Hello, My name is James. My girlfriend and I are thinking of moving to Europe for 2 years. Rather than enroll her 2 boys in German public system, we are thinking of home schooling for that time so that we can travel as we like. I think Europe is a beautiful classroom to not only learn about, but also experience in this flesh things like art, history, politics, etc. We will enroll the boys in language school for 2 hours a day part of the time, as well as enroll them in sports and clubs for socialization. But other than that, I am not sure of the details of which curriculum we should use or which courses or tips to follow. If anyone can offer advice that would be awesome. I have multiple college degrees so I will be able to help out with most subjects. The 2 boys are 8 and 13. We do not want a Christian curriculum. Something secular is what we are looking for. If anyone has any advice on anything. Let us know!!! James
I have only been homeschooling for two years so others will be better able to advise you. I have read many reports about Germany's intolerance for homeschooling. I don't know if that is just for their citizens or if it would include anyone living in the country for two years. Maybe others on here can fill you in better. It sounds like a wonderful experience for the children and I hope you will stick around and let us know how it is going. Beth
I have heard that too. We are having a German lawyer investigate. I am hoping there is a loophole for expats!!!
Smart move on your part. You need to know what you could be up against. I really hope you will consider keeping us posted on your journey and posting pictures if you get the chance. This is a very friendly group and everyone would love to see the sights with your family. Best of luck on your travels. Beth
Yes, check into the legalities. Germany is in the homeschooling news quite a bit these days, and not for good reasons. I hope, for your sake, that there is some sort of loophole as well! As far as curriculum goes, everyone has their favorites. There is so much out there; you really just have to find what works for your family. The first suggestion I give people is generally to research about learning styles. You can google that; try it with "quiz" also. Determine what the learning style is of EACH of the children, and realize that they will probably be different, and that it is possible for one person to learn best in more than one way. (I have an 8 year old who really prefers to hear it, see it, then hear it again before he "gets" it. My 4yo has to see it and then DO it to understand.) From there, a person can weed out certain curriculums simply by reading about them online. A kinesthetic learner (one who has to DO it) generally doesn't do well with a reading-intensive program. You can read about the different approaches of homeschooling as well. Figuring out what works best for the children (and for the parent/teacher) will also help to narrow down the curriculum field. With a Charlotte Mason approach, no purchased curriculum is generally needed. So, it varies very widely. When you discover your children's learning style, if you'll come and post again, I'm sure that the members will have suggestions for you. (And if you decide on a certain approach, that will help us all to narrow it as well. MOST homeschoolers, might I venture to say, don't really 'pick' a style though. We all just kind of play it by ear.... LOL) Anyway. I realize that wasn't exactly what you were asking for, but I hope it helps at least a little. Good luck!
I would recommend starting by reading The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise. They advocate a classical approach which I like, but even if you aren't impressed with the approach, the book still offers some good ideas and lists of curriculums and books with very clear descriptions.
Lots of folks have varying opinions about Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) but you might check out their website or give them a call. They have been "in" on the Germany issue in recent news and might be able to help lead you in the right direction. I know that military folks have HS'd in Germany for years but I don't know the "how to's" of that. Good luck.....sounds like a wonderful experience for the boys. Rhonda C.
Can you move to another country and then travel in Germany? Germany is EXTREMELY anti-homeschool. People are actually fleeing to other countries over it.
All the options are on the table, except for going to another country. I am still waiting to hear back from attorneys, but I am thinking we can just technically be on "vacation" the whole time and we just won't tell anyone that the boys are homeschooling. I can't see why Germany would have a law that long term non-permanent residents MUST send their children to school. Permanent residents maybe, but we are only going to be there for 2 years. Thanks for the advice everybody!! James
Welcome. I just googled German laws, and WOW. You cannot do much of anything in that country unless you obtain the right permits. It really doesn't matter if you are a citizen or not. You cannot even work there unless they say you can. So, I would be VERY VERY cautious about homeschooling in that country. But by the looks of there laws unless you from our military and living our laws you have to follow theirs by the book even if you are not a permanent resident. But good luck.
I am doing a research project based on how Homeschools differ from Public schools. If you could post any personal experiences related to being homeschooled (parents or students), that would be greatly appreciated. Here are some general questions that I would like to know; 1) what do you think are the positive qualities of being homeschooled? 2) What are your opinions on those who state that those who are homeschooled are not as socialized in comparison to those who have been in a public school? 3) What do you do, or how is your schdual organized at home when you are being taught verses when you are not? (What kind of activities are you involved in?).
First of all, we are all PARENTS on here, so you will not get any students' opinions. Speaking in generalizations here. Of course, there are ALWAYS exceptions! Homeschoolers are usually more self-directed learners. They can work independently and learn just for the sake of learning. They are more independent thinkers. They are use to being around more than just their own "peer group", and as a result are more capable at interacting with both older and younger people. They are not as influenced by peer pressure. My opinion on those who state they're not as socialized: They are totally ignorant on the subject. Sorry to be blunt, but my kids don't live in a vacume. My children are involved in organized sports, AWANAS, youth group, 4-H, homeschool co-op, classes at the local Rec Center.... How's that for socializing? My 13YO daughter is a leader in the Kindergarten AWANAS class. This is her second year doing this. The director was telling me that last year, she was a young teen helping. This year, she has matured and has become equal to any of the adult leaders. She not only interacts well with the young children, but also with the adults. Studies have been done that dispels the "socialization" issue (what we homeschoolers refer to as the "S"-word.) As far as the last question, it really doesn't make sense to me. But I did give you a run-down on some of my children's activities!
