSing groups, most of whose members are like-minded, lefty, AP, extended-BFing, secular, granola unschoolers. So much for the HSer stereotypes. ;)

[Luminous Animal]

4. Homeschooling in San Francisco

My daughter is 14 years old and has never had formal schooling. We've used a combination of unschooling, outside curricula, and our own standards. It has been quite an adventure and she is now at the point where she is studying mostly independently and we guide her through when she needs help or focus. She also started taking classes recently at the local community college and is doing very well. We've been fortunate in that San Francisco has excellent low cost or free community programs for children that have given her the opportunity to make close friendships outside of the homeschooling group.

[kostya]

5. Some questions after my brief introduction

We have a 14 year old and 6 year old. The former has been in PS since 1st grade (he came in with zip English, but overcame that in about 6 months and is doine "fine" by PS standards). This is the second year (PK and K) of French immersion school for the younger one. We are just now starting to consider HSing for the 6 y.o. due to the expense and distance of his current school.

So, we'd really appreciate it if besides the introductions, you all could provide some anectodes about your experience with HSing. What were some of the initial hurdles? How did you find a group of HS'rs to join (we don't want to keep our kid isolated)? Any stories about kids who were entrenched in PS and then HS'd? Any great links for us newbies to visit? Etc., etc. ...

TIA,

K

[qanda]

6. You should probably post your question separately

So that everyone can see it. I think it would be a great post and look forward to answering it.

[Luminous Animal]

8. Some answers

I found my homeschooling group through the back of Parents magazine but state and national organizations (many are online) can help. Also, just ask around. Some of your friends or parents of your kids friends might no people who homeschool.

I'm not sure what you mean by hurdles. In California, the state makes it easy to homeschool and in towns or cities where the local authorities might make it difficult, we have a great state association that gives legal advice.

I've loved homeschooling my daughter. It has been a adventure for both of us. I've always gave her the option of choosing regular school but she's happy with what we are doing.

[qanda]

7. Homechooling mom of two (b8yo and g6yo)

This is our fourth year of homeschooling and pretty much chose to do so from the time our children were born. We have a relaxed learning environment, with the exception of math and reading.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

9. Another DUer is starting to HS her daughter this December.

She should be posting here shortly. I'm helping with the Math.

[Maddy McCall]

10. I started today!!!

I spent last week getting my thoughts together and rearranging my kitchen/den area--bought a new kitchen table so that my kid can spread out when he works.

Today, we did a unit on the Five Nations. In the unit, we covered social studies, language arts, and math.

Tomorrow, we begin incubating some duck eggs. He did the math today to figure out how much lumber he needs. Tomorrow he's going to do some writing--he's going to research the life cycle of a duck and teach ME about it. :-)

I have to say, I don't know why I didn't do this sooner.

[qanda]

11. Wow! That is so exciting...

Congratulations and the best of luck to you. I think this is going to be a wonderful group.

[Native]

12. Homeschooling a 9 y.o.

4 days a week with the Calvert "canned" curriculum. The 5th day she attends a pull-out gifted class @ one of our public schools. I'm also supplementing the curriculum with various & sundry stuff I've found on the tagmax forum, which is a treasure trove of ideas and info. for homeschooling. Even though the site is geared toward homeschooling gifted kids, much of the information it provides is applicable to all learners (regardless of style). I have another child (older), who is now in middle school & doing well. I had to pull her out of gifted to enroll her in the school (a new, hands on, charter school that is heavy in science, math, & tech). Even though it doesn't have the capability to service ESE kids (our gifted is included in exceptional education here), it, ironically, offers all advanced classes. My homeschooled kid will also attend this school next year. So, at this point in time, I'm only looking at this one year of homeschooling.

Unfortunately, FCAT (Florida's annual assessment test), has sapped our teachers creativity, energy, & love of teaching to the point that the public schools in our area are not even teaching to the middle any longer. They are now focusing on the students who fall in the lower end of testing because it is here that the oppty. for progress is most possible (certain levels of progress dictate the funding each school receives). Unfortunately, this is done to the exclusion of teaching much of anything to the rest (the majority) of the kids. I was spending more time with my child on homework, drying her tears, assuaging her frustrations, fielding phones calls from other unhappy parents, and dealing with her teachers on a daily basis than I am now spending homeschooling her. Needless to say, our frustration level is now almost nil (which is saying a hell of a lot considering I've never homeschooled before).

[LeftyMom]

13. we're unschoolers here

My son is three and a half. We may change methodology as time goes on but we have no intention of sending him to school until he chooses to go to college.

I'm sure glad to see a homeschooling group around here. Hopefully we won't hear so much of the "HSer= illiterate fundie redneck with three teeth keeping the kids out of school to conceal abuse" BS.

[Shrek]

14. I don't think that will be much of an issue

In order to post in a group the rules say you have to agree with the group's mission statement. We'll be able to alert on any abusive posts.

Edit : fixed a goof in the subject

[LeftyMom]

18. I meant on DU in general

I'm hoping seeing the number of HSers on DU will be a counterargument to that misconception. :)

Sorry if I was unclear.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

15. Hi! I'm homeschooling my 6 year old

using the Calvert School program, and supplementing here and there, as necessary.

My son reads on at least a 3rd grade level, so the phonics instruction is deadly dull for him. We spend phonics time working on fine motor development, with handwriting practice, clay play, and games that will help him in this area. We also let him read the stories that are provided for the homeschool teacher to read to the pupil, so his vocabulary and reading skills can continue to progress.

This is his first year of homeschooling. He attended a co-op kindergarten, and a 3-day-a-week preschool.

We homeschooled my older boy, now 17, from 4th grade through 9th grade.

[Native]

17. Do you participate in the Yahoo Calvert Gifted Forum?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

21. I didn't know there was one

Do you have the URL handy?

[Native]

22. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Calvert-Gifted/

[mamalone]

16. I'm hs'ing 4 kids

I'm a single mom and my kids range from a kindergartener all the way up to a senior in hs, LOL! 5yods, 11yodd, 14yodd, and 18yodd...additionally my 11yo has Down syndrome- so we really cover the gamut. In my heart of hearts I think I am really an unschooler, but I don't have the confidence or whatever to go with that as yet. Right now, I am using a canned curriculum for the younger three. I'm a bit nervous about teaching my dd w/Down syndrome- this is her first year home. Still it is wonderful to have her with us all day, and we're muddling along. My oldest girl has pretty much designed her own curriculum this year- lots of reading, and working with our various animals. She is definately a self directed learner, so I don't worry too much about her, although I do worry about "gaps" and how they will show themselves on her SAT. How do you unschoolers deal with this? Anyhoo, that's us in a nutshell!
Diane

[LeftyMom]

19. SAT

Have you asked her if she'd like to do a practice test book or test prep program? If she has a clear goal of going to college she should probably be willing to do something like that to help make it happen. That way both of you can identify weaknesses and gaps and address them.

It also helps to take the test more than once, only the top score counts.

[Luminous Animal]

20. For someone who has a star...

This would be a good separate topic. I can't start one myself because I haven't donated but since SATs and college requirements are a big concern, it would be nice if we could discuss this outside of the introductions thread.

Thanks.

[LibertyLover]

23. Hello

My husband and I live in Maryland. We have a two year old daughter whom we are considering home schooling. The public schools here aren't bad, in fact the elementary school that she would attend is supposed to be quite good, our neighborhood having been switched in a few years ago from one that was old and rundown to a newer and closer school. But we are not happy with all the mandated testing (thanks to the No Child Left Behind garbage) and teaching to the test that is going on. So I'll be very interested in seeing what this group has to say as we make our decision.

[emdee]

24. Hi pbl .....this is great....

thank you for starting this group. I'm in Tennessee and know pbl from another site. I think this may become home, pbl.

My daughter is 11 and in 7th grade. We have homeschooled since she was 4 years old. Love it!

emdee

[qanda]

25. Hey emdee...

Welcome aboard. Don't give me too much credit though, I just made the suggestion for the board and I'm so glad to see that there are so many DUers who homeschool. Enjoy and welcome home.

[emdee]

26. It's great to be here. n/t

n/t

[ProfessorPlum]

27. Hi. We tried homeschooling 1.5 years ago b/c we were afraid

the kids would get too much Christianity in public school. Ba-dum-bum. Actually, I'm just kidding on the square.

Ours are 10, 7, and almost 4. We are having a wonderful time teaching them. It has really created a real "life of the mind" kind of feeling at home. I'm in charge of literature, comparative religion, geography, and music. My wife does math, science, grammar, some logic, and is starting some history as well.

[Birthday]

28. In Wisconsin

:hi:

We live near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and this is our fourth(?!!) year homeschooling. Before that, my kids attended a private Montessori school. Homeschooling has its ups and downs like anything else, but I am so glad that we are doing it!! I never anticipated the benefits that homeschooling has brought us. I really don't want to go back, even though we live in one of the academically best districts in Wisconsin and the U.S. I have three kids, ages 9, 10, and 11. We don't use only one curriculum, because my brain doesn't work that way. I am definitely right brained, so I am not comfortable with a one-size-fits-all program. Also, one of my kids is adopted, and came with a cleft lip and palate. Often kids with clefts have learning issues, and mine does. So, I am glad that he is not in p.s.

Because of homeschooling, our family is really quite close. Though we have plenty of conflict here, my kids enjoy each other and do a lot of things together. Also, they are involved in a children's choir, a swim team, a cross country team, an art class and piano lessons outside the home. So, they get lots of contact with other kids. Not only that, the neighborhood boys show up regularly to play football with my kids on our front lawn, so the boys have that, too.

There are some things I will regret about homeschooling, but they aren't significant enough to return to school. I think that homeschooling provides a really nice family-oriented lifestyle, which I want for us all.

I am so glad that we have this forum. I am looking forward to reading what the rest of you post! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. Best wishes for sanity in the coming weeks as we venture into the holiday season.

[oldlady]

29. homeschooled from 1988-1994

just saying hi, because sometimes I might want to jump in-- my kids are grown now and that has the added benefit of their giving me feedback on "the homeschooling years"-- they loved it, I loved it, dad was cool with it-- our family conversations are filled with crazy memories of homeschooling--like the time we found a pile of animal bones, boiled and bleached the bones and rebuilt an entire deer in our living room. Looking at family photos with the two new "almost sons-in-law" this past Thanksgiving, we had to explain over and over why we had such weird things on our walls (including a Confederate flag from a Civil War unit)-- I'm so glad we did it and even better to know they are glad too!

(spelling edit *sigh*)

[Nite Owl]

30. Just saying hi

to all of you. We homeschooled and both boys are now in college. It was a fantastic experience and like life with it's ups and downs but wouldn't have done it any other way. So good luck to all of you and if there is ever any way that I can be of help just let me know.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

31. Thanks, NiteOwl!

I'm curious, did your boys experience any difficulties making the transition to college?

[Nite Owl]

33. My oldest had a lot of problems

the first year. He had a time of it catching on to the 'actually have to go to class' part. Some of his classes were early and he had the attitude that he would just do that reading on his own and party instead. The whole professors like to see you in their class thing was just beyond his comprehension until he got those grades! He learned that part and is now maintaining a 3.7gpa and the social life. My youngest started last February so he's just now finishing his first year and he has had no problems with the transition. He thought that the work would be daunting and was nervous about going but he likes it and the professors seem to appreciate that he brings a different view of things to learning.

Honestly I think I had a harder time than they did. This setting them free is harder than it is in theory. You go from being responsible for everything that they learn to a 'supportive' role. They aren't just yours anymore they are your gift to the world.

[mzmolly]

32. I've been homeschooling about one month LOL, and have one 6 year old

child. I am eclectic in my methods and have a regular schedule, but am flexible.

For now I am using borrowed books, the library and many internet resources and were getting on rather well. :)

[LWolf]

34. Ok

I'm not a homeschooler though; I'm a public school teacher.

I stop by here now and then to see how you're all doing. :hi:

If I could "restructure" public ed to suit just me, I'd restructure it like a homeschool. Small groups of kids, relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, flexibility in scheduling and curriculum. <sigh>

My own two sons are grown. They went to public school, with a lot of enrichment from me. My grandson will be starting school next year. I wish I could afford to retire; I'd happily homeschool him. It's not that I don't support or believe in public ed; I do. It's the top-down political control of developing brains I object to. As long as the current group is in "control" of the classroom, I'll make sure he has plenty of other stuff outside the regular school day. With that in mind, I'm maneuvering to transfer my credential and my life to another state to be close by next year.

[denese]

35. Unschooling for the most part here

I have four kids, 17,9,5 and 3. I've been homeschooling the youngest three for about three years now. The oldest is totally blind since birth and attends the state school for the blind. He likes it, I don't, I hate having him so far away so much of the time.
I've been very fortunate, the first homeschooling group I came across has turned out to be full of absolutely wonderful, supportive people (Hey PP, who are you calling a flaming liberal??? ;-)
I'm really glad to have found you guys tucked away in this little corner of DU. I KNEW there had to be more homeschooling DUer's
Denese

[qanda]

36. Welcome to DU

And our little corner of it. :hi:

[mopinko]

37. former hs

unschooled for 8 years, mostly because i knew from the age of 2 that my son would learn nothing, and be made crazy by factory school. he is a stereotypical genius/hermit. when he did have to go to school, it was really difficult, and he dropped out as a junior. he's still recovering.
the other 3 kids came along for the ride.
i wish i was still doing it. we have a decent elementary school, but i have NO one size fits all kids. it's a constant frustration.
but i had to get back to my own life, and hubby just was not in a position to help out.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

38. Kids need to want to learn before they will

I can understand not having the time to devote to hs, but maybe your experience teaching can help you find creative ways to bring enjoyment to your kids' school experience.

Thanks for your input here!

[coffeenap]

39. HI- we have one who left public school after kindergarten, went to a

private school thru 6th, then we pulled him. Now 15. Our other child is 10 and in a private school.