Do you homeschool?

[Shifter]

I agree with Marley, learning at home requires a lot of self-disciple that you just don't get in school. Personally I only really started thriving in my own education at degree level, first at "normal" university and then with the Open University. I hope that my own experiences of learning at home will help me teach Jack.

 

[kirsten1985]

Having been to both uni and college, I can tell you that a lot of school leavers actually struggle as they don't have the self discipline needed. Many of them are used to teachers nagging them and helping them, so when they go on to further/higher education and the don't get that, but are just expected to get on with it, many do struggle.

I agree, I went through mainstream school and struggled a bit when left to use my own self discipline at University and I still struggle when doing courses from home (I can't sit still for any length of time!). I think for people who have the confidence to homeschool it is a great choice, I think if state education is going to be used then the key thing is to really look at the choice of schools available and choose one based on your ideas and principles. I think that is what I am going to do, and I have realised since having Freya that I hate the schools round here and need to move house!

EEK....

 

[bjl1981]

Check out www.edhelper.com for some great free resourses. I'm a high school teacher and use some of these for my classes, but I know they're mainly for primary age. I don't fully understand the US grade system, but am sure you could google the appropriate age groups!
I'm sat on the fence with homeschooling at the moment, part of me thinks it would be great until high school age...we'll see!

 

[helen1234]

but i think children benefit from lots of stimulation and listening to what other views are. i'd be worried that i wasnt keeping them on par with their peers and that eventually when they go to uni/college they may struggle with the discipline.

Having been to both uni and college, I can tell you that a lot of school leavers actually struggle as they don't have the self discipline needed. Many of them are used to teachers nagging them and helping them, so when they go on to further/higher education and the don't get that, but are just expected to get on with it, many do struggle.

oh i completely understand i struggled at college to self discipline myself but after the 1st yr at uni studying became second nature to me, i failed school and spent more time on my farm and working in the riding school to bother with school work, and my mother had no control over me whatsoever.
it would just be a concern of mine thats thats all.
i could teach my children in the key stage 1 and maybe 2 and following a ciriculam, but key stage 3 leading upto gcse level i would worry i wasnt doing them justice, i studied degree level but only in psychology and biology i think i'd end up teaching what i was good at the most iykwim.

it must take alot of discipline to homeschool children and alot of patience too, hats off to those who do it must be lovely to be confident enough and able enough to give their children this valuble platform
good luck to everyone who's trying itxxxx

 

[coccyx]

parents in touch is a good website

 

[mommyof3co]

Thanks for the websites!!! I'm getting really excited about it, I think Casen is going to thrive with it, it looks like something that will be perfect for him. I'm going to order the Math-U-See system and I found what I want to use for reading, so I'm going to use some free stuff online to fill in with Geography (I want him to know all the states adn be able to name them on a map before starting kindergarten) and I want to teach him about some other countries like some basic things, maybe do fun crafts for the different countries then some science experiments and teach him about money and how to tell time. I can't wait to start ordering stuff and setting up his space

 

[ryder]

Children learn social skills from everyone, not just kids their own age. Plus, in the UK there are regional groups for parents who home educate so they can get their kids together for field trips etc, which I think is a great idea. And there are always clubs they can join etc. Home educated kids rarely lack social skills.

They do a homeschool get together near us, but still, OH is adament bout it, he wants him to go to school It's the only thing he is really set on, all other things we comprimise, but this he's just not budging

Maybe you could persuade him to read up on it a bit, so he understands the benefits? If it's something you want it might be worth pushing a little bit. Obviously I am not advocating an argument here lol! You could suggest that you make an early start with him when he is 3 or so and hopefully your OH will see him thriving and be happy for you to continue.

It's worth a shot lol I was planning on doing some home education before he goes to school anyway.

His opinions are all based on the only home schooled person he's met, who is a complete arse,but thats him, not how he's been taught.

There is a girl who keeps her horse at the same barn my horse is at... she was homeschooled and has absolutely no social skills, she is incredibly rude and has no idea of how to deal with confrontation and public situations. She is in university now.

However, like others have said, you meet these kinds of people in school based situations too.

There is alot more to that then whether a kid has been homeschooled or public schooled.

I think a big thing, for homeschooled children, is that they do still get out to interact with other kids. Whether it be a group of some kind, or sports etc. They really need to have the interaction with other kids and learn social skills as well.

I think homeschooling works for some kids, and some kids do better in a good school program. It all depends on the child and the situation.

 

[Shifter]

so I'm going to use some free stuff online to fill in with Geography (I want him to know all the states adn be able to name them on a map before starting kindergarten) and I want to teach him about some other countries like some basic things,

If you're happy for him to use a computer at home, I highly recommend this site for geography games: https://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Geography.htm

It has one for learning the US states and capitals as well as the rest of the world. I used it to improve my own geography knowledge and it is so much fun!

 

[mommyof3co]

That site looks great, thank you! We will def be using that with both Landon and Casen

 

[Bekkiboo]

If OH would allow it I would, if only to not have to constantly treat them for headlice, yep they have them.... Again!

On a more serious note, both my boys have developed an attitude they never had before starting school and so it makes me wonder whether socialising in a school environment is good for them or detrimental to their moral standards!