I want to home school my 5 yr old who is about to enter public school...I am new to this, need advice. Thanks!

Question

Live in Texas

Answer 1

You've had a couple of good answers here, so I just want to add a couple of things.

1. Do a search on different homeschooling philosophies, such as classical, Charlotte Mason, unschooling etc. If you find something that really excites you, you know what to research further. If you choose to follow a particular style (more or less,) you can join a related online group. They're very good places for finding advice from others doing similar things to yourself. For example, I'm on The Well Trained Mind forum, since we base our homeschool off that. More or less :)

2. http://www.homeschoolreviews.com is a very handy site. Not exhaustive, but gives you a good idea of what is out there, and why a particular program may or may not suit you. eg. Fidgety kids tend to learn their maths easier with manipulatives to keep their fingers busy.

3. Amazon reviews are pretty handy too.

4. Draw yourself up a table with grade level down one side and subjects across the top, and start filling it in with suitable resources.  Obviously you'll change your mind as you go along, but if you don't have a plan, you don't get started. Besides, it's a good exercise to help you refine your ideas on what sort of education you want to provide. Having long term goals makes it easier to work out what your short and medium term goals should be. This is not going to be necessary if you use a boxed curriculum, but you don't have to use a boxed curriculum unless you really want to.

Answer 2

In Texas, you don't have to do anything about notifying the state; if your child is already enrolled at school, simply withdraw them.  If not, no notification is necessary.

In Texas, all homeschools are considered private schools, so there is very little (if any) state oversight.  Therefore, you have complete control over your child's education, meaning you can tailor it directly to their needs without worrying about the state stepping in.

If you're anywhere close to Plano, I'd suggest going to the NTHEN convention in a couple of weeks (Aug. 22-23) - there will be all sorts of seminars, vendors with goodies to look through (rather than having to guess at it online), and experienced homeschool families to talk with.  If you're in southern TX, I believe there's also one down by Houston (The Woodlands, maybe?) in the next couple of weeks.

For a 5yo, you pretty much just keep doing what you've likely already been doing - read stories, take walks, discover plants in the garden, go to the zoo, etc.  Early childhood learning is all about discovery - and homeschooling a young child is all about discovering with them.  As you notice your child's readiness develop for certain skills, simply provide them with the resources and instruction to learn those skills.  (That's where the conventions come in handy - you'll get all sorts of great ideas, and maybe some resources on sale, for when your child is ready.)

And don't pay attention to the socialization police on Y!A - not sure when it became "common knowledge" that kids only see other people when they're crammed into a classroom for 6-8 hours per day, but it seems that there are a lot of people who think that.  :)

Answer 3

Take a look at this article that tells about homeschool success.It has some good tips.

http://www.homeschoolsecrets.blogspot.co...

Best of Luck to You!

jana

http://www.purehomeschooling.com

Answer 4

Well, to keep your child social, you will want to concentrate on group activities and try and break into the local home schooled community.

Also, its a decision that your child should be involved in as it will have the most effect on them.

Home schooling isn't always appropriate...If I were you, I'd go see an education guidance counselor (well thats what they call them here) they could definitly guide you to an appropriate learning path for your child, be it whats best for the child or best to achieve your intent for the child.

Answer 5

its normal  you have to let him or her go out in to the world or else they wont have a social life   not that many friends   you should let her shell be happpppppppppppppppppppppier:)

Answer 6

The other thing that you could check into. Is see if their is K12 virtual school in your state. It is individualized learning with the help of teachers and counselors without sending them to school.

Answer 7

are you home schooling them b/c you are nervous about them going to public school? it really is a big decision to home-school. all i can say is that if you choose to home school, make sure your kid socializes with other kids - people outside of the family. maybe they would like to join a youth sports team or club.

Answer 8

You should Google "home school associations" and the State board of education in Texas to see if there is an association near you, and to find out what's required of Kindergardeners by the State Board.  After that, you can visit with some home schoolers near you probably.  My sister-in-law home schools through an organization here in Illinois, and her kids are way ahead of the public school kids.  The organization also sponsors some group activities so socialization is not a problem.  Good luck.

Answer 9

Homeschooling is a great option especially if you want to be able to choose school curriculum that is custom -made for your child. You won't be confined to a classroom and you get to spend precious time with your kids. Many people will tell you that homeschool children will not be socialized. This is a myth held by those that don't know any better.  If you're trying to avoid your kids from being socialized in public school--homeschool them!