Any homeschoolers out there? About This Page:

[dluvsdisney]

I can understand how the thought of change, especially being responsible for your children's education, is scary. We have a DD15(9th gr) and DS12(7th gr). As far as education choices go, we have done it all. My children were in a well-respected private Christian school for 5 & 6 years before we decided to homeschool. They were not having any trouble with academics and for the most part we liked the teachers/administrators, but we decided that homeschooling was the best choice for our family. I started teaching when our DD in 6th gr and DS in 4th gr. I'm now in my 4th year of teaching them (well, I only have DS at home now). Our DD is in an award winning public school. All along we've lived in the same district, so they could've gone to that school; it just wasn't the right time until now. Currently we're not planning on sending DS to public school. We're considering putting him back in the private school. We've had positive and negative experiences with all 3 schooling choices. We've learned that no choice is perfect, you just have to decide what's best for your children. I never thought I would homeschool, but it has been a real blessing! It has not always been the easiest venture but for so many reasons it has been a wonderful decision.
We are fortunate. There is a lot of support and resources for homeschoolers in our area. I would suggest starting with finding out what resources you have. Are there support groups, co-ops, other homeschooling parents? I found many helpful books at the library about getting started. I would be happy to discuss any questions you have about curriculum, organization, logistics. I would also be happy to share our experiences. Please PM me if you'd like.

[Huntermom]

I have never home schooled, although my youngest used to ask me to home school her. IMHO, homeschooling is a full time commitment and I worked. I also did not feel comfortable that I could teach her all the AP sciences she did in school.

I have also been assigned to investigate home schooling several times when parents are divorcing. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Like previous posters said, like schools, home school can vary tremendously.

What I did want to tell you though is that if a teacher is leaving her classroom uncovered and the principal will not address, you should in the very least notify the state department of education. While I understand the Hawaiian life style may be laid back, leaving the classroom unattended is a safety issue and needs to be addressed, working your way up the ladder. It sounds like you are a military family, so you may also be able to address it through them.

As far as being behind, I would look to the reason. Is there a different emphasis is curriculum? My Dd had a very bright and educated friend who was put back a grade when she moved back to the states from Sweden because they start academic schooling later than we do. She was mature when she was in high school, but it served her well.

Good luck.

[emilyandlogansmom]

Originally Posted by Peanut_mommy

I'm in the same boat - I'm looking into school choice or homeschooling, because my daughter isn't getting any kind of sufficient education. Our school system is rated somewhere in the bottom 10% of the state, while the district next door (a five minute drive to the elementary school) is in the top 20%. I'm really hoping to be able to send her there, because she enjoys the social aspects of school, but if it comes to it, she will stay home.

We tried for a geographical exemption for the one school that seemed slightly (and I do mean slightly) better in our area, but it was denied! Good luck to you...I hope it all works out!

[emilyandlogansmom]

Originally Posted by Huntermom

I have also been assigned to investigate home schooling several times when parents are divorcing. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Like previous posters said, like schools, home school can vary tremendously.

What I did want to tell you though is that if a teacher is leaving her classroom uncovered and the principal will not address, you should in the very least notify the state department of education. While I understand the Hawaiian life style may be laid back, leaving the classroom unattended is a safety issue and needs to be addressed, working your way up the ladder. It sounds like you are a military family, so you may also be able to address it through them.

As far as being behind, I would look to the reason. Is there a different emphasis is curriculum? My Dd had a very bright and educated friend who was put back a grade when she moved back to the states from Sweden because they start academic schooling later than we do. She was mature when she was in high school, but it served her well.

Good luck.

There are SO many ways to do homeschooling. I completely understand there being positive experiences and negative. Since having my children, they have been my life and my focus. I do not agree with many homeschooling practices. My full intent is to keep them on-par with standards in more agressive school districts. I am a proactive parent and refuse to say, "Oh well...I guess this is what we've got, so we'll deal with the ramifications when the time comes." I see that all around me and, well, that's just not good enough for my children.

The military does have school liasons. Ours stopped responding to me when I asked for clarification on the test scores. The conversations went something like, "I've heard nothing but negative things about Hawai'i schools. Are there any resources available to supplement?" His response was, "I assure you, we can meet your needs. The test scores are great." I then quoted the test scores I was looking at (the 38% meeting standards in math, 42% in reading) and asked for clarification...maybe I misinterpreted. I never received a response.

The DOD is certainly aware of this problem. A few years ago they offered to pay for improvements to the three schools that service our base. The Hawaii DOE came back with, "If you do it for those schools, you need to do it for all of our schools." The DOD is also sponsoring a study being conducted by Johns Hopkins (I am now on a first name basis with the principal investigator of the study because I've bothered him so much.) In a nutshell, they're interested in the expectations of Hawaii schools before you arrive, your experiences, and where your children stand when they leave. All of this is being done in the hopes to facilitate change...which is GREAT...and clearly needed. However, this study will take years to complete and my children certainly will not benefit from any improvements.

The only work my daughter comes home with is reading/phonics and math. As these are the subject areas that they are tested in (which, in turn, relates to funding), other areas are severely lacking. I asked her teacher about this and she said that she fills in science and social studies where she has time. There are no computer labs on campus. As previously mentioned, art, gym, and library are offered once every two weeks. There is NO music program of any kind. So, yes, I could supplement. And we certainly do...we're a family who has ALWAYS sought out educational opportunities for our children. The problem that I have is that when there is SO much that needs to supplemented and so many of my daughter's alert hours are spent there...it just seems a bit ridiculous. She's exhausted at the end of the day and by the time she recovers, it's on to the nighttime routine.

One thing that we've always loved is the Scholastic book order. I loved them as a child and my children received the order forms in preschool and kindergarten in Nebraska. When I asked her teacher about them her response was, "Well, I do get them, but I didn't think anyone would be interested in ordering books, so I don't hand them out." What teacher makes that decision?!?! I expressed this interest about 2 months ago and have yet to receive an order form. Of course I can go to Amazon and buy books...there's just something about the Scholastic orders that are exciting...her reasoning just floors me.

Again...I realize only half of this is actually in response to what you wrote...I tend to get feisty and go on tangents. I'm rather passionate about it all.

[emilyandlogansmom]

Originally Posted by dluvsdisney

I can understand how the thought of change, especially being responsible for your children's education, is scary. We have a DD15(9th gr) and DS12(7th gr). As far as education choices go, we have done it all. My children were in a well-respected private Christian school for 5 & 6 years before we decided to homeschool. They were not having any trouble with academics and for the most part we liked the teachers/administrators, but we decided that homeschooling was the best choice for our family. I started teaching when our DD in 6th gr and DS in 4th gr. I'm now in my 4th year of teaching them (well, I only have DS at home now). Our DD is in an award winning public school. All along we've lived in the same district, so they could've gone to that school; it just wasn't the right time until now. Currently we're not planning on sending DS to public school. We're considering putting him back in the private school. We've had positive and negative experiences with all 3 schooling choices. We've learned that no choice is perfect, you just have to decide what's best for your children. I never thought I would homeschool, but it has been a real blessing! It has not always been the easiest venture but for so many reasons it has been a wonderful decision.
We are fortunate. There is a lot of support and resources for homeschoolers in our area. I would suggest starting with finding out what resources you have. Are there support groups, co-ops, other homeschooling parents? I found many helpful books at the library about getting started. I would be happy to discuss any questions you have about curriculum, organization, logistics. I would also be happy to share our experiences. Please PM me if you'd like.

There is a homeschooling group on base that does co-ops and organizes field trips...I have found great resources and a few really great friends there! The homeschooling community on our base is so large that MWR (morale, welfare, and recreation) actually organizes weekly gym classes for the homeschoolers on base. I would love to talk more and will PM you shortly! Thanks!

[emilyandlogansmom]

Originally Posted by goofyboysmama

There are so many different styles of curriculum - we use Sonlight, which is a literature based curriculum. Check out the local library for books on homeschooling. If you can, get the book, "The Way They Learn", by Cynthia Tobias. Sorry this is so long, but I am so happy with our decision to homeschool and I want you to have an informed opinion.

Good luck in your decision!

Thank you so much for your lengthy response! I just ordered "The Way They Learn." I have read, " 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum...," by Cathy Duffy, which seems to touch on some of the same elements, but not in such detail. One thing that I learned from it is that I do not think a boxed curriculum is right for our needs. For the most part, my children can be taught together. So, for example, buying the kindergarten and first grade complete curriculum sets through Calvert and having to follow two separate lesson plans just isn't the most efficient. My 5 year old is reading more fluently than the 4 year old and does grasp some math skills just a bit easier. The biggest difference is just in their learning styles. My Logan is a "Wiggly Willy" (what 4 year old boy wouldn't fall into that category?) and Emily is a "Perfect Paula"...I'd like to cater to their individual needs as much as possible. I do think that I'm going to keep with secular Math and Phonics/Reading programs from Saxon, because really our goal is to keep them as close to the education that they'd receive on the mainland. Everything else I see as being a bit more hands-on.

So, I really do have a pretty clear vision of what is going to happen...but I just wanted to reach out and get as many ideas as possible. One thing that I love about the homeschoolers I've met so far is that they're REALLY passionate about it and light up when given the chance to talk about it.

I do have a room that will be devoted to school, complete with desks and centers, and a schedule. When they were young, we turned our basement into a preschool and followed a schedule throughout the day...so, this really is what we're most comfortable with. I know a lot of people are more laid back in this area...but I like the idea of them having areas in the house to relax and areas where they KNOW that it's learning time. I also think having kid-sized furniture is important. Any advice on how to make that more efficient?

[Ace_Athena]

Well, it sounds like you are leaning toward homeschooling. IMHO, it sounds like that would be the best for your family. I would NOT tolerate a teacher being that negligent.

When my DH's son came to live with us for two years, he was placed into the regular public school district we live in. He was coming from a special program that was for children with behavioral problems. He was about 4 grade levels behind in both math and reading. Our school district automatically assumed he would be placed into special education classes. My DH and I were against that because he was not mentally handicapped... just a kid who grew up with no discipline in his home and thus, had behavioral issues. We worked on the behavioral stuff outside of the classroom. The school principal, counselors, EBD teacher, and Special Ed teacher all insisted he be in the special ed program, but we put our foot down. They reluctantly agreed to put him in mainstream schooling, as long as he had paraprofessionals to help him. About 2 months into the school year, we found out his paras were completing his homework for him (writing his answers down, taking notes for him in class, "coaching" him through his tests). We did NOT find this acceptable. So we went through heck and back but finally got our way that nobody but him was to do his work.

Because we stood our ground, after two years with us he was reading above grade level, almost caught up on math level, participating in the band, and made a bunch of friends. I did a lot of helping (and got yelled at for teaching his math wrong to him... even though I was right) and we were glad with the progress he made. His grades weren't where we wanted them to be, but we KNOW he made great strides.

Anyway, sorry for the long post. My point is this: we are now looking at either a different school district or homeschooling our little boys. They are 3.5 and 2, and with all the issues we had with our school district (not listening, them actually saying they know what's best for the children academically... yada, yada), we will not send our little ones to that school district. The school doesn't make the AYP for the No Child Left Behind, has always been below average on all state standardized tests, and is looking at cutting extracurriculars. Nope, not that district for my boys.

Again, sorry for the long post. I hope you make the right decision for your family, and that you are HAPPY with the decision!

[Teresa]

Originally Posted by emilyandlogansmom

Just so you know, Teresa, that was not all directed at you. The first two paragraphs were a response and then I started to rant/vent. Sorry!

I didn't take it as anything directed at me! I think the majority of homeschoolers do very well, and given your circumstances, it sounds like it's the best choice for you and your kids!

I have a friend who homeschooled her children until last year, when the children were placed in the same private school my kids attend. Her DS was "skipped" 2 grades! And this school is very challenging and the curriculum is much more advanced than any of the public and most of the private ones in the area.

Good luck!

[emilyandlogansmom]

Originally Posted by Ace_Athena

Well, it sounds like you are leaning toward homeschooling. IMHO, it sounds like that would be the best for your family. I would NOT tolerate a teacher being that negligent.

When my DH's son came to live with us for two years, he was placed into the regular public school district we live in. He was coming from a special program that was for children with behavioral problems. He was about 4 grade levels behind in both math and reading. Our school district automatically assumed he would be placed into special education classes. My DH and I were against that because he was not mentally handicapped... just a kid who grew up with no discipline in his home and thus, had behavioral issues. We worked on the behavioral stuff outside of the classroom. The school principal, counselors, EBD teacher, and Special Ed teacher all insisted he be in the special ed program, but we put our foot down. They reluctantly agreed to put him in mainstream schooling, as long as he had paraprofessionals to help him. About 2 months into the school year, we found out his paras were completing his homework for him (writing his answers down, taking notes for him in class, "coaching" him through his tests). We did NOT find this acceptable. So we went through heck and back but finally got our way that nobody but him was to do his work.

Because we stood our ground, after two years with us he was reading above grade level, almost caught up on math level, participating in the band, and made a bunch of friends. I did a lot of helping (and got yelled at for teaching his math wrong to him... even though I was right) and we were glad with the progress he made. His grades weren't where we wanted them to be, but we KNOW he made great strides.

Anyway, sorry for the long post. My point is this: we are now looking at either a different school district or homeschooling our little boys. They are 3.5 and 2, and with all the issues we had with our school district (not listening, them actually saying they know what's best for the children academically... yada, yada), we will not send our little ones to that school district. The school doesn't make the AYP for the No Child Left Behind, has always been below average on all state standardized tests, and is looking at cutting extracurriculars. Nope, not that district for my boys.

Again, sorry for the long post. I hope you make the right decision for your family, and that you are HAPPY with the decision!

Ahh! No, thank you! That's like a breath of fresh air. I feel like I keep defending myself, but you get it!

Every situation is different and there are schools, teachers, and principals who are FANTASTIC. Ones who would be waaaay better at their job than I could ever try to be. (I know, we had them in Nebraska...they set the bar high!) BUT, it sounds like you're in the same situation where YOU have the best interest of your children in mind and for whatever reason, YOU can make them a higher priority in your life than any "professional" could.

It's very hard to understand until you see your child suffering. Do you step and, in a very Eeyore kind of way say, "Okay...?" I'm just not seeing how that is even an option. :

Best of luck to you!

[saremca]

We've homeschooled for 15 years. If you have specific questions for me, fire away.

ETA: If you'd rather PM me, that's cool too.

[goofyboysmama]

As far as a specific location for school in your home, there are different thoughts about this, but I agree that you need a space. Well, at least my sons do. I know there are families out there that can have school out on the couch or patio, but that just won't work for us, lol. We have a room set aside for school, but for others with space issues, you can still have an area that is set aside for it.
You sound very proactive - you would be a great teacher for your children! But like dluvsdisney posted, there's no perfect choice.
Please feel free to PM me anytime about it!

My computer is acting up so... (fairies!)

PS - I understand what you mean about different levels. You can mix it up with curriculum or find one that works for both children. Research or find a homeschool expo before you plunk down your $...

[Cheriemek]

I am very lucky. We live in the best school district in Western New York. My DH and I both have to work, so we are lucky that we have schools to educate our kids.

[KathyL]

You can order Scholastic Books on your own. If you go to Scholastic.com, you can set up an account. You can set it up as if you were running a school out of your home. I believe that there is usually a minimum order of around $15.00 but thats always easy to meet on Scholastic. Good Luck with your decision.

[Huntermom]

I don't know the economic make up of your school, but maybe the teacher isn't sending the scholastic book fliers home because she is concerned it may put pressure on parents with barely enough money for food to buy things. It's been a while but when my kids were young, there were lots of good books but also some toys and not so good books.

[emilyandlogansmom]

Originally Posted by Huntermom

I don't know the economic make up of your school, but maybe the teacher isn't sending the scholastic book fliers home because she is concerned it may put pressure on parents with barely enough money for food to buy things. It's been a while but when my kids were young, there were lots of good books but also some toys and not so good books.

I have no doubt in my mind that the demographics of this school factor into a lot of my issues. There are a lot of really young parents and I think that makes a huge difference. I love that Scholastic always has a few books for $1. It just seems a bit odd to make affordable book purchasing options non-exsistent for EVERYONE. I thought teachers were supposed to be book pushers.

They just took spring pictures. They were taken on a Monday and I was notified on the prior Friday...I simply forgot over the weekend to send in an order form. So they went ahead and took the pictures and sent a package home. The complete package is already printed, but if I want to keep the pictures, I need to fork over $65 for 5 sheets of photos. Now, they're cute...but talk about pressure! (And being wasteful...the prints are made, so if I don't pay, they just trash them?) So weird.