I love credit cards so much! v2.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[wendow]

You'd be surprised at the amount of homeschoolers that are former teachers. My final shove came from my DD1's second grade teacher who told me if she wasn't so connected to the other teachers, she'd homeschool her own kids. She only felt comfortable with them in the school because she knew the other teachers. I'm ever thankful she confided in me. I was in her classroom every single day volunteering.

I've had a lot of public school teachers shame me for homeschooling but I've had a greater number encourage me and tell me if they could only turn back the clock, they'd do the same. And like you, I know quite a few homechool moms who are former public school teachers.

The perception of homeschoolers has changed so much, even from when I began 14 years ago to now. Most were 'religious' still back when I first started but now it is much more mainstream. While we definitely enjoy the kids home and the ability to weave our faith all throughout the day (I don't consider myself 'religious'), that is at the bottom of the list as to WHY we homeschool. It's a 'lifestyle' for us and one that isn't always easy, but it's always worth it.

 

[snugglebug]

I know a family that does rodeos and they homeschool for that same reason: so their boys can go to shows and not worry about missing school.

One big question I have about homeschooling is where do you get the curriculum? I wouldn’t want to spend a ton of money on anything like that and I’m sure there are resources out there.

Facebook, Ebay, used book stores. The hardest part is deciding WHAT to use. But, always remember you can change at any time. And, what works for one child might not work for hte next.

I'm stuck right now trying to decide what of the high school stuff i should sell and what's new enough for the littles. I think we're just going to push through with what he have.

There are so many options it can be overwhelming, honestly. Different states are also more friendly than others. Luckily for us, Texas is one of the best.

As an example, Houston ISD has a program that allows for "home-schooling". It's through Houston ISD, you have a dedicated teacher that helps, you do STARS testing (state mandatory testing), they provide all books and supplies, its Texas board of education designed curriculum, you take attendance but can do school for anywhere. Free.

And we don't even use that one! Hah

I did not know Houston provided that. How nice, kind of. I'm anti-testing so that wouldn't work for me. Not that I'm in Houston. Yes, Texas makes it super easy. Maryland wasn't too hard when I left there, though it varied greatly by county.

That is so refreshing to hear! I was totally against homeschooling but now that my 12 yr old is surrounded by some pretty crappy attitude boys (and its a small town, so 6 or 7 crappy boys makes a big difference), we're starting to think about how we may make it work starting next year in 7th grade. The only person I know who does it is his preschool teacher so was the most amazing teacher EVER. She lives 10 min away and home schools her 5th grade son and 8th grade daughter and they do AMAZING things. BUT, I work 4 days a week......so I'm really trying to figure out how this will work. He also plays sports, and will still have to play with those mean boys who tells him he sucks. I want to have a 100% decision made by Christmas. The temptation of him being able to start taking college courses free starting in 7th grade is REALLY winning me over though!

The beauty of homeschooling is the schedule. I work throughout the day. We don't typically start school until after lunch. I often work with my son in the evenings during softball practice, and we've done school on weekends. All of my kids have done some type of school at various times during a sibling's ice skating/soccer/softball practice. We schooled a lot in the car for awhile. Stay flexible, school can happen anywhere.

 

[Andysol]

I did not know Houston provided that. How nice, kind of. I'm anti-testing so that wouldn't work for me. Not that I'm in Houston. Yes, Texas makes it super easy.

You don't have to be in Houston. We're in McKinney, for example.

The testing is necessary because that's how they get funding. So as a public 'home' school, it's understandable.
If you don't take the STAR then you can't enroll the next year.

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

Interesting day around here! Lots of good topics.


Thanks very much for the breakdown. Shoes are definitely the tough part - one of the reasons I'm a fan of Rothys - very packable, comfy, easy to clean and ok if they get wet, but still nice enough to pass for dressy (thinking about going to the opera in Vienna, if I can work it out). I think we can do our 10 day trip with a similar selection of luggage - we are pretty good at packing light. And your family is just beautiful!

I just got an email from Rothy's that they now have a Chelsea boot style I'm trying to decide whether I should order them right now or wait until there are fitting reviews. I have a super-high instep and arch and so many boots aren't comfortable. The Rothy's sneakers fit well, so I have high hopes for this new style.

One big question I have about homeschooling is where do you get the curriculum? I wouldn’t want to spend a ton of money on anything like that and I’m sure there are resources out there.

I joined a big online homeschooling forum and started reading reviews. In the beginning we used lots of library books and a few not-the-usual-type textbooks. For math we used the Art of Problem Solving books from pre-algebra through calculus. Starting in seventh grade, I relied on college textbooks for non-majors and our extremely fabulous public library system. I enjoyed piecing curricula together from primary sources and various library books and videos, especially for history and social sciences. I would spend my entire summers reading and preparing. I kinda miss those days.

My background is in chemistry. I tutored science and math for years and years, so I wasn't scared of even AP coursework.

 

[Limes96]

Another homeschooler here. We did it until my kids were through 9th, 7th, and 5th grade, and then I also kept DD home in 8th grade. I really appreciate having had the freedom to choose homeschooling, and we did it for a plethora of reasons, including spiritual. What I found when they were very young in particular was spending a lot of time outdoors was so beneficial and there’s so much opportunity for “real life” learning. The time flexibility is wonderful of course. I loved learning at home with my kids!

 

[Haley R]

Okay I need someone to check this for me. I’m watching friends and I’m on S10E9. At 6:15 ish-6:30 is that not the music from the tower of terror ride....???

 

[wendow]

There are so many options it can be overwhelming, honestly. Different states are also more friendly than others. Luckily for us, Texas is one of the best.

As an example, Houston ISD has a program that allows for "home-schooling". It's through Houston ISD, you have a dedicated teacher that helps, you do STARS testing (state mandatory testing), they provide all books and supplies, its Texas board of education designed curriculum, you take attendance but can do school for anywhere. Free.

And we don't even use that one! Hah

My cousin used this program with her ds for a couple of years. It was great for them!

We are in CO and I love our options here. Ours are similar to FL where homeschool kids can attend 'charter' schools just for homeschool kids between 1-3 days a week and take classes for free. We use that a lot middle school and up. We also have good concurrent enrollment options where college is covered (up to 7 hours a semester) from 9th grade up (though I think you can test in at middle school).

These sort of programs are a win-win for the district and the homeschoolers so we never have the district on our backs about letters of intent or testing, which is really nice!

 

[Haley R]

Facebook, Ebay, used book stores. The hardest part is deciding WHAT to use. But, always remember you can change at any time. And, what works for one child might not work for hte next.

I'm stuck right now trying to decide what of the high school stuff i should sell and what's new enough for the littles. I think we're just going to push through with what he have.


I did not know Houston provided that. How nice, kind of. I'm anti-testing so that wouldn't work for me. Not that I'm in Houston. Yes, Texas makes it super easy. Maryland wasn't too hard when I left there, though it varied greatly by county.


The beauty of homeschooling is the schedule. I work throughout the day. We don't typically start school until after lunch. I often work with my son in the evenings during softball practice, and we've done school on weekends. All of my kids have done some type of school at various times during a sibling's ice skating/soccer/softball practice. We schooled a lot in the car for awhile. Stay flexible, school can happen anywhere.

See I don’t really want to buy the curriculum. I highly doubt dh would be on board if we have to buy the materials ourselves. He’s already not 100% on board

 

[brownhaired_girl]

Totally get it. I've been threatening to accidentally break mine at work for a while now. But of course, the government can't just get me another one... a study has to be done first



My mom pulled me out of school too... no shame from me. I completely recognize the value of being in school and I am thankful for the education I received. But when I'm making straight As and graduate top 20 in my class, I don't think I'm the person you should be worried about for truancy lol. And considering the life lessons I've learned from horses and the fact that I'm still involved in it, I definitely don't have any regrets.

I felt there were great life lessons.
DD learned to work with a “partner” (her horse) and be a part of a team. We weren’t wealthy, so she had her horse at home, worked hard and just used the trainer at the shows. Her toughest competetor became her VERY best friend. They would practice together at the end of the day, critique each other and improve each other. It was an amazing time and some of my best memories are from those years. It was also completely consuming.

 

[imbatman]

Found a charter high school in our CA town that has two classes on campus per week and the rest are homeschooled or through college. Oldest spawn graduated HS with 18 college credits. Youngest is starting with a non-transferable class to ease into college as a sophomore. She'll graduate with enough for an AA!

 

[Haley R]

My cousin used this program with her ds for a couple of years. It was great for them!

We are in CO and I love our options here. Ours are similar to FL where homeschool kids can attend 'charter' schools just for homeschool kids between 1-3 days a week and take classes for free. We use that a lot middle school and up. We also have good concurrent enrollment options where college is covered (up to 7 hours a semester) from 9th grade up (though I think you can test in at middle school).

These sort of programs are a win-win for the district and the homeschoolers so we never have the district on our backs about letters of intent or testing, which is really nice!

Is there an overarching website that covers what each state offers or requires? We have a charter school near us but it’s a public charter school. It’s pretty confusing. I guess I’m most confused about how they check you’re teaching what needs to be taught.

 

[Judique]

Another fan of Great Clips. My hair is straight and all one length. It used to be long and I would get it cut only a few times a year but as I've gotten older, it bugs me when it gets even a little long (I need it just long enough to pull into a pony tail when needed but no longer) so I get it cut more often. The Great Clips I go to has a thing where you can sign in online -- then just show up at that time and you are at the top of the list.

You sound like you have my hair! Mine is fine, thick and straight but tapered a bit, and I keep a picture on my phone to explain what I want. I can pull it into a very short ponytail to get it out of the way. It's wash and wear hair but grows very fast, so I will suddenly notice I need a trim and just bounce into whatever shop is convenient. I never worry about it as it grows so fast.

 

[GZanta77]

Just wondering if anyone has an idea when JB will start offering flights into May. Looking to book for Los Angeles area. Also when do most book for upcoming May travel? Now or wait a bit. Thanks

If I had to guess I would say sometime between 23 Sept to Oct 15. There is a JetBlue extension thread on Flyertalk that you can check which shows the historical release dates.

 

[wendow]

See I don’t really want to buy the curriculum. I highly doubt dh would be on board if we have to buy the materials ourselves. He’s already not 100% on board

If you put your kids in school, there will be fees. Some are pretty high these days. Plus required school supplies, which depending on area, can be surprisingly expensive. Plus school clothes and gear and peer pressure to have certain brands. The cost is there either way. Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive. We hand down homeschool materials to friends just like we do our outgrown clothing. And we all borrow and share with each other.

 

[wendow]

Is there an overarching website that covers what each state offers or requires? We have a charter school near us but it’s a public charter school. It’s pretty confusing. I guess I’m most confused about how they check you’re teaching what needs to be taught.

FL has good cooperation from the public schools. You need to google Florida requirements to get an idea of what is required. As far as them checking, Florida requires a test or evaluation periodically. My friend in Tallahassee has told me about it. Seems pretty easy to do.

 

[Haley R]

If you put your kids in school, there will be fees. Some are pretty high these days. Plus required school supplies, which depending on area, can be surprisingly expensive. Plus school clothes and gear and peer pressure to have certain brands. The cost is there either way. Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive. We hand down homeschool materials to friends just like we do our outgrown clothing. And we all borrow and share with each other.

That’s a good point. I think I need to do some serious research about homeschooling in my area before I can make a good decision about it. It’s nice that we still have time before that decision has to be made

 

[Haley R]

FL has good cooperation from the public schools. You need to google Florida requirements to get an idea of what is required. As far as them checking, Florida requires a test or evaluation periodically. My friend in Tallahassee has told me about it. Seems pretty easy to do.

I just found a good website with info. On my school district’s website it says they won’t provide any resources or curriculum

 

[Tikitoi]

If I had to guess I would say sometime between 23 Sept to Oct 15. There is a JetBlue extension thread on Flyertalk that you can check which shows the historical release dates.

Thanks for that. Will definitely take a look there.

 

[wendow]

I just found a good website with info. On my school district’s website it says they won’t provide any resources or curriculum

You usually need to be part of a group that works through the schools for that. Our group does provide curriculum from the district but I’ve not used it in 10 years. I prefer to use homeschool materials that are intended for home use. There is a difference. My goal is always to get my kids independent as early as I can and materials that are written to the children work better than ones written to the teacher.

 

[Haley R]

You usually need to be part of a group that works through the schools for that. Our group does provide curriculum from the district but I’ve not used it in 10 years. I prefer to use homeschool materials that are intended for home use. There is a difference. My goal is always to get my kids independent as early as I can and materials that are written to the children work better than ones written to the teacher.

I found a website that is online curriculum for kids in Florida. I’m not 100% sure if it’s free or not. I need to read more about it, but I could use that and my own stuff to supplement it