Homeschooling - Saint Albans, WV

Is there a specific reason why you are homeschooling?? Bad school systems?? The reason I ask is because teachers at a school, public or private, have been to school to know how to "school" children. Research it before you make any final decisions.

I homeschooled when we lived in New Orleans (talk about horrid public schools). I think it's critical to address a couple of points.

1. Curriculum? Do you want to wing it or use something prepared? It depends on your comfort level and background. There are some phenomenal package deals out there (like we are not a religious family, so we steered away from Christian-themed programs, but there's a *huge* variety) and the nice thing that way is you can supplement all day long with "enrichment" but still make sure you cover "the basics". You can also find some good "lesson plans" online for free. :)

2. Socialization. Frankly, when I hear this it makes me shudder. It doesn't take a village to raise a child. The village *WILL* raise your child, you just better make sure you know who is in your "Village". I want my kids to grow up to be capable members of society, but with the rising problems with bullies, etc., public school is not necessarily the "ideal" way for kids to learn social skills. (Lord of the Flies comes to mind...) The local Y or Rec Center should have programs designed specifically for homeschooling families... also check with the library, local museums, etc. With the upswing in homeschooling, a lot of organizations are adapting to support families of homeschoolers.

3. Support for you. Homeschooling is *work*, even if it's fun and rewarding work. It helps a *lot* to have a network of like-minded parents. I don't know if there's a local group of homeschoolers (or if you'd be comfortable with them... I *despised* the group in New Orleans, personally.. lol) but you can find online groups, too, and they can be just as supportive and enriching for you as a local group.

Good luck! It's a big challenge, but totally worth it. :)

I think you should spend your efforts of helping your child learn with helping him with his homework and other learning activities beyond school. I think he would really miss out on some good social development opportunities if he was exclusively home schooled. I agreed that our public schools are not up to par, but I can't imagine that you (or I) know enough about subjects in general and teaching to outweight the benefits of going to school. You know your child better than any teacher which is why you should spend your efforts after school helping him to learn and develop what was introduced at school.

Hi A.,

I homeschooled my daughter a few years ago and am beginning again next week. It is challenging, but it is so rewarding to watch your child learn. Check out the Home School Legal Defense Association. They tell you everything you need to know to file with the school district. It might be good to keep their info handy in case you ever have any problems due to homeschooling.

A., I homeschooled my oldest child and it was very rewarding for us both. We enjoyed the extra time spent together and getting them away from some of the influences that public schools offer somehow enabled her to make better decisions. she graduated early and is now a nurse. It will be a little difficult but with perseverence and patience you can do it.

I homeschool my 2 girls ages 5 and 7. This will be our second year. We belong to a co-op called Roots and Wings, it's a yahoo group. I also have them in gymnastics with other homeschool kids. As far as them getting socialization, my children are much better behaved than any of my friends children because they don't have the public school kids teaching them all of the wonderful attitudes. I guess it depends on what you call social interaction. If you need anything feel free to ask, I would love to help in any way I can.

Hi A.,

Congrats on knowing what you want to do so early! We have homeschooled since our daughter was in 1st grade and have never regretted it. (She is now in 8th.)

The first thing I would suggest doing is getting involved in a good homeschool co-op. There are several of these in Lexington. I am on the leadership team of one called BRICC (Bluegrass Regional Independent Christian Co-op). One of our main purposes is to help others to get started in homeschooling. You can visit our website at www.bricc.org for lots of homeschooling information, especially for Kentucky.

I have several friends who started homeschooling their kids in preschool so they'd have that year to learn from other homeschool moms before they had to "officially" begin, and they have said it helped them immensely. BRICC holds co-op classes once a week where the kids go for enrichment courses (gym, music, Spanish, drama, etc.), and we have a preschool class. Email me privately if you're interested in knowing more about this or if you have other questions about homeschooling in Lexington... ____@____.com.

Blessings,
K.

I'm currently homeschooling my 4 1/2 & 5 1/2 year olds. I'm in a yahoo group for Indiana homeschooling parents ____@____.com

Hello A.!

THis is my second year at homeschooling. I love it. I love the thought of my daughter actually learning and me being the one that teaches her. The main reason I am proud is that I know that my daughter is SAFE! (the school she would have went to last year had 5 bomb threats!) :-(

Anyways, A. if you go to http://www.inhomeeducators.org/ you can get as lot of info off of that website. there is even a page of State Regions and it gives you the name and number and e-mail of the person that you can contact in that region for any questions. the will even help you find a homeschool group in your area!

I hope this helps you out! I am so glad that so many mom's have decided to homeschool. THe government wants our kids to be so dumb. and they teach them that way in public school, I know because my step-daughter goes to a public school, and she got atleast 2 F's on every report card last year and they STILL PASSED HER! So, i thank God every day that he gave me the opportunity to homeschool my daughter!

Good Luck! If you have any questions, Please let me know!
L. Kay - ____@____.com

I homeschooled my two sons. They are now 22 and 19. Look on the DOE sight for Indiana and it will tell you what you need to do to get a homeschool number. We called our school our last name Academy. You can use the name to order books, supplies, and other items just like you are a private school. Now that my children are on their own I am a nanny. With your son being 4 start looking into the YMCA for homeschool groups. I know the Fishers YMCA has a part in their fall program guide for homeschooling. Also look into the Ind. State Museum, Indy Zoo, Conners Prairie and the Children's Museum. Most of the extra glasses they offer for homeschoolers are cheap. It is also tax deductable if you want to go that route.
I think you are very wise to plan on homeschooling. I've worked in the public schools for a number of years and they are becoming more crowd control and a babysitting service then a place to learn.
My oldest son went through a homeschool graduation at the RCA convention center and was given a homeschool diapolma. My youngest son went the GED route. Both have not stopped them from working. I'm not sure where you live but I think their was a large homeschool community in the Zionsville area. I would get in with a homeschool group. You'll need it for yourself and they find great tools to help each other.

One more thing. We purchased our books off of ebay. The cost was so much cheaper and a lot of parents photo copy the books so they can sell them at a better price on their. In A. their is a large Child Care Conf. in Indianapolis and you can go and look at all the programs offered to homeschoolers, preschools, and private schools. I've went for a number of years.

I hope this has been helpful.

M. Pferrer

I have homeschooled my oldest child for 5 years. I have really enjoyed it, and I would be happy to answer any questions for you. I consider Kindergarten an enjoyable time to try things out, to find out what is going to work best for you. There are so many options out there now, it can sometimes be overwhelming, and Kindergarten doesn't take up much time when you are homeschooling. You can message me if you are interested in talking more. You also may want to find a support group in your area, they will be a big help.

I just read that you are planning to send him to school. If you are really interested in homeschooling, I would start with kindergarten. Kindergarten is not legally required in Indiana, so I consider that the time to test the waters. If you decide homeschooling is not for you, you can enroll in first grade the following year.

I have homeschooled my oldest son in 5th, 6th, and 8th grade. I have also sold HSing curriculum for the past 5 years. If there is anything I can help you with please let me know.
S. Vaughan
Avon Unit Leader & President's Club Member
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