Home schooling ??

[RainMoM]

Has anyone here ever home schooled there Child ?? If so what was it like and what were the pros and cons of it ?? I have decided to home school my oldest daughter, (12) do to the middle school that she would be attending is a "F" school, I've also heard many stories from teachers that there are kids doing things they have no business doing in school or any place else for that matter.. It's just my way of protecting my child !!

[kenshirley]

At 12 she may be OK.
However, I have known several kids that were home schooled from early age and in my opinion the children seemed to suffer socially have have trouble adapting later.

[blankslate]

Do you have charter schools in your area? They are open to the public but smaller classes and usually individualized. There is still social activity but a smaller group of students. My daughter switcher to charter in the 10th grade and it was a 100% improvement.

[RainMoM]

Do you have charter schools in your area? They are open to the public but smaller classes and usually individualized. There is still social activity but a smaller group of students. My daughter switcher to charter in the 10th grade and it was a 100% improvement.

Yes, we do have a charter school in the area, BUT you must live in a certain area in oder to attend that school. Which i don't .. My only other option is a private school, and well at this point an time, i really cant afford that

[DisneyGirl]

Both of my sons are homeschooled (ages 9 and 7 1/2). They are both severely autistic so I don't know if I'd be any help. They have been homeschooled since Kindergarten. They did attend developmental pre-school from ages 22 months (oldest son) and 15 months (youngest son) until they were school aged.

As for the social issue, you will need to get her involved either in a local homeschool group or start one of your own. Also look into other activities such as sports or drama that she can get involved in if she is interested.

Good luck!

[nodollarsnomo]

I started homeschooling my son in the fifth grade. He had learning difficulties that the school was not addressing.

I will warn you that homeschooling can be expensive. If there is a homeschool group in your area they may be able to help you in finding used books. They can also let you know about social functions that your daughter can participate in. The group in our area has a prom and a graduation ceremony. In Texas there is even homeschool sports teams. We chose not to participate with a group because they were a bit snobbish and usually had some activity planned almost everyday. It was a bit overwhelming.

My son had played hockey since the first grade and continued playing on select teams until his Jr. year, so I counted this as his P.E.. He also participated in FFA. So he never lacked for social activities. But yes, there are kids that you can definitely tell are homeschooled because of social awkwardness.

Yes, there were times that I questioned if I was doing the right thing and I did have some regrets, but it all worked out in the end. He graduated early this past November and attended his first semester of college in the spring.

[DisneyGirl]

Yes, there were times that I questioned if I was doing the right thing and I did have some regrets, but it all worked out in the end. He graduated early this past November and attended his first semester of college in the spring.

That is awesome! Congratulations to your son!

You are an inspiration for those of us with younger children!

[gingerbug]

I homeschool and my children are not socially inadequate by a long shot. They are capable of socialize with people of all ages and all walks of life (rather than with just kids their own age) and they enjoy learning and seek knowledge out on their own.

[newbeginning]

go online or via your state education agency and find out about homeschooling curriculum, support groups, etc.

PRO:

1. work ahead/ graduate early
2. remove from negative social/educational elements in public or local schools
3. good support group of home-schooling organizations (hopefully)

CONS:

1. teacher/parent not knowledgeable enough about subject matter
2. social limitations for kids
3. not free vs. public, but lot cheaper than private
4. time
5. little or no opps for organized sports-extra-curricular activities, though some districts
allow for children to play

btw, charter schools are not necessarily better. many studies around the country have shown that charter schools are just as bad as some public...if looking, visit and do research carefully...

good luck!

[gingerbug]

go online or via your state education agency and find out about homeschooling curriculum, support groups, etc.

PRO:

1. work ahead/ graduate early
2. remove from negative social/educational elements in public or local schools
3. good support group of home-schooling organizations (hopefully)

CONS:

1. teacher/parent not knowledgeable enough about subject matter
2. social limitations for kids
3. not free vs. public, but lot cheaper than private
4. time
5. little or no opps for organized sports-extra-curricular activities, though some districts
allow for children to play

btw, charter schools are not necessarily better. many studies around the country have shown that charter schools are just as bad as some public...if looking, visit and do research carefully...

good luck!

Good pro/con list. What pretty much sealed the deal for me was that I had control over the con list for homeschooling but very little, if any, control over the con list for public schools. What I do is stay very active with our parks and recreation department, YMCA, homeschool clubs, homeschool private classes, and etc. We are lucky to have a lot of that in our area but not so lucky that we do not have a lot of secular homeschool groups but that is just the way it goes.

[RainMoM]

Thank you everyone for your input !! It means alot to me !! I have two children both are autistic, so i know where you are coming from disneygirl.. My oldest who is 12, was diagnosed more on the mild side of the spectrum, however, my youngest daughter who is 10 is severely autistic . she is currently in a autistic unit at school.. I dont think i will be home schooling her for at lest another two years.. all really depends on what kind of unit they have at the middle school... As for oldest child, I plan on getting her into as many activities that i can.. she has never been a social person, been in a shell most of her life.. So this is going to be a challenge for me ! But one that i'm willing to take on !! Some one else pointed out , that they had mixed emotions on the matter of "am i doing the right thing" ? I have asked myself this question a hundred times.. I can only pray that it turns out for the best!

[skatermom]

In Florida you can homeschool for free via computer through Florida virtual school. They also assign a teacher to you in the event that you need help. It is a great program!!

[RainMoM]

In Florida you can homeschool for free via computer through Florida virtual school. They also assign a teacher to you in the event that you need help. It is a great program!!

Yes, I am currently signed up for that program, But it seems to be a very difficult for her, more advance then what she is used too.. So i'm looking at other options..

[kornellred]

Home schooling seems to be popular among Christian parents who seek to spare their offspring from many of the indignities children are inevitably exposed to in the public school system. The parents tend to be successful and the children tend to be bright and well-behaved by nature. In such cases, the pros far outweigh the cons, fundamental viewpoints notwithstanding.

[RainMoM]

Home schooling seems to be popular among Christian parents who seek to spare their offspring from many of the indignities children are inevitably exposed to in the public school system. The parents tend to be successful and the children tend to be bright and well-behaved by nature. In such cases, the pros far outweigh the cons, fundamental viewpoints notwithstanding.

THANK YOU !!! I couldn't have said that better myself