Making the decision to homeschool

I was homeschooled for 5th through 8th grades, and I flourished. I totally understand why people would choose to homeschool their kids. For me, we'll probably stick to traditional schooling unless it becomes apparent that the child isn't thriving in that kind of environment. My mom always regretted not homeschooling my brother who struggled until he finally dropped out to join the Navy.

I learned how to be an independent self-educator. I loved diving into new subjects, even if they weren't at my grade level. (Microbiology textbooks at age 11).

We did yearly standardized testing that was offered by our local homeschooling group. It was never something that we "taught," just something we did to make sure we were keeping up. And we were.

When it was time for high school, my mom gave me the choice of going to the local high school or to keep on homeschooling. I chose high school. I wanted a bit of the "normal" experiences of youth.

Cheryl at http://redpens-diapers.blogspot.com

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We're in the same boat, knowing that the schools in are area and not safe or good (really, they're not) but tossing around charter options and homeschooling. It sometimes seems so scary, but that's the answer that makes the most sense for us right now.

The good news is that you can always change your mind, something I need to remind myself of every time the idea becomes too big!

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I personally am sending my child to school, but than again, we live in an area that has a wonderful school system.

I have friends that have to make the choice to either send their child to really bad schools, private school, or homeschool. My one friend that is really going to homeschool is being smart about it. She waited till her girl was an older 6 and could handle it. She has found a co-op group if she needs it. She is also doing her schooling with a computer program. That way, when her daughter needs help, she is learning along with her daughter, very similar to if her daughter needed help with "normal" school work. She also set aside a room in their home that is just for school work. Mom can play with the baby and moniter what is going on in that room (it's a bonus room). She keeps her on the same schedule as the schools are on, which makes it easier on her child.
I think she is being really smart about it. I know other people that work full-time and are single parents that are trying to homeschool and it's not working. SHe child is behind and is never caught up and to make matters worse, the child is bored.

To me, it's all in how you do it. Be smart and do the research on it and if it's what you want to do and feel like it's best for your family, then it will naturally fall in place and work. But you have to research your options.

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We're considering homeschooling for kindergarten. We only have half day kindergartens, and their curriculum seems... ambitious, for what essentially amounts to a bit over 2 hours of instruction time a day.

My mom has taught lower elementary for 35 years and agrees that it's better to make sure the kids have time to absorb and master the basics, especially at that level.

I have a friend who has homeschooled for five years. Her oldest two kids are thriving. They get to take day trips for history class (we live in the DC metro area), and visit places like the USGS for science class. Probably the best part is that her little girl unashamedly loves science as much or more than she loves playing with dolls.

There's a local homeschool group that provides social and extra curricular activities. Her kids really enjoy these and it seems like they're doing something with that once or twice a week. I think homeschooling has changed a lot in the last 15-20 years and quite a few of the things I would have had reservations about have changed for the better.

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i have decided to homeschool my sixth grader this year. she would be moving from the elementary school to the junior high. i have heard many stories about that junior high and just couldnt stomach the idea of her going there. we are trying to sell our house and move to a better school district so hopefully that will happen and she can attend school again at some point before high school. i fought with my decision for a while, being ridiculed by many for deciding to homeschool. while it is very popular in pa, where i live, still many do not agree with it. basically, to each his own. i am hoping that it works out, at least for a year or two. wish me luck!!

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We're homeschooling! I'm just now getting fully comfortable with the idea. Sure is a pretty view from atop the cliff though isn't it?

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Yay for homeschooling! I'm not there yet, but it's what I plan to do and, honestly, I wouldn't even consider sending my child to school as long as I was at home. The materialism, petty behavior, teaching to the test, violence...it makes me shudder.

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We recently started homeschooling. I was terrified of taking that jump! But I'm happy to report we are having a great time and my son is learning so much.

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