I live in VA. My son is 16 months old, so I have plenty of time to research, but I’m overwhelmed with the tons of information that’s on the internet. Does anyone know of one particular website, book, or organization that’s a good place for a toddler’s mom to start? Thank you!
My oldest son, now 20 years old, was about that age when I came across homeschooling for the first time. I was so excited. I had no idea such a thing existed. Of course, back then there wasn’t the tons and tons of information available like there is today. I had all of two books that I could find. LOL.
I would just focus in finding resources that would help you with your son at his age now. There will be plenty of time and resources to grow on as the years pass. I would focus on building his character and age appropriate skills: lots of books, playing outside, nature walks, starting counting, number and letter recognition, etc.
Many homeschoolers in local homeschool support groups have toddlers. Get involved with the group so your son, and you, can connect socially.
By taking the ‘meal’ one mouthful at a time, it will be less overwhelming. :0)
I will guess at this one. I would think average cost would be around $ 500 since many homeschool for free and you can easily find a distance learning online course for $ 1,000.
We homeschool cheaply by creating our own curriculum.
Would it be better for kids to go to school and meet more kids, and be expose to the danger their is out there. (drugs, gangs, guns.etc..)
I used to be a homeschooled student. At the time, I was living in a city where the schools sucked! I attended the local high school, but didn’t seem to learn anything, all the kids were mouthing off and causing trouble. I started homeschooling and I felt like it was at my own pace, which made me feel more comfortable with it. Also, it’s more of a one on one environment for learning. If you have a question, you don’t have to raise your hand, you just ask it. Homeschooling can be a problem for busy parents though.
I would first decide if you want to homeschool for preschool or not, since that would be his first year. In my opinion, if he’s home with you that’s enough schooling at that age. Everything kids do at that age is a learning experience, but if you really want to sit down and have “preschool” with him then that’s great too.
You wouldn’t really need a curriculum for preschool. Going to a local bookstore and going through books is all you’d have to do. Age appropriate books on numbers and letters would be the only books you’d really need. The rest of the things you would teach him (such as shapes, colors, science, etc.) would be hands on stuff. Coloring, going for nature walks, stuff like that.
The work would really begin for kindergarten. You’d have to start searching for a true curriculum. Start by deciding if you want to use a religious curriculum or a more traditional one. Then research some curriculums and find one that you think would be best for him.
The next thing you would have to do would be to get supplies. Pencils, crayons, erasers..all that stuff. Pretty easy to do
The third step (which is optional, but I would recommend it) would be to find a homeschooling group. Not only will it provide support for you, it will provide socialization for your son.
It’s really not that hard..just don’t stress out. It’s really no big deal–it’s just teaching at home.
Please sdon’t home school him! He needs to be properly socialized with people his own age.. I suggest you send him to a private school if you’d think it was better but don’t home school.
Check out your local Barnes and Nobles for books and such. You don’t need to register with an actual school until kindergarden, so I wouldn’t worry about curriculum and that sort for preschool. Library books and other children’s books will suit you son just fine.
As for the social aspect of it, your child can be very social and still be homeschooled. Play groups. Take him to the park. Do things that interest him, and involve other kids. When he gets older, there are tons of programs for kids who are homeschooling that you can join to go on field trips with, socialize with, and just have a good time. There are even some summer camps geared toward homeschooled children.
Homeschooling is a great experience. I homeschooled my elementary years, and am just now getting back into it in the 10th grade. Children who are homeschooled are generally more mature than their peers, farther ahead in their studies, and more well-rounded by what all you have shown them. It is so great to know that you are playing a role in your son’s education – I really recommend homeschooling.
Same advice I give to all potential home schooler-ignore the socialization idiots……your child will be FINE, enroll them in activities and check out my blog where I discuss socialization (momgoingnuts.blogspot.com) My children are happy and well adjusted, they have many friends, and many weekly social events. Most of the nay-sayers are the ones who have never tried it, or they actually think SCHOOL is the only place where your children can learn proper interactions……so sad.
You are right there is a wealth of information, and it CAN be a little overwhelming
First things first…find out the laws..do you need to send notice you are homeschooling…..do you need to send in monthly attendance? Keep up with grades? Find out your state requirements first,
Next. decide what curriculum (if any) you would like to use. Become familiar with it-decide if you are going to be using a Christian or non Christian (I have used both, and they each have their benefits). If you use NO curriculum decide what books you are going to use, what subjects you WANT to cover and what subjects HAVE to be covered
Lastly-decide on a schedule and a place….THIS will take some tinkering around with. What works one year might not work the next, but that is the beauty of homeschool-your child can develop into a free thinker, not forced into the same mold and learning style as 30 other kids in the same room. Included in this step would be searching for activities, homeschool groups, playdates, etc. that you wish your child to be involved in-with the groups, again there are many Christian groups, but don’t let that deter you if you are not a christian-many of them are wonderful groups with great families.
Good luck!
http://www.hslda.org
find out the laws in your state.
Join a yahoo support group and talk to the other mothers.
Do not listen to the ignorant who do not know anything about homeschooling. Homeschooled children are the most socialable children they are always around children and they are more confident in themselves.
In a setting, where you as a parent are not holding your part of the responsiblity for raising that child (whether it be public or private school) you childs socializing skills are developed by the “bully” or better yet the child who is considered “cool” because he is smoking pot.
If you are not a Christian please note not all of us homeschoolers are. There are many groups out there that offer diversity please just search them out. They are all great none the less because all the homeschooling moms want is to help you.
The phrase it takes a village to raise a child I think comes from homeschoolers because they are like a family.
Hi Michelle,
The World of Homeschooling can be a bit overwhelming. The only requirement you need for VA is to supply your local district (not the school itself but the SchoolBoard) with a Letter of Intent, a copy of your high school diploma ( or degree if you have one) and a BASIC curriculum plan with books used.
There are some wonderful groups listed in the groups section, it will just depend where in VA you are.
The age he is at now is perfect for the ABC’s, 123′s, colors, sounds. When you take him grocery shopping, show him the things that start with the letter you are learning ( letter’s don’t have to be learned in order) and find things that are the color, etc…….. be creative. Let him help you with chores.
As for the ‘School Socialization’ malarchy that everyone is yapping about………yeah..no..not happening.
The school’s have implemented a NEW take on ‘Socialization’……… there is NO talking unless asked a question during class, NO talking between classes, and NO talking during the Lunch period. They (the school) feels that by limiting the children, they can stop them from forming Groups, Cliche’s or Circles…this way everyone stays equal, no one gets left out and no feelings get hurt.
I have homeschooled for 4 yrs and I only just learned about this new ‘Rule’ from a mother whose 2nd Grade daughter was just suspended for 1 day for talking during the lunch period.
So there goes THAT theory. (sorry to bust your bubble people)
So start at Yahoo groups and go from there.
The best site about Homeschooling Preschool:
http://www.universalpreschool.com/
Region specific Homeschool groups:
Home Educators Association of Virginia
http://www.heav.org/
Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers
http://www.vahomeschoolers.org/
anywhere from $ 0 (public school homeschooling) to $ 1000 (private homeschooling)… any school that you have to pay for,whether homeschooling or not is considered private..that is your choice if you want public or private. if you do public, you have to go buy the school districts curriculm etc. good luck
It really depends on what curriculum you use. If you choose a virtual school program, you can homeschool for free:
http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/virtual-schools.html
If you choose a to use homeschool through an online or distance academy, it will be pretty expensive as you usually have to pay by the course/semester.
There are many ways to save money if you purchase materials yourself and use your library. Here are some tips for affordable homeschooling:
http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/affordable-homeschooling.html
Good luck!
My son is working at a 7th-9th grade level (or a little higher, depending on the subject), and we spend about $ 250 for books and another $ 200-250 for supplies, extra activities, classes, and lessons. It all depends on what you go for though – it can run anywhere from nearly free to several thousand dollars.
thestudent will soon become bored of home and feel insecure, also they will not learn how to work with others and can seriously damage how well they work with others in the future at colleges/jobs and so on……… dont do it
i wasn’t homeschooled, but i did have a stay-at-home mom… i think home schooling sometimes gets a little out of hand, in the sense that kids don’t get to mix with other kids. then again, public school is scary. there needs to be a balance where the kid can have a life out of the home but still spend time with their parents… in a perfect world.
Unless you live in a ghetto, don’t even consider home-schooling. No parent is qualified to teach every subject. Even professional teachers are certified in only certain areas. The negatives of home-schooling are: children don’t learn to interact with others; children don’t learn to brainstorm and work as a team with others (which is required in the working world someday); children don’t learn to give and take while exchanging ideas; children believe their answer is the ONLY answer (when many times several answers are correct); and, most importantly, children don’t learn to share ideas and feelings. You cannot protect your child forever. By sending them to school young, they can learn to develop coping skills which will benefit them in the years ahead. They will learn to get along with other people who are very different from themselves. They will be taught by professionals who have spent years learning what they are teaching. You don’t want your child protected until age 18 by staying home, and then going out in the big world and not knowing how to survive! The only time home-school is good, is if you have a sick child or live in a ghetto area. Home school them until you can afford to move, or until the child gets better. Otherwise, PLEASE, send your child to the best school you can and let the professionals handle the education process. Just stay involved, by going to teacher/parent conferences and open houses, and volunteer at your child’s school as much as you can, in order to keep abreast of your child’s situation. Good luck.
Drugs, gangs, guns, etc…is only “one” reason why I home school my kids. I do not know of any cons to home schooling, but there certainly is alot of pros. Also, my kids socialize “alot”.
As a current homeschooler who lives in the projects hopefully my answer will help you. I used to go to a Christian school for two years and then my parents decided to home school my siblings and I. I can tell that the pros of home schooling are: 1) you have less school hours. 2) you can stay in your p.j.’s the whole day! 3) you don’t have to worry about what people will think and/or say about your size, your ability, anything. 4) you can be closer to you family this way, well, the list can go on.
But here are the cons: 1) you don’t get to see your friends as often 2) you dont have p.e. (that could be a pro) 3) you aren’t in the lingo as much as you were before 4) for some people it’s easier to have a teacher to explain how they got the answer to the problem rather than reading it straight from the book. (your parents might help you with that, I’m not sure.)
Well, the list CAN go on for both pros and cons, hope I’ve been a big help!
First of all, realize that no one knows it all, including teachers or homeschoolers. Many teachers are vehemently anti-homeschool (just look at the NEA site) and really just spew out their negative attitudes against homeschooling despite the facts that not only does it work but that homeschoolers are testing equivelant to or higher than their public schooled peers….so much for parents doing poorly due to not having degrees in teaching, eh?
Unless someone is super paranoid of the world, children can and do interact with other children. The majority of homeschoolers play sports, join the YMCA, 4-H, have homeschool groups, are out in the world with their parents interacting with customer service people, volunteering with the elderly, etc. and those are just to name a few. So in other words, unless one literally locks their child up they will be around other people. However, if they were in schools first, I imagine they would miss their friends…hopefully relationships could keep going regardless though. In those cases I should hope that the parents would really make an effort to ensure those friendships were maintained. For my children, one or two close friends is enough…just like it was for me and I was schooled my whole life and just like it is for many who are schooled now. Mine both chose to enroll in a one-day a week 6 hour Physical Science class and they are having a great time, they meet other children that way as well.
As far as academically, children are able to learn much on their own without the parent stepping in as teacher. They can move at their own pace, learn how to process information in ways that benefit their learning style, and if a parent does teach they can tailor the teaching to their childs style. That is something that most public schools are incapable of doing because there are simply too many students and the ones who cannot conform to the “one-size” fits all curriculum of public schools are then labeled stupid or at the other end ‘gifted’. But some people do well with school curriculums.
The negatives would be if the parent and child do not get along. If the parent is unwilling to be involved with others, unwilling to allow their child(ren) to be with their friends, or if the child truly desires to be in the school social setting. Keep in mind that not all public educated students are happy in the school type of social setting; many are lonely, are picked on, do not fit-in with the in-crowd, are bored to tears, etc. Many public schooled students are not into sports or extra-curricular activities or having a huge social life.
Many families, mine included are very happy with the homeschooling lifestyle. Its hard to believe in a society where parents and teens seem at odds but we get along so great and we have so much fun together. I think that anti-homeschoolers be they parents, students, or teachers just cannot wrap their heads around the fact that numerous homeschooled children enjoy and love their parents and love being around them and in fact it does bring many families closer together.
Just know that the FACTS stand-alone despite any anti-homeschool opinions. Just like FACTS stand-alone that many in the school system do well also. Lastly, in the end, it is what is best for you…despite the opinions of others.
Homeschoolers usually learn more than they would in a public school, however it is important to socialize your children. Look online for homeschool groups and there are schools now that you can send your child to for 2-3 day a week and on the other days you homeschool them (its called university model). That is what we are doing. I do have a friend who was homeschooled her whole life and has better social skills than most people I know, so it can work if you are willing and able to do it. Check out the websites below to help you decide what is best for your family.
I think PC summed it up nicely. If you will notice, most, if not all of your negative responses came from and will continue to come from those that know absolutely nothing about homeschooling. Instead of taking the time to research the subject and actually get to know some homeschool families, they insist on being parrots for those with agendas against a very large group of people.
It is very sad that people can come on here and spout anger and hostility toward a group of people with absolutely no clue as to what they are speaking about, and there will be people that will listen.
It is really too bad that the grumpy set out there has allowed their ignorance on the subject to turn in to anger, hostility and rudeness.
Of course, those of us that are homeschoolers and have been for awhile and socialize with other homeschool families can see how absolutely ridiculous their shallow, insensitive and uniformed responses are, but not everyone gets that.
And I’m sure more people will come after my response and prove every word I said to be true. They can’t resist questions like yours.
one of the pros to home schooling is flexibility. but often times homeschoolers lack a social life. there are home school groups you can join which can help, maybe even eliminate, the problem. plus, home school families are generally much closer. they spend more time together obviously and learn to love and respect each other much more than your typical family.
If you really want to know the pros and cons (and get the FACTS) about homeschooling, check out the following sites:
http://hslda.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1 (look under “research”)
http://www.nheri.org/ (again, look under “research”)
http://www.eric.ed.gov (US Dept. of Ed. research site – search for homeschool)
If you live in a nice neighborhood where your kids can meet others and participate in activities, you don’t need to worry about the socialization part. Also if your kids are active in their church or scouting or something of that sort.
The advantages of homeschool are: Studying the things that are of interest to your kids, more help when they have questions. You’re able to learn without distractions and at your own pace. I homeschooled my kids for the first few years and my oldest daughter learned to read standing on her head on the couch.
It is a lot of work and commitment and if you have children with learning disabilities it can be stressful.
Kids shouldn’t go to a public school and be exposed to all the bad things there,I knew 2 girls who were good kids,until they went to the local high school,and now one of them is a goth girl,and the other one is 16 and mother to a baby girl,so even good kids can become bad,no matter how good the grades are in a school,they don’t matter if the school is nicknamed Maternity High,like the local one in my town.So advice to all parents,home school your kids,that way you can raise them with morals and to know what stuff is bad.hope that helped
Lots of info here.