How and when should I start homeschooling?

Question

Ok, so I FINALLY convinced my parents for this whole homeschooling thing. I'm probably going to stay home and do the work, the virtual classes, but I was wondering if there are any actual local groups for homeschoolers? You know, like you meet with the other parents and work with other children? If yes, then how does that actually work?

My other question is that I have my final state test coming up next week, and it is on March 6th or something. I know this is really exciting, but should I finish the actual year in this horrible public school? I can't stand it and I hate it so much, and I could just put everything down and start homeschooling right away but I don't know if this is even possible ..

Also, if you homeschool, what is your like daily schedule?

Answer 1

Yes, there are local homeschooling groups where homeschooling families get together.  

Try doing a computer search on Yahoogroups for homeschooling groups in your area.  Or look on bulletin boards at the public library.  Or ask if the librarians know of any homeschoolers (they tend to since homeschoolers use the library more than average people and they usually stand out since they are often at the library during school hours).  Or call your school district and ask them if they know of any.  Try looking online at your state's Dept. of Education (or whatever they call it) website and see if they list homeschooling groups.  Or join an online national homeschooling group and then ask if anyone knows of any local homeschooling groups in your area.

As to what the local groups do:  Well, it depends on the group.  Some just get together at a park and hang out.  Some have meetings where the adults discuss homeschooling concerns while the kids play.  Some set up field trips to go on together.  Some just "talk" online about homeschooling and local resources.  Some have "co-op classes" where the parents will share the teaching on a subject that several are interested in; some have not-quite co-op classes where one parent runs a class that others pay to attend.  Some organize special events, like homeschool proms or science fairs or plays or whatever else they are interested in.  Anyway, homeschool support groups can be a lot of different things, depending on what the group members want and whether anyone's interested in organizing it.

Personally, I'd say that if you are going to homeschool, there's no time like *right now!*  Why wait until the end of the school year?  There's no rule that says you can only homeschool starting in the Fall.  If you are going to do virtual classes, can you sign up for them now?  If you can do the classes you want, why wait?  And, yes, you can start homeschooling at any time (just like you could move and start at a new school at any time during the school year).

Our daily schedule is very fluid.  Meaning, it varies a lot from day to day and from week to week.  We have some set things, such as martial arts classes that we take with other homeschoolers, and activities that we participate in weekly at the local public library.  Otherwise, we're pretty loose.  We do some lessons in the morning and some in the afternoon (on most days); we don't have a time set for each lesson--you don't need that if you're at home.  You just need to set goals for how much you want to accomplish (say, 5 lessons in math each week and one chapter of science a week) and then do it.  You'll most likely find that you get the work done much faster and have more free time, time to read great books, get involved in events or competitions or hobbies, or whatever you'd like to do.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You shouldn't be homeschooled!

I hate it!

No friends!

No social life!

Nothing!

My schedule is like....I wake up....Do school....And have the rest of my day to stay at home all day....While people have friends, and a life....And I stay on yahoo answers all day....

Sound like a good life?

(That's just me though)

According to people on here....It's not like that....

=)

Answer 3

You can check on your state's laws at Homeschool Legal Defense Association (www.youcanhomeschool.org). Some states have requirements for the teachers (i.e. Mom and/or Dad), as well as attendance, subjects, reporting, testing, etc. Most all areas have local homeschool groups for activities, field trips, co-ops, etc. Just do a search on "homeschool, (your city or county)" since not all groups are listed on the HSLDA website. Different groups vary in how they're set up and how they function, so you'll have to find out from your local group(s).

As to when you can start, it all depends on what state you're in. You should be able to start anytime, but check with a homeschool organization in your state and your local school district to find out the proper procedure for withdrawing from public school.

Homeschooling is a wonderful option for many families if taken seriously. I hope this helps!