Members
Change Profile
Discussion
Topics
Last Day
Last Week
Tree View
Search Board
Keyword Search
By Date
Utilities
Contact
Administration
Documentation
Getting Started
Formatting
Troubleshooting
Program Credits
Coupons
Best Coupons
Freebie Newsletter!
Coupons & Free Stuff
|
Moms View Message Board: Parenting Discussion: Archive January-June 2005: Seriously considering homeschooling next year (long)
Many of you know I've been thinking about it for years. Well, now I'm seriously considering it, at least for Robin and possibaly for Randy, too. Here are some of my reasons. Robin is still having a really hard time at school. He gets extreamly anxious whenever something's not the "way it's supposed to be." Like today. Randy stayed home because he's still got this sinus infection and his head was hurting really bad and of course the antibiotic the ped perscribed yesterday is making his stomach upset. This totally threw Robin! Why should he have to go to school if Randy didn't??? I know, most reasonable people can understand that he's sick, but Robin's mind doesn't work that way. He's acting up and when I talked to him on the phone this morning he started crying. Okay, he has trouble adjusting, and he will need to learn to deal with it, but right now it's just not working. CSAP testing is also throwing him off because the school changes their entire schedule for these tests (don't get me started on standardized testing
I know you've had trouble all year with Robin's school, and it seems like this might be the right decision for you. I've been debating homeschooling for the kids, but I get stressed having them here all day, and I frustrate easily, so I'm not sure I could provide them with the education they deserve, but I'm not sure public school can either. Obviously I don't have personal experience to share, but if you think it will really help Robin and ease the stress you have been facing with his schooling, go for it!! It's definitely a flexible option, not to mention you can teach him in ways that he can understand, not just "teaching to the test". He's getting near HS, and will not have as much structure there, do you think he will do well in school where things are more self-monitored or at home with you? Do you think he'd benefit from not having the social distractions of HS? (I know homeschooolers participate in proms and stuff, I just mean the teenage drama of everyday life in school) Honestly, if it would help him get a better education, and you can handle the responsibility of teaching him, you should give it a shot. No one says you can re-enroll him if it doesn't work out.
I can understand why you want to do. You can always change your mind too.
I think he may end up doing much better homeschooled, based on what you have told us in the past. My only concern would be doing that in conjunction with daycare. But you obviously know your capabilities much better than I do! LOL. It sounds to me like it is time to go for it.
Isn't there an online school in Colorado you could sign them up with? I don't know the grade levels it serves. I just remember reading about it. It's some small district that started an online school in Colorado.
Cat, you know I am right there with ya! ;) How does your dh feel about it? IS he supportive? There is a really neat DVD program with actual teachers and you can sign up under their academy as if you are in private school. Its through A beka...
I just want to say that I think whatever you think is best for you and your kids is what you should do. Having said that however, I am someone who doesn't agree with homeschooling (JMO, and I'm a teacher). My first thought when I read your post was that, even though Robin's issues are stressful for everyone, you're letting him have an easier way out. I'm not saying you shouldn't, I'm just saying that's what came to mind. I don't know his history however since I've only been a member of this board for a few months. If he is in the special education program I know the way some schools 'deal' with spec. educ. students and it can be very frustrating for parents and you feel you have no one on your side.
Bob Jones also offers a video/dvd curriculum. Alpha & Omega productions offers computer based subjects. I've been homeschooling since the beginning & they are now 3rd & 6th grade. Boys also. They have NO desire to "go" to school! LOL I haven't used any of the video of computer/online courses myself, but I'm considering some BJU stuff (I use their Math & English books now) for next year. If I were jumping in at the higher levels (especially w/the home daycare) I would definately look into them! I've found that I've learned the lessons as I've gone along right with them! Funny how I understand it now & didn't when I was in school!
My friend homeschooled her kids, then got pregnant had and had a horrible time with morning sickness. They put her son in 2nd grade and in no time at all, put him into 3rd grade (where his age would have put him anyway.) He was doing really well. She was really good at homeschooling her kids.
He gets extreamly anxious whenever something's not the "way it's supposed to be."
I am a huge proponent of public education. But, I believe that if after trying it, and it's not working for your child and you are able to make the commitment, homeschooling is a wonderful option. It sounds like you have really thought this out. I have friends who homeschool one of their children, but not the others. I think education decisions should be based on the child's needs.
My first thought when I read your post was that, even though Robin's issues are stressful for everyone, you're letting him have an easier way out.
As far as being behind if he goes back, that could happen simply from switching schools. Cat, you are a military mom, you know that switching schools (in any fashion) can lead to problems as far as staying on course, but sometimes it's unavoidable. I'd say this is a similar situation. Yeah, he *could* be behind if you homeschool and then go back in, but he could also excel in ways you haven't imagined. My point is it's fixable if you end up in that position, just as it would be if you moved to a different district and the credits were different. It's definitely worth that chance if it could help him, and it's better (IMO) to do it now, rather than in HS, since graduating credits can become a problem in a couple years.
I guess the big question would be do you think you could do both home schooling one or both of your children and have day care kids? I think that could be a hard thing to do, but as Melanie said, you know more of what you can do than we do. You also said that he doesn't deal with things that aren't the way they are supposed to be. Do you think he would be able to concentrate on his schooling with the day care kids there and playing etc? Do you think he would do well with his brother going to school and him not? None of that is really the way it is supposed to be? Would he be able to make that adjustment? What if it doesn't work out? Would he be able to make the transition back to school? I am not saying you should do one thing or the other. I am just trying to come up with some things you might not have thought of. I wish you the best of luck. It has to be terrible to have a child that doesn't like to go to school!
Ditto Melanie. I know *I* couldn't be successful at homeschooling AND do home daycare at the same time. But that's ME. You know what you're capable of.
It has to be terrible to have a child that doesn't like to go to school!
I didn't mean it that way at all unschoolmom. I meant it would be terrible to send your child off daily to a place they didn't want to be. Or to have your child hate school and you not be able to homeschool for what ever reason. I understand that what your doing works for you, but trust me, it wouldn't work for everyone.
There is a reason that a specific type of higher education is required to be a teacher/ administrator in the field of education. It is a profession with an array of skills that a teacher/administrator has to learn, ranging from child psychology to people skills to designing units of study that produce meaningful learning. If 'anyone' could and should be doing it, we wouldn't have entire collegiate programs dedicated to the field of education, and no degree or higher education would be required.
Unschoolmom may have the data on this, but aren't there studies that show that homeschooled kids, on average, perform better than their traditionally schooled counterparts? I certainly would not be up to taking on the challenge myself, but I don't think it's wise to be down on the practice altogether. There are so many resources and so many ways to go about homeschooling that I think it can be a very good choice. And having learned what I have about Cat's son through the years, I think he may be a very good candidate. It's not just a simple matter of his "feelings". He has a long history and I know this decision is one that will be well thought out before it is acted on.
{{{Cat and Robin}}} I know that, I personally, could not homeschool. But, I did have a neighbor that homeschooled one of her children because of bullying. He did great and she loved it. I think you have to decide what is right for you and Robin.
Deanna, there's a lot of background. Most that have been here a few years know what's going on. I really don't have time (nor does everyone want to spend the time reading a book) to post everything, but here are some highlights. My son is diagnosed ADHD (at age 6) and bipolar (at 10), with suspicions of ODD, AS and OCD. Dh is military (retiring this summer! yeah!) and Robin is in the 6th grade and at his 8th school. He was tagged talented and gifted in the first grade (end of year) and went to a TAG charter school for 2nd grade. Then we moved (again). We've been here in Colorado since his 3rd grade year, but he hasn't been able to attend the same school two years in a row. First we rented for a year and when we bought our house it wasn't in the same district. Then, after 4th grade our neighborhood school in all it's infinite wisdom put Robin with a first year teacher, even after I filled out a 5 page placement letter detailing what he needed to succeed in the classroom (with lots of help/input from his 4th grade teacher, whom he loved). After two months the school decided they couldn't handle him and basically forced me to let them put him in a self contained classroom for kids with significant emotional disabilities. That was when we got the bipolar dx. This past year he switched schools again because they moved the program. He and every other 6th grader in our part of the district were also kept at the elementary schools because of major overcrowding at the middle school (ele schools are overcrowded, too, and half the kids are in mods/pods). Robin has major separation issues and always has. That, I truly believe is part of his bipolar. He also stresses very easily. His teachers really don't know how to handle him. I feel they really don't understand bipolar at all, and therefore can NOT understand my son. At this point, public schools have failed my son miserably. I'm afraid if he goes off to middle school and all the transitions that involves, he will end up not getting the education he's capable of and deserves. I'm not saying public schools are bad at all. My younger son is doing very well in public school. Robin's a square peg and he's just not going to fit in those round holes. He's an extremely bright kid. I'd hate for in ten years to look back and think what he could have achieved if only he'd learned what he could have in school. When he was little I always said I could never home school him because I'd kill him! lol Funny how things change. I've only got six more years to get him ready to face the world on his own. I'm afraid if I leave him where he is, he won't be able to.
Again, I don't agree with homeschooling, but if one were going to decide to do it I think the reasons should be based on educational value and curriculum, not a child's feelings. (JMHO) I still DO feel that you have to do what you think is best for your family and follow your Mommy Instincts as Trina said.
Cat, good luck! It's a great way to live if you make that choice!
Cat-thanks for catching me up about Robin. It sounds like he has a lot of special needs and I'm sorry that you've had a bad experience (at least for him) in public school. I also wanted to ask you if you know your legal rights regarding special education in your state? A public school can NEVER force you to put your child in a class that you don't feel that he should be in. That's against the law. The school can recommend but can't make you do anything. Final decisions are the right of the parents. Let me see what sites I can find, just FYI for you.
Cat- one more re: special educ. and rights
Wow Cat! ROFL I am going to email ya!!;)
Cat, from what I know of you you seem very organized and I know that you have your kids' best interests at heart. If you feel it would be best for Robin, then by all means go for it. You know we'll support you however you decide!
Deanna, I know the school can't "force" me to do anything, but they didn't give us many options. They wouldn't provide a 1:1 aide (said that would be a more restrictive environment than a self contained classroom--???), they said half days weren't working (tried it for about a month), and said for homebound instruction they'd only provide a tutor for about 1/2 hour a week. He was very unstable at that time, so the only do-able option was the self contained classroom. Believe me, I tried everything I (and many others) could think of to keep him where he was. Thanx for the link. It's always nice to be in the know.
Cat, check your email.
Unschoolmom - as for the debate, there's nothing (for me at least) to debate. Anyone else interested have at it I've already stated a mere portion of my opinions regarding homeschooling and it's not necessary for me to debate in order to feel better about those opinions.
I have a friend who homeschools their 6 children. Their problem is that they are too advanced. Their children are usually reading BY age 4. Right now, their oldest (9yrs) is reading way beyond her grade level and now her dad, takes her every Wednesday to my husband to learn Greek.
Please do not generalize about homeschoolers.
Cat~
I homeschooled mine for three years and I just used "Learning At Home" by McGraw Hill. It is one book, about $30 and it covers all four subjects and outlines lesson plans by the week.
I home schooled my oldest son for three years after we moved to georgia. I wasn't about to let him go to middle school with such poor language skills. We spent three years working with a variety a curriculum but our favorite was Bob Jones. Gives plenty of information for teaching plus has a built in schedule. Found it was for us better than abeka or alpha omega. Also used a bunch of different materials to teach other subject that would hold his interest better. Only used Bob Jones for English and Math.
|
). Another thing I noticed recently is the attitudes of people about spring break/vacations. Most schools around here get a week off for spring break. My kid's schools got two weeks. SO many people were asking me "Wow, aren't you glad they're finally going back?" Well you know what? No, I rather enjoyed having the boys home! It's SO much less stressful having them home, than sending at least Robin to school at this point. Both boys were great during the break and had a really good time, even thought we didn't do anything special or go anywhere different. So here's the deal. The kids will be finished with school the end of May. Dh retires about a week before they get out and will probably be starting his new job the first week of June (that's if everything works out with the company he's trying to get on with). With dh getting a new job, plus his retirement pay, I will be able to cut back on daycare kiddos from 5 or 6 every day to 3 or at the most 4 every day. I will continue with all the kids I currently have until the end of summer break, then at least half of them will have to find someone else. I have two children (siblings) that are a teacher's children. I will be keeping them (they're 6mo and 20mo). I plan on having one or two other full timers, and two very part time siblings who will be in Kindergarten and 2nd grade next year (like 2 days a week). I've looked into Colorado's state laws and if I keep the same schedule our district has it will be the right number of days for the homeschool requirements (172, at least 4 hours each day). I will still have some flexibility with all the breaks, so if we miss some days we can make them up. I realize this is long, but I'm trying to "think on paper" and bounce some ideas off you all. What do you think? Robin will be in 7th grade and Randy will be in 5th. I know Robin would love this idea. Randy may or may not want to, and that's okay with me. What am I not thinking of? Anyone ever homeschooled kids this age? TIA 
I look forward to your email.