Thinking of Homeschooling...

[bugsmom]

Well, we've come to a decision...we're going for it!


I'm scared out of my wits, but I truly, down to the depths of my soul, believe this is the best thing for now. We told Josh and he was just floored. He's been begging for 2 years now and I think he was in shock when I finally agreed to do it. He's a little unsure now too, but very excited. We sat down tonight and talked about some of the subjects HE wanted to cover and he was just giddy.

Now, the tough part. I have to call his school and tell them. This is really going to be hard. I have many close schools ties and they are going to freak. This is a very small private school, kinda like a small town, everyone knows everyone. I know once I contact them I'm going to get 50 million calls. I'm not looking forward to explaining everything to everyone about my decision. Not only that, I'm their substitute teacher for K thru 5th. I know they can find another sub, but I've been doing it for a few years now and those teachers trust me with their kids. I hate to let them down.

So, here we are...on a new adventure. It's like a roller coaster...thrilling, scary, and fun all at the same time.

[charliegirl]

Good luck with it. I don't think you will ever regret it.

In NY they have to be registered in the school district they live in even though they are homeschooling. You might want to check out your state's DOE website and find out what is required so you can have everything in order before school starts.

[bugsmom]

Thanks Barb...I'm going to need all the luck I can get.


Here in Michigan homeschooling is very relaxed. We're one of the few states that doesn't require ANY type of reporting. There is actually a new bill going to congress here that would require homeschoolers to report to their districts, but the last I heard it hasn't past. I'm actually very surprised at how many homeschoolers there are here. It's a pretty big network.

I've picked out most of the books we're going to use. It was nice to go through the materials and get what I thought would work best for Josh's learning style. I never realized how much was out there. We've got our basic math, english, science, reading and Josh has picked a unit on Lewis and Clark. He's always loved that story in history and now he can really study it. Since it's an election year I thought it would be great to cover all the details of how our country picks a president. I got lots of really cool free stuff on how to teach that. I think we'll be ok.

So anyway, I'm going to enjoy the rest of the summer. I love that I don't have to worry about a new school year with new teachers and all the baggage that goes with it. But hey, who knows, by Christmas I may be pulling my hair out.

[trid]

But hey, who knows, by Christmas I may be pulling my hair out.

WHO NEEDS HAIR!

You won't regret it. There is so much to do, and everything you do is educational. I had my boys help me with my taxes this last year. The tore apart my old lawn mower, helped hang a new door, caulked windows, cooked dinners, etc. We drove to visit the grandparents near Plymouth, MA and we live near Valley Forge. So much history, no matter MA or MI.

There is a great Lewis and Clark movie we saw at an IMAX a few years ago. And, they were the "Man of the Year" like 6 years ago, in Time or Life magazine. I don't have that copy, but I am sure you can find it in a library. Your library card is your best friend.

If the school really needs you to sub, they will let him come to school with you on days you are teaching there.

Don't get carried away buying too many texts. That is the biggest lesson I wish I had learned much sooner. The book shelves and boxes of unused stuff...

I don't know how old your boy is, but I used Power Basics with my sons. It is written at a 4th grade level, but it is high school subjects. American Government, Consumer Math, and Physics were a big hit with my 8th and 10th grade LD kids. They learned a lot, without the struggle of reading big words and long sentences.

I found that by looking at the Table of Contents in a lot of books, I get a good idea of what I want to teach, in what order, and what I think they already know.

The greatest thing is just having time to get to know you child, and his natural learning rhthym. It is so rewarding. Even though the state doesn't require you to keep a portfolio, do it anyway. Save a worksheet once or twice a month, especially at the beginning of the year, and compare it at the end of the year. Keep a journal of your year. I sat down at the end of each month, and wrote up what each boy accomplished during the previous month, from school work, to boy scouts, to hockey practice, to sleep patterns. When the days seem to drag by, you can look back and see that the year is flying. Just a quick note in a Word doc, save and later you can review. Or, better yet, have him write it up. Writing a handwritten note to a cousin, grandparent, or old teacher once a month will be cool, too. Just photocopy it before he mails it off. It only costs 43 cents to mail, and he can work on penmanship without feeling like he is working!

Have fun. You really won't regret!

[bugsmom]

Trid...thanks for the encouragement and guidence. It's nice to know that you and Barb will be around to get me through this. I know Misty is cyber-schooling this year too, so she and I can learn together.

Thank you so much for all the great ideas. I'm trying not to go overboard with the books. I do need great books for math (not my favorite subject) and I've chosen Saxon Publishing. I loved their teacher guide and I really need that for this subject. I'm actually pulling together a great curriculum from everywhere. It's been really enjoyable.

Oh, and thanks for the info on Power Basics. I went to their site and I really liked their materials. I think I'm going to use their science materials. My son just turned 12 in April and I think what they have to offer is perfect for him.

I also will be keeping records just in case the laws change here this year. I will be keeping a portfolio of Josh's work and also the hours he schools. Your tips were great! Thanks so much!

[trid]

When you are ready, I have Saxon Alg. 1 brand new, book, tests, DIVE CD, etc. unused. Barely even opened it. We were going to use it, but decided to go for Consumer Math instead, and now Shaun decided to go back to cyber school this year, so I have the unused books. Just e-mail me anytime. (and just in case I get lost, you can find me through the other ADHD web site.

[squirrelgirl]

Have you told the school yet? Hope they don't spaz out too much. My ds attends a school that sounds similar to yours, and I know what you mean, it's such a tight group, that they would go bananas too. I substitute as well. I think once you get it over with, you will breathe a sigh of relief. Hang in there!

[squirrelgirl]

Hi Bugsmom,

I am curious if you notified the school yet, and if so, how it went.

Squirrel

[bugsmom]

Squirrelgirl...it's so funny you would ask me that today. I'm actually calling them tomorrow. I've put it off way too long. I received Josh's school packet on Friday and I finally realized it's time.

I am soooooooooooooooo dreading this. I know it seems like not such a big deal, but it really is. This school has been such a big part of all of our lives. Being so small, you really do become a part of a little family. I just don't want to say the wrong thing and have them take it the wrong way. My prayer is that after this year at home he can go back and graduate 8th grade with his friends. He just really needs this year to get back on track and grow without all the crap thrown it.

So, I guess I'll have more to report tomorrow. You watch, I'm probably worring for nothing. They may throw a party that "the wild one" won't be back.

[bugsmom]

Well, I got my courage up to call and guess what? No one was in the office today. I guess it will be tomorrow.