home school question

[janny108]

How do you know if it is right to home school your kid(s)? Ashley is almost 12 and has been dreading going to 6th grade. Bullies have been evident since 5th grade and she hardly has any friends. I know home school she would have chances to meet other home school kids. What costs are involved and what about jobs to help out the family income.

 

[janny108]

or how do you know if this is a counseling issue? I don't like my job honestly but it pays well. I don't want to think there is a price for my daughter's success in school.

 

[jgonz]

The only way to know if homeschooling will work for you & your DD is to try it. The cost involved is whatever you want to spend for curriculum~ and there are So many different curriculums out there that you literally can set how much you can spend and not go over that.

I would suggest that you check out Home School Legal Defense Assoc.'s website... Their website is FULL of info for starting out, you can check on your state's legal regulations (every state is different and I'm not sure what AZ's is), and they even have info on local organizations in your particular area. http://www.hslda.org

Frankly, one of the reasons we homeschool (and have homeschooled for about 18 yrs) is the bullying issue. In our area there are also gangs, drugs, and violence issues (even in elementary schools). Our kids have grown up "normal"~ they're not isolated, they have friends (some homeschooled, some not), my oldest 3 have graduated from homeschool highschool and went on to: one had some college before she got married, one works in the computer industry, and the third is going to start college soon. I still have 7 at home and we'll be homeschooling all of them all the way through as well.

HTH~

 

[janny108]

The only way to know if homeschooling will work for you & your DD is to try it. The cost involved is whatever you want to spend for curriculum~ and there are So many different curriculums out there that you literally can set how much you can spend and not go over that.

I would suggest that you check out Home School Legal Defense Assoc.'s website... Their website is FULL of info for starting out, you can check on your state's legal regulations (every state is different and I'm not sure what AZ's is), and they even have info on local organizations in your particular area. http://www.hslda.org

Frankly, one of the reasons we homeschool (and have homeschooled for about 18 yrs) is the bullying issue. In our area there are also gangs, drugs, and violence issues (even in elementary schools). Our kids have grown up "normal"~ they're not isolated, they have friends (some homeschooled, some not), my oldest 3 have graduated from homeschool highschool and went on to: one had some college before she got married, one works in the computer industry, and the third is going to start college soon. I still have 7 at home and we'll be homeschooling all of them all the way through as well.

HTH~

There is an AZ Virtual Academy that charges nothing for tuition and if we want Christian curriculum we'd have to pay for that. It sounds good and 96% parents are pleased with it. It's just where do I find another job, how do you fit everything in your schedule? I would also like the freedom with homeschooling. Our son did fine once we moved him to a charter school, but our daughter is not faring as well, she's sensitive like me. It would be nice to meet and fellowship with other home schoolers too.

Ashley gets upset at the language kids use. She knows cussing is a no no but girls and boys do it. Some girls got in trouble in her grade class for putting graffiti in the restroom and I don't want Ashley to be scared in school like I was once.

 

[jgonz]

Homeschooling is Flexible, thus, you can school evenings and weekends if you have to be away from your DD during the day. It's not standing up in front of a dry-erase/chaulk board and teaching several hours per day like they'd get in public/private school.

My kids spend an average of 3 hrs per day doing all their work, less if they are really on top of things and focus (or if they're young and have less subjects). They do the vast majority of their work themselves~ DH and I just check their work when they're done.

DH is in charge of math & science, and I do everything else. DH works full time, plus does side-work occasionally. He checks their work and answers questions when he's home. It worked so well for him that I decided to try it for everything else~ and it works great for us. You obviously can't do that with a child you have to teach to read and do basic math, but for the older ones it's very do-able~ just give the child assignments for each day.

The kids all have their favorite places around the house that they like to do their work~ some do better with music on in the background, others need quiet, others sit at the dining table, others are in their rooms... The younger kids I have read all their directions and readings out loud, so they need to be where it won't bother another one who likes it quiet.

 

[janny108]

Homeschooling is Flexible, thus, you can school evenings and weekends if you have to be away from your DD during the day. It's not standing up in front of a dry-erase/chaulk board and teaching several hours per day like they'd get in public/private school.

My kids spend an average of 3 hrs per day doing all their work, less if they are really on top of things and focus (or if they're young and have less subjects). They do the vast majority of their work themselves~ DH and I just check their work when they're done.

DH is in charge of math & science, and I do everything else. DH works full time, plus does side-work occasionally. He checks their work and answers questions when he's home. It worked so well for him that I decided to try it for everything else~ and it works great for us. You obviously can't do that with a child you have to teach to read and do basic math, but for the older ones it's very do-able~ just give the child assignments for each day.

The kids all have their favorite places around the house that they like to do their work~ some do better with music on in the background, others need quiet, others sit at the dining table, others are in their rooms... The younger kids I have read all their directions and readings out loud, so they need to be where it won't bother another one who likes it quiet.

What does your daughter do during the day if you're not there?

 

[jgonz]

My oldest kids are home (20, 18, 16) and watch the youngest ones while I'm out doing errands or whatever. I couldn't have done that when my oldest ones were younger, but it's a nice perk now that they're older.

In your situation, if you need to work then you could have a grandparent or friend keep an eye on your DD during the day, and also see that she does her schoolwork. Then you could check it in the evenings/weekends. Just a suggestion. I know it's harder for a single parent to homeschool, but it Can be done~ you just need to be a little more creative.

HTH~

 

[janny108]

There are no other kids at home and I don't have family.

 

[JohnJ]

I'm not a parent, so I don't know if it will mean much coming from me, but I see it like this:

If your daughter would like to be home schooled and you are capable of making it happen, give it a try. The problem with being home schooled, in my opinion, is that your children won't get to be as social as they would at public school. If your district is like mine, you might go from K-5th for elementary school and 6th+ to middle school -- she will meet new people and make new friends as time goes by and the bullies will likely fade away. Unfortunately there's always going to be a bully at school who has nothing better to do than to try and make him/herself look good by bullying. Talk with the teachers about this. Sometimes it helps.

I hope I have helped it some way.

 

[janny108]

Homeschooling is Flexible, thus, you can school evenings and weekends if you have to be away from your DD during the day. It's not standing up in front of a dry-erase/chaulk board and teaching several hours per day like they'd get in public/private school.

My kids spend an average of 3 hrs per day doing all their work, less if they are really on top of things and focus (or if they're young and have less subjects). They do the vast majority of their work themselves~ DH and I just check their work when they're done.

DH is in charge of math & science, and I do everything else. DH works full time, plus does side-work occasionally. He checks their work and answers questions when he's home. It worked so well for him that I decided to try it for everything else~ and it works great for us. You obviously can't do that with a child you have to teach to read and do basic math, but for the older ones it's very do-able~ just give the child assignments for each day.

The kids all have their favorite places around the house that they like to do their work~ some do better with music on in the background, others need quiet, others sit at the dining table, others are in their rooms... The younger kids I have read all their directions and readings out loud, so they need to be where it won't bother another one who likes it quiet.

I was told via phone conference that it was mandatory that she spends 5 hrs a day homeschooling. I'll have to quit my job and find something else. If it was 3 hrs I could find a way to stay but this is 5 hrs.

 

[janny108]

I'm not a parent, so I don't know if it will mean much coming from me, but I see it like this:

If your daughter would like to be home schooled and you are capable of making it happen, give it a try. The problem with being home schooled, in my opinion, is that your children won't get to be as social as they would at public school. If your district is like mine, you might go from K-5th for elementary school and 6th+ to middle school -- she will meet new people and make new friends as time goes by and the bullies will likely fade away. Unfortunately there's always going to be a bully at school who has nothing better to do than to try and make him/herself look good by bullying. Talk with the teachers about this. Sometimes it helps.

I hope I have helped it some way.

And sometimes it doesn't. Thanks for your reply.

 

[jgonz]

Ok, I just looked up Arizona's homeschool regulations (on HSLDA's website) and there is Nothing on there about a mandatory number of hours per day. Who told you that?

I would Highly suggest that you contact a local homeschool organization and talk to someone that's actually homeschooling in your area to find out the specifics of what's required and not required because from what I just read, there is No mandatory testing, No mandatory number of days per week or hours per day, and you only have to file an affidavit of intent to homeschool (not ask permission from) with the state superintendant.

 

[Birbitt]

I don't know who told you that she has to have 5 hours a day but I LIVE in AZ and the only regulations are:
1) File affidavit within 30 days of the beginning of home instruction - this is a form available from the county superintendant of schools and that it also where you file it (must be notarized, and include birth certificate)
2) You must educate her in the areas of Reading, Grammar, Math, Social Studies, and Science.

That's it! No testing, no reporting, no minimum hours, no minimum days, no nothing.

 

[janny108]

Ok, I just looked up Arizona's homeschool regulations (on HSLDA's website) and there is Nothing on there about a mandatory number of hours per day. Who told you that?

I would Highly suggest that you contact a local homeschool organization and talk to someone that's actually homeschooling in your area to find out the specifics of what's required and not required because from what I just read, there is No mandatory testing, No mandatory number of days per week or hours per day, and you only have to file an affidavit of intent to homeschool (not ask permission from) with the state superintendant.

Really? You saw it? I spoke to a PAL, a personal advocate for the school and that is what she said 5 hrs a day. I know ppl in my sunday school class that homeschool that I can talk to on Sunday or look on the internet.

 

[janny108]

Is it free tuition on HSLSDA?

 

[janny108]

What is the name of your school in AZ? I live in Sierra Vista and I've had to fax forms, how long have you been with your school?

 

[Birbitt]

I am not part of a school, I homeschool on my own. I simply filed my form with the county superintendant of schools and that was that. This is my 3rd year homeschooling and no one has EVER questioned me. Best to you!

 

[Some Other Guy]

How do you know if it is right to home school your kid(s)?

Why would it be wrong???

 

[janny108]

I looked up that HSLDA site and I see you have to pay for it. I'm one step away from being approved! One more doc to fax.

I'm also contemplating my job. I like it but I feel stressed about my job but I like some aspects of it too.I'm not sure if I should look for something I can do f rom home or find a 2nd shift job or keep my present one or let her work by herself until 3:00 when my husband comes home and he can take over.

 

[janny108]

We are IN! We got the welcome letter from the school.Yay! Oh I quit my job too. I'll homeschool in the day hrs and look for a PT job.