Hi, all! I've been posting on random threads, so I thought I'd wander in and introduce myself. My name is Nola, and I'm a SAHM of four kids, 7, 5, 3, and 18 mos. A girl at the front and back, two boys in the middle. We are in "homeschool vertigo" - since you don't have to register in PA until the child is 8, we are not officially homeschooling, and since I started researching when my oldest was 3, we've been doing a "laid back" pre-K/K/1st grade program so this isn't really our first year. I devoured every homeschooling book I could get through our county library in GA and am working my way through our (relatively new) county library in PA. I'm a big believer in keeping things very simple. My two oldest are big readers and have been for a few years, and my 3 yo is picking it up from them (I love that trickle-down teaching; that's how my 2nd learned to read, as well) so I anticipate another reader. The baby still like to gnaw and (occasionally) tear, but she loves being read to. Most of our HS up to this year consisted of picking a subject each month and checking a ton of books from the library out on the subject. We'd read and discuss, color and cut, make games and play games, and generally just have fun - a very light unit study. Although DD doesn't have to register in PA til next year, we are doing a "practice run" in terms of records keeping this year, playing with the "official" schedule to figure out what works best, and so on. We don't have a set curriculum, although I found several math books (from K to 4th or 5th grade) at a library book sale a few months ago that we use as a "basic" primer to give us an idea of where we need to be. Also, since DD is a math worksheet junkie, they give her something she can work on without constantly pestering me for another worksheet, LOL. My husband is on the road a lot - some weeks, he leaves Sunday night and comes home Saturday night, although most aren't quite that awful. Some nights he is home, some nights he is not, so with four little ones you can imagine that I can quickly run out of steam with no one to help me "refuel". Okay, dinner is calling, but I've been nosing around the forums and am looking forward to chatting some more with ya'll! Nola
Welcome!! We've got some other ladies here from PA that can probably help with the STRICT regs of PA (so glad the Army hasn't sent us there although I love to visit PA!). Rhonda
Hello! I'm in PA too -- south eastern part. As mentioned above, the homeschool regulations are more than other states. They can be an annoyance, but it's manageable. The upside, at least in my area, is that there are a lot of homeschoolers, and some of the museums and libraries host special programs just for us. Welcome to PA.
Welcome to the Spot! Whether you are offical or not in PA, you have been homeschooling from the start
I suppose that is the fortunate thing about starting "officially" in PA - although we moved here about 18 mos ago, I have nothing to compare it to. I've already been reading over the regs, and I have been involved in a local HS group for the last 8 mos or so. Thus far, I have found my two semi-local libraries (I actually use the libraries in the next county because I can request & renew books online, LOL) very homeschool friendly! Thanks, all, for the warm welcome! Nola
I grew up in PA and I miss it every day, but then I remember that I'm homeschooling and I really don't think I could have pulled it off in PA so I give all you Pennsylvanians credit for all your hard work to homeschool your children there.
I'm in PA, too and I don't think it's so bad. Granted ds is 6 and not in the system yet, but all in all it's got to be easier than getting them to the bus on time everyday. But when 3rd grade gets here I'm sure I'll be a bit nervous.
Hi and welcome! Glad to meet you. I have been away from the forum for a while because I'm working outside the home again. We have similar situations in that my dh is an over-the-road truck driver and gone from the house 5 days a week (used to be 6). I have 3 children ages 13, 8 and 3 1/2. So, you can understand the exhausted and weary days of doing everything yourself. It sounds like you have a great thing going already with your light unit studies. If the kids are learning AND enjoying themselves....you are doing something right. Good job! Please keep sharing all of your great ideas and successes. Don't forget to come here for encouragement and support too. Everyone here is great that I've met. Jump right on in and again, welcome!
