FAQ

Do I have to be a teacher?

The answer is no. 

To teach your child you do not have to be a certified teacher, but you definitely are a teacher!

Do I need to buy those expensive curriculum kits?

No, your books don't need to cost you $300-$500 dollars. First decide what curriculum you plan on following. For us we combined a couple we did a Traditional Style mixed with Unit Study. For our Traditional Style curriculum I bought two different 2nd grade work books. I bought all my books on Amazon and  used Amazon Prime so I could  get the free shipping.

  I bought:

 Complete Curriculum 2nd grade  for $15.00  Check it out on Amazon Click Here  

I used this book for all the basic subjects. I really liked it because they had prep tests and tests at the back of the book to see how much your child has retained.

 Brain Quest Grade 2 I got for $8.00 Check it out on Amazon Click Here  

I used this one for science, history, cursive writing, and if we needed more help in a certain subject, we could spend more time going through those work pages as well or even as a review.

That is all I bought, since I also mixed  Unit Study curriculum in there, as I saw Dash getting drawn towards something we would either research it online, read about it watch clips on Youtube, print out projects or work sheets from Pinterest, or we would hit up the library. I didn't have to be on such a tight budget, but I figured if I needed to add more as we went I would, but to tell the truth our school year is nearing the end and we were perfectly happy with just those as our workbooks.

       

Will my child know how to socialize with others?

That depends entirely on you. So it's safe to say the answer is yes.

I have Dash involved in everything . He does, karate, soccer, dance, and we are part of a home-schooling group (I put up a post about organized groups). I also keep my eyes open for any events either with my library, craft store, museum, or somewhere else to sign him up for. So he may not be socializing while I am teaching and he is doing school work (which is the way I prefer it), but every  week we have a few social events to be at. It is also good that kids have that down time and feel that family unity, we make sure every Monday we spend the night in and together.

What if I can't teach every subject?

You can! Don't sell yourself short, you would be surprised how easy school is the second time around.

Most text books you can buy a teachers manual with, this will help guide you through a lesson and help you present the information in a way that makes sense, some even have CDs (set yourself up for success with the right tools). I always read ahead so I know what we have up and coming, this helps me to prepare. Pinterest  has helped me out so many times with fun ideas for a more hands on approach. Youtube too can come in handy with videos to either explain subject matter to you or for fun songs or short clips to teach your child.  Right now Dash is only in second grade so I haven't hit anything to difficult thankfully. Now if you are referring to subjects such as music or a foreign language, a tutor is always an option or go to a music store for lessons. A tutor is always an option for your basic subjects too. If you really want to home-school but writing essays or perhaps math  just isn't your thing then look into it. While I was in school I tutored for a home-school family, it was

awesome.

What if my family doesn't approve?

I have dealt with this as well. First be very patient hear their concerns, and try to put their minds at ease. Then let them know what your reasons are, whether it be:

My child isn't doing well in school.

I don't like what he/she is being taught

I don't like the district

Private school is to expensive

My child hates school due to work load, bullying ect.

 If you show them how much thought and effort you are putting into this that might give a little comfort. Show them the daily schedule you have made, the curriculum you plan to follow, different success stories of home-schoolers, and so on. Next, time will tell, as your children adapt to homeschooling and start doing well, the family will be impressed, like the saying says "time heals all".

How do I know if my child is at the right grade level by the end of the year?

In our state we don't have to test our children until the 5th grade (and then it's every other year till high school). But we have nothing to really compare our kids with, they seem to be understanding what we are teaching, and doing well, but what if they are behind and we don't even know it. There is always the option of testing your child at the end of each year. I plan to order a test for Dash at the end of this year to see how we are doing. Mostly I am doing it so the family that didn't approve of home-schooling will see how well it is working for us. I like the C.A.T (California Achievement Test) so that is the one I plan to order for us. It is a scan-tron test that covers all your basics, math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar. The test needs to be administered by a teacher certified teacher for that grade level. If you don't have any family or friends that can do it, you can always hire e teacher to come to the house.  Again this is not mandatory till later grades, but I want it for peace of mind. 

When do I get a break?

Being a stay at home mom/teacher/chef/maid/nurse is not an easy job, and just like any other job we deserve a break, honestly if you don't take them, you will burn out. This is why I find it helpful to have a daily schedule. I put my little breaks throughout the day. These are my break times:

12:00

After lunch is outside play, which gives me around a 30 minute break, while Dash and our dog run around (which they need before more lessons). I usually just enjoy sitting and eating my lunch in peace during this time.

3:00

Music, Dash is learning piano so, I work 15 minutes with him on worksheets and the other 15 minutes he has to practice his song (for now he is doing such little songs so practice time is short, I am hoping as he progresses that he can practice for a little longer). While he is practicing I have a solid 15 minutes. I usually spend this time getting our art lesson for the day set up.

3:30 

Art , I sometimes get a break during art time. Some projects need a lot of assistance, so during this time I usually don't get a break, but I always throw in a few simple art ideas during a week, so maybe every other day I am not needed. There are days when Dash does coloring with markers, crayons, or chalk, or he does play-doh or model clay or even sometimes he does coloring on the iPad. I don't really put a time limit on art, Dash is very into it, so whenever he says he is finished.

4:00

Free time! Every day we have free time, this is when Dash may choose something to do on his own, such as playing with Legos, cars, puzzles, or what ever. If he doesn't want to help me with dinner prep, he has free time till dinner time. I put free time at this time, because when I'm trying to get dinner together, the last thing I need is "help me with this" "play this with me" "watch me do that". After dinner is our family play time, so Dash knows he has to wait, and free time helps improve Independence.

8:00

Quiet time, while Dash is in the tub or getting ready for bed I have about a half hour to myself, maybe watch one of my shows or read my book. Once he is already for bed at about 8:30 we lay in his bed and read stories for the next half hour then lights out at 9, and I am officially off duty (only as a mom not a wife though lol)  

I have found this schedule works for both of us, it doesn't leave Dash feeling like I need a break from him or that I'm neglecting him, but it also keeps me sane, so I can be the patient, loving teacher he wants. 

How long should a school day be?

You will find school is all day, because learning never stops when you are homeschooling. Your child will be learning life skills as well as book knowledge. We do have set hours for set lessons and book work though.  Dash and I start at 9:00 and finish at 4:00 so not counting any breaks or gym activities, we do around 5 hours of lessons and work books. You will just have to see what works for you and your family.

Should I run my home like a school?

That is up to you, I feel this is still our home, but I like to run school hours a little like a classroom.  I do enforce some things like we are going to actual school. Dash has to get up at 7:30am just like if he were going to school (early o bed early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise). Research shows waking up at the same time every morning is very important. This also gives Dash time to get dressed, make his bed, and wake up a little before the work begins. Dash cannot sit on the couch in his pjs while doing school work, I feel having Dash get up and dressed helps him to get out of lounging, sleepy mode. Dash needs to sit in a chair at a hard surface whether at his desk or at the table or counter. For writing it helps him do a nicer neater job, and reminds him it is school time not "chill" time. During school hours there is no video games or tv unless we are watching an educational video. We take breaks to eat our meals, I don't want crumbs or food on the books, and everyone needs a break to refresh and then come back renewed. We are not too strict, Dash doesn't have to raise his hand to ask a question, or get a hall pass to use the bathroom, and our schedule can be flexible if need be.

I hope this has helped answer some of your questions or worries, these are frequently asked questions I get. If there is something I didn't cover but you would like to hear my point of view or how I dealt with it, leave a comment. Thanks

Where can I go for activities, group activities, or socialization, if I'm home-schooling?

This was taken at one of Dash's art classes.

Most  people who start home-schooling are concerned their children will not get enough socialization from peers, have friends, or know how to interact if they are not around other children enough. I guess Dash and I will never know because we are constantly in group settings (except during lesson time, when he needs to have quiet and time to focus).  Here are a lists of places we have found great activities:

Check your local library and libraries in your neighboring towns.

Our local library has a chess club, book readings, and random classes (cooking, knitting, music, ect.) I sign Dash up for everything that has an opening, some cost but usually very little(I'm talking $2-$5), but most are free. Even if you don't want to join a class, I let Dash hang out at the Library play on the computers, and play with the other kids in the toy area.

Check your home improvement stores.

Our Home Depot does free workshops the first Saturday of every month. It gives Dash a chance to work with wood, hammering and painting. Most kids that do this seem to be there every month so you get to know each other.

Check out your craft stores.

I check Michael's  monthly schedule, the craft store does cake decorating, knitting, and arts and crafts.  It cost money ranging from $2- $45. I usually pick the less expensive ones. We also love to go to Michael's and find art projects to do at home during our art time.

Check your book stores.

We have Barnes and Nobles close enough to us, and they do book readings at night, a couple of times a month, we always try to make them. Even if there are no book readings going on, Barnes and Nobles is a fun place for children. Ours has a train track and trains the kids can play with. They also have the newest books, and they have games, toys, and kits to learn new skills.

Check your children's museum.

Ours has new stuff each month. It does cost for admission but on rainy or snowy days it's worth it not to be stuck in the house.

Check local colleges.

One of our local colleges offer $5 classes every second Saturday of the month.  Dash took an art class for free this past month, it was a lot of fun. (that is where the above picture was taken)

Check the parks, especially the larger parks

In my area anytime there is a holiday the parks usually have something going on.

For example: St. Patirck's Day our park that Saturday did a parade, had live music, and cultural food. One of our other ones is doing an egg hunt for Easter. In May for memorial day there will be a WW2 reenactment done in another park.

Check your church.

If you are part of a church they probably do Sunday schools for the kids. I know Dash looks forward to that and has some really great friends there. I know some even do a vacation bible school event during the summer months, and others have home-school groups that meet and do activities.

Check out local home-school groups.

 I was amazed how many groups are out there. I am positive no matter what you are looking for there will be a group that fits you. We are in the process of becoming members of a group right now. Some are free some cost a yearly membership price.

I look most of this stuff up on the internet, but another great source for me has been a magazine my library gives out called "Parenting on Long Island" every month with things going on in the area. I am not sure every area has something like this, but if you can find it, it has been a great help to us.

I want to start home-schooling... What now?

Well whether you know it or not you just took the first step. For me the hardest thing was making the mental commitment to stay home and home-school, but it was the best decision I have ever made.  I will take you through the exact steps I took.

1.      First I made the decision to home school.  

2.      Next I found out what the state laws were for home-schooling in our area.

For us (we live in NY)  we had to give a Notice of intention to instruct at home. This was just a simple letter letting our  school district know we intended on home-schooling. see below for an example.

Local School Department

Address Your town, New York

Attn: Superintendent

To whom it may concern:

We intend to home school our child/children (names) during the school year 200?-200?.

Attendance will be equal to that required by law in public schools (180 days) and NY law will be followed with regard to courses taught.

   

If you request any additional information, please contact us by mail. Thank you for your attention regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

Mr. and Mrs. Your Name

Address

No Phone (Correspondence should be in writing to avoid miscommunication.)

They sent me a letter back within 10 days letting me know they had received it. They will also sent  a form  along with it, to fill out called the IHIP.

3.      Also required by New York State law is the IHIP (Individualized home instruction plan)

For this I just listed which books I would be using for the school year. This part takes a lot of thought there are so many curriculums out there, and based on that decides which books you will choose. I can't say which is the best, it really has to do with the way your child learns and your own teaching style. Since this is my first year I took a little from this one, a little from that one, and pieced together what I thought would work for us. It has been trial and error, but that's to be expected. Below are examples of some different approaches I really felt worked for us.

Mostly we followed the Traditional Style approach: 

This is just working through a work book. This worked great because... 

Everything is laid out for ease of use
 Follows a standardized scope and sequence
 Has definite milestones of accomplishment
 Testing and assigning grades is easy to do

We also use the Unit Study approach:

If we find something that is really interesting we center all of our subjects around it. This can be fun because... 

The family’s interests can be pursued

 Curiosity and independent thinking are generated

 Knowledge is interrelated so is learned easily and remembered longer.

Unit studies are fairly easy to create

4.      Once the paper work was done  I joined HSLDA (Home-school-Legal-Defense-Association).

You may not find this even necessary. For me it was because we pulled Dash out of school, and his school was giving us a really hard time. If you do find that your school district gives you a hard time go to  http://www.hslda.org/ it is $10 a month and a whole lot of peace of mind. A lawyer will help you with your rights and even deal with your school district if you find they try and hassle you.

5.      Then came the fun stuff looking into groups and activities.

I did this at the beginning of the school year but I also have to do it each month  as activities and schedules change. It depends on your child, but Dash is very active so we looked first at sports. We started him in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and Hip Hop, they run through the whole year (we didn't want to overwhelm ourselves, and we also wanted to spend this first year focusing on our schooling). For the Spring we added in Soccer which he will be starting this next month. Besides sports I wanted other activities. I will be putting up a post soon of different places you may not think to look to find stuff for your child to do. Then there is always the home-school groups. Look for a local one and try it out. I am still shopping for one so to speak, but it looks like this upcoming month we might just settle down.

6.      The last step I got organized!

Before the school year began, Dash and I made up our daily schedule. We wrote it on a poster board and decorated it. It gave us a set idea of what time to wake up and what we will be doing at each part of our day.  I will show you an outline of what it looks like.

7:30 Wake up/do morning routine (get dressed, make bed, ect..)

8:00 Eat Breakfast

8:30 Yoga (It's good to get the heart pumping, and the muscles moving)

9:00 Start Lessons

11:30 Lunch

12:00 Outdoor Play (weather permitting which for us is pretty much most)

1:00 Back to Lessons

2:30 Snack

3:00 Music (either listening to music for music appreciation or practicing piano)

3:30 Art

4:00 Free Time

If Dash has a class determines what we do next if he has none than...

4:30 Help with making dinner

5-5:30 Eat dinner

6-8:30 Family time (board games, movies, or an outing)

8:00 Quiet Time (Bath, reading, and get ready for bed)

9:00 Lights Out

If Dash has a class...

If it's early go to class

Have dinner @7

8:30 Quiet Time

9:00 Lights out

If it's late eat dinner @ 5

Go to class

8:30 Quiet Time

9:00 Lights Out

Since we have this schedule in place we have done very well with time management. Other things that I needed to get in order  were school breaks and holidays.  What material I would cover in each month. And when I would send in my quarterly reports.

Quarterly reports are also a New York State Law. I send this into my school district three times. Once in the Fall, once in the Winter, and again in the Spring. See example below.

HOMESCHOOLING STUDENT:  Dash Incredible

GRADE LEVEL: 2

THIS QUARTER COVERS: November 11, 2014 - January 28, 2015

DATE SUBMITTED: January 28, 2015

Dash Incredible is progressing at a satisfactory level or above in all subject matter.

We have had instruction in all the following areas, as per Section 100.10 of the Regulations of the New York State Commissioner of Education and Dash Incredible's Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP): Reading, Writing, Spelling, Language Arts, Arithmetic, U.S. History, Geography, Science, Health, Physical Education, Music and Visual Arts

We have covered at least 80% of the planned material for this quarter.

Dash Incredible had no absences from instruction this quarter, and has exceeded the required hours of instruction (225).

_________________________

Parent's Signature

I find having a calendar with all my dates written down, helps us to stay on track. the only other thing I did to get organized was to read as much as I could from others who have been doing this, what are their secrets are, and finding out where to go for information or assistance.

I really hope this post has helped answer any questions you may have had about getting started. It really is as simple as those six steps. I wish you the best of luck as you continue forward, and reach out if there is any other questions you have that I can help you with.

Why choose to home-school?

Why choose to home-school?

For us there were several reasons:

One we moved to a new district and the school system here was not the best.

Second, Dash's 1st grade experience wasn't the best. He wasn't doing very well to the point where his teacher was talking about holding him back. Personally I felt they just weren't working enough with him.

Third, I hated the home work over load. My husband (fiancé at the time) and I were both working full time, and Dash was in school all day. To come home to do around three hours of homework it just wasn't working for us. We had no family time, everyone was burnt out, and  stressed out.  It came to the point where I felt like the only thing he was learning was what I had to cram in at night.  I finally said "I might as well just home-school him at this point". A couple of months later, we looked into it, when we realized  where  we were going to be moving. That brings you to where we are now almost finishing our first year as a home-schooling family.

Whatever your reason may be for home-schooling, be prepared for your child to just start improving like you would not believe.  Before home-schooling Dash was at a kindergarten reading level and hated to read, he was getting 18% on his spelling tests, even though we were having him study them all the time,  and he never seemed to be able to complete a writing assignment. Since being home-schooled he is reading at his grade level and reading for the fun of it. One of his favorite things to do is pick out new books from the library, and he starts reading them in the car before we even get home.  He now gets 90's on his spelling. Having a quiet room to study  with little to no distraction really make a big difference to kids.  Dash's writing is also a million times improved. He still needs to work on grammar, punctuation, and spelling, but he no longer struggles with coming up with something to write or completing thoughts. He has even written himself a few books for fun. Some days may seem frustrating, but it will all seem worth it once you see the progress you are making, and the relationship you are building with your child. 

A little back for "story 2+1 and our family has begun"

A little back story for "2+1 and our family has begun"

I am a young, stay at home, mom. I met my husband three years ago (we will call him Mr. Incredible from the Pixar movie) and this past year we tied the knot.  His son (Dash) is now seven and this past year we have taken on a lot. We became a family, moved into a fix-me-up home, started homeschooling, and I had to leave my job as a full time teacher. And though you may think I have an advantage since I already knew how to teach, this was really a new world to me. But I'm hoping to share with you what I have learned so  far and what I figure out as I go along. From how to get started with home-schooling and ideas for lesson plans, to shopping on a budget and meal planning. I may even throw in some tips about home improvement. Feed back is always welcome!