To homeschool or not to homeschool

[FlashMom11]

Hello,

I would like to get some advices on the dilemma of 'how to know if homeschooling is right for your family?'

Perhaps this topic has been posted already and I have not read it, but I still would like to get an honest feedback from parents that have homeschooled.

My 6 year old boy is currently attending public school, but somehow I get the impression that he is not getting enough of it as he should be. I don't think he is progressing enough in his learning process, nor I think he is very enthusiastic about learning when he is at school.

When he has school breaks, like summer or winter break, I take on homeschooling him, and it seems that he takes big leaps learning with me, in a short amount of time  than in all the time he spends at school.

He is still at school mainly because I want him to have friends around and a social life, and because I am not sure (honestly) I will have the stamina to do this all year around. By the end of the Summer break or Winter break I end up exhausted of all the activities we do together on top of my regular responsibilities like home making and my part-time job.

To all the homeschool parents: How do you do it?, are you able to keep a job or part-time job if you decide to homeschool?, what's the worst case scenario that can happen if i decide to homeschool?

Please advise me because this 'homeschool' bug it's been itching for quite a while now.

Thanks all!

[DadDude]

We're still new to homeschooling, considering that our older son is 5 years old, and we haven't dealt with the long-term consequences or what it's like when the kids are older.  But before they were born, I wanted to homeschool any children I would have.  Speaking just for myself, my reasons for wanting to homeschool is precisely that I feel he can learn a lot more, and get a far higher quality education generally speaking, than in school, public or private. 

If I had relied passively on the school system to teach my son, he'd now be learning to read instead of decoding at the 8th+ grade level and comprehending texts, without too much trouble, written at the 4th grade level.  And at home, I'd probably be reading him Winnie-the-Pooh to him instead of Stevenson's Kidnapped, which he pretty strongly insisted we read.  (This requires a lot of explanation on my part but not so much as to make it impossible or even unpleasant.)  He'd be doing things like one-to-one matching and putting sets of 1-5 objects in rank order, and maybe getting a start on the most basic addition, instead of having memorized most of his addition and subtraction facts and getting a really solid grounding in 1st grade math.  He'd have a few very basic stories about the Pilgrims and George Washington read to him, instead of having studied ancient history thoroughly and being reasonably acquainted with a lot of the rest of history.  He would be learning the names of the continents, instead of already knowing that and much else about geography, and now choosing to read a series of 50-page books about South American countries.  (I asked if he wanted to stick to reading relatively general illustrated & commented atlases for children, and he opted for the books on each country.)  And so forth for the rest of the subjects.

I am sure that a kid who went through the Doman method (and/or similar methods) and then went off to school would do well and could thrive, under the right circumstances--especially if like you the child got extra stimulation at home.

We've been going to classes (sports, art, and chess) at the YMCA and elsewhere for socializing.  I gather that lots of homeschoolers do even more, and I think we'll do more as he gets older.  But it certainly does seem to me that socializing would be easier if he were in school.  The trouble, though, is that he wouldn't relate very well to most of the kids, because most of his work is done well above grade level, so he isn't quite like most 5-year-olds.  I won't rehearse the arguments re socialization...you can find them yourself if you haven't already.

We can homeschool because I am more or less my own boss and I work at home, and their mother does too.  I'm very thankful for this, and I don't make our experience into general recommendations because I know others are in different circumstances.

I'm not sure I can advise you on worse-case scenarios.  Some parents put a huge amount of work into it and this really wears them out.  Since I work full-time, I simply can't put as much time into it as I wish I could, so I don't have this problem.  When H. is a little older and doing more schoolwork (I'm pretty sure this will happen!), and baby is older and not as much work for their mother, I am sure she will step in and do more.  If you are a SAHM and you don't have babies or other major claims on your time, I don't see why it has to be overwhelming.  On the other hand, I imagine that if you do have babies or even a part-time job, then depending on your other circumstances it could be very stressful.

If you're all-in on the homeschooling thing, poor educational outcomes and poor socialization will probably not be problems.  Those are problems that, as a very involved parent, you worry about more than anyone, so you'll doubtless proactively solve any problems that crop up, and you'll have time to do so.

The Well-Trained Mind forums seem like a very good place for more help: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/

[melodym37]

I had planned on Homeshooling my Grandson but my Daughter is TOTALLY against it.  So the next step is to find a private school that has a good curriculum and supplement at home..... I found the term to be "afterschooling".... so for now that's the plan.  I wish Homeschooling was an option for us but it's not.

Good Luck to you

[Tanikit]

I think there are a lot of things to consider when deciding if homeschooling is right for your family. Where I live most decisions are based on finances and educational standards and then on morals and values being taught in the schools. I work part time (mostly weekends at the moment) and still homeschool my 4 year old. We have a lighter day on Fridays and just teach what comes up on weekends and we take breaks reguarly especially when I have to work during the week. I work on a scope and sequence so know what should be covered by the end of the year and then make sure that it is as well as adding in whatever I feel like adding or that she is enjoying.

I think homeschooling is different for every family and that is the joy of it - you can burn yourself out but that means you are not making it work for your family - something you are doing is not right for you. The hard part of starting homeschooling is getting into a new routine and finding out what works and this can take a few months to sort out - firstly you need to realise that homeschooling is not school at home so you can start at a different time, you don't need desks and recesses in the traditional sense and as long as your child is learning then you can try any methods you like.

If I were you I would try to find out if there are any homeschooling communities near where you live where you can find out from people what they do and it could also help with socialising as many of the families get together and their kids do things together. Some schools will take homeschooled children for sports which also helps with socialising and then there are plenty of outside activities you can take your child to. Homeschooled children in general come into contact with far more people of varying age groups than do children who are not homeschooled and this can help them later in life.

You should also look at many homeschooling forums on the internet and find out how people do it. There are some where people list what their day looks like. As for stamina I think you'd manage fine if you see your child's education as your job. Some people need set curricula to homeschool but most children are working at different levels in different subjects so picking and choosing from all over the place is also a good idea. And it would be a great idea to start now while he is young rather than pull him out of school at an even later stage. Good luck with your decision.

[iwini]

 Dear Tanikit,
I am really interested in homeschooling. In India, it is still at far. what should i do to create  homeschooling community.my daughter is now 2years.i want to see her on growing on my supervision.
I worked as teaching professional before,but now i felt she is the first and most priority of my career.
I nspired by your sharing .hope for the best of yours suggestion.
 

[FlashMom11]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I have been doing some thinking. So far, we also have been doing the 'afterschooling' just like melodym37 mentions, but my son has told me sometimes that he would love to have some free time when he could relax or read or play. So I worry about overwhelming him after school.
We do practice piano everyday as we are in the Suzuki program which is basically 'homeschooling' for music, and some days he has after school classes. But I am concerned that every time I ask him 'what did you learn at school today?', he can hardly recall anything new. He tells me what he did with his friends at recess.
And he does not bring home often any homework or a book where I can see what has he been working on, so I feel the need to test him at home to see where he is at.
He is the most advanced reader and has very good math skills in his class, not sure if he is above his peers but last year he was in the Gifted and Talented program. I do not think he is gifted, but just a bright kid that has worked with his parents since baby. However I see the potential for all he can still learn and accomplish and I do not feel he has been 'pushed' in the right direction. I think the teachers are doing their best, but having a class where even the second graders are at a basic K reading level, their priorities usually go to make sure all the kids are reading at the level they are at.

[FortNelsonMom]

Hi,
I havent been on this site for over a year, but I have also worked a lot with my youngest, as you have.

Anyways, I have 3 girls and after attending the CHild Brian Development Workshop, at the Institute for Achievement of Human Potential (founder Glenn Doman), twice for a week each time, over two years; and after reading "Weapons of Mass Instruction" by John Gatto I seriously began to consider homeschooling.

Not because the schools were doing anything wrong per se; or because the kids werent having a great time there; but simply because they learn so much from their parent, from 1 on 1, and can move around and explore more, and explore anything they want. Also, you can focus on what you believe is important vs what Govt thinks is important so your child will be a good worker bee for a giant corporation!

I took the giant leap in September; and to be honest, this year is an experiment. But, so far so good. We are done lessons by noon; the afternoon is open to music, art, exercise, what they want to learn/play (no TV unless a documentary) until 3pm.  We have lots of time for violin and piano this way; and exercise is taken care of b/w 8am and 3pm, freeing up way more time for them to play. Plus most homeschoolers are finished school about 6-9 weeks ahead of the public school (usually done by early May)

Anyways, what I really wanted to say is, if you are on the fence this book, "Weapons of Mass Instruction" by John Gatto, is  A MUST READ.
It will put into perspective what you already are feeling intuitively about public schooling. John Gatto was a superior school teacher, who taught in NY for 30 years and was awarded Teacher of the Year, the year he quit.

Hope this helps.

If you want anymore specifics just message me.
Fort Nelson, Canada,  Mom

[mother of faith]

It is hard to juggle homeschooling if you work or if you have multiple children in the home. Believe me with 3 of my own and 17 others to homeschool, plus my housework, church and husband and his business it is hard. However, be sure to check with your state or government about homeschooling laws. Be sure you are able to homeschool and on what guidelines. Some states and or governments have regulations and so forth. Homeschooling if done and scheduled right you can achieve it no matter what your situation is. Having a good plan and a well thought out curriculum that has already been prepared for you will assist, and if you are worried about getting burned out remember homeschooling is more than sitting down and completing a plan or schedule or a curriculum but it is about also learning in any environment that you may be in.

Flashmom1 you are on a good thought about overwhelming the child after school. Some children I see come home so exhausted from having to put up with the society and with the content that sometimes they may not engage in family activities or extra activities as they should, their interest levels may be decreased.  children who may be more advanced or who may need a little assistance may get left behind or sometimes overlooked in a regular classroom so therefore the child gets bored. So my advice is that if you have a 'gifted' child or 'talented' child then sometimes homeschooling or an afterschool program is the key or hiring a private tutor. If you are concerned about yourself getting burned out then remember to ask a friend or family member to assist you for a week sort of like career day. Go to work with granny or etc. Sometimes family members can relieve some of the burn out from you and your child. We often at our co-op delicate teaching responsibilities to others at times. Finding the right curriculum as well to assist you will help as well for example i have some parents who both work so they chose an online academy, a mom who works part time chose online and paper form, so you see no matter what situation that you are in there is a curriculum out there to assist you. And if you are concerned regarding social skills then be sure to check out your local activities like the library, 4H, church groups, homeschool groups or co-ops, afterschool programs, sports, etc. AND if you need help assessing your child let me know I may can help you. We assess our children and the co-op members every 3 months, beginning grade level and exit grade level. And my specialty and training is the gifted and talented program as well.

iwini- homeschooling in India? I have been looking for someone in India that homeschools. My husband will be coming to India on a mission trip in July 2012. I was interested in how many homeschoolers were actually there. If you are interested in setting up your own group then I would start one in your home or a local church. A homeschool group can meet at differernt families homes each week. I would suggest getting a plan of what you want to accomplish at this group, then spread the word to get some help and kids in the group, then set a time and location for each day or once a week. You are welcome to pm me for more info.

Great conversation, ideas, and interests. Thanks everyone!

My advice is a scope and sequence as suggested by Tanikit. I have a set schedule as well; Monday is Reading, english, vocabulary Tues. is math and writing Wed. is Social studies Thurs. is art, life skills, etc. Friday is Science and Health Saturady is Social activities, and Sunday is Bible

[FlashMom11]

Thanks FortNelsonMom for the advise about the book, I will request it this week from our library! And thanks to you too mother_of_faith for your great and detailed advise!

I love teaching my kids and for me is more like a game, we usually work setting up goals every week, once I see my children's strengths or weaknesses I might adjust the goal one level up or down, and work from there. I love to see how they grasp knowledge and how the gears in their brains start making sense out of everything .

I have already lots of workbooks for every subject since we work at home during vacation or when I feel we need to catch up with something.

I am still feeling undecided, but I think is because I need to learn more about the homeschooling process before I make a decision. So I will find out what would my resources be where we live and read more about the art of Homeschooling.

I have to admit that my biggest concern is that he would miss his friends from school a lot .

[fma001]

I homeschool through a charter school. My daughter goes to school one full day per week, which is great for socialization. I get to choose the curriculum for home, so I can choose whatever level is appropriate for each subject. She's doing 5th grade reading and 3rd grade science. She's only doing 1st grade math but I want to speed up on that and get her a year ahead. If she can get above grade level in math, she can easily skip a grade. That's the nice thing about homeschooling. It's completely flexible. Look around and see if there are homeschooling options in your area that also offer classes. That way, he can have the benefits of both homeschooling and school.

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