HomeSchool

HomeSchool questions and answers

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Q: Homeschool?
I am thinking very serious about taking my children out of public school and homeschool them. I don't know much about homeschooling. Our public schools are (in good words) the pits, and I want a better atmosphere and education for my children. Where can I get some good info.

A: Here are a couple of sights that have been helpful to me. Good luck :D

Q: homeschool?
Yeah I am starting homeschool but I want to know is there any good online places to get a legit ged Thanks.

A: Do you want a GED or a diploma...if you want a diploma try: www.americanschoolofcorr.com www.pennfoster.edu These you have to finish certain classes, and then you get your diploma.

Q: HomeSchool.......................?
What are some homeschool supplys? I homeschool my 7th grader now. {Please i dont want your opinions on homeschooling i homeschool for serious health reasons}

A: Get some suggestions from teachers. Buy textbooks for each subject that your child will be learning now.

Q: HOMESCHool????????????????????????????????????????????????
Ok so my mom got me a dvd set for school. 180 lessons and its one year ahead! And she dosent know 99% of it. and she wants us to review the matireal for 2 monuths after that. And shes going thru menapause HELP?????????????????????????????????

A: you gotta be kidding.

Q: When did you start to homeschool your child? Is it possible to start a child in homeschool kindergarten when?
When did you start to homeschool your child? Is it possible to start a child in homeschool (kindergarten) when they are younger than five years old?

A: Absolutely! There are some preschool programs like "Before Five in a Row", and also some phonics programs. I started my son right after he turned five and was still in "four-year-old" public preschool (as a peer model). I would have started him sooner, but I was still researching HS'ing him and different curricula. When my son did start, he had a mix of grades from Kdg to 2nd grade.

Q: Iamgoing to homeschool my son next year,can anyone refer me to an inexpensive lessonplans?
He will be in the 3rd grade and most homeschool places I looked into wants $60 per subject.. any other ideas? it is per subject like Math,english, etc...it is through Saxton at our homeschooling/teachers store $59.99 retail, I try to look per subject but need something with everything together.

A: We have been homeschooling since our children were in fourth and fifth grade. Our children are now in 11th and 12th grade respectively. We have used the same curriculum throughout. We use Switched on Schoolhouse from Alpha Omega Publications. When we took our kids from the local public system, they were scoring below the 50th percentile in the nation. Within 2 years, they were scoring in the top 10 percent in the nation on the state administered tests. My oldest son has received a full academic scholarship to a very good state university. He scored a 30 on his ACT. The local system averaged a pathetic 17 on the ACT's. Our children have for the last 2 years attended a homeschool support school for things like drama, Spanish I & II, and lab subjects. We could do things like Chemistry in-house but I didn't want the kids blowing up my house. The teachers at our support school are professors at local state colleges,so they are very good at what they do. The software costs about $299 a year but it handles all the scheduling and requires very little intervention on your part.

Q: How does homeschool work in the state of Washington?
Im in high school and thinking about starting homeschool this year. I know theres a bunch of different ways and it all depends on the state/city. Im in Federal Way, WA. Can someone please tell me if you get a booklet to do or is it all up to the parents. I just wana know what method they use here. Thanks PS. I know I can call and ask but I never get a straight answer from them.

A: You just have to get your parents' permission. You will probably have to sign up and talk with a school that you are going to take your standardized testing at. It's good to know the people you will work with. Good Luck ;)

Q: If i have chosen to homeschool what age should I start homeschooling?
I have told my ex wife that I will homeschool our 3 year old to save money. Normally school is at age 4 but what age should homeschool start? Also does anyone know if there is state-money available for doing this?

A: I would recommend YOU don't home school anyone. FYI: See Paul B's previous question reg. smoking...troll

Q: How do I homeschool my 6yr old as we travel up the coast of Australia?
We are travelling up the coast of Australia from Sydney in a boat. I need to know the best way to educate my 6yr old, best way to homeschool, over the internet or correspondance? How do I do it? Can anybody help? Has anybody done it?

A: I am going to guess that you have not already been homeschooling. One approach...especially since your child is so young is to unschool and enjoy your surroundings. What a fabulous education just learning about all there is to learn about Australia. I would focus on that and just "live" the whole experience. I have a 5.5 year old and started this year trying to do "school" at home and found us both very frustrated. I talked with lots of HS parents and did lots of research and although I don't like the word "unschool" basically that is what we do. Type in "unschooling" into google and you will find several sites that have lots of info on how to go about it and how it works. Enjoy your trip and don't stress over your childs education when you are going to have the educational experience of a lifetime.

Q: How to buy a homeschool kids microscope?
Any of you who may have bought microscopes for your homeschool kids, what was the price range you paid, features you looked for and what did you use it for? I was a veterinary pathologist so when I look at one I am looking for way more than my kids need. Thanks for the advice. Oh, any good sites to shop?

A: Hi! I live in a college town and have seen a lot of microscopes go through Goodwill for a fraction of the price a new one would cost. Glad you are homeschooling. I really feel it is a way for children to get a superior education. Teach on! -Spec

Q: Can you homeschool your child while receiving a veterans pension check?
I recieve a check from the VA and I want to homeschool my child. Would it affect my Check that I recieve if I homeschool her?

A: It is perfectly legal to homeschool, I don't see why you should have a problem. And if you did, I would pitch a fit, because that's ridiculous! Maybe try an umbrella school? That's where your child will be enrolled as in private school instead of as a homeschooler officially. And the umbrella school covers you, you just have to send them attendance info. Try http://www.freewebs.com/floridaunschoolers/index.htm Some umbrella schools charge, but this one is free. Send them an email, they will tell you how it works! Good luck. :)

Q: What are the similarities and differences in homeschool verses public school?
I have to write a comparative/contrast essay on homeschool vs. public school. I was just wondering if I could get some imput on the subject. I have a friend who homeschools her children and so I got a statement from her, but of course, she is pro-homeschool. I have several differences. How are they alike?

A: they're not much alike.The home school child misses out on so much. Like socialisation with peers. Learning how social relationships work in the everyday world. Learning to get along with a variety of people - even those you don't like. Exposure to different teaching and learning styles. Exposure to different personality and behavioural types. Life in the wider world. They just miss out on so much. I can see for some children home school is the only option. But these cases are rare. Home-schooled children are missing out on so many experiences - in my opinion.

Q: What is the best homeschool curriculum and why?
I am going to homeschool my 2 daughters who will be in 4th and 6th grade next yr. I am seeing so many different curriculums out here its overwhelming. I mostly need an English and math curriculum. NY state only cares about those test scores. The rest I can pretty much do on my own with fun projects and workshops in our area. I'd like to find a good language arts, spelling, writing etc. curriculum. Something that allows me to do like an all-in-one thing or combo teaching.

A: Depends on how your kids learn. I have one aural learner who is a tiny engineer...extremely left-brained, logical, analytical, strategic. If the information doesn't come through his ears, forget it, it's not going to get absorbed. I have one visual learner who is a tiny artist...very right-brained, athletic, adores acting, painting, coloring. She loves color, motion and music. If it doesn't catch her eye, forget it. So we have basic, K-level geography. How many continents are there? What are they called? Where are they? Within those continents are countries; learn a bit about each. So my engineer does great with anything on the computer. I find a free geography game, he has to complete placing the named continents on a map five or six times every morning. The computer speaks to him as he clicks on the continents and moves them. I have a song on CD, I play the stupid thing All. The. Time. Especially in the car. It sticks in his head, has the names of the continents on it. He does fine with that. My little artist is bored beyond belief by the computer program...the music is great, but she can't "see" the map in her head, it has to be in front of her. Here we have to get an inflatable globe and I put a sticker on a continent, then throw it to her. She has to catch the "ball" and tell me what continent the sticker is on. Then she can move the sticker and toss it to me, and I have to name the continent. Back and forth we go. That works pretty well. Countries in Europe: Aural learner is happy to listen to the story, can answer the questions, we're done. Read the same thing to my Visual learner and it's like she never heard a word you said. She looks at you blankly. Huh? Then I learned to show her how to scrapbook the European countries. Here's the cover of the book we read, Ferdinand the Bull. Let's make it into a mini book using construction paper, and we'll write the reasons Ferdinand wouldn't fight on these little, white, flower-shaped pieces of paper. My son would rather stick hot needles in his eyes than do this, but the little artist thinks this is GREAT, when Daddy comes home she's bubbling over, telling him that "I got to do INTERESTING school today!" (BTW, that's called "Notebooking" or "Lapbooking," in case you care.) Knowing your kiddo's learning type will go a long way toward finding The Best Homeschool Curriculum. And just b/c it's the best for one doesn't mean it's the best for both. Siblings can be quite different. I tend to use the scope and sequence as a spine, but modify heavily depending on who's getting the lesson. :)

Q: How can I start a homeschool for my 12 year old daughter?
My daughter who is now sitting in 6th grade and is not happy about her school. She complains about her teachers and friends and tells me that she wants to homeschool next year. I'm a single parent and barely making it through financially. Please help. thank you.

A: Many single parents home school their children successfully, and it also depends on how motivated your daughter is in doing her work, and working with you; it is going to take the two of you. Check the laws, and requirements of your state here; http://www.hslda.org/ You may also see if there is a grandparent, or other relative can help for a few hours a day while you are at work, or you may consider changing up/adjusting your hours, or work from home. If you are going to wait until next year you may want to check out this web site. They will send you the books, and materials you need/request for free; they do this for those who cannot afford books, and curriculum's. http://www.booksamaritan.com/ There is a deadline for requesting the books, so contact them early. Home schooling can cost little to nothing; there are so many resources available it is mind boggling. On the end of this post I will give you a long list of web sites that have many free resources, and others require a nominal fee for their services. You can make up a whole curriculum for less than $50.00 per year. We use Christian Liberty Press, you can check them as well; they are just about the least expensive, and are great academically. http://ebiz.netopia.com/clpress/ Do connect with a local home school group, these families get together for support, field trips and group classes, or coop's. They may also be able to help you by loaning you some basic books to start with, so you can see what works for your daughter before you both decide what to request from the Samaritan, or buy them. The library can be a valuable resource as well, if they do not carry a book you would like try the inter-library loan program. The sky is the limit. Good luck to both of you. http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/ http://www.unschooling.com/ This site does require a $20.00 yearly fee to have full use of all their printable materials, but it is well worth it. You can check them out for free, but it is a lot of curriculum in one place. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/ Free computer software; just pay a nominal fee for shipping. http://www.planetcdrom.com/free-homeschool/ Educational games. http://www.educationallearninggames.com/educational-board-games.asp Bible. http://www.bibletopics.com/index.htm http://www.nestlearning.com/Coloring-Pages-W40C0.aspx http://www.mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt0.htm Book lists. http://nancykeane.com/rl/ http://www.classical-homeschooling.org/celoop/1000.html Poetry. http://www.poetry4kids.com/modules.php?name=Games&op=display_game&game=WordMagnets http://www.poetry4kids.com/index.php Weather/Meteorology (the weather dude). http://www.wxdude.com http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/matrix.htm? Astronomy http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/star... http://www.kidsastronomy.com/ Mr. Donn's history site - unit studies. http://members.aol.com/donnandlee/ Free Audio Books. http://www.free-books.org/ On-Line e-mail and communication etiquette. http://www.onlinenetiquette.com/ http://www.emailreplies.com/ Natural Living, and Environment. http://www.eartheasy.com/article_enviro_sites_kids.htm http://www.nrdc.org/reference/kids.asp http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/9489.asp Health and Science. http://kidshealth.org/kid/ http://www.exploratorium.edu/imaging_station/index.php http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/content/kitchenscience/ Dewey Decimal System. http://www.tnrdlib.bc.ca/dewey.html Free weekly tips, worksheets,lesson plans, resources , and curriculum. http://www.homeschoolfreestuff... http://www.free-ed.net/free-ed/FreeEdMain01.asp http://about.com/education/ http://www.freeworksheets.com/ http://teacher.scholastic.com/ http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/ets/Wwwsites.htm http://www.lethsd.ab.ca/mmh/games/top100.htm http://www.ala.org/gwstemplate.cfm?section=greatwebsites&template=/cfapps/gws/default.cfm http://www.starfall.com/ http://www.homeschoolblessings.com/ http://www.oldfashionededucation.com/ Math: http://www.tlsbooks.com/mathworksheets.h... http://www.mathsisfun.com/worksheets/ind... http://www.algebra.com http://www.coolmath.com/ http://www.coolmathalgebra.com/...... http://www.coolmath4kids.com/ http://www.edina.k12.mn.us/creekvalley/staffdev/Internet%20Sites/studentsites.htm http://www.rainforestmaths.com/ http://www.clc.mnscu.edu/kschulte/mathworksheets.html http://www.totallyfreemath.com/toc.html http://www.aaamath.com/ http://www.mathsisfun.com/ http://www.purplemath.com/ http://www.multiplication.com/interactive_games.htm http://www.learningplanet.com/sam/ff/index.asp Geography http://www.dltk-kids.com/world http://www.dltk-kids.com http://www.dltk-kids.com/color......... http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Geography.htm http://members.aol.com/bowermanb/games.html http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kids/games/#geogames http://www.weeklyreader.com/kids/games/geography.asp http://www.lizardpoint.com/fun/geoquiz/usaquiz.html http://www.lizardpoint.com/fun/geoquiz/ History. http://www.touregypt.net/KIDS/monuments.htm http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/resources/ http://kclibrary.nhmccd.edu/decades.html http://www.foundationsmag.com/civility.html http://www.brainyhistory.com/ http://history-world.org/ Library learning. http://www.lists.webjunction.org/libweb/ http://www.loc.gov/index.html/ http://www.libraryspot.com/ http://www.lii.org/ http://www.demo.openlibrary.org/ Typing-keyboarding http://www.auntlee.com/easytyp......... http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/ Grammar-writing. http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/index.htm http://www.zozanga.com/ Grade Level Core Knowledge site. http://www.coreknowledge.org/CK/resrcs/lessons/6.htm Other: http://www.funbrain.com/ http://www.brainpopjr.com/ http://www.iknowthat.com/ http://www.kidzone.ws/ http://kidsites.com/ http://www.spellingtime.com/ http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/coolchild.html http://www.internet4classrooms.com/month2month.htm http://www.extremescience.com/ http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/games/games_main.html http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/menu_jeux.html http://parenting.leehansen.com/kids/kidstuff.htm http://www.exploratorium.edu/explore/index.html http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/ http://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/index.html http://www.lethsd.ab.ca/mmh/games/top100.htm http://www.nsa.gov/kids/ http://www.surfnetkids.com/ http://4kids.org/games/

Q: How do parents afford to homeschool their children?
If a family is not wealthy and living on one income, how do they afford to homeschool their children? Do they get a stipend from the state government per child? If so, does that differ according to state? What about Minnesota, where I live? Is there a website with this information on it? Thanks!

A: In Indiana it was far less expensive to home school that it was when my son was in public school. The book fees and registration fees alone were almost $1000.00 per year in our district. My son's curriculum for his last year were only $150.00. Many of the public libraries have the text books used in the public schools. There are also websites where you can print worksheets. If you google home schooling you will find a lot of information.