I've been lurking for a week or so, and thought I'd go ahead and introduce myself. I'll be homeschooling our son (11) for 7th grade starting in September. We've had issues with dealing with other kids on the playground, teachers that don't communicate when work is outstanding, etc. He's been suspended a few times, and this school year it has gotten worse, instead of better. We've decided that the school environment just isn't where he'll thrive, and since I work from home (usually on my own schedule), there's few barriers to home schooling him. Since the decision was made, he's been calmer, counting down the days to "Freedom!" I'm really looking forward to the adventure. I've ordered CLE curriculum (I know Mom will be happiest when she can go by the book and follow someone else's "rules") but we'll supplement history and science with some of c2's interests. I've also chosen "boxed" curriculum because I'll be away for family vacation for 2 weeks and then gone to Europe for 4 weeks, and I'll be returning 7 days before the "School year" starts! One of the things we'll be doing, by request, is getting a Boe-bot programmable robot and learning some computer programming (my area of expertise). I've also received a request for a "CSI" type science unit study, so any suggestions for resources would be welcome. I have another son (C1) who is going into grade 8, and I'd love to homeschool him as well, but so far, my husband is undecided. Any suggestions on how to help him come to the conclusion that homeschooling BOTH kids makes more sense??
Welcome! Have you suggested trying both kids for just one year then re-evaluating? He may be worried that this is the year before high school, and he's not sure he will want to continue for high school. He may think: Why bother for just one year? For some people homeschooling in high school comes with a huge mental hurdle. Having the one year agreement would give him a chance to see how great it can be, without committing him to the long term. Best wishes.
That's a good suggestion. I've been trying to convince c1 that homeschool would be way more fun than regular school, but the lure of his friends is pretty strong. His best friend (lives in the neighborhood) is homeschooled. They met last year in public school when his friend "tried" regular school. He's back to homeschool this year. I've also suggested that c1 talk with his friend about homeschool, and see what his friend's advice is. His brother is not helpful. He keeps complaining that he doesn't want c1 to homeschool with him because he'll "ruin all my fun"
Um it's just easier. No driving around and scheduling around picking some up and not others. And no stories that make the other one want to go to school. But that's me....for some it might actually be easier to have the one that's not interested out of the house....
I'll give you a book recommendation.... Homeschooling the High School Years made it seem so much more feasible if that is what is bothering your dh. But if dh doesn't want it and the oldest doesn't want it you may not have the option. I'd bet though that if you make it incredibly fun and do lots of interesting activities, your oldest may want to do it the following year. Especially when he has to get up early every morning and work all day while his brother may be sleeping in and getting his stuff done in a few hours.
