I'm thinking of homeschooling my child next year, any advice?

Question

I have a gifted son who is 8. He is going into 3rd grade but next year I was thinking of doing homeschool because I feel that he learns quicker then the rest of the students. His teachers do not have time to give him the one on one attention that could lead to his early success.

What should I do to start preparing for this and how about social life. I heard there are programs for home school children where they meet up and do things.

Those of you that do this, how hard is it and is it something you can do while still having a career?

Answer 1

Homeschooling is a good option for gifted students. Read Genius Denied-an excellent book

For his social life, make sure he is involved in sports, church  or music or something he enjoys outside of schoolwork. Volunteer as a family, join online support groups for homeschoolers.

You may be able to do this while still having a career but it would be difficult unless you have flex hours. Search for homeschool support groups in your city and check with the churches in your city too. Support groups are a great way to stay connected for your son and yourself.

For online programs-check the k12 site at http://www.k12.com/homeschool

You son is lucky to have you looking out for his best interests!

Best of Luck!

jana

http://www.purehomeschooling.com

Answer 2

Depending on the state that you live in, you might be able to consider cyber school. They usually customize the curriculum for you and then you will not have to do so much work. The teachers are responsible for the lessons and the grading. You can then spend more time working with your son.

Check out www.palcs.org, it is a cyber school in PA.

Answer 3

Well, like anything, the more you know about what you are doing, the fewer difficulties you will have. Many people homeschool and work outside the home. It is tricky to juggle, but if you really want to, you'll find ways. You can school on weekends and holidays, you can school in the evenings. You can teach him some subjects when you are home, and his dad can teach others. Oh, you can send him to grandma's for cooking lessons and provide a reading list for them to work through if that's how things are going to work.

His social life will be taken care of the way most people take care of it. We talk to people in shops, we join clubs, and there may be a local homeschool group to join. People really worry too much about the social aspect, as though one can't be properly socialising unless they are with other children all day every day. You'll probably find your little guy will be just fine with two or three social activities a week.

He may be gifted, but he's still only 8. Make sure you don't push too hard, and that he spends time making noise and mess like all kids should ;) You might consider reading "The Well Trained Mind" by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise. It's a very thorough curriculum, but like anything, you can tweak it to suit your circumstances. It makes a good reference guide anyway. They have a website where you can get the gist of their ideas, and sponsor an online forum. There are many knowledgable people on there who can answer all questions and give advice.