For anyone who wants to start homeschooling

[Diva Betsy Ross]

It is that time of the year again to decided if you are going to send your child off to public school, or if you are going to take the leap and homeschool. I wanted to start a thread to offer you support and perhaps answer some of your questions about homeschooling by freepers who do homeschool.

Post questions , answers and links helpful to new homeschoolers or curious parents who just want more info about homeschooling.

Best of Luck to all parents and children as we get ready for a new school year!

[Diva Betsy Ross]

I suggest this site for a cirriculum fair in a box to get a good look at many different cirriculums at one time. YOu get samples to use so you can see what best fit your style and needs.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

ooops that would be www.3moms.com

[mrs tiggywinkle]

ping

[jgrubbs]

Homeschooling BUMP!!

[mrs tiggywinkle]

We'll be starting our 8th year home educating.

www.elijahco.com is a good source for not only curriculum but for suggestions, guidance and encouragement.

[CanisMajor2002]

www.k12.com is a popular site for homeschooling and other resources.

[mrs tiggywinkle]

ping-a-ling

[evolved_rage]

We've looked at http://www.k12.com

Bill Bennett's association...well..

Seemed promising...

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Could you ping your list of vetrans and ask them to be ready if someone needs some help and / or guidance here!

[mrs tiggywinkle]

www.hslda.org

Home School Legal Defense Association

[Jalapeno]

It is that time of the year again to decided if you are going to send your child off to public school, or if you are going to take the leap and homeschool.

Not to be controversial, but there is another alternative, namely private/parochial.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Free spirit publishing is a great source for children who have been labeled by the school district. ADD, ADHD slow. There are a bunch of books to offer you support and show your your child is more than likely gifted, instead of defective. Homeschooling is great for these kids. There is a bunch of on-line support for this situation as well.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

oh of course. I am not bad mouthing any choice a parent makes when they are thinking about the choices and putting their child's needs first. I just don't know much about those systems.

[dawn53]

If you're in Florida and are starting a Kindergarten or 1st grader in homeschooling and are interested in the K12 virtual school, check out this link.

http://www.sptimes.com/2003/08/02/State/Public_funding_launch.shtml

Or if you're in Florida and are interested in having your high schooler earn college credit with free tuition, inquire about the dual credit options at local state colleges. Here's a link with info:

http://www.spcollege.edu/ac/dc/

[hilaryrhymeswithrich]

I am trying my second Christian school in 3 years after a recent decsion that nothing "controversial" would be handled Biblically or at school, it would be sent home. I pay $5,000 a year for a moral vaccum? It came up because a same-sex couple joined the school and it was decided that to discuss homosexuality at all would be too uncomfortable. That means abortion, premarital sex, adultery (two married school board members are divorcing because some cheating so we want their feelings hurt) etc. are all off limits now. I thought I had found an alternative to government schools but I'm a bit jaded right now. Homeschooling is always in the back of my mind.

[dawn53]

I think Elijah Company puts out the best catalog with the most information. Their audio tapes have also been very helpful to us in the past. I remember listening to one about "sons who are reluctant learners" and it was especially helpful.

[dasboot]

Not controversial. But if you know what homeschoolers know about what happens within the homeschooling family, it's not a very exciting alternative.

One has to experience it to appreciate it.

Spam v. prime rib.

[Paul Ross]

I suggest this site for a cirriculum fair...

A'hem, I assume you meant curriculum?? :-)

[samiam1972]

I am struggling with the decision of whether or not to homeschool. I am a former elementary teacher and have no desire to go back! It was a terrible experience! My son will begin Kindergarten at the Catholic school across the street and he's really looking forward to it. One of my concerns is that he's really smart for his age. He's been reading for 2 years now. I've seen the little alphabet workbooks that they use in his class and he is going to be so bored!! It's only half day so I thought I might try homeschooling in the afternoon to see if I can do it. We're trying to move and it would be fairly easy to make the switch from there. I've begun reading books on homeschooling and have seen several websites that are very helpful. I just don't know where to begin. How do I know what curriculum is best? Which one is most affordable? Are there any all-in-one kits or should I shop around for each individual subject? He's beginning Kindergarten but I really believe he's at least on a 1st grade level in most areas. I guess I'm a little afraid to take that leap. My husband would support me if I choose to do it but doesn't really care one way or the other. I doubt he will be much help. My parents would be fine with it but my mother-in-law will throw a crying fit! How do you deal with those attitudes? I'm just crazy enough to believe that this thread on freerepublic is a "sign from God" pushing me in that direction!!

Any info anyone wants to provide would be much appreciated! Thank you so much!!

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Dropping out is an option, too. Homeschooling happens to be the best way. I know, I am catholic bashing for not promoting some parochial school or something.