Hi my name is Jake and my wife and I are seriously interested in the possibility of homeschooling our child. I'm looking to get as much information, tips, and suggestions as possible. Look forward to your posts, thanks!
Welcome, Jake! I'm sure Steve especially will welcome the addition of other male input! LOL We ladies are glad you are here, too. You'll find this a helpful and friendly board!
Welcome, I am glad you are here. Read all you can even if the title of the thread doesn't seem like something you need, you never know what you might find inside. You can learn a lot here, so enjoy.
Jake, I found that by reading the posts in the homeschooling thread, I had learned alot and got the inspiration to take the plunge myself and homeschool my son this year for kindergarten (started debating it around January). There are alot of good tips, steps to get started, and words of wisdom from other homeschoolers that will help you. Good luck in your decision making.
Beyond this forum, I'd start with HSLDA or any other organization where you can learn the laws of your state. Then just google homeschooling and see what sorts of blogs come up. You can learn A LOT by reading the blogs of others. (as long as those others aren't me... who hasn't updated her blog in so long she can't remember the password. lol)
Jake, I hope you are still checking on your post. Just keep asking questions. The people in here are great. Someone, somewhere, sometime has faced whatever you will have a question about!!!! They are supportive, informative and kind. Welcome aboard.
Welcome to the spot! Here's my tips for how to start-and this forum is one of those tips! LOL This forum is AWESOME beyond awesome.
thanks! thanks again everybody! I've been asking around and a few people have recommend i go to the library and start reading up on homeschooling. And to also find out what our state laws are regarding homeschooling here in Florida. We were looking into maybe some kind of computer software or website we can utilize to teach the kids because they are quite adept with using it. Any ideas? recommendations?
First off check out HSLDA at http://www.hslda.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1 You can get the laws regarding your state there. If you can afford it, join them. They have great information, and if there is ever a legal issue in regards to your homeschooling they will represent you. There are a lot of free websites that the ladies in here know about. Start a thread asking specific questions. What grade, age of child, lesson, tutorial, subject, curriculum, agenda, field trip, etc. If confused at all, admit it. We love to help. After all, it's for the success of the children. Speak up in here, you will only make friends.
Welcome! I second all that has been said about finding out your state's laws first and then posting any questions so we can help you specifically. It is also helpful to know the ages of your children when asking. There are more resources available to homeschoolers than you can even imagine!
Welcome!!!! You have already gotten some great info already.... Besides looking into your state laws,You may want to locate some other local home-schooling familes in your area ,For me that was so helpful Also attending a Curriculum convention is a good idea .Getting as much info as you can about all the curriculum available to you be fore you buy is very important.Lots of choices Book,Online or Unit studies ect . HTH
found this after doing some research this weekend, we were able to find something called VSCHOOLZ. Which is like an online, virtual school program we can use on the computer. They help you become a licensed teacher with the state and the content is customizable, which is great for us because we want to incorporate faith based education into our lessons. I think we're going to go this route because of how simple it's making it for us to get started, and since the kids are good with computers. Just wanted to share to let you all know about it. We were really excited when we found this!
ForTheSon, Thank you for the link to HSLDA. I will be checking it out. HSINMOM82, I have tutored and worked in schools but never got my certification... Thanks for the idea of attending a curriculum convention! Then I can see all the offerings for curriculum together. And Swiftly24, I am a tutor but am not certified right now... Having a company help me get licensed may help me to attract more children to tutor and help with our bills, and still get to be with my son all day and savor the time with him. Is it spelled SCHOOLZ or VSCHOOLS? Thanks!:lol:
Vschoolz It's spelled VSCHOOLZ. It's GREAT! VSCHOOLZ has made it so easy for us to get started with homeschooling our kids this year. They took out all the guesswork for us and we're very excited to start using them this year. Check them out ASAP. You won't regret it.
Hi Jake, I hioe you are still checking your post. I too am homeschooling in FL. Last year was my first but I have a lot of friends who homeschool as well. I started last year with Switched on Schoolhouse. It was computer based software. I decided this year to switch and put together various curriculums to meet my children's needs. Doing everything on the computer was just not a good fit for my dd who is in elem. It is probably great for an older more independant child. Anyway, All you have to do is file an intent to homeschool form with your superintendant. Keep a portfolio of your children's work. I was recommended to print out lessons from the beginning middle and end of year for that. Along with any other activities they are involved with (sports, church, clubs, etc.) Keep a reading list of books they have completed. You can either have this portfolio evaluated by a certified teacher or have your child tested with a state standardized test and submit that within one year of the date you submitted you intent. Well hope this helps. Blessing, Jen PS I have a friend who used FL virtual School (free) through the state for her middle school aged children and loved it.
