Well, we're starting a new chapter here. We pulled our son out of school last week and we are now homeschooling him. We like the school he was attending--it is the same Catholic school that I attended (um--a few years ago, wink, wink). Our fifth grader and Kindergartner are still there.
Our son, though, poor guy, has a bunch of issues that make "traditional" schooling difficult for him. He has a sensory disorder so bright lights and background noises are very distracting for him and he easily loses focus. We are pretty sure there are some neurological issues, as well (ADD, dyslexia...) He also has a motor delay so he writes at the ability and speed of a Kindergartner (he's in second grade). Copying spelling words and writing down assignments were painstaking for him, and classmates would get impatient and say things about how SLOW he was and the little sensitive guy would feel bad. His self esteem plummeted, and he was a ball of anxiety and stress. At age 7.
So, we decided he'd be better at home for awhile working at his own pace and building back some confidence, as well as returning to occupational therapy and getting a few tests done.
It's hard to start homeschooling mid-year. For the moment, we are using the curriculum from school (we are able to use the texts and workbooks for the remainder of the school year), and will be supplementing once we get more established. Although my degree is in education, there is a bit of a learning curve for all of us right now, but I know this is the best decision for the moment, and our son seems SO much happier and care free already.
So--my question to all of you homeschoolers is--what are the ups and downs of homeschooling? Have you found any great online resources? What are the best curriculums or do you mix and match? How do you socialize your homeschooling children? Have any of you homeschooled your kids and them sent them back to school later?
I'd love any feedback! Thanks!
Yeah! Homeschooling is so much fun! You'll be glad you made the leap!
ReplyDeleteCheck out St Thomas Aquinas Academy. They offer a really individualized approach to choosing curriculum.
~Shannon
OrganicMamas.etsy.com
Hi ~
ReplyDeletePlease hug that little guy for me! "A ball of anxiety and stress at the age of 7" ?!? poor fella!
We do not homeschool but several blogs I visit have mentioned My Father's World for curriculum.
http://www.mfwbooks.com/
Also, I think I have read of
Seton Home Study as a Catholic homeschool curriculum... http://www.setonhome.org/
If nothing else, you should be able to request a copy of the Graded Course of Study for each of the major subjects from your Archdiocese (Diocesean?) Office of Education.
Love your blog.
Ace1234
We use a mix of Catholic Heritage Curricula (www.chcweb.com) and Mother of Divine Grace (materials come from www.emmanuelbooks.com - I can't remember the MODG website but they do have one).
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I can't imagine doing anything but homeschooling anymore. Two of my kids are schooling (the 9 y.o. and 7 y.o.), and I don't even know where to begin on the positives. WE started off just planning to go through elementary school and *maybe* middle school, and now we plan to continue all the way through high school.
My kids have never been to a "regular" school, but I have heard from others who have experienced both ways that it takes some time for the kids to adjust to the newer way of doing things. Please feel free to contact me and I can put you in touch with some moms who have been through that if you are interested in talking to them :)
Oh, and socialization? It's SO not an issue with homeschooling! My kids are in activities with other homeschoolers (and sometimes non-homeschoolers depending on the activity) where they can work and play together, and they also get to see how adults interact with each other, as well as learning how to get along with kids of other ages in our own family.
ReplyDeleteI just read somewhere that Kimberly Hahn says that socialization is a big reason FOR homeschooling :)
Welcome to homeschooling! I've been teaching our five at home for 13 years now. It's the best. Check out Mother of Divine Grace--it's what I've used all along--motherofdivinegrace.org. I read 3 books first--Catholic Homeschooling, by Mary Kay Clark, Catholic Education:Homeward Bound, By Kimberly Hahn and Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum, by Laura Berquist.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on beginning this journey! My son is 8 and has allergies, asthma, ADHD and is on the Autism Spectrum (PDD-NOS). He also has sensory issues. We have homeschooled since the beginning and use an eclectic curriculum. We like: RCHistory (www.rchistory.com), Exploring Creation through... (good science, but not Catholic), Singapore Math, First Language Lessons, Writing With Ease (last two are from Peace Hill Press), Prima Latina, Artistic Pursuits. I am so glad to have him home. It's difficult sometimes, but so worth it. His sister is a little younger than he is, but both enjoy being home. Our plan is to go through high school and not send them to school. As for socialization, I agree with Jen and Kimberly Hahn - the socialization found in schools these days is not necessarily what we want for our children. For us, we do things with our homeschool group - both educational and fun. Hope that helps some - feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your feedback, everyone! We really appreciate it. Now if I can just get organized... :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome to homeschooling! My kids have always been homeschooled, and my oldest just started community college. I'd advise you to take it easy at first, give yourselves lots of time to adjust to the new lifestyle and de-stress. Just use what you have for the rest of the year and take your time deciding what to do next year.
ReplyDeleteMy middle child is dyslexic, and would have had a terrible time in school. After years of intensive work she finally was able to read fluently at 11. Now at 13 she actually reads for pleasure, which I never would have expected. But there won't be an overnight fix, it is going to take hard work from you and your son. I'd recommend you check out the site www.welltrainedmind.com. There is a forum on that site for homeschooling kids with special needs, and the women there are very knowledgeable and have great advice and specific curriculum recommendations. They also have a lot of knowledge about different tests and therapy. Good luck.
I have no advice to give you, Pammy, but I LOVE all the responses. we're thinking of possibly homeschooling, and now I have a wonderful list of websites and books to help us on this journey. I've been thinking of you all and praying for you during this transition. I know you can do it :)
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