First Time Homeschoolers Support Thread!

[chrissy]

I have read several places that the first year of homeschooling can be really difficult so I thought I'd start a support thread for anybody in their first year.

How about we start with introductions?

Name
Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)
What made you decide to homeschool
What materials/curriculum you are using, if any
What you're excited about
What you're nervous about

Okay, I'm going to answer in a new post.

[chrissy]

Name
Chrissy

Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)
Noah- 6 in November, Lilah- 3 in October, Rowan- 2 months now

What made you decide to homeschool
not feeling comfortable with any of the other options.
-the public school is too big for me, 10 K classes!
-the day starts too early and is too long. he'd be gone from 6:45-3ish!
-private schools were all either too far, too expensive, already full when we moved here in April, or all 3.

I had resigned myself to sending him to public school but I just kept having these nagging fears and thoughts about it. I decided that I would research homechooling and that would be our fallback plan. Once I started researching it I got really excited about it and decided to give it a go!

What materials/curriculum you are using, if any
We are using Enki- www.enkieducation.com I think I am going to supplement with some Spanish for all of us.

What you're excited about
I'm really excited about Enki. It seems like such a great fit for us. I can't wait to get my materials and start reading. I am excited that we will be able to continue some of our routines from the summer that we are all really enjoying- morning walks/runs/bike rides, gardening, cooking together.

What you're nervous about
I'm nervous that we are going to drive each other crazy. Last year he was in preschool Monday-Thursday from 9-1 and honestly I enjoyed the break. BUT this summer we have done really well and I hope that will continue. I also worry about him being able to develop friendships without being with the same kids every day.

I hope all this makes sense. My brain is a little fried- dog barking out on the deck, 2 yo watching Barney next to me on the sofa....

[ALittleBitCrunchy]

Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)
DS is 5. DD is 3. We're actually homeschooling him and she's just along for the ride
What made you decide to homeschool
I feel that schools expose children to things to early. You can only be a child for so long, and I would like to keep his innocence and childhood for just a few years more. Also, I feel that children are more impressionable now - and we would like to be the people molding him...not other 5 and 6 year olds. His sister would be starting school in 2 years and I'm not happy with our school district's diabetes care plans. We haven't found another school that I would be happier with, and since I'm not sending her to school until she can manage it on her own or until I see practices from them that I approve of, it seemed odd to send him and keep her home later.
What materials/curriculum you are using, if any
FIAR, Singapore Math, Discovering Great Artists, Hooked on Phonics, and a science program that I can't remember the name of. It's a K Science text. We'll be doing history, geography and social studies as it relates to the FIAR books. Language Arts will relate, as well.
What you're excited about
Getting started. However, I'll admit that I'm nervously excited.
What you're nervous about
Getting started. Our biggest issue is scheduling right now. We're still trying to work out our schedules to make this work. Also, it will be the first time in my adult life that I have not WOH FT. Going PT is scary from a financial standpoint, as well as being a huge change for me. If I can't drop the hours, I'm not sure what we'll figure out.

[Astromom]

Good idea! I guess it's not really my first year since we've been homeschooling 'preschool'. However this is the first year that everyone is expecting her to go to school, and it's the first year I'll be buying a curriculum... so it's feeling very official!

Name
Jenny

Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)
DD just turned 5 yrs
DS just turned 5 months

What made you decide to homeschool
I've wanted to hs or do private school since DD was a baby. I liked school as a kid, but it was so lacking academically even though I was in AP courses and I also think it's pretty strange to be in a class full of other kids the same age all day. However, a few months ago she asked to go to kindergarten. (I think because she is a very social little girl, and after DS was born we got a bit isolated.) The private school I would have been willing to put her in (and that my family was pushing) was an hour away each way, so I decided against it. I researched a bunch & found a charter we really liked about 20 minutes away. I was trying to be excited about it (would give me more opportunities to do my work from home, would give DS more one-on-one time, instant friends for her, etc) but when she decided she really did want to do HS instead I was so excited!!

What materials/curriculum you are using, if any
Don't know yet - I've been googling like mad. Up until now I've just tried to make everything a learning opportunity, or make up games like rhyming games and number games. We also do lots of on-line stuff like starfall.com, and we have some workbooks too (like from Target.) I've also been known to put together some cool unit studies from various sources on-line. But for her first 'official' year, I want to buy a curriculum. I am currently thinking reading and social studies from Harcourt, math from Saxon and supplementing with Singapore, and science from somewhere. We have art covered with stuff we already have. I'll do mostly 1st grade stuff supplemented with some K. And now Chrissy's got me thinking I want to do spanish too.

What you're excited about
I'm excited that DD will be able to go at her own pace, she won't be bored with stuff she already knows, and she won't pick up bad habits from being around other 5 and 6 yr olds all day. I'm excited to teach her and to explore things. I'm excited about a new HS group I found that's close to where I live. Heck, I'm excited about the packs of new crayons and glue I have for her!

What you're nervous about
Telling my MIL that we are a go for homeschooling. She will be soooooooo upset. She's convinced DD won't be challenged enough at home : and that she won't have any friends . I am a little nervous that I will get worn out and start to slack off, or that my work will keep me too busy. I also worry a bit that I'm not making the right decision and that she'd have more fun in school!

[lauracd]

Name

Laura

Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)

DS 1 is 5.5 and DS 2 is 3.5

What made you decide to homeschool

Actually it was my husband that planted the idea in my head. He couldn't bear the thought of putting our very sensitive son into the rough environment of 25 kids with little supervision. He felt that schools lacked so much and we really could do a better job at home. I thought homeschool was only for very religious families but I spent all last summer researching and was pleased to discover that there were many different kinds of families choosing to homeschool. Starting about this time last year I began actively cultivating a homeschooling lifestyle and have noticed both my boys blossoming. We frequent the library, I take the time to answer their questions thoroughly, we research and discuss through play and fun. There is no thought in their mind that "education" is boring. They love to learn.

What materials/curriculum you are using, if any

I love the unschooling philosophy and spend a lot of time pursuing their interests. DS 1 has been sick this week and we started talking about germs which led to print outs from the internet on germs and now we're going to the library on Monday to get books on germs (now that he is not contagious).

I'm not totally unschooling (yet!) and do use Singapore math because DS 1 enjoys it along with Hooked on Phonics (which he sometimes likes and sometimes doesn't) and Brighter Visions kits that come in the mail.

What you're excited about

That I get to be with my sons at each step and moment of this journey. That I will have an active hand in their education and learn just as much as they do along the way. I also think our bond will be very strong.

What you're nervous about

Mostly the "friends" question. I've joined a homeschooling group but I teach 2 days a week at the local university and I'm worried I won't have time or the right people to cultivate friendships with. My DS 1 craves friends and we do play with some but once they start school I want to make sure we have plenty of fun alternatives.

[MamaChel]

Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)
T is 5, W is 3, and E is 16 mos
What made you decide to homeschool
Short list: I pretty much unschooled myself right through the school system and found it to be a waste of my time.
What materials/curriculum you are using, if any
Presently, Saxon Math K and 1, Phonics Pathways, the Core Knowledge Sequence, and whatever online resources I find. My oldest needs a more structured approach but at this age we structure according to interest.
What you're excited about
Fitting school into our schedule rather than trying to fit our schedule into a public school. (I am a FT college student entering my last year in undergrad and getting ready to apply to law school, our schedule is packed as it is.)
What you're nervous about
Not much right now.

[meowmix]

Name
Devon

Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)
Trevor- 6 yrs, Rachael- 4 yrs and Ariel- 2 yrs (though I am not doing too much with her!

What made you decide to homeschool
I wanted to homeschool when my son was a baby but then I ended up with three children. In a panic I thought "I can't homeschool THREE!!" so I sent my son to waldorf preschool and ps K. Rachael went to regular preschool. While I had no problem with preschool, there was gaps in my son's K education and I also noticed he developed such an attitude with us and wasn't as close to his sisters anymore. I missed his relationship with us as a family and how he got to see all our daily chores, etc. He was always exhausted and I missed how he used to have so many interests (K was full day 9-3:35). He's had such a turnaround over the summer. He has reforged the relationship with his sisters and plays with them a lot. He's not so tired all the time, less argumentative (though his perfectionism and occasional pessimism will always be a part of him! He gets that from me : ) and more willing to help out in a household that he sees us running.

What materials/curriculum you are using, if any
I was going to build my own curriculum but I was too nervous to do it my first year homeschooling. I am in college very part time (two classes at a time right now. I would like to pick up one more) so I feared I would be too overwhelmed to keep on top of my school and designing Trevor's. So I went with K12.com. I purchased it, rather than going through a virtual public school because I want to control his education directly and REALLY don't want to answer to anyone else. I like how complete K12 is and how much it covers and the lesson plans are all laid out for me. We all want structure. I like the idea of unschooling, but it's not for me, though I have no problem taking days off, etc.

What you're excited about
EVERYTHING! Seeing Trevor (and Rachael, we're doing a little with her in phonics and she will learn along with Trevor in other subjects) learn, doing experiments, etc.

What you're nervous about
I'm not nervous about anything really. OK. I'm nervous about what to do with my 2 yr old while we homeschool, but I am going to come up with some ideas for her, too (playdough, colouring, etc)

[MidwifeErika]

Name Erika
Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s) Amelia 5, Owen 3, Eden 1
What made you decide to homeschool
This is a tough one. I am not totally sure, just a lot of things all mixed together. I never wanted to until the last year or so. Then I really started looking at my oldest and realizing how much better she would do at home. I would feel wrong sending her into the school this next year. My husband got onboard after watching the way that 2 girls in the neighborhood are sharpening their little claws on my daughter (that pukey stuff of inviting her over just to send her home because her outfit isn't as cute as theirs.... and they are only 6!), my husband shudders to think of Amelia being with children like that all day long. I have a good friend who is homeschooling and has been homeschooling her children for about 3 years now and watching her and knowing her kids has been a big inspiration! It gives me the confidence that I can do this too.
What materials/curriculum you are using, if any
We are using Oak Meadow K. My daughter just started using the starfall website as well, so that might count. My son will just be along for the ride.... he argues with his sister all the time and says that he is homeschooled too :
What you're excited about
I am excited about being a part of everything she learns! Right now she is working on letter sounds and it is so cool to see her get it! when she learns to read, I think I will be more excited than her! I am also excited for the new things we are getting involved in like the local unschooling group, YMCA classes, etc.
What you're nervous about
My parents (public school teachers) have recently started showing that they are uncomfortable with homeschooling. Before they sounded cool with it, but I guess that is when they thought I would change my mind. NOw that it is real, they are trying to get my daughter to want to go to public school. So, I am nervous that they will try to test her when we get together, that she will sense their disapproval or the fact that they are trying to test her, that she will feel dumb if she doesn't know the answers, and that they will judge harshly if she doesn't meet the public school kindergarten standards on their timeline. So, I am also nervous about pushing her too hard to get her to meet these standards that don't actually matter to anyone but the public school system.

[Cisne]

Name Michele
Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s) Ethan (5)
What made you decide to homeschool: Many, many things. I want something different for DS then what the PS can offer. Our faith background. The fact that I am a PS teacher. DS's issues: aspie-we think and SPD
What materials/curriculum you are using, if any: Calvert K. I needed a check the box type curriculum this year. Proof to me and to others that he is learning. Next year we're off to something else, I think
What you're excited about: Getting to teach MY kid. I love teaching, so why would I not want to school my own kiddo?
What you're nervous about: Teaching DS and not sending him to traditional school. That DS will "miss out" on things and grow up to be angry aobut being HSed. HSing and working full time.
Michele

[harmat]

Name
harmat

Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)
L. (dd) almost five

What made you decide to homeschool
Just briefly (I agree with lots of things already written) - Goes well with my parenting philosophy and general outlook on life. The advantages of self directed learning, lots of time to explore, play, dream, just be, etc. Believe it is the right choice for her in the long term. It's something I enjoy doing, sharing my life with her, helping her grow.

What materials/curriculum you are using, if any
I'm planning to have the first year play based, and continuing what we've been doing so far. Reading, baking, walking together etc. Lots of art.
I have got Home Learning Year by Year to use as a guide later. Maybe Singapore Maths in the future.

What you're excited about
Watching dd grow, learn, play. Spending lots of time together. (Pre-school's finally over, yay!)

What you're nervous about
My mom's forthcoming visit, and the zillions of demanding questions she'll no doubt bring with her :

[Ruthiegirl]

Name

Amy

Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)

DD 6 and DS 4, new baby coming in January

What made you decide to homeschool

So many things. Public schools here are awful to the point that the state has stepped in. Bad situation. Private school is waaaaay out of our price range. DD is anxiety issues that made her miserable when she went to a Montessori preschool for a few months. And I really like the idea of schooling my own kids.

What materials/curriculum you are using, if any

So far, I have bought Miquon for math and The Story of the World, volume 1 for history. We are putting together a collection of good reading books and science projects.

What you're excited about

Everything! This is going to be fun.

What you're nervous about

Keeping up with 2 active kids, the house, the cooking, homeschooling and having a new baby. Whew! I am going to plan in some serious time off when the baby comes and just live for a bit while we adjust as a family.

[Seeking Refuge]

Like another poster, I suppose this is technically my second year homeschooling as ds could have gone to school last year. We didn't do much along the lines of academics last year though, it was just another year to play. We did some stuff but nothing too exciting and certainly nothing on a consistent basis.

This year I will be incorporating a little more structure and curriculuum because we have decided that is what will work with us.

Name
Stephany

Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)
DD1-14 DD2-12 DS - turns 6 next week DS 2

What made you decide to homeschool?

My older daughters are in the public school system...enough said. We have known since DS-2 was in second grade and we had DS1 that we would homeschool him.

I would homeschool my daughters if it were feasible but my ex would not be in favor of that arrangement and I have to take his wishes into consideration. Also, I don't feel that homeschooling would be successful without both parents on the same page concerning the issue.


What materials/curriculum you are using, if any?
We have a real hodge podge of stuff. I have Patterns in Arithmetic, Handwriting without Tears but I don't plan on using the worksheets often unless DS seems interested in that. We have been doing Waldorf-ish type things with him for most of his life and that is where I will start this year. I have some of the materials from the Oak Meadow kindergarten year and although I don't plan on using that method exclusively, it is going to be a large part of our focus.


What you're excited about
We are going to be participating in the local HSAP! I agnonized over this but the school has hired a really fantastic woman that I know from our UU to run the program and she is very friendly and open-minded so I am going to give it a go. The laws are pretty strict here in Iowa. About the only way to get out of filling out the CPI form and testing is to participate with the HSAP.
The group was given our own space. The school district had an empty portable building that has two full size classrooms and a nice yard. It will be fun to be in on the groundfloor so to speak, helping to build the program as we go. DH and I are going to be on the parent advisory team.

What you're nervous about
Dh's mom just found out last night that we are homeschooling "for real". She thought that we were just holding back a year because he was so young last year. She is not a fan of the idea to say the least so I am sure we will have a lot to deal with in that situation.

[mama2cntrykids]

Name
Chan

Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)
DS 6, DS 4 and DD 14 months

What made you decide to homeschool
Better able to help with behaviors
Keep and deepen the bond we share
Religious reasons
Learning at his own pace and being able to learn what he wants
More FREEDOM, period.

What materials/curriculum you are using, if any
For this first year, we are using a curriculum. Next yr. we may not. Right now we're using MFW 1st grade for my 6 y/o and a 'workbook' and free play for my 4 y/o

What you're excited about
Everything!

What you're nervous about
Butting heads with my 6 y/o

[obiandelismom]

Name
Frances

Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)
Obie (6yo) and Eli (4yo)

What made you decide to homeschool
We are "accidental homeschoolers", I guess - terrible local ps, didn't make it into the charter/magnets, refuse to pay $7,000/year for private

What materials/curriculum you are using, if any
Singapore and Miquon math, Headsprout.com for reading, SOTW for history, NOEO (physics) for science.

What you're excited about
I'm excited about how excited ds is! He's a fun kid to teach - loves to learn things and always asks tons of questions about everything.

What you're nervous about
I work fulltime, so I'm nervous about how I'm going to get involved with local groups.

[Stacymom]

I'm so glad this is here! I was just going to start a thread like it!

Name
Stacy

Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)
Abby, almost 6 and Ashlynn, 4

What made you decide to homeschool
Wow, this could be a long answer! The first reason is because our public school is a mess. There are 1800 kids in my elementary school, and 13 kindergarten classes. Abby is very bright, and we were even considering skipping kindergarten with her because we were worried that she would get lost in the system. We are also a Suzuki family- I teach about 30 violin lessons a week, and my daughters are both in lessons as well. If they were in school all day, they would get home just as I was starting to teach, and I wouldn't get to spend time with them until after dinner. Then it would be homework and practicing, and cranky kids and a stressed out mom. What sealed the deal was when we ran into a fmaily friend who is homeschooling her four kids ages 5-16. Dh and I talked to her for hours, and she had wonderful answers to all of our concerns. After talking with her, it just felt right.

What materials/curriculum you are using, if any
We are still very much in the research stage. I think we will be using Thomas Jefferson Education, and have the materials on order. What I have learned about it appeals to me so far. It seems very flexible and child driven. Almost like unschooling in the early years.

What you're excited about
Like someone else said, building school into our lives, rather than working our lives around school. Really being with my children. Seeing them learn and progress, and being able to be a part of it.

What you're nervous about
Everything! Can I really do this? Will I still like my kids? Will they learn all they need to? Etc...

[jrcronewillis]

Name: Juliette
Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s): Kelvin, 4.75
What made you decide to homeschool: I always say "it just fits our family." What I mean by that is that we are a small family who really value our time together. We all three (Papa too!) love learning things together and we just didn't want to try to cram that into evenings and weekends. We also really love to travel and want to have a schedule which allows us to travel together.
What materials/curriculum you are using, if any: We've started kindergarten work and have been very eclectic about it so far. I don't imagine we will decide to use a single curriculum. Currently we are using several fun workbooks and endless sources from the library. The odds and ends approach is working so much better than I expected so I'm in no hurry to change it!
What you're excited about: I'm excited about so many things--the field trips, the co-op we are a part of, learning while we are traveling. But the single thing I'm breathless about is watching DS learn to read. He's really getting the hang of it and I'm just so excited to watch that world open up to him!
What you're nervous about: I'm nervous about the bad days. I struggle to make sure that my own responses to frustration don't damage our relationship. But I'd feel that way if he was in school too!

[Khourtniey]

Name Khourtniey
Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s) My school kiddo is Kaia and he is 3. Alo is 2
What made you decide to homeschool A lot of reasons. I was partially homeschooled and saw first hand the benefits and how different it is from public school. I live in a city where the schools are not all that great. I worry about the violence and my kids not getting enough one on one attention, as well as not being taught enough. For me, the decision was made before I even had kids and before living in my current city. Also like Juliette said, it will just fit our family.
What materials/curriculum you are using, if any Still unsure, but we are just starting preschool this year and I believe I will be printing a lot of stuff out from online (My printer is busy as I type this)
What you're excited about Everything
What you're nervous about Nothing really.

[seh97001]

Name
Samantha
Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s)
Sebastian-6, Sophie-2, Kaitlyn-2
What made you decide to homeschool
My own experiences in school and the fact that children today are not getting what they need in school. I want my children to have a happy childhood, which I don't think public school would give them. My son had a horrible kindergarten year. I sent him to a charter school, which ran out of money by spring break. I had to hurry-up and send him to a ps for the rest of the year. This is after I swore that I would never send him to a ps. From now on, it's homeschool.
What materials/curriculum you are using, if any
dabbling in old fashioned education, with many books, and my own ideas. Violin and German
What you're excited about
Getting started. I can't wait to start, but I want him to have all of his summer vacation.
What you're nervous about
My parents and grandmother don't approve of homeschooling. I have yet to tell them. This causes much nervousness for me. I still don't know how to tell them. One day I suggested not sending him to school, and got my head bitten off. I wish my parents were more accepting. On the other hand, I'm not afraid to tell my inlaws, because they don't butt in so much, but I haven't told them either.

[bunnybartlett]

I am glad to join you here...

Name
Linda

Childrens names
Emily (5 1/2) and Abigail (2)

What made you decide to homeschool
First of all I could not imagine after being so careful after 5 years to just hand my child over to a bunch of strangers.My SIL says for the first 5 years they are your children and then they become societys children.I looked at society and said"NO WAY!!"
Secondly,our area has full day K and teaches to the test.That would be great if they were not red flagged for the kids not passing the test.I would also like them to use more out of the box thinking and not lose their love of learning.I think that kids these days grow up too fast.

What materials/curriculum you are using, if any
We have FIAR and making math meaningful and I plan on winging the rest!!

What you're excited about
To have the freedom from the time constraints that public school brings.

What you're nervous about
How much we will actually accomplish with my 2yo "helping"

[Mariposa]

Name Pepper

Name(s) and age(s) of kiddo(s) Abby-5, Mimi-17 months

What made you decide to homeschool I always say I am selfish. I just can't stand the thought of my kids being gone from me 8+ hours a day. We are a bilingual family and I want them to be taught in both languages and to be fluent (read, write, speak) both languages.

What materials/curriculum you are using, if any What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know, Singapore Math, MathUSee Primer, Story of the World, Handwriting Without Tears, Rocket Phonics

What you're excited about Watching my children learn and letting them learn at their own pace, whatever that may be. Letting my children help to choose what and how we learn and when. Not missing out on anything.

What you're nervous about Driving each other crazy. Working around a busy toddler.