Homeschooling

[LyLMyssChaos]

I thought that I'd start a thread for this topic.

[LyLMyssChaos]

The Pros According to Family Education.com (http://school.familyeducation.com/home-schooling/parenting/29861.html)

Educational Freedom.
Physical Freedom.
Emotional Freedom.
Religious Freedom.
Closer Family Relationships.


The Cons According to Family Education.com (http://school.familyeducation.com/home-schooling/parenting/29861.html)

Time Restraints
Financial Restraints.
Being with Your Kids 24/7.
Limited Team Sports.
Living Outside the Norm.


There are by no means all inclusive, but I thought that it was enough to get things started.

[Weddings by]

Why is this in news and politics? It's a parenting issue.

[Asha]

is this a thread for parents who are considering/have done home schooling or a thread to debate home schooling?

[MLA]

Why is this in news and politics? It's a parenting issue.

It's a spin-off from another News and Politics thread, but I think you're right. It would probably make more sense for it to be in the parenting section.

[Weddings by]

It's a spin-off from another News and Politics thread...

Oh. Thanks. :)

[LyLMyssChaos]

is this a thread for parents who are considering/have done home schooling or a thread to debate home schooling?

I think more along the lines of debating home schooling, which is why it is here. We do have a thread in Parenting for those whom want to home school or are interested in it.

I've just noticed that the debate about this topic has come up a few times in this section and thought it might be a good idea to debate in a separate thread instead of derailing another one.

[MLA]

The Cons According to Family Education.com (http://school.familyeducation.com/home-schooling/parenting/29861.html)

Time Restraints
Financial Restraints.
Being with Your Kids 24/7.
Limited Team Sports.
Living Outside the Norm.




I think a lack of socialization should be added to that list, as well as the risk that your children may not really be getting the best possible education. I mean, how many parents out there have a firm grasp on history, literature, trigonometry, physics, chemistry, etc., to really be able to give their kids everything that a regular school system can? I imagine not too many.

[amew]

I mean, how many parents out there have a firm grasp on history, literature, trigonometry, physics, chemistry, etc., to really be able to give their kids everything that a regular school system can? I imagine not too many.

This is the part that really gets me. I'm sure many parents of homeschooled children find ways for their kids to socialize, participate in sports, etc., but I do worry that most parents simply aren't equipped to teach kids everything I believe they should be learning in school, particularly in the higher grades. Between the two of us, DH and I have undergraduate degrees in biology, physics, religion, and political science and graduate degress in law and business, yet there is no way I would trust us to teach our children everything I think they should be learning. I want my kids taught by people with a background in early childhood education when they are young and some level of expertise in the subjects they are teaching when they are older. That's not me.

That said, I have a friend who is my age and was homeschooled through high school, and he is very social and undoubtedly one of the most well-educated people I know, with undergrad and law degress and a PhD all from Ivy League schools. So I don't doubt that there are some parents who homeschool very effectively. I just question whether it's possible for most parents.

[Sarah]

As I said in the other thread, the evidence shows that HS kids perform as well or (usually) better in all areas of academics. Even when their parents are not well educated, children do well in higher math, science, and literature. This is because most parents who care enough (in many states it's a big hassle) to HS put a lot of effort into helping their kids seek out academic opportunities and finding good resources. Many buy curriculum which basically is like a correspondence course, some have their kids attend community college courses, and some hire tutors. When my DH was HSed his mom was in a co-op- his dad, who had a degree in Bio, taught science, his mom, with a degree in Lit, taught English, and a neighbor with a math related job taught math. They all swapped and their kids learned each subject much better than they would have in the local (crappy) urban public schools.

We are HSing my DD for the time being, but she's very young. It's my intention right to HS through elementary school, possible longer. I don't think I'd be open to HSing for high school, for a variety of reasons, but I encourage you all to learn more about how it actually plays out before making assumptions.

The "socialization" piece is always brought up, and for good reason, I think. Many prominent HSing authors have discussed the fact that the "socialization" which goes on in many public schools (especially for us- our local school is horrible) is detrimental. The implicit values being taught about social relationships aren't terribly healthy, in most cases. Every HSing family I know looks for a lot of opportunities for their kids to be with other kids, and most elementary and middle schools don't afford kids much time for actual socialization. The families I know are involved in classes, sports groups, music lessons, athletic groups, scouting, Awana, homeschool coops and support groups, etc. The families I know are involved in a lot of community groups and in a ton of service, which is an awesome opportunity. Many also are allowed to take extracurriculars at local public schools, and many do awesome apprenticeships. I think most people think of a mom sitting alone with her kids in little desks all day, and for most HSing families, life looks nothing like that.

HSing is cool to me, because you get an opportunity to really pursue academic interests in a way public school just can't do.

OTOH, I do agree that there's something very valuable in being exposed to the wider world and all the opinions and viewpoints represented there.

[j*east]

Interesting. A good friend of mine was homeschooled in MS, specifically because of the socialization issue--her mom was unhappy with the atmosphere at her school, specifically a bullying situation that wasn't controlled by the administration. My friend did all kinds of stuff for her homeschooling--worked with her mom's business, took some community college math classes, I think took one science class in school each year, read a lot and met with a professor friend, etc. She then went to a magnet HS for the arts and a four year liberal arts college. It was not a six hours a day, five days a week program, but it sounds like what she needed at the time. I'm sure there are some holes in her education--but I'm sure there are in mine, too, despite going to traditional school for 12+ years.

I really like the idea of putting together a good program for your kid, should traditional school not work, and there are so many ways to get the socialization piece--sports teams, arts, dance, community service and other activities.

Basically, I think homeschooling, as with any other form of education, can be good, bad, or a complete train wreck for the kid, depending on how it's done. It's really tough to generalize about homeschooling, or public school, or private school, for that matter.

Also, I think homeschooling has the stereotype/reputation of being done by ultra-conservative families who want to brainwash their kids--which was absolutely not the case here. My friend is one of the more open-minded people I know, and she now works in AIDS outreach and activism.

[Weddings by]

Also, I think homeschooling has the stereotype/reputation of being done by ultra-conservative families who want to brainwash their kids--which was absolutely not the case here.

What are you trying to do, start a sterotype? ;)

I've never heard that, FWIW.

[j*east]

What are you trying to do, start a sterotype? ;)

I've never heard that, FWIW.

I hope I'm not starting anything! But I have heard that from others. :o It comes to mind here as this thread spun off from the Duggar discussion.

[Weddings by]

Sorry, I was just goofing around. I really haven't heard it before, but I wasn't serious about the question. Sorry, again.

[j*east]

No worries, I figured (hoped) you were joking. :)

I live in an area that's a mix of very liberal and very conservative, so maybe I hear more of the stereotypes about both sides?

[lml41981]

I think a lack of socialization should be added to that list, as well as the risk that your children may not really be getting the best possible education. I mean, how many parents out there have a firm grasp on history, literature, trigonometry, physics, chemistry, etc., to really be able to give their kids everything that a regular school system can? I imagine not too many.
I think improper socialization skills and the risk that your children may not be getting the best possible education could be added to the cons list for all models of education.

[MLA]

I think improper socialization skills and the risk that your children may not be getting the best possible education could be added to the cons list for all models of education.

Well, sure. But I think the risk w/homeschooling is greater.

Regarding the socialization issue -- Sarah, you talk about the socialization kids get at school possibly being detrimental, but the fact is that children are going to have to learn to live in the real world. And in the real world, the vast majority of people have been socialized through going to school as children. I worry that homeschooled children won't be able to interact w/others in the most effective manner when they enter that "real world" as adults. There's something that comes from having a common experience. Even if two people come from completely different social and economic backgrounds, if they went to school, they share a bond of a sort. Does that make sense?

[Toonces]

I considered HSing our children, but I'm not going to now. Some of the pros for us: a curriculum that's catered to each child's individual learning style; freedom from peer pressure (we currently live in a school district that has a bit of a gang issue, but we're moving); freedom from a rigid schedule - both school year and school day; the ability to learn from the environment, museums, everyday life, etc. Those are just a few things off the top of my head.

I did a lot of research into the socialization issue and it became a non-issue for us. There are plenty of other opportunities to socialize HSed children. There are groups of HSers who get together and interact, gymnastics through the park district, and other sorts of groups that children can join in order to foster social skills. I'm too lazy to look up the other stuff right now. :p

Anyway, we've decided not to HS for a number of reasons, but I'm 100% behind families who do. I really wish I had it in me. I did learn, and was surprised to learn, that the Ivy League schools are interested in recruiting HSed children. IIRC, they found that HSed children showed better skills WRT thinking outside of paradigms, problem solving, and understanding their own individual learning style in order to help them excel in academics.

Oh, I was also going to look into supplementing my kids' education with online education through various institutions. A lot of HSers offer their children education through a mix of resources.

Also, I think homeschooling has the stereotype/reputation of being done by ultra-conservative families who want to brainwash their kids--which was absolutely not the case here.

This is an old stereotype. Back in the day (LOL), it was mostly Christian families who HSed their children to prevent them from being exposed to non-Christian environments in school. It was looked at as "weird" or "cult-like". Definitely not the case these days.

[MLA]

I did learn, and was surprised to learn, that the Ivy League schools are interested in recruiting HSed children. IIRC, they found that HSed children showed better skills WRT thinking outside of paradigmns, problem solving, and understanding their own individual learning style in order to help them excel in academics.

Now that's very interesting. Not something I would have guessed at all.

[lml41981]

Well, sure. But I think the risk w/homeschooling is greater.
Well, obviously homeschooling parents think otherwise. ;)

[mel7dog]

Interesting thread, I'll be reading along. DH and I were just talking about how the handful or HSed people we knew were all exceptionally smart, well spoken, put together etc.

[j*east]

I did learn, and was surprised to learn, that the Ivy League schools are interested in recruiting HSed children. IIRC, they found that HSed children showed better skills WRT thinking outside of paradigms, problem solving, and understanding their own individual learning style in order to help them excel in academics.

This is something a lot of schools struggle to teach. After all, it doesn't show up easily on a standardized test, and so much of traditional education is focused on getting the right answer, not on fostering genuine curiosity or creativity.

And in the real world, the vast majority of people have been socialized through going to school as children. I worry that homeschooled children won't be able to interact w/others in the most effective manner when they enter that "real world" as adults. There's something that comes from having a common experience. Even if two people come from completely different social and economic backgrounds, if they went to school, they share a bond of a sort. Does that make sense?

I would love if that were true, but I think we all know a lot of people that have trouble working effectively with others, and odds are they went to school. There's so much more to it than school--parents, family, personality, maybe genetics? Also, go inside any high school and you'll see plenty of kids--often even the smartest ones--who have a lot of trouble relating to others, acting appropriately, making friends, etc. This is something else that a lot of schools don't teach well--how to ask someone for a favor, say thank you, stand up for oneself in a discussion or argument without being a jerk, etc.--that kids need to learn in non-traditional ways, whether that's homeschooling or parenting or whatever.

In the best situation, though, school is a fun, stimulating, exciting place to learn that can provide so many opportunities and new experiences for kids. I just don't think every school is the best fit for every kid, and some parents can provide a better education. I imagine it is a lot of work, though.

[MLA]

Well, obviously homeschooling parents think otherwise. ;)

Indeed. And honestly, my opinions are just that: opinions. It's all about hunches w/me on this topic -- oh, and stereotypes, which I hate to admit, do inform those hunches.

I'm definitely open to changing my mind on this. Though, honestly, I don't see myself ever homeschooling my children. Even if it were the best thing in the world, I don't think I have it in me. ;)

[MLA]

I would love if that were true, but I think we all know a lot of people that have trouble working effectively with others, and odds are they went to school.

Touche. You're definitely right about that.

[Annette]

I have a question: If a child is home schooled, are they required to take all the standardized tests for No Child Left Behind?

[lml41981]

I have a question: If a child is home schooled, are they required to take all the standardized tests for No Child Left Behind?
I can't answer for all states, but Texas considers homeschooling to be equal to private schooling. Therefore, the State stays out of "graduation" requirements and standardized testing requirements. The State really has nothing to do with homeschooled kids as far as ensuring they are receiving a good education. Some people see this as a perk, others consider it a pitfall.

[rangerwendy]

I mean, how many parents out there have a firm grasp on history, literature, trigonometry, physics, chemistry, etc., to really be able to give their kids everything that a regular school system can? I imagine not too many.

This is my big concern over HS too. I lived with a girl in my dorm my freshman year who was HSed. She was brilliant when it came to literature, very well read, etc. But she failed Intro Math, or Math for Idiots as the class was lovingly referred to. Also, I'm probably biased because as a teacher, I get a lot of kids who come into my class from a "homeschooling" situation who can't read. I mean, really, can't read. I teach 6th grade reading. So I think there is a giant issue of monitoring. How are these parents and kids being monitored to show that they are actually learning? Because obviously, where I live, whatever monitoring system is in place is not working and it is the kids who are missing out.

[lml41981]

So I think there is a giant issue of monitoring. How are these parents and kids being monitored to show that they are actually learning? Because obviously, where I live, whatever monitoring system is in place is not working and it is the kids who are missing out.
Texas doesn't monitor any private school, therefore they don't monitor homeschooling.

The only requirement is that "home schools must be conducted in a bona fide manner, using a written curriculum consisting of reading, spelling, grammar, math and a course in good citizenship; no other requirements apply."

http://www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/Texas.pdf

[Toonces]

Even if it were the best thing in the world, I don't think I have it in me. ;)

Ditto that. I wish I did. :o

I mean, how many parents out there have a firm grasp on history, literature, trigonometry, physics, chemistry, etc., to really be able to give their kids everything that a regular school system can? I imagine not too many.

That's why a lot of HSers are supplementing with online education. There are also some HSed children who partially learn at home, and partially learn in a brick & mortar school.

[Sevilla]

I have a question: If a child is home schooled, are they required to take all the standardized tests for No Child Left Behind?
In my state, private schools are not a part of NCLB and do not take the tests. I taught in a private school for 3 years and we administered different standardized tests on a different schedule than the public school district in which we were located. NCLB is tied to school funding and teacher jobs as incentives/consequences - but our private school received no federal or state funds. It is the same with homeschooling - what is the gov't going to do, tell the parents "We will cut off your education funding and fire you if you don't test!" Lol. :p

With a good curriculum and a strong desire to learn and teach, most parents can do a very good job teaching their kids - b/c it's not just parents being the teacher to their children, it's also about teaching children to be self-directed learners - how to research, how to enjoy and love learning. Those are skills that are often poorly taught (if taught at all) in traditional classrooms that usually serve just one or two types of learners - and leave other kids on the fringes hating school. I want my kids to love learning, not dread it.

Our local public school is sub-par, to put it mildly. We also don't have money for private school, so our best educational option for elementary school in our family is homeschooling which I feel more than qualified to do :). And while we are committed to homeschooling in the early years, as our kids grow older we are more than open to considering other options for them depending on their different giftings and desires. I would homeschool them to give them a better education than they would get in our public schools, as well as doing the work of involving them in a variety of enriching activities in our community.

I currently teach at two homeschool co-ops which are outstanding and I plan to use with my own children when they are old enough for school.

One homeschool co-op is for enrichment and is one day a week, all day, just like a regular school. The kids to art, music, science, foreign language, gym, and shorter unit studies taught by different instructors. It is such a cool environment and a great way to supplement home education - the kids learn so much each week! Of the kids I have you would not know the vast majority are homeschooled - they're just like the kids i taught in private school or see in my neighborhood. There are a few that strike me as odd - but that seems to be more their personality, i'm sure we can all think of the few 'odd' kids in our public school classes growing up.

One thing that IS different about the homeschool kids vs. the ones i had in my traditional classroom at my old school, is that they are much more inclusive of the 'oddballs' and don't make fun of them or ostracize them. In my middle school Spanish class, there is a student who is developmentally delayed along with having cerebal palsy. The other kids work really hard at including her, encouraging her, and helping her. They don't treat her as annoying or a burden, but as a member of their community who deserves respect just like the rest of them. I really value that - especially among teenagers. I remember the horrors of my middle school years and how cruel we all were to each other, and it is refreshing to see kids who aren't following that pattern who are still normal.

I also teach at a second homeschool co-op that is a classical education model. It is very accelerated - my 3rd and 4th graders were learning Latin and Spanish, along with history, literature, grammar and math. My students in this coop are pretty advanced academically, and socially they are just like other the kids their age I know in our local public schools (except that they're learning Latin of course ;)).

[Sarah]

Well, sure. But I think the risk w/homeschooling is greater.

Regarding the socialization issue -- Sarah, you talk about the socialization kids get at school possibly being detrimental, but the fact is that children are going to have to learn to live in the real world. And in the real world, the vast majority of people have been socialized through going to school as children. I worry that homeschooled children won't be able to interact w/others in the most effective manner when they enter that "real world" as adults. There's something that comes from having a common experience. Even if two people come from completely different social and economic backgrounds, if they went to school, they share a bond of a sort. Does that make sense?

Yes, it does. I certainly think you have a good point there, one which I've considered. I think all forms of schooling have pros and cons, and it is true that there are certain valuable and important social lessons you just won't learn at home. I have some friends who HS and their son has serious issues interacting in a group. Definitely is a risk.

OTOH, we all have to weigh the pros and cons. I do think that (especially for my kids, since I am actually trained to teach :)) the quality of education provided at home is superior, and that the intangibles which go along with HSing will work out better for our family. Generally I am not a fan of the whole "what works for your family situation" argument, but schooling is a place where that argument applies, I think. For us, we live in a large city and the public schools are plagued by violence, bullying, cruelty, dreadful education, and underfunding. Sending our child to the local school (which has exactly one white student, BTW, and we are white) isn't worth it for what she might gain socially. Now if we lived in a suburb, or had a quality magnet or charter school nearby, I would probably send her to school a lot earlier.

BTW, What I was talking about about socialization wasn't just bullying, etc, but other things. There are a lot of things we teach in school- the "hidden curriculum" to use an educator's phrase- which aren't things I want my DDs to learn, or which won't actually be helpful later in life, they are only taught to facilitate the artificial system we've set up. For example, almost nowhere else in life will kids only relate to people who are the exact same age as themselves. In real life scenarios, you learn with and from people of all different ages.

Just to clarify- I have no problem with ym children interacting with a non-white population, but I think it would be difficult to be the one person who stands out as different, whether they are white, black, or other.

[Sevilla]

Sarah - This is a bit OT, but I remember a few years ago in a similar discussion you were staunchley pro-public school for your kids in spite of living in the same school system you do now. What changed?

[Sarah]

You're right, Sevilla, I was. :)

One thing is that yes, we live in the same system, but in a huge city like ours the "system" is Philadelphia, but you are zoned to a specific school, which changes by neighborhood. Moving a few blocks can change the specific school.

My issues with public school have more to do with the "other stuff" and less with the academics. I'm disappointed with the academics of my local school (which is really bad) but I could live with it if the rest was okay. But in touring the local school (and in my teaching work) I have repeatedly seen teachers screaming at kids, saying extremely racist things to them, calling them names, etc. I have seen the students use words like "motherf----er" at the age of 5, I have seen them beat each other in the playground, and I have talked to the mother of the one other white child in the school. This child is regularly locked in the closet (WTF), and taunted by the other kids for being a "teacher's pet" (which she is, because the teachers shamelessly favor the non-African American students).

All this was easier to deal with when it was theoretical, but when I look at thr face of my 4 year old, I cannot imagine sending her into this lion's den in September.

Also, when I had a younger child, I didn't know as much about my child's personality and development, and I feel strongly that while my DD responds well to structure, she also tends towards hyperactivity. I don't believe that 5 year olds are developmentally ready for 7-8 hours of straight sitting and rote learning, and sadly the public schools here in the city are saddled with the NCLB standards (don't even get me started) which force them to create more and more challenging material at younger ages. My 5 year oild would be expected to be sitting and writing for 7 hours a day, with only 15 minutes for recess and no music, art, or any other extracurriculars. No learning is hands on, and the discipline is harsh, humiliating, and oppressive.

I am still a huge proponent of public schools and as I think you know, I have accepted a job directing a program for at risk urban youth. We live right in the heart of the inner city, and feel very strongly about social justice. But after much prayer and talking to my community, friends, and older parents, I don't see how my DD being in this school will actually help anyone involved. I don't think it will help my DD, I don't think it will help the other kids, and I don't think it will help the community. I already volunteer at this school doing tutoring, so I feel like I'm involved in trying to fix the problems. But I don't think sacrificing my DD will do any good.

I don't pretend that this is an easy decision for me, as I really feel heartbroken for the kids who have to go to these schools. I intend to return to FT teaching once my own children are older, and to teach in these struggling schools.

We will definitely be sending our DD to public high school, and possibly public middle school.

[MLA]

Sending our child to the local school (which has exactly one white student, BTW, and we are white) isn't worth it for what she might gain socially.

<snip>

Just to clarify- I have no problem with ym children interacting with a non-white population, but I think it would be difficult to be the one person who stands out as different, whether they are white, black, or other.

I just wanted to address this because I actually have some experience w/this very thing. K-3rd grade, I lived in a predominantly white area and went to school w/nearly all white children. There were a few black children and only one latino child, from what I remember.

In the 4th grade, my family moved, and I went to a predominantly latino school. I was one of three white children in my grade. I spoke no Spanish. I'd never even really been around the latino culture. IIRC, in the 3rd grade, my class went on a field trip, where we visited a mission or something like that and ate Mexican food. It was the only time in my life, up to that point, that I'd even had Mexican food. All this to say, being at a school where nearly everyone was latino was a major shock to my system. I was teased mercilessly for being so pale. The kids often spoke Spanish around me and would laugh because I couldn't understand them. The first time I came across a boy named Jesus, I nearly fell over from shock. Our textbooks used hispanic names like Juan and Juanita, neither of which I'd ever seen in print before and so didn't know how to pronounce when reading aloud in class.

Though my two years at that school (before moving to a much more mixed middle school in the 6th grade) were difficult, I believe that they were very valuable to my future growth as a person. I have a much better understanding of what it's like to be the "outsider" and so have more compassion. I learned to be tough and to think on my feet. It was tough, but I really do believe being put into that situation made me a better person.

[Sarah]

I just wanted to address this because I actually have some experience w/this very thing. K-3rd grade, I lived in a predominantly white area and went to school w/nearly all white children. There were a few black children and only one latino child, from what I remember.

In the 4th grade, my family moved, and I went to a predominantly latino school. I was one of three white children in my grade. I spoke no Spanish. I'd never even really been around the latino culture. IIRC, in the 3rd grade, my class went on a field trip, where we visited a mission or something like that and ate Mexican food. It was the only time in my life, up to that point, that I'd even had Mexican food. All this to say, being at a school where nearly everyone was latino was a major shock to my system. I was teased mercilessly for being so pale. The kids often spoke Spanish around me and would laugh because I couldn't understand them. The first time I came across a boy named Jesus, I nearly fell over from shock. Our textbooks used hispanic names like Juan and Juanita, neither of which I'd ever seen in print before and so didn't know how to pronounce when reading aloud in class.

Though my two years at that school (before moving to a much more mixed middle school in the 6th grade) were difficult, I believe that they were very valuable to my future growth as a person. I have a much better understanding of what it's like to be the "outsider" and so have more compassion. I learned to be tough and to think on my feet. It was tough, but I really do believe being put into that situation made me a better person.

Oh, I'm not saying it wouldn't. But we live in an area which is 90% African American, 6% Hispanic, 2% other, and 2% white. My DD associates with Spanish speaking, Creole speaking, non white kids every day. All her local playmates are non-white. All our neighbors are nonwhite. She has two African American uncles (and hopefully some darned cousins, if some people would hurry up) She's been exposed to diversity (racially and socioecnomically) since birth. But as I said above, I don't think anyone should be put in the situation of being the only ___ in any institution at 4 years old. I would have complete understanding for non white parents who didn't want their kid to be teased or misunderstood constantly at an all white institution.

[MLA]

I don't think anyone should be put in the situation of being the only ___ in any institution at 4 years old.

I definitely understand where you're coming from. I don't know that I would choose to put my child into that situation, either (especially at such a young age). I just wanted to share my story to let you know that it doesn't necessarily lead to an emotionally scarred person. I'm actually pretty well-adjusted. ;)

[basketcase]

This discussion is fascinating to me, as DH and I have recently started considering homeschooling for our children once they are school age.

Sarah, if you don't mind my asking a couple of questions -- why do you plan to send your daughter to public high school instead of HSing all throughout K-12? Also, you have a younger child, right? How do you watch/entertain the younger one while HSing the older one?

I really like the idea behind a homeschool co-op. Does anyone know how I can go about finding out if such a thing exists in my community?

TIA!

[Toonces]

Femmie ~ You might want to check out the HSing threads (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?f=50) at Mothering.com. There's a lot of good info in that forum. The Homeschool Mom (http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/states/) web site has some localized info that might help you out.

[j*east]

Sarah, interesting. I got my MSEd at Penn and student taught in Philly city schools for six months. There is so much wrong there; it's really sad. The hiring process alone makes my hair stand on end. OTOH, I also taught in the suburbs, which drove me out of public school entirely, for different reasons.

Everyone, thanks for an interesting conversation!

[Weddings by]

Femmie--You can see if your state has a main homeschool organization. If it does, they will have a partial list of co-ops. You can also google "homeschool co-op your town's/county's/area's name" to find some. When you find one/some, if they're not what you're looking for, you could contact each of them and ask for the names and contacts for any co-ops that they know exist. This is something that I wish were easier to find, but that's the way that I know to do it. Also try "home school" as there isn't a definite way to spell it.

[Weddings by]

Toonces, I'm sorry; I hadn't noticed that you had replied to Femmie. I wasn't trying to make it look like people should ignore your suggestions! In fact, I'm going to look at them, myself. :)

[Weddings by]

Femmie--here's (http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/default.asp) a link. After clicking on your state, there should be an "Organizations" link near the top right.

[lml41981]

Sarah, if you don't mind my asking a couple of questions -- why do you plan to send your daughter to public high school instead of HSing all throughout K-12? Also, you have a younger child, right? How do you watch/entertain the younger one while HSing the older one?

I really like the idea behind a homeschool co-op. Does anyone know how I can go about finding out if such a thing exists in my community?

TIA!
I can't really speak for Sarah, but I think it would be pretty similar to how you manage two children at a time in most other situations (of course, I say that now...I haven't had to deal with two yet...give me a few months ;)). There's some give and take from everyone. Also, the younger one may be ready to start learning some of the same things as the older, depending on maturity and comprehension levels...especially if the age difference isn't too great. And then, there's always the ability to teach during real-life situations...little kids can have fun at the zoo even though it is part of the lesson plan for the older sibling, ya know?

I dunno what, if any, religion you practice; but if you're Christian and you happen to have any mega-churches near you, often they'll have a homeschooling co-op. This can be a good alternative to parochial school if you can't afford that but want the Christian-based education. Also, these types of churches often have sports leagues for the kids to participate in.

[Sarah]

My DD is pretty young- so we're doing kindergarten stuff at this point, but yeah, it's really hard to do while DD2 (2) is awake. We do a lot of the concrete stuff during DD2's nap time, and the rest of it is basically regular stuff we'd do anyway at this age, kwim?

As they get older it's way more challenging. My friend has kids who are 8, 5, 3, 1, and another due any day, and she has real trouble getting the 3 and 1 year olds to not interfere a lot. She sets up special areas for their toys and those are only for use when the older ones are doing HS stuff. Like you only get to play with these puzzles/tea set/play food when the older ones do HS. They feel special that way.

For many HSers, school isn't very formal; it's as Lml said, very relaxed and not worksheets and tests, etc. So it's easier to incorporate various age groups.

I found a ton of HSing people through my church, also through yahoo groups and CL.

[Sarah]

Jeast-
I got my degree at Penn, too, and ST in public schools in West philly, too!

[Rico'sAlice]

I really like the idea behind a homeschool co-op. Does anyone know how I can go about finding out if such a thing exists in my community?

TIA!

I found a group for my county just searching in Yahoo groups.


(I've have a lot more to say towards the general debate, but will have to come back tomorrow.)

[Toonces]

Toonces, I'm sorry; I hadn't noticed that you had replied to Femmie. I wasn't trying to make it look like people should ignore your suggestions! In fact, I'm going to look at them, myself. :)

LOL! np - I didn't take it that way at all. :cool: