Please introduce yourself... I'll go first!

[Dianna]

Okay, I think we have enough folks signed up now to get a conversation going. Please jump right in and introduce yourself so we can start getting to know each other better. :smile2:

I'm a homeschooling mom of four who has been homeschooling for 16+ years. My oldest is married, my youngest is a kindergartner. People always laugh when we tell them we bought our oldest's first car, and our daughter's first carseat in the same month. :lol:

My homeschooling methods have ranged from completely unschooling, to structured, with many stops in between. My methods change depending on the needs and ages of my children and my own needs, and it all seems to work out in the end.

Lately I've been catching up on reading. I enjoy children's/young adult literature very much and have a mission to catch up on all the wonderful books I missed when I was younger, as well as try to keep up with current literature.

Well, I'm rambling. I'll go for now so others will have a chance to jump in. :bounce:

Warmly,
Dianna

[martylamarche]

Hi, I'm Marty. I live in the Midlands. I have lived here 2yrs this month and LOVE SC. I am originally from the midwest but have lived in the west as well. I have 2 children that I have been homeschooling for 5 yrs now...WOW! They are 13 (boy) and 11 (girl). I am what I consider an ecletic hsler. I am starting to be a little anxious about high school but am determined to see it through.

Really like these forums as opposed to Yahoo. I enjoy your newlsetter too. Thanks, Dianna.

I love to read, do decorating projects and am an AVID Univ of AZ Wildcat basketball fan.

Well, that's me in a nutshell.

Marty

[Dianna]

I am starting to be a little anxious about high school but am determined to see it through.

Really like these forums as opposed to Yahoo. I enjoy your newlsetter too. Thanks, Dianna.


Marty, try not to worry about high school. I've just went through that myself and will be happy to help you through the hoops. :smile2:

Thank you for your kind words about my newsletter and the forums. I know what you mean about Yahoo. I still participate in some groups there, but I love the format of this style much better and felt it was worth investing in for us. The kids love it, too, because of the avatars and smilies... they're especially enamored with the banana ---> :banana:


:biggrin2:
Dianna

[Sweet Home Carolina]

Hi, my name is Marty, I am a 45 year old grandma raising two grandsugars. They are 4 1/2 and 6. They have been living with me since they were born. I am starting to homeschool them this year. Kindergarten and first grade is where we are starting at.

I have three grown kids that I used to homeschool when they were younger. I homeschooled them for about seven years in the state of North Carolina.

I am looking forward to beginning anew at such an early age. I pulled my big kids out of public school when they were in the 5th and 7th grades so Kindergarten and first grade should be fun.

I am deaf. I wear a hearing aid and I read lips well. I don't sign as I can communicate well. I'm on a fixed income and am doing my best to obtain Christian homeschooling books. I aim to join an Association next week and am looking forward to be under the shelter of one.

At present my car is in need of repairs (if you have any Toyota Corolla's sitting around needing parts taken off, let me know!) and it will sit in the driveway until that is resolved. Very very frustrating as the part is about $200.

I live in West Ashely on Sam Rittenberg and have been here three months. I used to live on James Island, Megget, and Jacksonboro a few years ago.

I am currently waging a war against the battle of the bulge. On Day Four of my "diet" and it's going well. I hate to say "I'm on a diet" as it implies that I will go off of it.

Moving from a three bedroom house with a big backyard into a single wide mobile home has really been a challenge. I am buying this mobile home from my son as him and his new bride have bought a home in Ladson. I was living in Kentucky. (moved from here to there a few years ago)
It's been a challenge to be "quieter" here in this mobile home park. I am so used to living in the country. May end up doing so before it's all over with. So if you know of anything in the country please let me know.

Well I will close now. Am looking forward to meeting new people. Most people with kids my grandchildren's age are younger than me and tend to leave me out. (I had joined a Charleston mothers group and I just don't fit in).

Thanks for this forum. I like it.

Marty
45/mom of 3/grandma of 4/West Ashley
email address: downhomecarolina@knology.net
Sweet Home Carolina
Homemade in the Heart of Carolina
Hand made soaps and personalized crafts available.
Perms available for trade.

[TAT191]

Hi,

My name is Stephanie and this is my 1st year officially homeschooling. I have 2 boys ages 4.5 and 2.5 years old. I am doing Sonlight Pre-k with both but adding in some k material for my oldest. We started a couple of weeks ago. I am trying to follow the rules as if this was 1st-12th grade so that I stay on track. I use Homeschool Tracker for record keeping. We are going to use the 2nd option and go with the South Carolina Independent homeschoolers assoc. I have heard that they ask more of you than the law requires but I think that is what I need starting out. I am a little worried but knew that I wanted to homeschool before my 1st was born. I am really looking forward to getting to know all of you. It is nice to know that you have support so close.

:wave:

Stephanie

[Dianna]

Am looking forward to meeting new people. Most people with kids my grandchildren's age are younger than me and tend to leave me out. (I had joined a Charleston mothers group and I just don't fit in).

Marty, I'm an older mom of younger children, so I think I know a little of how you must feel. In my support group, however, there are quite a few moms around my age, with children around my age, so I don't feel left out. I bet I would in other groups, though. At least you'll fit in here... we don't discriminate against age! :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[Dianna]

Hi,

My name is Stephanie and this is my 1st year officially homeschooling. I have 2 boys ages 4.5 and 2.5 years old.

Hi Stephanie, welcome to homeschooling! You're not required to join an association until your children are of age to be in first grade (you can sign a waiver with your school district or waiver through an association for kindergarten when they're 5). Some moms start to document early (like you're doing) without joining an association in order to make sure they feel comfortable doing things when they're "official". Although Carolina Homeschooler exists to support Third Option homeschoolers, you're still welcome to visit if you decide to join the second option. Be sure to post in the Homeschooling 101 folder if you have specific homeschooling questions. :smile2:

Dianna

[Sweet Home Carolina]

there are quite a few moms around my age, with children around my age, so I don't feel left out.
Warmly,
Dianna

Dianna, what support group would that be? (I may already be in it, not sure)
Marty

[Dianna]

Dianna, what support group would that be? (I may already be in it, not sure)
Marty

Marty, we're in the upper part of the state, so I doubt you're familiar with it. :sad: But I hope you find one that's supportive of you very soon. Or, have you thought about starting one of your own for grandparents/older moms who're homeschooling?

Dianna

[hh_spring]

Hi

My name is Harriet, I live in Florence.
Have been homeschooling my middle child Riley (13), for 4 years, since the middle of the 5th grade. I have a daughter 10 and another 28 almost 29, next month! I love the public school my daughter is in and will leave her there until she finishes 6th grade. Then I will Homeschool her, too!!

I don't really fit into any support groups in my area, so my neighbor and I are a support group of two!! Her son is the same age as mine! She has been back and forth with HS and public school....but once I took Riley out I knew it was the right thing!

I am depending on Dianna to help me not be too nervous about High School and getting it right! But as wonderful as you have been so far in the online classes, I am more relaxed already!!

:wave: Harriet

[Dianna]

I am depending on Dianna to help me not be too nervous about High School and getting it right! But as wonderful as you have been so far in the online classes, I am more relaxed already!!

:wave: Harriet

What a sweet thing to say! :::blush::: Thank you! And don't worry, I'll help you navigate the high school years. We're all in this together. :aniflower

Warmly,
Dianna

[Sweet Home Carolina]

I have thought of starting a group of my own and did so not long ago. I don't have any members yet but here is the link. I don't know where else to post it. It is for Christian homeschooling parents and grandparents who live in Charleston.
[url]http://groups.yahoo.com/group/W_Ashley_Homeschool_group/
Marty

[Barbara]

My name is Barbara. I have 2 kids - a son who is 17 and a daughter who is 13. Both kids attended a classical christian school until 2 years ago. My son really wanted to go to a larger public school so we enrolled him in Charter High School at Greenville Tech. It was a good choice for him. He is very active on the leadership team of his youth group, leading bible studies and working. My daughter, Ryan, is homeschooled so she can spend alot of time working on her gymnastics skills. She will be competing gymnastics for the 4th year this coming season. We're making a huge change in her life (and mine) by changing gyms. I'll now be driving about 35 minutes each way (instead of 10) to get her to practice. So, instead of coming back home I'll have lots of time to read while I watch her work out. She's in the gym at least 16 hours each week. She is a beautiful gymnasts though and truly loves the sport. Her smile is worth it all.

[Shawn]

Hello my name is Shawn, my wifes name is Jennifer and we have 2 sons.

John Paul who is 5.5 years old and is starting kindergarten homeschool on Monday.
James who is 6 weeks old and adorable.

We are a 3rd option homeschool under Grace Homeschool Association.
We are not currently involved in a support group, but we would love to find one in the Chesterfield County area.
Jennifer and John Paul get a severe case of cabin fever by Friday, they would love to have some homeschool buddies.

We do not belong to a church :redface2: but are open to invitations, would like one with several homeschool families and sound doctrine.

I realize that it may be awkward to have a Dad on the sight, but we don't have internet at home. So any help we get will be passed on to my dear wife.

Thanks,
Shawn

[Dianna]

I realize that it may be awkward to have a Dad on the sight, but we don't have internet at home. So any help we get will be passed on to my dear wife.


Shawn, it's not a bit awkward -- you're just as welcome here as the moms! :smile2: There's also a website specifically for homeschooling dads (look at my links page to find it), but please continue to post here.

What town are you near in Chesterfield? We have a great support group in Lancaster County, if you'd like to join us. If that's too far, let me know and I'll try to get you in touch with nearby homeschoolers.

Warmly,
Dianna

[Shawn]

Dianna,

We actually live in Chesterfield, which is in Chesterfield County. It would take about an hour ? for us to get to Lancaster City. That is probably a bit too far with gas prices as high as they are. If you could put us in touch with some closer families you would be placed on our MVF (Most Valued Friends) list. :smile2:


I am not above bribery, we own a 6 quart ice cream maker and would glady make ice cream for new found homeschool buddies! :biggrin2:

Thanks,
Shawn

[Homeschoolmom28]

Hello Everyone, :wave: My name is Teresa, our family lives in Gaffney, SC this up coming school year will be my families first full year of homeschooling. My daughter, Monica is in the 10th grade. Last school year she started out in our local high school and from the very beginning things did not go well. She had one teacher that in my opinion should not have been teaching anyone much less high school age children. The straw that broke the camels back was one day my daughter who has been reading since age 3 picked a book out for free reading time in the classroom and this teacher stopped her in the middle of the class and in front of all the other students told her that that book was to hard for her and for her to pick another. This upset Monica a great deal, :cry: by the end of that week she was out of public school and homeschooling was started.

I am here to tell you all that homeschooling has been such a blessing for our family. Monica has brought her grades up from low C's and D's to A's and B's. The difference in her is amazing, she is confidant, motivated and most of all her outlook on life has taken a 100% turn for the best.

I look forward to learning from and talking to each and every one of you. I am proud to say that we are a homeschooling family. I am looking forward to getting back to teaching and even Monica is looking forward to it. It has been great reading the post here and it is great to meet each and every one of you.

The Case Family from South Carolina[/FONT]

[Dianna]

I just wanted to welcome the newcomers to the Carolina Homeschooler website and discussion forums. It's great to read about your families and I look forward to getting to know you better on these boards! :smile2:

Dianna

[Dianna]

If you could put us in touch with some closer families you would be placed on our MVF (Most Valued Friends) list. :smile2:

Shawn, I know homeschooling families in Jefferson and Mt. Croghan, and there are others in Pageland. However, they come to Lancaster to join our support group activities. Hopefully they can give me names of folks a little closer to your side of the county. I'll be seeing them later today (hopefully), so I'll ask them then and let you know. I also sent out a message via our Community list. Maybe there's someone there who has some contacts. :smile2:

Dianna

[Dianna]

Shawn, in the Homeschool Resources Directory, I found a listing for a group in Hartsville. The listing says it serves members in the Hartsville, Darlington, Chesterfield, and Marlboro County areas. It says that it doesn't have any requirements for membership but does speak freely about its Christian views. Yearly fee. Call 843-383-6151 or email cjracademy@msn.com. Would this be close enough? Let me know!

Dianna

[Shawn]

Shawn, in the Homeschool Resources Directory, I found a listing for a group in Hartsville. The listing says it serves members in the Hartsville, Darlington, Chesterfield, and Marlboro County areas. It says that it doesn't have any requirements for membership but does speak freely about its Christian views. Yearly fee. Call 843-383-6151 or email cjracademy@msn.com. Would this be close enough? Let me know!

Dianna

This Group is about an hour and 5 minutes away. She was very nice and gave me lots of info, and it sounds promising. However, I would like to compare groups, where can I get information on your support group?

Thanks,
Shawn

[Dianna]

This Group is about an hour and 5 minutes away. She was very nice and gave me lots of info, and it sounds promising. However, I would like to compare groups, where can I get information on your support group?

Thanks,
Shawn

Shawn, I'm PMing (private messaging) you with more information. I'll also give you the names and phone numbers of other homeschoolers who live near you (or at least only around 15 minutes or so from you.

Warmly,
Dianna

[kmarcy]

Hi I'm Kelly,

I am located down in Beaufort and have been homeschooling for 14 years. (I think I told Dianna 15yrs.OOPS!) My oldest is 23yrs. old, after graduation she went to Columbia International University for one year and decided to get married and start a family. She and her husband are expecting their 2nd child anyday. My middle child is 20 years old, he is in his third year at the College of Charleston. He just got married to his high school sweetheart in May. My youngest is 15years old and she is the only one left at home to school. I do feel like a short timer and I'm starting to get excited about the next phase of my life.

My husband is a residential builder and I do the bookeeping. Life can be very busy as you all know.

I am looking forward to the writing II class for my youngest. We have never done anything like this before in the 14yrs. of homeschooling.

Looking forward to another great year of schooling,
Kelly

[Linda]

Hey all, My name is Linda Holt, I have to homeschooled kids ages 11 and 14. This will begin our fifth year of homeschooling and my daughters first year of high school and I couldn't be more intimidated. I am grateful to Dianna for holding this class, it gives me one less thing to have to learn, and then teach. Thanks Dianna.

[shae128]

Thanks for the chance to introduce ourselves! :wave:
I am a sahm/farmer. This is our third year to homeschool. We are really looking forward to a great year. I have a ds, age 12(13 in Nov) and a dd, age 8(9 in Sept). We live in Jefferson, SC on a 256 acre farm. We use a variety of materials for our schooling. I basically try to cater to each childs particular needs and interest.

I love children, animals, cooking, sewing, reading. We have an early to bed, early to rise lifestyle. I love homeschooling, as it seems to make life slow down a bit. Not to say that our day is not busy, we just have more time together, and more memories to cherish.

I am really enjoying this website-thank you for all of your hard work Dianna! :biggrin2: I am looking forward to getting to know all of you better.

Sharon

[Lynn]

Marty,
It was great reading your post! I am turning 43 this year and have 7 children - the youngest is 3! I am having sooo much fun with him. I think I have finally calmed down and enjoy each day! My oldest just graduated from high school and so I now know it is true....they grow up way to fast!

Lynn

[Lynn]

Dianna,
Seems like we have childrens ages in common - My oldest (17) just graduated and my youngest is 3! I have 7 children total and we have been homeschooling for 12 years. I am not sure how to post something to the forum. I think I have successfully now replied to 2 different individuals! I'll keep playing around here.
Lynn

[Dianna]

Welcome, everyone! It's so great "meeting" everyone, and it's amazing how much we all seem to have in common!

Remember that you can post new threads, too. And if you really want to be adventurous, try creating a new poll... everyone likes a good poll now and then! :lol:

Warmly,
Dianna

[jacki]

Hi, my name's jacki and I have 4 children (14, 13, 11 and 3). This is our 3rd year homeschooling (just the younger 2). We live in Seneca, way up in the northwest corner of the upstate. We tend to move around a lot, originally from the midwest and recently from the west. We belong to Homeward Bound 3rd group Association and there is a great support group that just started in our area called hippo homeschoolers.

[jacki]

It's Jacki again,
our phone rang and pressed enter and apparently the computer thinks the post is done....
Anyhow, we tend to be eclectic with our resources but this year we are following classical education with a mix of unit studies. My son doesn't fit nicely into any kind of mold so we keep trying until something works. About the only thing we've been consistent with is Story of the World for history.
We also really enjoy Dianna's writing courses too!

[sharon]

Hi everyone, My name is Sharon and I have been HSing for going on 6 years now. I have 3 children. The oldest 2 went to a Chirstian school until 5th & 6th grades. When my daughter (know 17) began having some learning difficulties (she is very detail oriented, great in math and science but weak in the abstract subjects) I spoke with the principal and his response was for me to pay for additional tutoring (on top of tuition). To make a long story short I was spending about 2 hours a day having to reteach what she had been taught in school. So we began HSing the next year. My youngest (9) has been HSed from the beginning.
Last year we made the decision to let my oldest son attend public school for sports. This was very difficult, but after careful prayer and thought we sent him off. The year went well, and so far this year is going well also. My daughter chose to do high school at home and finishes up this year. She is hoping to attend College next year to study Dance and education.
Sorry this is sol long, but hi to everybody.

[Dianna]

I just wanted to welcome all the newcomers to the forum. We're so glad to have you with us and we look forward to getting to know you better! :smile2:

Dianna

[rmamacarr]

Hi,

I am Robin. I have five sons: 16,14,12,11, and 11 weeks old. This is the first year I ave tried to homeschool. I am only homeschooling one child. The 14yo he has had a very difficult time with 7th grade.
I am very happy to find this board. So glad it is here.

robin

[cudltot]

Hi :wave: My name is Chrissy. I am in the Myrtle Beach area. I have 3 kids 7(boy), 6 (boy) and almost 4(girl). This is our second official year of homeschooling. I would say that we are relaxed eclectic(a friend's description). I am thinking of starting a homeschool support group in our area, but not quite sure yet.

[SChomemomof3]

Hey All,
My name is Lorna. I actually already Jacki from my homeschool support group, Hippo. I didn't know she was registered here. I have homeschooled 7 years now. I have a daughter 13 and twin boys who are 8.

[Dianna]

Hi Chrissy and Lorna, I'm glad to have you both with us! If you'd like your children to participate, also, look in the Forum News and Info folder for instructions about how to create accounts for them.

I look forward to getting to know you both! :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[kriserkai]

Hello everyone! My name is Kristina Humphries and I live in Northern Greenville County. I am a first year homeschool mom with my freshman son, DJ. We started the 22nd and things are going alot better than expected so far. DJ suffers from manic depression and after all of these years in PS, I was fortunate enough to be able to begin staying home with him. His needs vary widely from day to day and as such I vary the course load and activities widely. I was very intimidated by the thought of beginning this process with a High School student but I actually think it may end up as a real blessing for both of us. I have 3 other children (5,8, and10) who are thriving in PS and I plan to keep them there for now. They have already started to ask if they can stay at home like their brother, so who knows what next year holds.
I would enjoy hearing from those of you who are homeschooling children in vastly different stages of academic progress to see how the process works for you. Kindergarten through High School, all at the same time, seems a daunting task!
Love the forum,
Kristina

[Dianna]

Hi Kristina, and welcome to our forum! I have children of various ages (from 3 all the way up to 18). Please post your "various ages" question in our Homeschool 101 folder so it won't get buried here and I'll be happy to chime in with my experiences. :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[kimmeeangel]

Hi,

My name is Kim and I am a new homeschooler. We have 6 children (5 boys and 1 girl) but only 4 live at home now. The oldest is 23 and the youngest is 6. the girl is now 18. We live in the Midlands and hope to meet others in my area as well

I am only homeschooling my 6 year old but sure wish I could do them all. The 4 that are still at home are 15, 13, 12 and 6. My 15 year old is a 10th grader and is taking junior honors courses and plays soccer for the HS and on a travel state team, thus he is happy to stay in school. The 13 year old is in the learning disabled class and it is a great fit for him as he is my step child and he does not care for me too much so he would NOT want to be home with me all day. I worked hard to get him qualified for it and am glad he is there. My 12 year old is struggling in the 7th grade, but he says he wants to be at school with his friends and play baseball but is open to me giving him homeschool tutoring after school for language arts.. he has had some hearing problems which has delayed him some, but not enough in this grand state of SC... I promise not to go into that whole issue right now.

Prestin is my 6 year old who is so used to being around his older siblings all the time gets excited when he gets to school to be around kids his age. He just cannot seem to sit still and cannot seem to grasp the concept of sitting still for hours behind a desk being quiet. On his first day of first grade he was in the pricipals office. I gave him a month to get used to it, but it just did not seem to work. He was punished each day by having recess taken and then silent lunch. He needs too much one on one, the teacher states. The funny thing is he CAN sit still and work on drawings and writings for long periods of time at home.. I really think it was just a teacher-child personality conflict and they refused to change teachers.

Well, I officially withdrew him and we have started the process of trying to get used to the homeschool. My mother has homeschooled my brother and he is now in the 6th grade and they do wonders.

Well I am sure that is more than you wanted to know.. I can get long fonted at times... ha ha

I am a registered nurse and I am working on my masters -- which I do correspondence courses for.. My husband does land grading and clearing with his father and brothers. I love to read -- and Dianna I loved to see thereis someone else out there who likes to catch up on the young book selections as well. I can handle most genre except the cheesy romance stuff. Mysteries are my favorite.

:) Kim

[scottsmom]

Hi Everyone!!!
My name is Angel. I recentally moved here to south carolina from arizona. Also, This will be my first school year with my 11 year old son. He has lived with my mom for a long time. SO. This is also my first year being in the school system. It has been a month or more and I want OUT!!
My son has ADHD and his new teachers are basically refusing to give him any help. I have sent email after email requesting help from them, I have finally recieved replys which all include nothing but complaints about him being unfocused and disorganized!!! He recieved his progress reports, they are all f's and this has busted his self asteem down to nothing, the kids are picking on him because he is different.
Can anyone here PLEASE help me. I have chosen the curriculum I would like to use, its called core curriculum 6th grade delux, I also called the berekley school district and requested to speak to the lady who takes care of this and left her a message, she has not called me back.
I dont know what I am supposed to do.
Can someone please lead me in the right direction?
Oh and also I am a mother to a ten month old lil boy.

[Dianna]

I just wanted to welcome Kim and Angel to our forum! It's nice to have you both with us! :smile2:

Angel, have you registered with an association yet? If not, that's the first step. Take a look at the associations on our About Us page at: www.carolinahomeschooler.com/aboutus.htm (http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/aboutus.htm)

They all participate in the Carolina Homeschooler network and I recommend any of them. Just visit their websites to find the one that best meets your needs. Once you're registered, then you can withdraw your son. Ask the director of your association for the best way to go about doing that with the least amount of friction with the school.

If you like to read a copy of our law, please go to: www.carolinahomeschooler.com/legal.htm (http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/legal.htm) and if you would like to find the answers to some commonly asked questions, please see our FAQs page at: www.carolinahomeschooler.com/faq.htm (http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/faq.htm) Both of those pages will answer many of the questions you have.

If you have any other specific questions about homeschooling in South Carolina, please ask them in the Homeschool 101 folder, that way other new homeschoolers can benefit from reading the questions and answers. :smile2:

Welcome to homeschooling and to our forums! :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[scottsmom]

I just wanted to welcome Kim and Angel to our forum! It's nice to have you both with us! :smile2:

Angel, have you registered with an association yet? If not, that's the first step. Take a look at the associations on our About Us page at: www.carolinahomeschooler.com/aboutus.htm (http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/aboutus.htm)

They all participate in the Carolina Homeschooler network and I recommend any of them. Just visit their websites to find the one that best meets your needs. Once you're registered, then you can withdraw your son. Ask the director of your association for the best way to go about doing that with the least amount of friction with the school.

If you like to read a copy of our law, please go to: www.carolinahomeschooler.com/legal.htm (http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/legal.htm) and if you would like to find the answers to some commonly asked questions, please see our FAQs page at: www.carolinahomeschooler.com/faq.htm (http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/faq.htm) Both of those pages will answer many of the questions you have.

If you have any other specific questions about homeschooling in South Carolina, please ask them in the Homeschool 101 folder, that way other new homeschoolers can benefit from reading the questions and answers. :smile2:

Welcome to homeschooling and to our forums! :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

THANK YOU THANK YOU!!, no I have not registyered anywhere, that will be my step one. Thank you. Im off to the 101, I hope I dont drive everyone crazy with my questions.

[Dianna]

THANK YOU THANK YOU!!, no I have not registyered anywhere, that will be my step one. Thank you. Im off to the 101, I hope I dont drive everyone crazy with my questions.

You won't drive us crazy! We love being able to help other homeschoolers! :smile2:

Dianna

[kimmeeangel]

Thanks Diana and this site has been a wealth of help for me and I was so surpised at how many homeschoolers there are in this area.

[SuzinTR]

Hi, I'm Suzanne and this is my first year of homeschooling. I have four children, the oldest, a son, is 25, my next son is 20, and I have two daughters 14 and 9. We live in Travelers Rest, SC.

I am homeschooling my daughters who are ninth and fourth graders respectively.

My initial reason for pulling my girls from ps was faith related. But as these weeks of homeschooling have passed, I have come to realize just how much they do not know. My ninth grader was destined for Travelers Rest High School (Go Dogs!) and was already assigned four Honors classes, two ninth grade and two tenth grade. But I realized two weeks ago that she doesn't understand place value!

My fourth grader couldn't tell you a verb from a noun three weeks ago. Now, she is classifying sentences for fun!

We are using the Trivium approach to classical education, and thus far, are enjoying ourselves and the freedom that hs'ing offers.

[Dianna]

Suzanne, welcome to the forum! :smile2:

Dianna

[william j]

Hi all, once again this is William J. I home school my 5yo son named Devin. We live in Chester and we are having a blast at home school. We have tried different curriculums, and I think for Devins age, he is doing well. Devin and I had a great time at Brattonsville last week, did anyone else go? If so, we hope that you had a great time as :smile2: well.

[raven4487]

Hello everyone. My name is Dawn and this is my 2nd year homeschooling. I have two children Lakota is 9 and Raven is 7. I too, have had bad experiences with ps with Koty as he had lead poisoning as a baby and now just showing the effects. He passed all the tests but at low levels to high for help. Had a bad teacher who killed his self-esteem. Raven is very bright but made the choice to stay home because she hated being teased. I am thinking of putting her back in January and she wants to go so we will see. I too was scared the first year did'nt know if I was doing anything right but Dianna, bless her heart, set me straight. I love her to death. this year is eclectic as some subjects they are on the same level. Still have fun trying to get them going though some days. But like everyone else says we think why we started and just keep going. We live in the Lancaster area and love the support group here. It may be worth the drive for some of you out Chester way. The trips we have been on were great, catch some of them if you can. I have met alot of great people by homeschooling. There is not a day goes by that I regret making this decision. Okay maybe days when they are really on my last nerve. Nah just kidding.

[Dianna]

I too was scared the first year did'nt know if I was doing anything right but Dianna, bless her heart, set me straight. I love her to death.

And I love Dawn to death! :biggrin2: She makes the best chocolate chip cookies and is a miracle worker with hair - trust me!

Dianna

[raven4487]

And I love Dawn to death! :biggrin2: She makes the best chocolate chip cookies and is a miracle worker with hair - trust me!

Dianna

Thanks Dianna

[Dianna]

I moved Amy's post asking about curriculum and advice to the Homeschooling 101 forum so others would be able to follow the conversation and offer advice. Here's the direct link: http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1410

Warmly,
Dianna

[william j]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi all, once again this is William J. I home school my 6yo son named Devin. We live in Chester and we are having a blast at home school. We have tried different curriculums, and I think for Devins age, he is doing well. Devin and I had a great time in Charleston , did anyone else go? If so, we hope that you had a great time as well.

[Marywood]

Hi, everyone!
My name is Mary Ann and I homeschool my 4th grade son. We recently moved to Spartanburg from central New Jersey. I'm originally from Greensboro, NC, and have always wanted to live in SC so this was a very welcomed move for me! We have been homeschooling for 2 1/4 years, after trying ps and finding that it was not for us. We really enjoy hs (well, most days!) and have never regretted the decision to go down this path. We tend to use a modified classroom approach to our schooling, using state and local standards to guide our curriculum, adding in as many experiences, games, field trips, etc. as possible.
I'm looking forward to getting to know you all; I admit, I've been lurking on this board since we found out we were moving to Spartanburg almost one year ago, and have found it to be not only very valuable in making the transition but most comforting as well. Thanks for being here!
Mary Ann

[Dianna]

Mary Ann, welcome to our group! I'm glad you came out of lurkdom and started posting. :smile2: How do you like living in Spartanburg?

Warmly,
Dianna

[Marywood]

Hi, Dianna!
Thanks for the warm welcome! We love living in Spartanburg--the weather's great, the people are nice, the library is wonderful and it doesn't have New Jersey traffic!! We're also much closer to both sets of grandparents which is really nice for all of us. So far, life in the Upstate is good!! (Oh, and my animal-loving son likes the proximity to Hollywild, Greenville and is looking forward to a Riverbanks Zoo field trip!)

[catwoman]

Hi,I'm Aimee and we have two children and one pitiful almost-child Dalmation.:biggrin2: My son is 11 and my daughter is 5.We started out doing mostly Abeka,wich I do like and the children as well.We still use it for some things.I found that a "whole curriculum" like that is very limiting for us.We do all kinds of stuff,whatever we're all interested in.I have started using mostly real books with my kids,and found it to be much more interesting for us all.The kids seem to retain more this way also.I am not really homeschooling my daughter yet,we do some preschool stuff,but mostly the things my son is studying look so cool to her she ends up doing them with us.We volunteer with the animal shleter here.I would love to raise awareness in rual areas like the one we live in....Why do some people think animals are disposable?? We also travel a lot,my family lives about three hours away,and in-laws in California,so we go as much as I can manage.So far,our homeschooling is mostly going really well.Aimee:wave:

[dawnt]

Hi, my name is Dawn. This is my first year to homeschool my children. I have 3, Olivia (13), Collin (6) and Addy (4). I have been a bit overwhelmed and lonely but now that I have found you guys I feel a glimmer of hope. My association has been great I just don't know what all to ask and sorting through all of the details is a bit overwhelming. I have great kids, an amazingly supportive husband and I have watched some wonderful changes since we decided to do this for our entire family.

I am an avid scrapbooker!!!! I love it! My kids love it! I can get lost in it. I am very active in our church. I love music. I am not very organized but this is helping.

I look forward to meeting you guys on trips and classes and please feel free to email and chat.

Thanks!
Dawn

[Dianna]

Hi Dawn, welcome to our forum and to homeschooling. We're glad to have you with us!

Warmly,
Dianna

[mary helen]

I am Mary. I live in Inman. I have 7 children, 2 are in college (homeschool gradurates)! I have homeschooled 14 years. Because of the area I live in and the fact tahat I have three small children, I stay home alot. I do teach a small monthly homeschool cooking class in my home.
I homeschool electic.

[elizawill]

hi dawn, welcome! i love scrapbooking too...so your post made me smile :biggrin2: i gave photo albums as gifts this year for christmas to my parents, grandmother, and in-laws. they loved them so much....but NEVER again! haha...i think i got my first grey hair from the stress of trying to get them finished in time!!! anyway...welcome again!! i know you will find great answers to all of your questions here!

[doodlebugmommy3]

I'm Marie, and I'm really new to homeschooling. My oldest is five, and would begin kindergarten this fall, but just found out that the registration is starting now, and due by the end of this month. I'm getting stuff together and trying to figure out all my options, but now am feeling the pressure. I haven't joined an association yet. May go with RTT (local opt. 3), but really need to know that difference between opt 2 and opt 3. Can't really see the distinction, and which is more suitable to our family. I've really loved this board, and have bookmarked a bunch of really awesome sites, with loads of great materials to use for homeschooling my eldest. Thanks for your input and support.
Marie

[Dianna]

May go with RTT (local opt. 3), but really need to know that difference between opt 2 and opt 3. Can't really see the distinction, and which is more suitable to our family. I've really loved this board, and have bookmarked a bunch of really awesome sites, with loads of great materials to use for homeschooling my eldest. Thanks for your input and support.
Marie

Marie, welcome to our message boards, and to homeschooling. We're glad to have you with us! :smile2: Option 2 was written into the law before Option 3 and only one association was named into the law. It was very expensive (I had to pay around $500 to homeschool just one child through them!) A few years later, we were able to add Option 3 and it gave us much more choice.

Option 2 is great for families who need a lot of hand-holding, and who don't have access to a local support group (or online support group like this one) to help them with problems. They have a staff who can provide support and info for those types of families. Otherwise, I'd recommend an Option 3 association. They're less expensive, and parental control of records is written into the law.

Both Option 2 and Option 3 associations provide the same function - they provide a legal avenue to homeschool in SC. There's no difference at all. I highly recommend the associations that are listed on our About Us page: http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/aboutus.htm

If you have any other questions, please post them in the Homeschool 101 or Day-by-Day forums so they won't get buried in this thread.

Again, welcome to our family! :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[Amanda]

I'm Amanda.. My husband and I homeschool our two boys. This is our first year. I work at home writing articles for Associated Content. So, I can work around homeschool. I live in Lake City, SC.

[Rox]

Hello to all!!! I'm thrilled to find this forum as I am just starting our homeschooling adventure. Dh and I live in Clarendon County with our 2 boys ( 4 and 2 ). We plan to start k with the oldest this fall using My Father's World. I have already been encouraged by how my boys are thriving at home with me as a stay at home mom and homeschooling just seems to be a good fit for us. But, don't get me wrong.....some days I wonder if I really will be able to pull this off. Sometimes I shutter at the responsibility of homeschooling. I look forward to "gleaming" from the experiences and advice I see on this forum. Thanks in advance!!

[Dianna]

Welcome Amanda and Rox! We're so glad to have you with us. Just jump in with any questions and we'll be happy to help. :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[Mess]

Hello,

My name is Mess and I have 4 kids (ages 5, 3, 2, and 7m). My husband and I recently moved back down South after living in WA (where I grew up) for 4 years. We are currently in the Southern Midlands, all by accident, but that is a whole other story!

I was homeschooled and we are planning on homeschooling all of our children. I am so very thankful to have found this website as I was in a state of confusion about how and what to do in SC.

Can't wait to get to know all of you!

Mess

[aelmore]

Hello all. I'm Amanda. We live in Greenville. We have 3 kids (6,2, and 1) and on due in June. This is our first year homeschooling and we LOVE it. I really enjoy this forum. It is reassuring to know that I am not the only one homeschooling....it sure feels like it sometimes. :wave:

[Dianna]

Hi Mess and Amanda, I'm glad you found us. I look foward to getting to know both of you better. :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[homeschool513]

Hello,

My name is Laura. I have been homeschooling my children all their lives. I have three children, boys age 9 and 11 monthes, girl age 6. We currently live in Cincinnati, OH. We are building a home in Fort Mill that will be ready this fall.

I am planning on joining an option 3 group when we move. I am so happy to find your group. I have been trying to connect with other SC homeschoolers unsuccessfully. I look forward to learning from you and getting to know you.

My oldest son is a cub scout and we will be looking for a new pack. My daughter is an American Heritage Girl (a Christian alternative to Girl Scouts). We will be starting a new troop as there are none in our area. Let me know if you have a daughter in the Fort Mill area looking for a great scouting opportunity.

I hope to see you soon,
Laura

[Dianna]

Hi Laura, it's great to meet you! Welcome to our community! :smile2: There are several support groups in your area (York County) and a couple others just a little farther away (Lancaster County), so you'll probably find all the support and activities you need. Do you know when in the fall you'll move here?

Warmly,
Dianna

[angelmikayla]

Hi all.

My name is Jessica. My husband and I have two children, a daughter (12) and a son (3). Our daughter has been homeschooled since Kindergarten and we plan on starting our son's homeschooling soon.

We currently live in Kings Mountain, NC but plan on moving to the Rock Hill area within the year.

I look forward to getting to know all of you. :wave:

[NeedJava]

Hi Everyone,
My name is Jennifer and I have a 15 year old son. He is absolutely wonderful and I will never give up finding ways to relate to him. He has been having a bit of trouble in school for the past couple of years and his attitude has taken a downward spiral. We recently found out that my son has had problems all the way along in school but of course the harder the subjects the more noticiable his difficulties. We found out he has ADHD and the schools could offer no help but just wanted to label him a bad kid. I started homeschooling with the help of research and the folks on the website. The people are WONDERFUL!! I cannot tell you how much better our lives are since we started homeschooling. I am able to go back and revisit the basics and still be ahead in other subjects.
This has been the best decision I have ever made. I just wish I would have started long ago.

[Dianna]

Hi all.

My name is Jessica. My husband and I have two children, a daughter (12) and a son (3). Our daughter has been homeschooled since Kindergarten and we plan on starting our son's homeschooling soon.

We currently live in Kings Mountain, NC but plan on moving to the Rock Hill area within the year.

I look forward to getting to know all of you. :wave:

Hi Jessica, we're glad to have you with us! You'll be moving to a great area for homeschoolers - there are a lot of homeschoolers in the Rock Hill/York County area, with several support groups to choose from. I look forward to getting to know you better. :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[Dianna]

Hi Everyone,
My name is Jennifer and I have a 15 year old son. He is absolutely wonderful and I will never give up finding ways to relate to him. He has been having a bit of trouble in school for the past couple of years and his attitude has taken a downward spiral. We recently found out that my son has had problems all the way along in school but of course the harder the subjects the more noticiable his difficulties. We found out he has ADHD and the schools could offer no help but just wanted to label him a bad kid. I started homeschooling with the help of research and the folks on the website. The people are WONDERFUL!! I cannot tell you how much better our lives are since we started homeschooling. I am able to go back and revisit the basics and still be ahead in other subjects.
This has been the best decision I have ever made. I just wish I would have started long ago.

Hi Jennifer, welcome to our forums and to homeschooling! I look forward to getting to know you better. :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[mcgurtey]

Hello. My name is Rose and I have recently joined this group in preparation for my move from Easton, Pa to So. Carolina on April 30th. I currently homeschool three children (K, 2nd and 10th grade) in Pennsylvania. This was my first year of homeschooling and I would not go back. I truly love teaching my children and being with them. I have had the awesome experience of watching them grow, struggle and achieve. Don't get me wrong, some days I feel like I'm pulling teeth, but those days are worth it and I have to remember that (two of them) are used to public school teaching. I am excited about our move. We will be staying with my in-laws in Taylors until we figure out exactly where we would like to be (but close to my in-laws).

I have enjoyed your site and am excited about sharing ideas and information with everyone. Thank you.

[Marywood]

Hi, Rose!
Just wanted to say hello and welcome to SC! I moved here (the Spartanburg area) from just over the Somerset County line in NJ (about one hour from Easton) last year and love it! Best of luck with your move and with deciding where to live once you get here; I think you'll find this site to be very helpful--I know I have.

Mary Ann

[blessedleslie]

Hi I am Leslie. I have been Homeschooling for 14 years. I have 5 Children
G19, G17 ,B14,G12,B8.I am looking froward to getting to know you all.:smile2::cheer2: I like this smiley I need to cheered on at this point in my life!LOL

[Dianna]

Hello. My name is Rose and I have recently joined this group in preparation for my move from Easton, Pa to So. Carolina on April 30th.

Hi Rose! :wave: Welcome to our community. Have you arrived in SC yet? Let us know how things are going.

Warmly,
Dianna

[Dianna]

Hi I am Leslie. I have been Homeschooling for 14 years. I have 5 Children
G19, G17 ,B14,G12,B8.I am looking froward to getting to know you all.:smile2::cheer2: I like this smiley I need to cheered on at this point in my life!LOL

Hi Leslie, and welcome! I think I need the cheering icon for me lately. I've been so swamped, but things seem to be slowing down a little, so I hope to be more active here this summer. :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[Deerieke]

Hello my name is Delaney.
I live in the Charleston area. I have been a navy wife for six years and I have two little girls. They are 1 and 3, too young for school, but I like to be prepared. Home-schooling has been the matter-of-fact for a few years now and I am trying to learn the ropes and getted started before I find myself in a leagal jumble. I am stay at home mom, and we are going through the motions of my own thrown together pre-school with my three year old. We are still in the this a fun game stage, and i am not really having any difficulties yet. But I know that this endeavour is not for the faint of heart and I know I will need support.

[AmyHeart]

Hi, :wave:
I am Amy Heart and I home educate our two children here in Columbia SC. I took them both out of public school a few years ago. We love to be outdoors as much as we can. We have one poodle and two cats . We have been learning as Eclectic Home Schoolers. This new year we will be moving into the High school area and we are going to try our hands at unschooling for the first time. I have been keeping many forms for my recordkeeping and with this new style of teaching I know I need to make some changes to my style of recordkeeping too. I need to before we all burn out. I know I need to make this less stressful for my children and myself. Anyways , I am going on here. I will just say. I am so glad to be apart of this wonderful group ! :biggrin2:
Amy Heart,

[Dianna]

Hi Delaney and Amy :wave:, welcome to our forums! I look forward to getting to know both of you!

Warmly,
Dianna

[Dianna]

Hello, Everyone,

My name is Steve. My wife, Teresa, and I have been home schooling our daughter, Charity, for five years. She will be an eighth grader this year. She has brothers who are 33 and 29 years of age, so, needless to say, she was our big surprise! We named her Charity (love in Greek) because we view her as God's gift of love to us!

She was born while I was pastoring a church in Dallas, TX, and Teresa and I decided then and there that she would never go to public school. However, we moved to Lancaster in 1998, and live in the McDonald Green school district, so we decided to put her in public school there for kindergarten. She did extremely well that first year - as a matter of fact she far exceeded expectations. Shortly after beginning the first grade, they 'promoted' her to the second grade. It was then that her second grade teacher made fun of her in front of the entire classroom because Charity informed them that God created the world. We immediately made the decision that then was the time to begin home schooling, and have not regretted it for one moment.

We have used Switched on Schoolhouse every year up until now, but have made the decision to go a different route in the eighth grade. Have not yet decided exactly which curriculum we will use, so any suggestions would be appreciated.

DrSteve

Hi Steve,

I'm moving your post to the Homeschooling Day-by-Day forum so you'll get more answers. Glad to have you with us here! :smile2:

Dianna

[mcgurtey]

Hello and sorry that I haven't responded for awhile. Yes, we have made it to SC as of 5/1/07. We have found a place in Greenville and it has been a huge adjustment for all of us. I do really love it here. Now that we are somewhat settled, I will be able to start preparing for the new school year. Have a great day.

Rose Mercado

[Dianna]

Hello and sorry that I haven't responded for awhile. Yes, we have made it to SC as of 5/1/07. We have found a place in Greenville and it has been a huge adjustment for all of us. I do really love it here. Now that we are somewhat settled, I will be able to start preparing for the new school year. Have a great day.

Rose Mercado

We're glad to have you with us, Rose! Let us know if there's anything we can do to help. :smile2:

Dianna

[MrsCson]

Hello all:

My name is Lynda, I have a 12 year old son who is currently attending a Catholic private school. I am preparing the paperwork and charts and curriculum for his high school years.

He and I are both very excited about this new way of teaching/learning. I have two years to prepare for it, and I am seeking many answers for my many questions.

I work full time plus; I am an animal advocate and volunteer for LCHRS bunnies and my son is interested in sugar gliders. He has been doing a lot of research on them. I have a wonderful husband where our 1st anniversary is coming at the end of July 2007. Since my husband is fluent in French and WAS a French instructor at the university, he is going to be my son's french instructor. I think by the fourth year, my son should be quite fluent in that language.

Thank you for this message board.
Lynda

[Dianna]

Welcome, Lynda! We're glad to have you with us! :wave:

Dianna

[J&BsMom]

Hey alll... I am a mom of two wonderful boys 10 and 13! Both are ADHD as are my Hubby and myself (bipolar for me also)... We are brand new to Homeschooling and actually have not started yet. We are still inthe talking stages and looking in to it. I LOVE what I have heard and seen so far. I really want to give it go but I am terrified!:eek: Any support getting started ideas etc... will be appreciated. I would love to know how many more of you decided to do homeschooling and why. I look forward to being on this forum and exchanging info lots. Thanks!
Heather

[Dianna]

Heather, welcome to homeschooling (or at least considering it!). :wave:

I answered some of your questions in a previous post, but wanted to say hi to you here. If you have any other questions about homeschooling, please post them in the Homeschool 101 forum (they'll get buried here and people won't notice them).

We're glad you joined us in our neck of the woods! :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[KCsmom98]

Hey y'all. I'm Jen, 34 y/o SAHM to 8 y/o Kaitlynn and 4 y/o Morgan.
This is our first year homeschooling, we actually started on Jan. 7th when I pulled them out of private school. So far it's going ok, I think, but I'm still nervous, excited, terrified and a lot of other things all in one. Any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I have joined LCHEA but have only been to outing so far. Is there some way that I can ensure that my girls get the interaction with other children their ages that they need?

[Dianna]

Hi Jen, and welcome to our community! :wave:
I think LCHEA is very active, so you'll probably have a lot of social opportunities there, but you can also involve your children in your local recreation department's sports programs, 4-H, scouts, church activities, etc.

If you have trouble connecting with people let us know and we'll try to help.

We're glad to have you with us! :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[Kris]

Hi Everyone! :wave:

My name is Kris and I have one son who's 7. I have not started homeschooling yet, but have purchased my curricula and am ready for next year (2nd grade)! Right now I'm trying to decide on an association - I'm debating between Homeward here in Sumter and Grace in Florence.

I have wanted to homeschool since before my son even started school but as I just finally retired after 20 years in the AF I now have the opportunity. The only reason I'm waiting is DH didn't want me to pull him out of school in the middle of the year - he attends private school and I have not been all that happy with them this year.

I've been reading the boards for a while and have already found a ton of useful information. I look forward to this new chapter in our lives and learning more from everyone here!

[Dianna]

Hi Kris :wave:

We're glad to have you with us! Let us know if we can help you with choosing resources or anything else, or if you have any questions along the way. :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[whitechr]

Hello everyone, :wave:
My name is Christy and I live outside of the Charleston area. I have 3 boys, 17, 12, and 7 yrs. The oldest is in the public school system and will graduate from there. We decided to leave him there because he loves the school (even though hes constantly getting into trouble), he is in the top 5 of his class, and hes my step-son (so we bump heads constantly). My younger two I homeschool and I love it. Over the last few years we have had many problems with the school district, bullies, lack of security and safety within the schools, etc.. so after much begging ( they were crying from the time I dropped them off at school and picked them up from school) and pleading (which was unusual because previously they had been the first ones dressed and ready to get to school -they loved it so much) I agreed and pulled them out to homeschool them.
I don't regret it for a moment. At this point, I am prepared to continue homeschooling them until they graduate high school. My only problem now is finding a name for our homeschool. The Whitehouse Academy has to go..
Christy:biggrin2:

[Dianna]

Hi Christy, welcome to our little corner of the universe! We're glad you're here! :wave:

Dianna

[bbcb73]

Hi, I'm Carole. 34 yr old mom of 4, B17, B15, B14 & G8. We live in Blacksburg SC. All my boys will be in High school next year and are doing fine there. But my DD has had one issue after another. School just isn't working for her. So we will be homeschooling this coming year. Right now I'm just trying to learn all I can.

Carole

[kjknits]

Hi all, my name is Katie and I live in the upstate. I have a 4yo son and a 3yo daughter. Our son is currently in 4K at a preschool that doesn't have 5K. Most of his classmates are going on to public kindergarten in the fall. However, we live in a BIG public school district that we never would have moved into had we thought ahead, but 9 years ago we didn't have kids (and weren't thinking ahead). :smile2: We found out that out-of-district tuition is ridiculously expensive (and by that I mean not only that it costs a lot, but also, do they seriously expect me to pay for public school??? :rolleyes2). So, instead of sending our son to the public kindergarten in either our district or the one closest to us, we're going to homeschool. Or that is the current plan.

I'm one of those who always said I would/could never homeschool, but as I have been researching this week, I have found myself getting excited about it! I know a lot of people who hs, so it helps to have the advice. And they are all so enthusiastic about it (including my SIL, who homeschools her two tweens in NC). I've pretty much decided upon going with PIE. As for curriculum, I am still looking at several options, including My Father's World, Sonlight, either Singapore or Sadlier-Oxford Math, and maybe even practice a little of the theory at Ambleside Online. We already "play" on Starfall.com and are halfway through the 100 Easy Lessons reading book. So you might say we are part-time homeschoolers as it is.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to learning as we go! :biggrin2:

[Dianna]

Welcome Carole, and Katie! :wave:

It's great to see two more new faces here. Post as often as you need to get your homeschooling questions answered, and to share your experiences. We look forward to getting to know you! :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[Threesthecharm]

Hi all, my name is Katie and I live in the upstate. I have a 4yo son and a 3yo daughter. Our son is currently in 4K at a preschool that doesn't have 5K. Most of his classmates are going on to public kindergarten in the fall. However, we live in a BIG public school district that we never would have moved into had we thought ahead, but 9 years ago we didn't have kids (and weren't thinking ahead). :smile2: We found out that out-of-district tuition is ridiculously expensive (and by that I mean not only that it costs a lot, but also, do they seriously expect me to pay for public school??? :rolleyes2). So, instead of sending our son to the public kindergarten in either our district or the one closest to us, we're going to homeschool. Or that is the current plan.

I'm one of those who always said I would/could never homeschool, but as I have been researching this week, I have found myself getting excited about it! I know a lot of people who hs, so it helps to have the advice. And they are all so enthusiastic about it (including my SIL, who homeschools her two tweens in NC). I've pretty much decided upon going with PIE. As for curriculum, I am still looking at several options, including My Father's World, Sonlight, either Singapore or Sadlier-Oxford Math, and maybe even practice a little of the theory at Ambleside Online. We already "play" on Starfall.com and are halfway through the 100 Easy Lessons reading book. So you might say we are part-time homeschoolers as it is.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to learning as we go! :biggrin2:
Hi, welcome to the group. They are such nice people. Dianna has made me feel welcome from the beginning. I just wanted to ask you; have you looked at Abeka? I started homeschooling my 5yo DD this school year. About 2 months ago, I was talking to a friend of mine that homeschools and she uses Abeka, I looked at it because we were having some difficulty sounding out words. I love it. My daughter loves it and asked to do more work later in the afternoon. She covered a lot of ground in a very short time. I also have a 15yo DD who is also homeschooled. Just wanted to pass it along.
Take care,
Emily

[KatrinaBSmith]

Hi everyone! My name is Katrina I have a 3 1/2 year old who will be doing K4 this coming school year. I just decided recently to homeschool and so far feel really good about the decision based on all the research I've done and the information I've gotten from other homeschoolers. I also plan on homeschooling for as long as both of my children want to and I feel is best for them. I don't get on too often because we haven't hooked up the internet at home yet, I only get on at my mother's house and the library. I do hope to meet some people close by and make some new friends. I plan to join PHA (Palmetto Homeschool Association) because its located in the town I reside in and to join an "eclectic" type of support group that is also local in my town. I hope to learn much from everyone on here and much of luck to all!

[Dianna]

Hi Katrina, it's nice to "see" you again! Welcome to our little corner of the world. Please feel free jump in with questions, or share your thoughts about the homeschooling research you've been doing. :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[kjknits]

Thanks for the welcome! Emily, I have heard of Abeka and plan to look into that, also. There are so many curriculum choices, it's kind of overwhelming! I wish there was a store where they had everything and you could just walk in and look at it all in person. (If there is such a place, let me know! :biggrin2:)

[rpctmc]

My name is Tina. I am a first time Mom at 41 to two recently adopted siblings (2 and 3). We are looking into homeschool options and hope to find a little guidance on pre-k education. We are new to the Simpsonville area and look forward to meeting other families with children of similar age. Would love to join some field trips or play groups in thea area.:wave:

[Dianna]

Hi Tina, welcome to our community. We'll be glad to answer any questions you have about homeschooling your little ones. :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[Threesthecharm]

Thanks for the welcome! Emily, I have heard of Abeka and plan to look into that, also. There are so many curriculum choices, it's kind of overwhelming! I wish there was a store where they had everything and you could just walk in and look at it all in person. (If there is such a place, let me know! :biggrin2:)
You can look for a Home School Convention in your area. I know that we are having one in NC May 22-24 and there will be a book fair and vendors present. www.nche.com.
I found this website http://www.schomeeducatorsassociation.org/convention.htm, there dates are June 20-21 at the University of SC at Sumter.
I just found at the home page of this site, click on events--- then conference etc and you get a full list. That is great.

[whitechr]

You can look for a Home School Convention in your area. I know that we are having one in NC May 22-24 and there will be a book fair and vendors present. www.nche.com (http://www.nche.com).
I found this website http://www.schomeeducatorsassociation.org/convention.htm, there dates are June 20-21 at the University of SC at Sumter.
I just found at the home page of this site, click on events--- then conference etc and you get a full list. That is great.



The conferences are great. I'm planning on attending the one in Sumter also. I did want to mention one more thing. You might already know. Abeka does many material displays and its very informative. They have samples of their books and dvd's for each grade for you to look at. We usually have 1-2 a month within 30 minutes of my house.

Christy