I think so far my biggest problem is knowing where to start. What are the laws?
I asked friends who homeschool what I need to do. Do they have any advice?
I did not get the answers I thought I would. Some of the answers I got was,
"Oh, you will do great!"
"You are such and good mother, you will find your way!"
"Oh, that is the best decisions you could make! Good job."
I don't think they heard me when I asked, "How do I get started? Where do I go to find curriculum? What is the best curriculum you've found?"
However I e-mailed an old friend who sent some great websites to me.
One that I really like lays it all out with questions and answers, I just feel like I can't get enough of this site.
So, curriculum? So far I am looking at 3 different ideas.
First there is Connections Academy, I like this but I am wondering how much time I want my kids on the computer.
Second I found K12, here is another one that they use the computer a lot.
I like both of these because it is not just me teaching, it is not ALL on MY shoulders.
However the one I am leaning towards is A2 it is low cost and it is old school learning.
After I found these three different 'schools'. I found a book through this web site. The book is called, The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias. I just started reading it and I love it already! This book will teach you how to get to know your child/ren, and how to best teach them. I think this will help a lot with knowing how they can best learn.
Something else I have felt has been somewhat of a challenge is, Changing My State of Mind. I can't just be here for them if they get hurt of if they have a question that needs to be answered or if they are fighting and they need me to protect them. I am their mother and I need to be their teacher, not just with school things but all things in life, I am their main teacher. Well, my husband and I. I never really looking at parenthood like that. So now I am working on changing how I look at being a mother. As I am making this change I find that I really like my kids and I really want to know what they are thinking and how they are really feeling. That when they want to talk to me I stop what I am doing and I really listen. I am sure that I will not be able to do this all of the time but I will am willing to try and make this change.
It is exciting!
I guess I posted this on the wrong site. I use Calvert Schools which I LOVE because they have all the lesson plans, tests ect, but I have to teach it all which has taken a bit getting used to. Biggest draw back is they are a bit pricey. We don't make much money, so we got the FA and that cut off 40% of their program cost, but it was still a lot.
ReplyDeleteYour district (knowing how you like to be discreet) has a distance learning program. From what I understand (my sis in law did it), they provide you with all the textbooks and all of the lesson plans. I think it is split between "teacher" instruction and online majority being online from what I gathered. She loves it for high school because she didn't have to do anything, but she said for elementary it was a bit more involved.
There are several out here who use Thomas Jefferson Homeschooling. I did not check into that, but I hear it is pretty good.
To get started, contact your district and see what their requirements are. Technically, my children are truant right now because I didn't register them with the district here, but we are moving in a month, I am hoping not to get in trouble lol. In WA, I just have a form I have to fill out, and I need either a bachelors degree or to take one of their 4 hr classes (don't see how they are comparable but hey lol). Some states (like GA) require you to keep track of attendance. So to get started, just contact the district.
Your district is easy because SEVERAL people homeschool there. They also have an enrichment program where they are majority taught online, but meet up at sometimes or something like that. I didn't really look into it becuase we wouldn't be here.
Hope this helps!
Thank you Lexi. This is very helpful information. Good luck on your upcoming move. I am very jealous that you get to get out of the heat.
ReplyDelete