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therenos77 -> new to homeschooling (6/23/2009 9:11:38 PM)

My wife and I have decided to make the switch next year to pull our kids from a christian private school to home school instead. There are so many questions I have I don't even know where to begin. Any advice would be wonderful! I also don't want to spend a lot on tuition any suggestions there? I have been looking at CLASS (Christian Liberty...). But also thinking of piece together my curriculum but then I am not sure about tests and things like that.



alegnacb -> RE: new to homeschooling (6/24/2009 8:07:16 AM)

You will probably spend more money if you go with all CLASS or all A Beka or all Bob Jones or all ...

I recommend you get 100 Top Picks For Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing The Right Curriculum And Approach For Your Child's Learning Style by Cathy Duffy. That will help you discover what ways your kids learn best and pick curricula that will work best for them. Check your local public library for it.



amybreit -> RE: new to homeschooling (6/24/2009 8:40:27 AM)

Not sure what state you're in, but you may want to check out the laws on the HSLDA website. That'll let you you know what you HAVE to do & they have some "get started" material on there too.



therenos77 -> RE: new to homeschooling (6/24/2009 9:56:33 AM)

thanks for your info. I will go and check out the book by Cathy Duffy. I live in Washington state and I have looked into all the rules for homeschooling. It seems a little loose in this state. I guess, like everyone else starting out, it seems a little overwhelming. So if I piece my curriculum together I am 100% percent responsible for all the testing and results, so do I have to keep all the tests or just the results in a grade book? I know that I have to keep my states Achievement tests but is there anything else that I should keep?



cynthia -> RE: new to homeschooling (6/24/2009 10:30:58 AM)

For answer to homeschool questions specifically related to Washington State law, you can go to www.washhomeschool.org. That is the Washington Homeschool Organization.

What grades are your children in?



shadowspring -> RE: new to homeschooling (6/24/2009 2:10:56 PM)

I keep everything for two years, since that was the law in the state in which I started home schooling. [:)]

But at the very least I would keep weekly or unit tests, any essays or special art/craft projects, and any proof of hands-on learning experiences, like digital photos, certificates of achievement or participation, programs, etc. I would also use a notebook or planner to jot down a super-brief summary of the day's assignments/ experiences and books read. Using those you will have a great portfolio at the end of the year, if you need one.

But mine is in high school and college admissions officers want to know why I assigned the grades I did, so it's pretty important at this stage of the game.



cindybode -> RE: new to homeschooling (6/24/2009 10:44:52 PM)

I would spend a little time researching the different styles of homeschooling so that you can choose something that is a good fit for your kids. Most parents who are new to homeschooling start out by doing "school at home" - in other words, textbooks and workbooks - because a) that's what they're familiar with and b) they don't know there's anything else out there. There is nothing wrong with school at home IF that's truly what works best for your child's learning style. However, it should be a conscious choice after looking at all the options, not the default because it never occurred to you that you could do something else.

The Way They Learn by Cynthia Tobias should be required reading for all homeschooling parents. If you don't know your child's learning style, you will by the time you finish this book. It's an easy, fun read that contains a wealth of information, and it's well worth picking up a copy. It's an older book, so if your library doesn't have it I'm sure you can pick up a cheap used copy on Amazon or half.com.

There is a good review of the most common styles of homeschooling HERE as well as a lot of links to free or low cost materials. If you'd like to see what we do (which is about as far from school at home as you can get!), check out THIS site.

Welcome to the adventure! [:D]



cynthia -> RE: new to homeschooling (6/24/2009 11:09:15 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: shadowspring

I keep everything for two years, since that was the law in the state in which I started home schooling. [:)]


I don't think that's correct for Washington State. You are too keep the records. There is no term. The records become part of the permanent record. The main things they expect to see are test scores or assessments and copy of Declaration of Intent to Homeschool. You don't throw them away. Once the child has graduated from school, I assume those records go with the child. It is proof of education.



hillbillywoman -> RE: new to homeschooling (6/27/2009 12:09:15 PM)

If you are permitted in your state to put together your own curriculum, then I would go with that. It is cheaper than enrolling in an "umbrella" school such as CLASS or Abeka or Bob Jones because you don't have to pay tuition in addition to purchasing the books. Also, with doing it yourself, you can choose books from various publishers to fit the need for your child. I usually purchase books from Christian Book Distributors because I can get books published by just about every major homeschool publisher at a discounted price. I might then use a history book from CLASS or a science book from Bob Jones. I can mix up the curriculum.

When I first began homeschooling in 1997, I tried going through an umbrella school, paid the tuition, bought their books at full cost. With three kids, that ran into alot of money, fast! When I finally realized that I could put together my own curriculum, I went that route and loved it! Of course, I kept a record of grades which I sent in to the school board at the end of each school year. (My kids are all graduated now.) I also had to administer a nationally recognized assessment test every year or two (such as the California Achievement Test which you can get from CLASS) and send the results to the school board.

To make sure I was on track with what subjects to teach my kids and when, I obtained from the school board the curriculum objectives expected at each grade level. For example, if my state expected Biology to be taught in 10th grade, then that is what I did. Of course, since I don't believe evolution is the reason for life on this earth, I chose a biology text that shows the fallacies of the theory.

You must notify your school board of your intention to homeschool. The Home School Legal Defense Association can help you with that.



PixieSunBelle -> RE: new to homeschooling (6/27/2009 4:19:37 PM)

When I was home schooled in 8th grade we had to pick out our books and work books from ABEKA and my math was from Saxon. I did book reports off of books i found from the library for my literature and English. I also read books on Japan and China to fulfill history. Everything was loose in those terms... so, I honestly feel like I did not learn a great deal. It was not until I attended Christian School in the 8th grade that I found my math level was at a 3rd grade level. However, I would never trade my year of home schooling because we attended a group for it and I took a creative writing class and was able to meet TRI- they are now known as Everlife. :D
However, I encourage you find a home school group in your area. This allows the kids to still work with other children. Like, they had a biology class and other classes. At the time, i was in 7th grade so we chose creative writing. I was able to collaborate with the other kids and we wrote a 5 chapter story. Also, in addition, you could get those DS games for math and languages. When I was learning a language I wish those things existed!
they are called My (insert language name here) Coach. ...or a computer game could work. But it would help kids learn. However, the younger you are the easier it is to learn a language so you could think about starting a language even if they are elementary because it would give them a head start. I hope that when I someday have kids there would be a place that could teach a language as early as 3. I totally failed out of spanish when i was in college because i could not wrap my brain around how different it was...
thats my .02 cents :D



FAWIHTT -> RE: new to homeschooling (7/3/2009 3:01:01 AM)

Check into Connections Academy it's bringing Public School and Private School together. Your Curriculum is already set up for you along with the tests and all of the materials.



janaleigh -> RE: new to homeschooling (7/8/2009 10:21:36 PM)

My top picks

1. So You're thinking About Homeschooling by Lisa Whelchel
2. Sonlight Curriculum
3. Excellence in Writing
4. Living Math.org
5. Aleks Math
6. The Well Trained Mind
7. For the Children's Sake

All the best to you and your family!!!



FAWIHTT -> RE: new to homeschooling (7/9/2009 10:06:06 AM)

Also since Connections Academy is under the umbrella of a public school all the materials are shipped to you free/ The Ciriculum is already set up for you it's like bring the best of both together. We absolutely love it!!!



cynthia -> RE: new to homeschooling (7/9/2009 12:44:12 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: FAWIHTT

Also since Connections Academy is under the umbrella of a public school all the materials are shipped to you free/ The Ciriculum is already set up for you it's like bring the best of both together. We absolutely love it!!!

I am glad that it is working for you, however, it is not homeschooling. It is public school at home. That is why they send you the materials for free.



FAWIHTT -> RE: new to homeschooling (7/9/2009 4:19:40 PM)

yes it is but you also get the level of learning at home with out having to deal with the system. As long as you send in your work no one comes to your house it's all done online at least check it out before you decide against it.



cynthia -> RE: new to homeschooling (7/9/2009 4:28:48 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: FAWIHTT

yes it is but you also get the level of learning at home with out having to deal with the system. As long as you send in your work no one comes to your house it's all done online at least check it out before you decide against it.

I'm not trying to put you on the defensive. If that's what you want to do and it's working for your family, then great. I hope you are blessed and do well. I'm making a distinction between what you are advocating for and actual homeschooling, which is independent. You are not independently homeschooling, you are using the public school system, so yes, you are dealing with the system. The part of the system you are dealing with is bare bones and leaves out a lot of the issues inherent to a classroom situation, but you still are "in the system," whereas homeschooling is not.



hillbillywoman -> RE: new to homeschooling (7/9/2009 8:04:06 PM)

Here in southwest Va, if a student is doing school at home through the public school system, it is not called homeschooling, but rather it is called "home-bound" education.



mgandy -> RE: new to homeschooling (7/19/2009 1:47:39 AM)

First, my apologies if I'm repeating something already mentioned. Additionally, I admire the decision you have made about teaching/training/discipling your children. Your investment will provide rewards in and outside the home for years to come.

As a homeschool dad, I wish I could take much credit, but my wife Debbie did all the hard work. But as I look back, here are some suggestions:

-1- Sonlight was mentioned earlier. Immerse yourself in their annual (or is it semi-annual) catalog(s). Lots of great stuff in there even if you go with another curriculum.

-2- By the way, the curriculum choosing is stressful. Don't worry if you feel like you 'missed' it your first year.

-3- Regarding math, my vote is for Saxson math. But I also respect the the other texts out there too.

-4- It's probably not to late to catch a home school conference. You will meet great people there and have a chance to look at many books and curriculums.

-5- Read to your kids every day. As a dad, we're very busy, but that's something I did nightly. We always had one book we were reading out loud each evening (my favorite was Johnny Tremain). Also, read the Word every night too. Reading the Word together became more and more interesting as the kids got older--great discussions.

Regarding the above, your kids will develop a passion for reading. My youngest is 15, and while he's a baseball junkie and loves making money by working for a local rancher, he's read Crime and Punishment, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, and a few other classics this summer.

-6- Find the bent of your kids as soon as possible. I used to have my oldest do spreadsheet projects when he was younger and he liked that work. Accordingly, I created my own business curriculum that spanned two years during high school. It appears it worked as he'll start working for BKD, a large national CPA firm in January.

-7- Find a mentoring family that's been doing this for 5 or more years. Their wisdom will indispensable.

I hope this helps a bit. I'm no expert, but Debbie and I have sure liked the results (kids ages are 22, 18, and 15).



shadowspring -> RE: new to homeschooling (7/20/2009 10:29:14 AM)

quote:

(my favorite was Johnny Tremain)


That is probably my favorite bedtime read aloud too! Our family loved it so much, we read it out loud again a few years later. I think that is the only book to make our family read aloud list twice.



amybreit -> RE: new to homeschooling (7/20/2009 11:27:26 AM)

quote:

That is probably my favorite bedtime read aloud too! Our family loved it so much, we read it out loud again a few years later. I think that is the only book to make our family read aloud list twice.
Hmmm - have this one sitting on my bookshelf! Maybe it's time to break it out![:)] But we have to finish Ivanhoe 1st & have an abridged Canterbury Tales & Heidi in line too!

I totally 2nd the idea of reading out loud together! This is one of the things that we enjoy so much as a hs family that I'm pretty sure would be lost if the kids were in ps. We actually read at lunchtime most days! I try to eat before the kids & then read while they are eating. Of course, we aren't always ready to quit by the time they are finished eating, so we retire to the living room! We've been known to lose track of time & it be 2 or 3 pm when we realize how late it is! Of course, if we still have other school work to finish, I try to not let it run too long! I must admit that I think I enjoy our reading time as much or even more than the kids! BTW - my kids are 14 & 11 and still enjoy this!! I thought they'd outgrow it, but they really haven't & they are being exposed to great literature & spending some time using their imagination, KWIM?

One other side note - don't be intimidated by antiquated language in some books or worry if you are pronouncing everything right! We've learned alongside each other what some of the old terms mean & the kids get a kick out of me stumbling over how to pronounce a word![:D]



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