Considering Homeschooling

Updated on June 23, 2010
B.R. asks from Collinsville, IL
4 answers

We are moving to a bigger city, where the schools are a little more liberal and we can't really afford to send our son to a private school. Also, his birthday is in October, so he's going to have to wait a whole year before he can start anyway.
My question is, what are some good programs for homeschooling (books, materials, etc) that I should look into. I am more interested in education with Christian involvement, especially at such a young age. I would also be babysitting for another little girl who's mother has the same opinion I do. Thanks!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Dallas on

First get acquainted with the homeschool laws in the state that you will be living in. You can find laws for all 50 states at http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp

I would also get to know your son's learning style. Some kids love workbooks and others would fight that method and may need a more hands on approach. Here is a site that gives an overview of the various homeschool methods out there. The key to success is finding what method works best for you and your child.
http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/homeschooling-met...

I wouldn't get too caught up in accreditation. There are public high schools across the nation that are not accredited. Most people assume that if it is a public school that it is accredited. Accreditation is done via accreditation agencies, not the federal government. Here's an article that speaks on that http://www.thehomescholar.com/recent-articles/accrediatio...

I have homeschooled for 13 years now and my oldest 2 children (ages 19 and 21) had no problem getting into their college of choice with their homeschool transcript. I realize that this may be years off for you, but sometimes this is still a worry for some parents when they're considering homeschooling even when it is years away.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.F.

answers from Fayetteville on

I'm assuming you are talking about starting with Kindergarten? First, yes - look up your state's laws on homeschooling. They vary greatly! Some states have no requirements at all while others are on the oppisite end of the specrum. Then I would say start researching homeschool curriculums online. There are TONS out there - both to buy and for free online. When I started I just googles "Christian homeschool curriculum". (or bible based homeschool curriculum). You can decide what you like or don't like. I know a lot of people who use Sonlight and love it but it's bit expensive. Check out "Little hands to heaven" by dakota publishing (I think). Another all inclusive curriculum that is great for K is "My Father's World". Or you can always do a different curriculum for each subject you want to do. Sometimes that's easier to find exactly what you like. Look up "Five in a Row" too - it's good. :) Hope that helps! Just do your research and don't be afraid to just go for it - it's takes trial and error to get the kinks worked out sometimes. :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.L.

answers from Houston on

1st check to see if there are any charter schools (church formed and state accredited) in your area, which will be free.
2nd check into the home school groups in the area you will be moving via the internet, at teacher supply stores, and at churches you would possibly attend.
While at the teacher supply, they usually have a home school section and some book stores even have used home school books in the home-school section (which is the way to go when you are looking for the program your child needs).
Local HS groups have used book sales (once or twice a year) which are great to hear comments from parents about how their students learned best with which programs. Some programs are weak in the math area while others are very strong. Do not look for the easy programs, nor look for the ones with so much paperwork your child gets burned out and can not have time to learn in special interest areas, which is a great blessing in home-schooling. Abeka is what I used until my daughter was in the 8th grade and then she went to a private school which worked with home-schooler on a class needed bases.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from New York on

I think each state has their own homeschooling curriculum requirements which you can probably find on line.

In the meantime, see if you have any Becker School Supply (or other Parent-Teacher Supply stores). There are great Bridge books - they definitely have them for reading and math - the bridge is between K and 1st grade for example, where there are a lot of worksheets to review the previous year's work and prep for the following year. The Becker store i was in had a Christian section, in addition to math sections, reading, science, etc. Plus, the store has fun educational toys as well. the emphasis is really on Teacher supplies, but there were definitely items that could be used at home.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions