I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 7 month old and I stay at home with them. I am really wanting to homeschool my children because the world is just getting incredibly evil and even though I am not a teacher, I feel that there are many resources to help teach your children successfully.
I don't want to hear the reasons why I shouldn't homeschool, but I would love some advise about the different homeschooling programs that exist and how to choose the best one. I would like it to be something that is accredited and is it possible for them to still get a high school diploma in the end from one of these programs? I also want to make sure there are some sort of tests each year or throughout the year to test and make sure they're on track for what they should know.
Thank you!
I don't know where you live, but I would find a local support group in your area and join it. You will find wisdom in those groups. Also, there might be a bookfair in your area in the spring that would be good to attend to get info. I have homeschooled for 11 years and I LOVE it. :-)
I have been homeschooling for five years. I started out using the Calvert School and loved it. They are based out of Baltimore and have a real school you can visit if you'd like. Their students attending on-campus use the same books you receive. They basically send what I call school in a box, with all of the books, supplies, teaching scripts and answer key. They serve thousands of home-schooled children all over the world. For an extra fee, you can send in samples of your child's work and they will send you status reports and individualized feedback. Although I had never taught children before, I had experience teaching adults. Calvert gave me everything I needed to start with confidence. They have high standards and your children *will* learn if you commit yourself to homeschooling. That said, they only provide materials for grades 1-8. Good luck!
HI B.,
There are many many resources for all of that. My oldest is 18 and just graduated from high school. We have homeschooled since the beginning and she already has her advisor at the University where she intends on getting her doctorate. They are willing to walk her through her bachelor's degree to make sure she slides right into their program with no trouble. Not many kids are even thinking about a doctorate, much less counseling with an advisor at this age.
There are many accredited programs. Some are national accreditation and some are state wide. Check with your school system or online as to what is required in your state and then search from there. I have used several programs and done a lot on my own. Tests are sometimes provided by the program you choose but you can also take advantage of the public school testing seeing as you are paying taxes for that. Anything you want you can get online....
One piece of advise that has served my family well is that we didn't always stay on subject for grade level. For example, we would take an American History class instead of Ancient History because that's where my girl's interests were. We would lead into the other one but chronology, and the outline of what is to be learned when, is also a product of the public system. We made sure they got all their subjects but it is so much easier to teach to a child that is eager for information.
Good luck in your endeavors. It is not hard if you want your children to learn. Who better than you to lead your own child? I believe that is why God gave them to YOU!
God bless,
M.
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/laws/blID.htm (ID state law)
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/extras/Search.htm?cx=... (Other ID stuff)
http://www.homeschooldiner.com/ (general info, particularly good on philosophies > programs)
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/ (general info)
http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/ (a great curriculum site)
http://cathyduffyreviews.com/ reviews of several hundred homeschool programs/ curriculums
Hi B.! Check out your state's homeschooling laws. No matter which curriculum you choose, your child will be able to get a highschool diploma.
Don't forget to check your public library for resources! Good luck to you.
I can't give you any answers, but you can look on the internet, and I have a friend whose daughter home schools and they are doing awesome......ahead of anyone else in their age groups....
Good Luck.
