Hi, Everyone: I am new to this forum and have just recently started homeschooling my daughter who started the second grade at the beginning of this 2010 school year. My son is starting kindergarten this year and was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 4 and I am concerned about him attending regular school. I posted a little more of my background in my introduction about why I decided to start homeschooling. I am just not brave enough to venture on my own, so I enrolled my daughter into California Virtual Academies Public homeschool, where I am a learning coach, but she still has a regular teacher. I really believe that the first few years are the most formative for learning and want to give my children the best one on one education I can. However, I am getting concerned about my childen's socialization. I am looking for any tips or suggestions on how to find a good balance. Thanks.
Welcome! First of all, what you are doing is on-line public education, NOT homeschooling. There is a difference. Not that it matters here; we are supportive of ALL educational choices, and if that's what you feel is best for your daughter, that's great. My oldest, after 12 years of hs'ing, is going that route now so she can take college classes her senior year free. As far as "the 'S' word (Socialization), it IS NOT A CONCERN!!! Unless you plan on keeping her locked in your house 24/7, she will still have friends. Most of our children are involved in 4-H/Scouts/etc., team sports of some kind, church groups, playing with children in the neighborhood, etc. Studies have proved that hs'ed kids (and I would assume those that attend on-line school) are actually better socially because they are accustomed in being around people of ALL ages, not just their same-age peers. Welcome!!!
Welcome! I actually had an application in for my son (he is also adhd and his K teacher at ps was a nightmare but is now in a great private school) to do online ps school for next year but I'm leaning more towards just regular homeschool everyday. We will not have the financial means next year to keep him at the private school :cry: I have too much anxiety about sending him back to the public school so I ended up here and have gotten great advice. Best of luck!
