He only knows public school

[ikesmom]

We are going to do trial home school this summer (8 yr old ds). I would also like to do it for they next school year (3rd grade) as well. The first time I mentioned homeschool he was excited and seemed interested.
The 2nd time I mentioned homeschool was not as positive. I asked him what kind of things he wanted to learn and what kind of schedule he wanted. He said he thought homeschooling would be boring.

I gave him suggestions and asked him to tell me what his ideal school day would be like?...He slowly gave me a few comments.

I am worried he won't want to do it on his own but I don't want to brainwash him either.

Any suggestions or comments on how you transitioned from ps to hs without being too coercive?

[mommy68]

What are your reasons for wanting to switch to homeschooling him? If the reasons are important enough to you then as the parent you really have the control and the choice in the matter, not your child. There may be others that disagree with me but that's how I feel about the younger children. My younger children are still in school and I'm home schooling our oldest right now but before removing my middle schooler from school I made sure he was ready. I went over the pros/cons over and over with him and he still wanted to be at home. But he is much older. I would probably not give that much control in the decision with a really young child. I'd make the best decision for the child and move on it. He will get used to it.

[kwg]

My ds is younger than yours but what helped him I think was meeting other children who hs. it is hard when *everyone* goes to school. I also talk about the fun stuff/field trips, etc.

[ABand3]

Are you proposing to him to hs'ing for the summer, instead of a break, or hs'ing for next year? It may be how you're framing it - is he less than excited b/c it sounds like he's not going to get a summer break? Do you want him to start a curriculum this summer, or let him deschool/unschool for the summer or longer?

I agree that joining a hs group for him to meet other hs'd kids and do activities with them.

We transititioned from ps to hs at a time when my ds was miserable in school, so it was an easy choice for both of us. I think the choice is yours, but find out what he likes or would miss about school, and seek out or create ways to meet those needs without school.

[almama]

I would:

1. Set up a play/project group at least twice a week with other hs kids. Heavy on the fun and experience and low on the "product." Science club, history club, etc.

2. Watch him for at least 3 weeks to see what are his strengths and interests. Then think of what would work for him (structured curriculum, unschooling, project based, etc) and you.

3. Plan some fun field trips with him. He is old enough that he can probably work out a budget, including mileage, and pick out some things he might be interested in the trip to learn about before he goes. No pressure doing it, but it will be a way for him to use his skills.

4. Organize a volunteer activity for him.

5. Give him some responsibilities around the house with fun outcomes.

Don't think worksheets and deadlines. You may find that his is style, but first help him transition into being at home.

[ikesmom]

Thanks for your replies..I agree with the control and decisions issue and I just want him to develop a love of learning. I found out one of my haircolor clients is a 8th grade teacher at ds's school. We chatted about the desire to learn and how most kids have to experience that from a parent and in the home before they can develop it on their own. She is starting a charter school with core values on respect, discipline, and looking at others as equals.

So many teachers are overwhelmed with the kids who come from dysfunction that they don't have the passion to teach or develop skills on just being a good citizen or helping someone expand themselves.

Last night at scouts I met a homeschool dad. His boy is in ds's den and he offered suggestions, help, and support. He talked about how hard it is to get kids this age to focus and that it takes time. It was kinda funny because the dad's huddle in groups and chat during the meetings about guy stuff and when I heard them talking I joined the guy click. I found out there are a LOT of homeschoolers in our town ,so I think I will check out the group meet-ups.
We have always worked on reading and writing over the summer. My ds has learning delays so I try to enhance his learning at home so he is not so behind. We will have 3 neighbor boys joining our brood during the day. They are a military family and have had lots of family directed learning experiences from traveling.

Thanks again for your posts!