Looking for advise from veteran homeschool moms?

Question

I am about 90% sure I will homeschool my son next year. I have given up on the school dist. and they are on their last straw with me. They begged for one more chance, but I do not think they will pull through. My son has been physically and verbally attacked by many bullies this year. The most recent one involved a pair of scissors, but he was not hurt. The kid got 3 days suspension with POSSIBLE alternative school. They are still voting on that. Please add me to your contact, I am very serious and know I am capable of teaching my son. He actually wants to be homeschooled, so he is waiting on me to withdraw. I will probably do this at the beginning of next year, which will be his 8th grade. I have 2 other children and they are safe and doing well at their schools, and they have both decided as well that their brother is safer at home with me.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I live in Texas, btw, and have done some research, so I know a little about the process.

Answer 1

Whoa... what you describe is awful!

Well, I am neither a homeschool mom nor a veteran... I am a homeschool dad and I am a fairly quick study...

We started as well in middle school and our son is now in 9th.

Best decision we ever made.

Here are tidbits that might help you...

1) The first year will probably be the toughest... seems that most like us tend to over do it and be way too structured and rigid that first year.

2) Find out about and join a local homeschool group... even if you wait until next year to start, perhaps join in some group activities now.

3) Find out about any homeschool book fairs / conventions that may be coming around to your area.  Attend, look at products, curriculum hands-on.

4) Plan on doing it long term - through high school.

5) As your son gets into the groove of homeschooling, it will become easier for you.  You will probably find yourself becoming more of a coach / guidance counselor for a high school age kid that has learned to learn and be responsible for his own work.

All that being said: Why wait?  If your son is constantly being bullied and even threatened with scissors and the school district is unwilling to take appropriate action to ensure the safety of your child... why wait?

Stick to the same curriculum this year that he is using at the PS.  You can get the exact same textbooks used online.  Plan ahead for next year and line up your books and materials. Get your son involved in deciding materials to use and thus "invested" in it.

Regardless, start now getting connected with other local homeschoolers.

Answer 2

I have added you to my contacts. Please feel free to email me! I'm not in Texas, but have been homeschooling for a while.

One question: How will your son benefit more by being in school than by being at home with you? Think about that. And if you decide you are going to homeschool, do think about pulling him out asap instead of waiting until next year. All those months could have been better spent instead of being abused.

Answer 3

OMG you are in the easiest state to home school in. Go to HSLDA www.hslda.org and check out the laws in your area.

Why wait? Does he need to be attacked again? You said the last incident involved a pair of scissors what more do you need? Please don't think I'm getting on you but in your case he's probably safer at home.

If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me and I will try to help if I can't answer I can call my sis and get answers she been doing this for 10 years and 5 kids. I know their are a few here from Texas they would know more about home schooling there.

God Bless and Good Luck!

Edit: Peace warrior has a small point find a place for everything and try to keep it there. But if its anything like my house I have a book shelf and books disapper all the time because the oldest is reading them.

Answer 4

I would just like to agree with the others that say you should pull him out today! The other answerer's pretty much said it all. You can let him get his confidence back and "recover" while you set up the curriculum. Don't worry about "getting behind," you will be moving at a good pace and probably cover more material in less time than the school does. You only have one student, not a class full.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I home schooled for many of the same reasons you mentioned.  Be ready to face oposition from the school district.  Ours told us it was illegal in Indiana to home school and reported us to the "attendance officer" and CPS.  They don't like to loose students because for every child they have in class per day they get federal money.  The kicker was almost a month after I withdrew my son I got a call from the school informing me my son was not in class that day.  I told them he was no longer a student in their school and had not been for about a month.  That really did not make me feel very secure about my son's friends who were still attending, a child could be missing for a month and the school did not notice?  Anyway, feel free to contact me.

Answer 6

I've hs'd my kids for 10 years and it has worked well for us.  I would echo what the other people have said about not leaving your son in this situation any longer.

Answer 7

Homeschooling in Texas is simple - no testing, no reporting, no recordkeeping, etc. This page has links to organizations that can provide info on withdrawing him:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

Your son should not have to endure a few more months of that treatment.  If it were my child, I would get him out of there ASAP!  Today would be his last day.

I would use these last few months to let him recover from what he's been through - join a support group, go on outings, let him discover his interests.

During that time, start thinking about homeschooling methods and what you want to use to teach him.  More info on that here:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

If you're in the DFW area there's a huge conference coming up in Arlington where you can look at materials.  

http://www.homeschoolbookfair.com

You could start his new program in the fall when his sibs go back to school.

Best wishes!

Answer 8

I'm glad to hear you've done some research.

Knowing what the state laws are is important.

Made sure that you know what qualifications you need to homeschool your child and that he is registered however he needs to be with the school district.

Also know what your school district offers. I'm in a different state but our public school has a program in which the parents remain the teachers but get to meet as a group and use the school facilities such a science classes etc. Our school district also offers homeschooled high school students the opportunity to graduate with the public school students of their class but have to meet certain criteria. Find out what you school district has to offer.

I hope in your research that you've looked at curricula that's on the market. You really need to research this because if you don't choose wisely then you'll have a tougher first year than necessary. The choices are many and it takes time to find a good fit for both parent and child. The more knowledge you have before purchasing the better off you will be. There are not only many curricula available but there are also many different teaching methods and theories find out what they are.

I would recommend doing a little reading up on learning styles and figuring out which is your son's most dominate one...auditory, visual, hands on, or reading it all out of a book.

I would also recommend finding a homeschool group in your area. They can offer activities and support as well as encouragement and experience.

Find out if there's a homeschool convention coming up in your community or in a larger one near by. There's a state convention held every year in my state which includes a book fair. The book fair alone is worth it because you can take a look at the books and materials right then and there. But if it's possible to attend some of classes that would be worthwhile too. Almost all of the classes and seminars at our convention are conducted by homeschooling parents who live in our region.

I've included several suggestions and I know it will take time to do it all and it sounds like your son needs to be taught from home as of yesterday. The most important research you probably need to focus on is what the laws are and what your school district offers then move on to the curricula search.

We used a mixture of curricula because of our financial situation. Personally I found that going with all our materials from one company was more than we could afford.

Also be aware that it is important what you teach at the 8th grade because the next step is high school. In our school district the math and some of the social studies courses either count towards or are important to have completed before high school.

Even though we were experienced at homeschooling doing so at the high school level was more than a bit intimidating and that's when we choose to use a correspondance course and to me it was worth it.

Our state also has a program that's offered to all high school students which allows them to take classes at the local community college while or instead of attending high school and they receive credit for both college and high school at the same time. This program is offered for Juniors and Seniors only, I believe. The really motivated students end up graduating high school and community college at the same time. This program is also available to homeschooling families but again they have to work closely with the school district to make it happen.

You could see if a similar program is or some other kinds of programs are offered by your school district and state.

Answer 9

I am a homeschool mom who majored in Secondary Education, but instead of teaching in a public institution, I chose to homeschool. I think that the general public is very uninformed about homeschooling today, and still relies on the old stereotype of the "shy unsocialized hermetic homeschooler" who never leaves their home and has no friends. It is so inaccurate. My kids are very social and anything but shy! We live in a suburb of Kansas City, and there are hundreds, maybe thousands of other Hschoolers in our small area. Nationwide, there are millions of us. We are active members of several local groups for homeschool famlies, and we take part in at least one social activity every day, outside of our home. Activities are set up and organized by moms through yahoo email loops. Our local homeschool groups offers the following activities to name a small few; Girl and Boy Scout troops, 4H, campfire, bowling, gymnastics, swimming, horseback riding, art, choir, and gym classes, holiday parties, book clubs, a 2 hour long recess time every week, plus park days, field trips, picnics and academic fairs. These are just a few of the many things we do while everyone else is in school). When we are not doing our lessons, we are always on the go, and it is ironic that we call ourselves homeschoolers since we spend so much time away from home! Homeschoolers have the advantage of one on one personalized attention educationally, and we also dont have to waste a lot of time on discipline, paperwork, and busywork. We can get our lessons done in a couple hours each morning, and then get on with enjoying our hobbies and friends. We also have the advantage of making closer more meaningful friendships because our kids have the time for more playdates and outings, instead of sitting, bored and institutionalized behind a desk all day. I find it ridiculous that public schools are thought of as a great place to socialize! How can kids socialize when they have to sit silently and listen for 8 hours a day?? Homeschoolers have the time to learn at their own pace, to spend time with friends, and just be kids, without the pressures and negative influences of public school. Homeschool kids are not hermits and they are not freaky nerds. They are just really lucky kids who get to enjoy life and learning every day. No child is left behind in a homeschool, and socialization is the best reason to homeschool. Public school creates a harsh artificial society where children are raised by their peers. Homeschoolers live and learn in the real world. For more info, read the book; "The Well adjusted Child; The Social Benefits of Homeschooling", by Rachel Gathercole,

or Dumbing Us Down; The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling, by John Taylor Gatto

Answer 10

You're gonna be fine, but I would offer this bit of advice.

Have an area that is specifically designated for your Home School. It can change if your first location(s) don't work out logistically, but always have a CERTAIN, SPECIFIC, and DESIGNATED area for your Home School "classrom." The area can be as small and compact as just the size of one desk, or as large as a small room with desk, reading "sofa/chair," and testing area.

This facilitates both scheduling, testing, and also lets your child be plainly aware of when school is not in session, which will be great for you and your peace of mind as well.

Lastly, I am one that says the area is off-limits for anything else, but there are parents who have successfully made the Home School area a dual use area in the home.

God Bless you for loving your child OUT of public school. Both you and he will be forever grateful for your decision.

Have fun and good luck!

Answer 11

I concur with other posters on this board~ Get your son out now!!! He is not in high school so he will not lose credits!

I have been homeschooling for the past 15 years and we are very unconventional. I have had 2 kids graduate from our homeschool and one is married, the other lives away from home. Both are living successful lives. Another girl graduates this year in May and then I have one more to go in two years.

I do not live in TX, but OH. However I know a woman who homeschools in your state and I could help you connect. You can also contact your state homschool association.

If you would want to contact me for anything, please feel free to do so.

And, YES!!! You are the mom, therefore, you are more than qualified to teach your own child!!! You are the "expert" when it comes to your children. No one else knows your children and their needs like you do. Do not allow anyone to tell you otherwise.

Answer 12

Well, we have been in the same position but with us it was more that the school couldn't provide what we needed. I think it is the best thing you can do for a child keeping in mind that you are still sacrificing alot. be sure that you join groups and stuff because you dont want lack of social interaction. hope this bit of advice helped!

Answer 13

Do whatever the law requires you to do. Then tell the school that they have failed your child and they are lucky you aren't suing them.

Bring your kid HOME. Find a good support group - (local or net based). Talk to veteran homeschoolers.

I am happy to discuss homeschooling ideas and support in depth with people. All you have to do is email me or join my homeschool list. Even though it is FL (laws will probably be different) we have a lot of resources. http://www.FLHomeschoolers.com

Answer 14

1.  Join HSLDA

2.  Withdraw today.

3.  Decompress -- take a week or two, or even three and spend time having fun.  Work on crafts.  Go on field trips.  Meet other homeschoolers and attend gym days, parents meetings, etc.  Invite other home-schooled kids and their parents to do things with you.  Read together.  Play scrabble and other educational games.

4.  After your initial re-orientation :-)  Start into a simple and effective method of study.  Work on only the basics and later IF you see a need or want to do it go ahead and add in other things.

Remember that the basics -- math, reading, and writing -- are the the foundation and back-bone of any other academic pursuit.

Enjoy your time together -- both in learning and in play!  Your son will benefit so much from this --- God will bless you for taking on this wonderful responsibility.  I wouldn't be surprised if your other children figure out how much better off they will be by homeschooling too!

Answer 15

Please tell me what your son will gain by staying in school until summer?    I urge you to do your research quickly and pull him out as soon as you can.  

When bullying and violence starts it affects how kids start to think about themselves.    It doesn't take much for a very low self-esteem to set in and it can take years to overcome.   Some kids are strong enough to fight that, other can't.

I homeschool all 3 of my kids and we have come to love the lifestyle.  

Good luck!

Answer 16

I don't homeschool just yet but am fully planning on it and have done ALOT of research. My good friend lives in Texas and homeschools her kids. Best state to be in if your going to homeschool. You need to pick a program that you would like to use to teach from. You should go here:  http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp. I will add you to my contacts and ask her what she uses. You didn't state how old your son was btw. That would really help to know. That website I gave you is great because it tells you the requirements state by state. Good luck.