Comments on: The Great Homeschool Decision http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/ Green and Natural Parenting Wed, 23 May 2012 20:16:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Sonya http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6813 Sonya Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:34:44 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6813 I struggled with this same thing... unschooling has a huge appeal to me - - - and so does the classical education (The Well Trained Mind). You couldn't come up with two different approaches. Last year - we went w/ the unschooling approach. This year - - - going with structure. Figure we will take another look around Christmas. I struggled with this same thing… unschooling has a huge appeal to me – - – and so does the classical education (The Well Trained Mind). You couldn’t come up with two different approaches.
Last year – we went w/ the unschooling approach. This year – - – going with structure. Figure we will take another look around Christmas.

]]> By: Kim http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6812 Kim Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:20:01 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6812 Good for you for researching ahead of time. It sound slike you have found an approach that provides a good balance for your family. I wouldn't feel pressured by family and friends who haven't embarked on this homeschooling journey, though. And I think the longer you do this, the more confidence you will have in your own opinion of what is best for your kiddos and their education. We are beginning our 4th year of homeschooling three kiddos. It wasn't until last year (two math and three english programs later) that we felt like we were meeting each of our kid's individual needs and were finally at peace and comfortable in homeschooling skin:) Good for you for researching ahead of time. It sound slike you have found an approach that provides a good balance for your family.

I wouldn’t feel pressured by family and friends who haven’t embarked on this homeschooling journey, though. And I think the longer you do this, the more confidence you will have in your own opinion of what is best for your kiddos and their education. We are beginning our 4th year of homeschooling three kiddos. It wasn’t until last year (two math and three english programs later) that we felt like we were meeting each of our kid’s individual needs and were finally at peace and comfortable in homeschooling skin:)

]]> By: Rachel http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6811 Rachel Fri, 08 Aug 2008 23:35:55 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6811 Hmm... We were inspired by your previous post to unschool. My DD is only 4, so we don't have too many naysayers at this point. I'll be curious to hear how K12 goes. So far, we're having fun and she's learning to read! Hmm… We were inspired by your previous post to unschool. My DD is only 4, so we don’t have too many naysayers at this point. I’ll be curious to hear how K12 goes. So far, we’re having fun and she’s learning to read!

]]> By: Summer http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6810 Summer Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:43:28 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6810 Finding what works for you is probably the hardest part! I love unschooling, but own fears always get in the way. Finding what works for you is probably the hardest part! I love unschooling, but own fears always get in the way.

]]> By: Beth http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6809 Beth Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:34:25 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6809 We did K12 and it was not a good fit for our family. Not nearly as flexible as they told us it would be. Ours was very aggressive and unrealistic. But the great thing about homeschooling is that nothing is detrimental. If you find it's not a good fit for you either, moving on to something else is ok. That's not to freak you out, just a heads up. We did K12 and it was not a good fit for our family. Not nearly as flexible as they told us it would be. Ours was very aggressive and unrealistic. But the great thing about homeschooling is that nothing is detrimental. If you find it’s not a good fit for you either, moving on to something else is ok. That’s not to freak you out, just a heads up.

]]> By: Polka Dot Mommy http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6808 Polka Dot Mommy Thu, 07 Aug 2008 05:24:49 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6808 Sounds like you might be using the same or similar curriculum as we are this year (for our high schooler who is starting to be home schooled). I have lots of unschooling activities planned for her to taylor her education, such as e-commerce, she is going to set up and run a web based business. We are also going to take art classes (together) at local craft stores, etc... Should be a fun journey. Hopefully, after a successful year with the oldest, I can get hubby on board to do this program with all our kiddos! Cheers! Jamie Sounds like you might be using the same or similar curriculum as we are this year (for our high schooler who is starting to be home schooled). I have lots of unschooling activities planned for her to taylor her education, such as e-commerce, she is going to set up and run a web based business. We are also going to take art classes (together) at local craft stores, etc… Should be a fun journey. Hopefully, after a successful year with the oldest, I can get hubby on board to do this program with all our kiddos!

Cheers!
Jamie

]]> By: Momma http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6807 Momma Thu, 07 Aug 2008 02:31:21 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6807 Thank you so much for this post! My son is only 14 months old and I can't wait until he is school age so I can really start digging into the different home school curriculum. I have never heard of K12. You will have to let us know how it goes. Thank you so much for this post! My son is only 14 months old and I can’t wait until he is school age so I can really start digging into the different home school curriculum. I have never heard of K12. You will have to let us know how it goes.

]]> By: Tsoniki http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6806 Tsoniki Thu, 07 Aug 2008 02:29:57 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6806 I've spent the past couple of weeks really researching what we will use this year for homeschooling - I've been doing it for two years but searching so much more now because my son is school age (technically, he's been learning all along of course). I'm debating using K12 actually but we have enough stuff I probably won't. I’ve spent the past couple of weeks really researching what we will use this year for homeschooling – I’ve been doing it for two years but searching so much more now because my son is school age (technically, he’s been learning all along of course). I’m debating using K12 actually but we have enough stuff I probably won’t.

]]> By: Sugar http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6805 Sugar Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:18:30 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6805 I'm listening to you right now, but jumped over to check out your site... when I came upon the K12 reference. I am using K12 to teach my kids, too. I am absolutely THRILLED! I had so much success last year that three families that are friends of ours have decided to jump in this year. It's great to teach your kids while exploring the subjects that fascinate them. Welcom to K12! I’m listening to you right now, but jumped over to check out your site… when I came upon the K12 reference. I am using K12 to teach my kids, too. I am absolutely THRILLED! I had so much success last year that three families that are friends of ours have decided to jump in this year. It’s great to teach your kids while exploring the subjects that fascinate them.

Welcom to K12!

]]> By: Renee http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6804 Renee Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:01:51 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6804 Hi there I'm a new reader and gotta to say like what i'm reading!!! thanks for this post BTW it was very interesting! My daughter is only 15 months and we have another one on the way (18 weeks preggo) and we made the choice to home school before we even got married and had children!!!! My husband was home school until high school and I went trough the school system from grade 1 to 2 degree in university (almost 20 year of public schooling) and we know that the best way to go is at home!!!!! We want our little one not only to learn about things (theory) but also have hand on application!!!! So I think that tghe best way is to do it at home!!!! Have a wonderful day! Hi there I’m a new reader and gotta to say like what i’m reading!!! thanks for this post BTW it was very interesting!

My daughter is only 15 months and we have another one on the way (18 weeks preggo) and we made the choice to home school before we even got married and had children!!!!

My husband was home school until high school and I went trough the school system from grade 1 to 2 degree in university (almost 20 year of public schooling) and we know that the best way to go is at home!!!!!

We want our little one not only to learn about things (theory) but also have hand on application!!!! So I think that tghe best way is to do it at home!!!!

Have a wonderful day!

]]> By: Angela Bailey http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6803 Angela Bailey Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:17:13 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6803 Oak Meadow looks super. Thing about K12 is that it's tuition free for us because the state/district pays for it. Otherwise I'd consider Oak Meadow. Oak Meadow looks super. Thing about K12 is that it’s tuition free for us because the state/district pays for it. Otherwise I’d consider Oak Meadow.

]]> By: Mrs. Domino http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6801 Mrs. Domino Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:58:47 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6801 Man, that's one informational blog. I've got an 18 month old, so schooling is just barely on my radar, but I love hearing others opinions. It sounds like no matter which method you choose you will do great simply because you are so enthusiastic about it. Good luck. Man, that’s one informational blog. I’ve got an 18 month old, so schooling is just barely on my radar, but I love hearing others opinions. It sounds like no matter which method you choose you will do great simply because you are so enthusiastic about it. Good luck.

]]> By: Bonnie Sayers (autismfamily) http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6800 Bonnie Sayers (autismfamily) Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:56:22 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6800 I started last year with my now 13 yr old son who will be in seventh grade. There was nothing suitable for MiddleSchool, so I went with California Virtual Academy, which uses K12 curriculum. It was really easy for us to do and we got the computer and get reimbursed twice a yr for ISP and the teacher will be the same. We may do community day this year since my other son will take the bus. Need to get his schedue first to make sure of the time coming home. I now have to pack boxes for the materials reclamation so we can get new stuff. Good luck. I joined a few yahoo groups and one of them is k12 users or something like that. I started last year with my now 13 yr old son who will be in seventh grade. There was nothing suitable for MiddleSchool, so I went with California Virtual Academy, which uses K12 curriculum. It was really easy for us to do and we got the computer and get reimbursed twice a yr for ISP and the teacher will be the same. We may do community day this year since my other son will take the bus. Need to get his schedue first to make sure of the time coming home.

I now have to pack boxes for the materials reclamation so we can get new stuff. Good luck. I joined a few yahoo groups and one of them is k12 users or something like that.

]]> By: Laundry & Children http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6799 Laundry & Children Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:32:00 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6799 Welcome to the homeschool family. It is a great lifestyle. We use Saxon Phonics and Math and the Core Knowledge Curriculum for everything else. Having had a child in traditional school, I can tell you that she has learned more over the summer than she did all of last year. She has more confidence in her academics now than she did in school. But the best part is that she has time to figure out who she is without the world telling her who she should be. And let me tell you, she is blossoming in to quite a cool kid. For the last two days she had insisted on wearing a purple wig just because she thinks its cool. I love it. Good luck next year and try to not to let yourself get too perfectionisty (I don't let language define how I can say something) it will drive you crazy. Welcome to the homeschool family. It is a great lifestyle. We use Saxon Phonics and Math and the Core Knowledge Curriculum for everything else. Having had a child in traditional school, I can tell you that she has learned more over the summer than she did all of last year. She has more confidence in her academics now than she did in school. But the best part is that she has time to figure out who she is without the world telling her who she should be. And let me tell you, she is blossoming in to quite a cool kid. For the last two days she had insisted on wearing a purple wig just because she thinks its cool. I love it.

Good luck next year and try to not to let yourself get too perfectionisty (I don’t let language define how I can say something) it will drive you crazy.

]]> By: Amanda http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6798 Amanda Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:15:14 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6798 our pastor's son didn't talk until he was 3 years old, and then one day he started talking and they couldn't shut him up.... he was absorbing all the info, and could have talked they suppose, but he just wouldn't. when he did talk he immediately spoke in sentences, not just one word here and there as most do when they start talking. i hope hte same is true for your son!! our pastor’s son didn’t talk until he was 3 years old, and then one day he started talking and they couldn’t shut him up…. he was absorbing all the info, and could have talked they suppose, but he just wouldn’t. when he did talk he immediately spoke in sentences, not just one word here and there as most do when they start talking. i hope hte same is true for your son!!

]]> By: Cynthia Samuels http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6797 Cynthia Samuels Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:50:08 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6797 This sounds so exciting! I'm kind of jealous. That period of discovery you share with a child is so special and you will have so much of it. It sounds like you've thought it out beautifully. OH and about your little one. In such a verbal household why not chill back and listen? Sounds like a sensible kid to me. This sounds so exciting! I’m kind of jealous. That period of discovery you share with a child is so special and you will have so much of it. It sounds like you’ve thought it out beautifully.
OH and about your little one. In such a verbal household why not chill back and listen? Sounds like a sensible kid to me.

]]> By: Meredith http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6796 Meredith Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:34:02 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6796 I've been unschooling for 2 years (and unschooled my oldest daughter a few years ago). However, their father and I have divorced in the meantime and he's not so sure about the whole unschooling thing. You'd think after our oldest got put in gifted and darn near skipped a grade after she decided to go back to public school he'd be a little more confident that we are doing fine. But anyways. I've been considering using our GA K-12 online school as a way to placate him, and your post this morning was the push I needed to initiate contact. Hopefully our experience will be as positive as yours! I’ve been unschooling for 2 years (and unschooled my oldest daughter a few years ago). However, their father and I have divorced in the meantime and he’s not so sure about the whole unschooling thing. You’d think after our oldest got put in gifted and darn near skipped a grade after she decided to go back to public school he’d be a little more confident that we are doing fine. But anyways. I’ve been considering using our GA K-12 online school as a way to placate him, and your post this morning was the push I needed to initiate contact. Hopefully our experience will be as positive as yours!

]]> By: Angela Bailey http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6795 Angela Bailey Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:13:26 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6795 Great choice, best of wishes to you. We are a K12 family and we love it. We do dislike the standardized testing, but my son exceeds them each year and they make it fun with Study Island. We've met two wonderful families nearby from their parent directory. Happy virtual home schooling! Great choice, best of wishes to you. We are a K12 family and we love it. We do dislike the standardized testing, but my son exceeds them each year and they make it fun with Study Island. We’ve met two wonderful families nearby from their parent directory. Happy virtual home schooling!

]]> By: casual friday everyday http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6802 casual friday everyday Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:10:20 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6802 Good for you for finding what you feel willwork for you and your son. I'm looking into http://www.oakmeadow.com/ and their distance learning program. Thus far it's the only distance learning program that seems tohave everything I would want in homeschooling with the benefit of having teachers to turn to and record keeping. :--) Nell Good for you for finding what you feel willwork for you and your son. I’m looking into http://www.oakmeadow.com/ and their distance learning program. Thus far it’s the only distance learning program that seems tohave everything I would want in homeschooling with the benefit of having teachers to turn to and record keeping.

:–) Nell

]]> By: derek http://naturemoms.com/blog/2008/08/06/the-great-homeschool-decision/#comment-6794 derek Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:12:17 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=1374#comment-6794 Funny how others always seem to know what is best for our kids... We unschool and it works for us. Power to the parents! Funny how others always seem to know what is best for our kids…
We unschool and it works for us.
Power to the parents!

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