Hi, I am new here. I have 3 kids ages 12,7 and 3. I have had bad experiences with public schools and have thought about homeschooling for a long time. I really think it would benefit my children but am unsure where/how to begin. I also fear that I will not be able to teach my 12 year old. Any advice would be appreciated!
Welcome to the Spot! Homeschooling seems so scary when you are first thinking about it. We've all been there. We all question ourselves from time to time about this or that, but that is the life of a parent, isn't it? LOL Start by finding out your state laws. https://www.hslda.org/ is a great place to start (I also suggest joining, it's only $10/mo and well worth it) Next, try to find some local support. Local support can be invaluable. Try searching Yahoo Groups for local hoemschool groups. Join their email loops. Then, before rushing out and buying curriculum, research different styles of education. Then try to find a style you think will match your children's learning style AND your teaching style. Charlotte Mason Classical/Well Trained Mind/Trivium Computer Based Correspondence Classes/Distance Learning Delight Directed/Child Led/Organic Learning/Unschooling Eclectic Independent Study Lapbooking and/or Notebooking Literature Based/Living Books Montessori Moore Formula Radical Unschooling Relaxed Ruth Beechick The Principle Approach Thomas Jefferson Education Traditional Textbook/School at Home Umbrella Schools Unit Studies Virtual Public School Waldorf Method *note-if you chose virtual public school, HSLDA and many homeschool groups will not accept you as this is a form of public school, and legally, is not homeschooling. Your style may vary from year to year, ours has, many others do as well. There are many options for subjects you truly don't feel comfortable teaching; co-op classes, tutor, virtual classes, etc. But at 12, he can probably do a lot of independent, self-taught things given the right tools. I'd encourage you to give it a try and give yourself the benefit of the doubt before saying you can't teach a 12 year old though, there is nothing wrong with learning along with your child to teach them
My advice is to just jump in and do it, and then make any changes you need as you go along! Talking with others is good, but too much information can be overwhelming and discouraging. It's easier if you have specific questions.
I agree with Jackie. And welcome to The Spot! Trust your instincts. You're much more capable than you probably realize.
Hello and welcome to the Spot. A lot of newbies feel more comfortable starting with a "curriculum in a box". There's nothing wrong with starting there, getting your feet wet, while finding out what works and doesn't work for your family. After a year or so (maybe more, maybe less) as you learn more about what's out there, you'll probably want to try "this" for this subject, and "that" for that subject, and "something else" for yet another subject... If possible, attend at least one homeschool convention and bookfair, so you can hold different stuff in your hands and get a better feel for the style of the materials you're considering.
Hi TJGlove, hope you become a permanent member of the homeschooling community, As you are well aware of, you are already homeschooling your 12 year old if you help them with their homework. But when you homeschool YOU HAVE THE TEACHER"S MANUAL!!! It makes math, science, history, well everything a lot easier. I have gotten a much better education in my 17 years of homeschooling than I did in 18 years of professional education. You can do it!
