I need to know everything that anyone can tell me on homeschooling!!!?

Question

ok so the answers to my last post were amazing and really broke in my parents for the whole idea of homeschooling. Thank you so much everyone!! I wish i could give more than one best answer!

Ok so now i need to know any info on homeschooling possible from a homeschooler's point of view. no links to websites please! i've tried websites and they just don't give the information i'm looking for. I need you guys!! here are some questions that need answering:

How does homeschooling work?

How does the schedule of homeschooling work?

Since my parents can't, who can homeschool me if i do not prefer online school (hypothetic)?

Do the same rules still apply, like dress code, chewing gum, using the phone, eating in class, etc..... if i have a tutor come to my home (if that is possible)?

Any other miscellaneous answers are appreciated! Thank you!

Answer 1

I started to answer you question, but I had too much to say.  I didn't want to fill the whole page with one answer.  The following is the simplified answers to your questions:

1) depends

2) depends

3) anyone (unless it's changed, probably depends on state)

4) no, but i'm sure there will be rules

Answer 2

I can tell you how it works for us.  My younger kids are taught, by me, four days a week, from about 9:00 am to about 11:00 am.  We use a program called Sonlight.  We really like it.  It's especially great if you are a lover of literature.  My fifteen year old nephew is on line schooled.  He comes to my house to do his schooling, but I don't really have to do anything with him.  He is predominantly self educated, by this point.  My kids ride dirt bikes.  Once their work is done and they have completed their chores, they're free to ride all afternoon, if they want.  Some afternoons are spent on field trips, outings, hikes, workshops, sports, swimming and what not.  My nephew pretty much chooses what he wants to join us in.  He has his own groups he hangs with.  His mom reciprocates by occasionally babysitting for me.  We're in Canada.  Our government funds us to homeschool.  Our kids are tested in grades 3,6,9 and 12.  My kids are crazy about this whole thing, and I don't think they'd go back to "school" if I paid them to!  If you're willing to work at it and be responsible for your own grades, it could really work for you.  And just so you know, turn a deaf ear to all of the "socialization" nonsense you're going to hear.  It's NOT an issue.

Answer 3

Okay, ah, there's so much to say here! :)

One of my little sayings is homeschool = freedom, so honestly I really can't give you direct answers to your questions. I can tell you how I do it, but you need to chose what works best for you. You normally figure this out after you start working and getting into the groove of it.

First, how homeschooling works for me. Homeschooling, especially at the middleschool/highschool level is teaching yourself. Ususally there is minimal interaction with your parents, unless you have a question, which is like just about the same as when you would do homework in school.

Second, how does the schedule of homeschooling work for me and my family. I use an online school, so all my work is done on the internet. I usually take about 2 hours to do schoolwork. Sometimes longer if I'm behind or if the assignments are really involved. I have three brothers that use computer curriculum, that you pretty much dowload onto your computer. My brother in 6th grade takes 3 hours or less every day to do all of his work, and does really well. He has minimal help from my mom, but usually he works with her at night if he does have problems. My brother in 4th grade takes longer because he recieves more attention from my mom. We all work on the basic english, math, history, and science. We also all take Bible and Latin class, I take other electives, and my brothers have penmanship class.

Since you're parents can't homeschool you, and if you decide that you don't like the idea of online schooling, there are other choices before you decide someone else needs to step in. You may want to find out what curriculums that don't require a lot of work from the parents.

As far as using a possible tutor, I'm not honestly sure how that would work, because I don't know anyone that does, but I did look at NY's laws, and it seems as if you can use one. If you do use a tutor I'm not sure what kind of rules would apply.

I really like homeschooling. It's so much fun, and like I said it gives a chance for so much freedom! Freedom of learning, schedules, and pretty much everything.

Good luck with everything! :)

Answer 4

Hey

I got home schooled from the age of 14

I definately prefered it than school.

I think being home schooled from age 12 is okay.

I had a teacher come to my house and teach me

At school you could be studying like 5 hours a day, being home schooled it could be just 5 hours a week.

So homeschooling can bring you down, depending on how you do it.

But to be honest I don't think you would have that option in America, in England there are places where teachers are based who can go to your house for free and stuff, they are who cause problems, and who I had.

But it was better than school and I don't regret being home schooled.

Seriously though make sure you study yourself too

You can pay for a teacher to go to your house, they should be good and know there subjects, but like I said, I recommend you study yourself too in your spare time.

I am now 17 and a college student.

Also, would you still have people to be friends with if you arn't going to school or something.

Answer 5

Homeschooling, traditionally, is where the parents teach the children.  Some parents use an unschooling method where the parents are more of a facilitator than a teacher.  Having a tutor come to your house is not homeschooling-it is homebound through the public school.

There is no "schedule" with homeschooling.  Some states require a certain amount of hours per day, and/or days per year but it need not be as long as the public school.  I have a 4th grader and a 2nd grader, and we can be finished in 3-4 hours (though we do many other activities besides the basic, and that takes more time).

Depending on your age, a lot of dedicated older homeschool students can do the lessons themselves, with their parents supervision.  We use A Beka, and it is a Christian program but you should be able to find a program like it if you want.  They have an option where you get DVDs with a "teacher" giving a lesson.  You can contact the teacher with any questions.  Some states have requirements that it must be a parent homeschooling their child, some allow certified teachers to act as teachers...it all varies from state to state.

LOL-you can homeschool in your pajamas if you want, and gum does not hurt anything.  Using the phone would probably be distracting.  Homeschooling is nothing like public school.  The chewing gum rule is generally in place because students put it under the desks, etc.  Eating in class would be distracting and create more mess.  The rules do not apply at home.

I wish you the best!

Answer 6

u stay home and some one comes and helps u like school with out deskes every thing in real school is the same rules.The same time its just like real school!

Answer 7

Wow, I'm glad Y!A can help!  I didn't get a chance to reply to your first question.

>>How does homeschooling work?

Well, "true" HS'ing, not "public school at home", is different for every family, and every student.  There are many methods, many choices in curriculum, and just, well, MANY choices!  That's the beauty of it.  I was thinking today, while giving my son a spelling test and multi-tasking at the same time (reading a HS review site in Y!Groups) how great it is that I can tailor-make his education.  It fits his learning style, his academic level, and his pace.  That's what you can do, also.  You have a LOT of control over what, and how, you learn.

Typically for 6th grade, a good portion of your work is independent work.  Your parent is there as an overseer when you have questions, or to participate in discussion.  For example, in literature.  You may orally discuss the protagonish and the antagonist, the plot, the metaphors, etc.

>>How does the schedule of homeschooling work?

You are free to come up with any schedule you want to.  That is *unless* you have "school at home".  But NY doesn't have virtual public schools, so you're fine there.  

We fit our "work" schedule around our activity schedule, not the other way around.  My son, who is 10, spends about 2 hours/day on direct schoolwork and another 2-6 hours on independent study.  With our curriculum, we do a "modified" block schedule.  We study math and one strand of Language Arts/English per day, but then each day of the week only has one other subject:  Monday - History, Tuesday - Art, Wednesday - Spanish, Thursday - Science and on Fridays - 3 classes at HS co-op.  His dad goes over his Algebra with him each evening, and they do science labs on the weekend.

We typically do direct school work from around 1-3 or 4 each day.

>>Since my parents can't, who can homeschool me if i do not prefer online school (hypothetic)?

Why can't they?  Do they work full time?  They can always help you when they are not working.  You can all work out a schedule.  Your mom can teach some subjects and your dad, others.  My husband is strong and Math & Science because he's an electrical engineer.  I'm good in Language Arts & History.  Together we learn Art & Music because I was never taught that in school from Kdg-12th grade.

Like I said, you can do your work mostly independently.  My son does at age 10.

>>Do the same rules still apply, like dress code, chewing gum, using the phone, eating in class, etc..... if i have a tutor come to my home (if that is possible)?

You'll have "house rules".  No TV until schoolwork and chores are done.  Can't play with the neighborhood kids if you didn't finish for the day.  Have to have "homework" during "family time" if you goofed off during your scheduled work time, etc.

My son does his work in boxer shorts.  I teach in old, comfy clothes and slippers.  He does work all over the house, and/or "on the go".  He lays on the floor or couch to read (except for handwriting practice).  He uses the bathroom when he wants, gets a snack when he wants, etc.

When you speak of a teacher coming to you, that is homeBOUND education through a public school.  Many replies so far reference that, but they think it's still homeschooling.  It is NOT.

You'll want to find out your learning style, and then find curriculua that works that way.  For instance, if you like to do things with your hands to learn, then find a very hands-on curriculum.  If you could sit around and read all day, then get a literature-rich curriculum.  If you enjoy time on the computer, get all, or part, of your curriculum via the 'net, DVD's, or CD-roms.  Or get subscription, online curriculua/supplemental stuff.  Here are some good ones:

http://www.cosmeo.com

http://www.brainpop.com

http://www.explorelearning.com

http://www.time4learning.com

http://www.cybered.com

If you spend time going through the archives here, you'll get a lot more info.  Just a search of my answers would help, since I HS a child about your age.  He's doing work from 5th grade to college level at age 10.  You can do the same.

Keep us posted on your progress!

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EDITED to add (yeah, I forgot something!)...

I forgot to tell you what curricula we use.  It's all secular:

http://www.k12.com

http://www.teachingtextbooks.com

http://www.power-glide.com

(and the sites I linked above)

Answer 8

I don't know how homeschooling works in other states.But in the state of Florida.You have to register with the local school board.And file a letter of intent to homeschool.We are required to get yearly test done by a state certified teacher.Or have what is called a portifollio review done.Which is also done by a certified teacher.You take in samples of your childs work along with your records of what the grades you gave your child.Or the end of chapter test you have given them.

You set your own schedule.It is what ever works for your situation.I personally start my son out at 9a.m. Monday - Thursday.And he is given a sertain amount of work to do.And When he is through with the work given.He is done for the day.He takes a lunch break around 12:30.And on Wednesdays he stops work at 11:45 to go to bowling practice (he is in a homeschool league).If he has done his work he can do what ever he wants when he gets back from practice.If he hasn't he finishes up when he gets back.I don't know what your state requires.But,  in Florida us parents have to sign the kids up for homeschooling.And we are responsible for them.Has far has making sure you kids do your work and pass your tests.If you don't do your work and fail your tests.We get put on a probation for one school year.And in that year you have to show improvement.Or we are forced to put you back in school.And we parents can face criminal charges.Has for whom teaches you in our state I don't think they care has long has you learn and pass your tests.

Has for the rules they are up to the person teaching you.I let my son do his work in he pajamas if he wants to.I don't let him talk on his cell phone or even have it near him durning work hours.He can snack if he wishes.As long as he doesn't spill on his work.

I personally think that homeschooling is the best way to go these days.Because of all of the violence in schools and the teachers acting inapproiately with the kids.Plus it really helps to have this option available for parents like me.Because my son has health issues and would miss a great deal of regular school because of it.Were being homeschooled he can rest when he needs to.