Im going to homeschool..?

Question

Ive decided to homeschool my daughter that is in the 7th grade. Ive done alot of research and think its the right thing for her but I dont know where to start as far as getting materials and even knowing what I need. Im completely lost as far as getting everything started. Anything will help!

Answer 1

I would really suggest ordering a free catalog from Rainbow Resource Center - it's a family-owned homeschool curriculum distribution center, their catalog is literally the size of a phone book.

They carry tons of curriculum for every level, subject, learning style, and budget.  Something like 85-90% of the curriculum is discounted, which is kinda nice as well :-)  They also offer free shipping for orders of $150 or more.  

Look through there, see what you think would work, and look it up online.  Talk with other homeschoolers in your area, see what curriculums they like.

Here's the link: http://www.rainbowresource.com/index.php

This is where I get the majority of my curriculum.  Once you find something you like, you can also look it up at the following links to see if the prices are better:

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://timberdoodle.com/  (not as large, but they've got some great stuff!)

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Well not to be mean. But im in 10th grade and im homeschooled...lets just say I HATE IT! its boring and theres no one to talk to (like kidds). I havent go to go through the Highschool things that every1 should go through!!!Im going back to school next year.Homeschooling is only good if the Public schools suck in your area! Did you ask her? My parents thought it would be a great idea and it wasnt. I found myself arguing with anybody in the house just because I was there 24-7.Im not trying to tell you what to do.I just think you should "re-think it"

Answer 3

look homeschooling isnt good. idk y u think its the "right choice". Your daughter will pretty much be regected from social life. She wont develop the rest of the way and cling onto you.

Answer 4

First -

Find out the grade related educational requirements of your state.  You can usually find these online in PDF format using your favorite search engine and typing in "Scope and Sequence" + "your state"  

This will give you a guideline to follow when planning your curriculum.

Second -

Do you have an education philosophy?  Are you interested in a secular (not religion centered)?  Do you want a Biblically based curriculum?  Are you interested in the classical education philosophy or something literature based?  Are you interested in child led learning (unschooling) or an eclectic - whatever works best style?

These questions are important & some of the most difficult - because you must look within yourself and your family for the answers.  No one else can tell you what will be best for you here.  But once you have a feel for your style, move on to selecting a curriculum (or designing one of your own - piecemeal or from scratch) and getting connected with other folks with similar philosophies.

Below you will find links to sites about a wide variety of home education philosophies.

Third -

Get connected!  Check out online communities, yahoo groups, and call your local library to find out if there are homeschooling groups in your area.  Establishing a supportive network of other homeschooling families is so important - not only for beginners, but for established home educators - there are times when we all need someone to lean on who really has "been there."

Also - if you are still confused about all the curriculum options these are the folks who can tell you what has (or hasn't) worked for them!

Fourth -

Books Books Books!  For you, there are so many books on homeschooling.  They are encouraging, they are informative, and they will help you keep an open mind toward homeschoolers with other styles.   And for your daughter - you simply can not go wrong establishing a love of reading.

I hope you find this helpful (please be sure to check the links!)  

Don't hesitate to contact me through my profile if you would like further assistance.

Answer 5

The vast amount of materials out there can be mind boggling indeed.

Narrow it down to a few subjects that you, and your daughter would like to start with, and get the books needed to do these.

In the beginning you will also find out how she learns best, and you will be able to adjust the books, and materials to suit her learning style.

Being in the 7Th grade really says little as to where she would be academically, because grade levels mean absolutely nothing when it comes to individual ability.

She may be ahead in some area's and needs extra practice in others.

Come middle/high school level our children have always been at multiple levels, since they had different interests, and academic strengths.

Most home school curriculum's are written in a manner where they are easily understood for students who study independently, or instructors who may not have had a lot of prior experience in the subject, making it simple to teach or move ahead on their own if they'd choose to do so.

I would start at a grade level that you think is best for her, but do not hesitate to either go lower, or higher depending on her  ability to grasp the material.

Many of the curriculum's have on line tests to see where to place your student as well.

I'll give you a few discount home school web sites, and a general one that has information on just about any question you may still have about home schooling.

Good Luck.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/

http://www.angelfire.com/or/mtdewbydo/se...

http://www.unschooling.com/

http://ebiz.netopia.com/clpress/

http://www.homeschools.org/

http://www.rocksolidinc.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/html/specia...

http://www.elp-web.com/

http://www.libraryanded.com/

http://www.planetcdrom.com/free-homescho...

http://www.educationallearninggames.com/...

Answer 6

sounds to me like you need a little more research. ck with local churches...they generally have homeschooling support groups and curriculum that you can use.

Why are you deciding to homeschool?

Answer 7

If you are looking for what works for us, here are some names:

Math- Saxon

Science- Apologia (highly recommend!)

Language Arts- Abeka (very challenging though if it hasn't been used all along, but a great curriculum.)

History we do with a co op, but we have read a lot of Historical fiction and biography's. I also have used Alpha Omega Lifepacs as a resource.

We also use Spelling Power for spelling, Wordly Wise for Vocabulary. Abeka again for health.

I also agree with the person who said to use the library.

Hope this helps!

Answer 8

Check with local churches, my mom has a friend that we go to church with that got us started on homeschooling, almost everyone in our church homeschools their kids including my boy friend's mom there should also be homeschool groups in your area hope that this helped you!

Answer 9

Well, I have been homeschooled for 7 years now.  We have always used ABeka curriculum...I love it!

You will need to buy all of the books, and then a lesson plan book (From your local teachers store) and when you get the books, you will have to do lesson plans, read through the Teacher curriculum guide, and it tells you "For lesson one do spelling list 1" ect ect.....Good Luck!

Answer 10

Find a local (or online) homeschool support group. They can help you decide which curriculum will work for your daughter. What works best for one student may be a disaster for another one. I agree with another answerer about Rainbow Resource. It's a huge catalog with lots of info on all of the stuff they sell. Timberdoodle is great too. There is a website where homeschooling parents review different curriculums. I think it is www.homeschoolreviews.com. Check it out too. Talk to your daughter about how she likes to learn. Some kids thrive on workbooks (like School of Tomorrow's ACE Paces, or Alpha Omega). Others actually do better in a classroom like setting and would enjoy online or dvd programs (like Abeka or Bob Jones University) that they watch a teacher teach the class. They can rewind anytime they miss what the teacher said. A student who loves to read would enjoy a curriculum that revolves around literature or history.  Many subjects are included curriculums like this.  There are also companies that help you put together a package for your child. Satelite or charter schools are great for those who need someone besides mom to answer to. Many of those carry School of Tomorrow. BJU and Abeka also have those.  There are so many options, I could go on and on...

The local BOE will give you a paperwork packet that tells you what you need to do as far as they are concerned. In my experience, they aren't much help otherwise. I don't mean to be putting BOE down by saying that, it's just that their concern is public schooled children not homeschooled ones. Most states laws are easy to comply with and as long as you do what is required of you , you don't have to worry about them pestering you. Good Luck with your new adventure! P~

Answer 11

Well, most people buy SCHOOL in a Box programs.  Some cherry pick them taking a Math program from this vendor and a Science program from that vendor.

Some buy materials at places like Barnes and Noble and design their own program.

You do have to  comply with local law which can be anything for nothing to keeping role, filing papers with the district, meeting with a teacher peridocally, sending reports in weekly or monthly.  Some states require an Accredited program be used.

This is like A Beka, Penn Foster, etc.

Some mix it up with unschooling which can include educational "toys" like telescopes, microscopes or watch Discovery or History Channel on cable.  Field trips to museums and theater productions.

Sports is also a good idea.  Softball, soccer league, bowling, gymastics, the Y, Karate.

7th grade covers Earth Science, pre Algebra or even Algebra if they are ready (have fractions and decimals fully learned).  Advanced world history and geography.  English Literature (reading classic short stories or even long works) and Composition (essays, sentence structure, etc.)

For some good science toys there is Edumunds Scientific on the internet or Radio Shack.

Electronics kits, optics, weather instruments, a small telescope.

All of this counts as either shop or Earth Science.

It can get a little expensive, but it's not going to cost $15,000 a year like college will cost.

A trip to a local Plantarium for a plantarium show will also help with science is cheaper.

Maybe a local college has a Planetarium or telescope they let visitors look through.

There are also on line telescopes and science views and algebra help.

These days you can get a $10 book on Weather at Barnes and Noble, read it, watch the Weather Channel on cable or go to a Weather site on the internet and see how it all works and you do this until you understand isobars, high pressure, low pressure, jet streams and then you have FAR more extnesive Earth Science Weather understanding than any high school will provide.

Answer 12

You need to go to the local public library and make the librarian your best friend.  The Library will be a wonderful resource for your child.   As for materials lists and such she may have some info on what you need for your child's level and your states requirements etc....

Answer 13

well , im in highschool and i am homeschooled from a program called north dakota division of independent study. and i am doing pretty good and it is a great program if you pay for the class that you would like to teach her the materials come with it and is included in the bill gbut it really is not that expensive and most classes have an option of doing it online or on paper. and you could be a superviser for her and help her along the way with anything she needs but its great if you are planning on homeschooling. their online address is NDISonline.org

hope i helped

Answer 14

The Homes School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) has information on how to legally homeschool in your state.  Additionally, their website has information on how to get started in homeschooling, homeschool support groups in your state, etc.  

I wanted to give you the link but, unfortunately, I cannot access their website right now, but if you "google" HSLDA, you will find it.

Answer 15

google "homeschool catalogue"  

You'll have lots of catalogues come up.  Get them all ordered and look through them.

There are some neat programs out there.   I love Five in a Row (Above and Beyond Five in a Row for that age), Math U See and so many other great programs that are out there.

Answer 16

1-888-YOUR-K12 www.K12.com.

I use this program and it is a great one! Maybe free depending on where you live.

Answer 17

There are support groups all over the country.  Just Google home school and your city

Answer 18

I would start by talking to the Administration of your school district.  You also might want to type in your browser getting started in homeschooling.  I have heard that some districts will pay for the computer, but you will want to ask that question yourself, of course.  Good Luck!

Answer 19

I would start by talking to somebody important (The bord of Edacution, The pricnibal, The superindendent ETC.,Etc.,) and possibly your childs teacher. Ask them about homeschooling.

Answer 20

Sorry we can't tell you exactly wear to start but we can give you lots of great recommendations! First have you been to www.hslda.org or any site that tells you the laws of your state? Second do you want her to have a Christian or Secular education? That will depend a lot on the type of curriculum you ultimately chose. Next for you is she's an older child used to being with her friends all day so is she wanting to do this as well? If she doesn't be prepared for a fight in everyday work but stick too it! My sis had that problem when she brought her oldest home from school but he was in second or third grade at the time. Do you want a charter school that's done on line or do you want an at home program? There are tons of on-line programs. We see a lot of Penn Foster High School here there's also Lighthouse Christian Academy for a charter or if you want workbooks you could try ACE. Lighthouse and ACE are at www.schooloftomorrow.com Then there is Sonlight which is a christian program but if you don't want that you can easily take the bible stuff out and you have a secular program. All you have to do is pick a Math and Science book for that a lot of people use Saxon math and Apologia science(Its Christian). www.sonlight.com I know how overwhelming it can be to start this. Good Luck and God bless!

Answer 21

GO TO SCHOOL!!!!!

Answer 22

online schooling!!! you don't do anything there is a teacher that teaches your child.

Answer 23

I know exactly what you are going through...what a huge decision!  Sometimes when you are just started out, choosing a curriculum can be overwhelming.  I have just written an article comparing and contrasting online homeschool curricula websites, so if you want to check into that, feel free to link to my article: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...

For a beginner, an online curriculum might provide just the level of support you need in order to feel like you are getting all your bases covered.  Good luck!