|
I am a stay at home mom of 4 boys 10, 8, 4 & 2 and would love to homeschool. Not only because of the material being taught in public school, but also because my 10 yr. old has ADHD and Asperger's, we feel that he is being pushed through the system in some aspects. My husband is a P.K. and was homeschooled for 4 yrs. while on the road w/ his family (mom/dad/and older brother), he has a bad taste in his mouth because of this. I have researched about homeschooling today and have presented this to him, he gets that it is different today. Now our battle is over time, that I don't know how much time is involved and that our house is too small (in the process of bldg.) He works as a construction superintendent from 6 a.m. til about 6 p.m. and a 2nd job teaching carpentry 2 nights a week and I tell him how stressful my days can be especially when we don't see him and I'm on my own. He says if I'm stressed from that, to think of what it would be like to have them here all day and teach them on top of it. I'm thinking it would be easier in some areas to keep them home. Yes I can get stressed when they get home @ 4 and there is homework, dinner, showers, sports, etc. and bedtime is at 9. I think it would be less stressful to have all that done earlier in the day. So after all of that, my main question is...What kind of time am I looking at investing to teaching my young men?? And any other helpful tips. Thanks parksmomof4 ↓
|
|
| Name: laurie c | Date: Feb 22nd, 2007 12:11 AM |
Home schooling does not take all day like it does in regular school. Take a 7 hour school day, take out lunch, snacks, recess, changing classes, fights, repeating for the children who didn't understand, going over homework, study time and what ever other silly things they add into a day. Guess what? The children get less than 15 minutes per subject per week!!! And it may not even be what you want for them to learn.
There are a million ways to home-school, everything from unschooling to a purchased curriculum from a private school. It can be as structured or relaxed as you want it. We spend about 2 hours per week and my son is almost 2 grades ahead of publicly schooled children his age.
I don't have a great education by any means, but that works for us because I can say 'I don't know- let's look that up' or 'let's work on finding that together' or even 'would you show me how you learned that so I can know it also?' These kind of comments make it OK to not know something and to ask for help without feeling stupid (like they would in school).
We have time and patience for the extra things in life like violin, piano, drums, soccer, science center, fun field trips, play-dates and trips. Our lessons can come from our every day activities, like, fractions from baking cookies, nutritional values and digestion by eating them and values by thanking the Lord for the cookies, the time making them and the fun had as a family.
The same principal can be applied to any activity you do like banking, shopping (value, quantity), cleaning (chemical reactions), mowing (weather, climates). You name it- there is a lesson in it. And best of all, you can do one lesson and all of the boys will naturally get what they need from it and what they are naturally interested in.
Another thing that could be a great support to you is a home-school coop. They don't cost anything (usually) and you get the benefit of great classes but your children can pick and choose what they are most interested in (it is proven that children score much higher when they are in classes they enjoy and are interested in). And there are many other home-school parents there to support you and help you and your children get involved in fun and educational programs and groups that could actually lighten your schedule. (and it's good social time for you- or you could sit back and knit or do crossword puzzles or what ever your leisure activity is. Good luck!! I think that if you all agree as a family to home-school- you will find it to be a bonding and educational experience for all of you. ↑ |
| Name: missheather | Date: Feb 22nd, 2007 3:43 AM |
Homeschooling takes time! We do a 7 hour day because I include music, physical education, art, extra reading etc. The easy thing about it is that you don't need a set 8-3 schedule. A walk to the park and some basketball twice a week takes care of p.e. and music lessons can be included as part of the school day. I homeschool with a set curriculum because I feel better knowing that I'm teaching well rounded subjects. Some of my kids are ahead of their grade and one is behind (she just needs to take things a little slower) which is the #1 benefit of homeschooling. Also, depending on what state you live in there are requirements for how many days/hours a year you put in.
I was homeschooled myself and now homeschool my four cousins. I have a baby on the way and of course plan to homeschool my own children. I support it 100%. ↑ |
|
|
