Advice to New Homeschoolers

[Dianna]

Have advice for parents considering homeschooling for next year? Anything that would help make the journey easier for new homeschoolers? Click on the reply button, share your best advice, and win your choice of free supplies (see our contests page at http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/contests.htm for a list).

I want to clear off my shelves quickly, so I'll give out one prize a day until they're gone. If you're the only one to post advice on a specific day, you'll automatically be the winner. If more than one person posts advice, I'll put all your names in a hat and let my children choose the winner.

Have fun and post away... I'll even pay the postage!

Warmly,
Dianna

[raven4487]

Like Nike says "JUST DO IT". It is scary at first but you know what your children are capable of and how to teach it to them best. As they say there is more than one way to skin a cat. Teachers have 25 or more children each learning on a different level. How they teach one is not how another learns. You are best inclined to know how to show them. This is my first year homeschooling my 6 and 8 year old children, boy was I terrified of cheating my kids out a real education. I am so glad I did my son has learning problems and the teachers just did'nt have time or patients to teach him the way he learns. Now I believe he is doing fine by our standards which my not be the states standard but that is okay I see see him progressing at a good pace. I was SUPER SCARED but you know I went to Homeschooling outings and got to know the other parents who have been doing this longer and they are great sources of info and inspiration. If you have any doubts just think how your child will smile more instead of coming home full of tears because they got teased just because they just couldn't get that answer right. Dianna is a great source of inspiration and a wealth of info. I believe she has the patience of a saint with all the questions and doubts I had. She put our family at ease and made the transition to homeschooling a fun and pleasant one. Homeschooling may not be right for everyone but it is for our family. So just go for it and never look back you'll be so glad you did.:eusa_clap :cheer2:

[Lisa]

I'm not sure if this is for new or experienced homeschoolers...but for the last book fair, prior to I made an excel spread sheet listing what I wanted and at least three supplies, i.e, Rainbow Resources, Rock Solid and Book Peddler with the prices. I was glad I had this because even with shipping I found I could get much of what I wanted cheaper on line or via phone. I did get some misc. things/supplies at a good price at the fair. I am glad I did my homework! Of course this does not if you have no idea what you want....but go on the first day, check out the goods and do your homework that night! If it's a deal go back the next day. Remember to have fun!

Lisa

[Dianna]

Dawn and Lisa, since you were the only two to post advice today, you're both winners! Please send me a private message to let me know which prize you'd like and I'll send them to you! :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[SChomemomof3]

The advice I would give any new homeschooler is not to try to school like public school does. I did that when I first started and stayed stressed. Tests on Friday, pretest on Thursday, etc. Let your child's lead the way as to when you test. If they get it in two days go ahead and give the test but if it takes longer to learn the subject just take longer to work on it. That is the joy of homeschooling.

Lorna

[shae128]

I would just like to tell everyone that "You can do this", so don't wait another moment. There are many homeschoolers, that will be willing to help you get started. We know, that the benefits out weigh the obstacles. Homeschooling is not for everyone, but if you are feeling the need to do so, then it is probably for you. My best piece of advice would be, start reading NOW. Find everything on the subject of learning that you can find. Discover what learning style you and your children have and plan their curriculum according to their learning style. If you don't know, their are many resources online that can help you decide which is which. You know your children better than anyone else, who better to teach them! And of course, we are here for you. Remember, we have all chosen a curriculum, and found that it didn't work for our children. That does not mean that homeschooling is not working, just find another type of curriculum. There are many types. Get to know your child first, there strengths and weaknesses, and go from there.
Best wishes to you and your family!

[Dianna]

Lorna and Sharon, you're both Tuesday's "advice" winners, so send me a private message and let me know what you want! :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna

[shae128]

Dianna, do you still have the Elson readers? I would like to have Book three, if you still have it. You can bring it to MNO, if you want to. BTW, I am coming! See you then,
Sharon

[Dianna]

Dianna, do you still have the Elson readers? I would like to have Book three, if you still have it. You can bring it to MNO, if you want to. BTW, I am coming! See you then,
Sharon

Yes, the Book Three set is still available, so it's yours. :smile2: I'll bring it to Mom's Night Out tonight.

Dianna

[janda]

My advice is to trust your instincts and to do your research. Worse case scenario is that it doesn’t work for you and the kids go back to school…you will have least tried and have no regrets. You are not in it alone! The number of homeschoolers is growing and so is the support that is available. Try to find others, whether from a web board (yahoo groups is a good place to start) or a local support group, that can help guide you and answer your questions. Most are thrilled to share their ideas and experiences, both good and bad. Also, try to review as many curriculums as possible before you buy…preferably in person. There are lots of good ones out there that it is tempting to try everything! There will probably be moments of doubt…I think that happens to all of us. But if you feel that homeschooling is the best for your family than it is worth the adventure. (One last thought, you don’t have to do everything at once…enjoy the process!)

[Dianna]

Kelli, I moved your post to its own thread in this forum, titled "Should I Homeschool?"

Dianna

[martylamarche]

These are my pearls of wisdom after almost 6yrs of the homeschooling journey:
1. Be true to yourself and your kids. Don't let someone else's idea of school and curriculum interfere with the goals and needs of you and your children.
2. Don't compare yourself to other homeschoolers.
3. Know the law so others can't steer you wrong.
4. Be flexible in terms of time, curriculum, etc. If something's not working, change it. Research curriculum before buying but don't be afraid to change if necessary.

5.Find other homeschoolers for support whether thru "formal" support grps, the internet, church, or other informal gatherings.

6. Always, keep in mind the reason you started the journey in the first place, it'll help you thru the bad days.

Marty

[Joanne]

Hey from NC,
I'm so glad I got involved with homeschooling. At first I thought, "If :rolleyes2 anything goes wrong and these kids don't learn what they're supposed to, it'll be all my fault." I was really nervous in that regard, but now as the second year is about over, I can look back and see how the Lord has helped us through the help of others like yourselves. We help each :lol: other. I've had two homeschool mothers to talk with, and I think that is the secret to making this work. Talk with others who are doing it. Get their advice and realize you're not alone. Also, through teaching your own children at home you will spare them the battles of going to the "Egyptian" schools.
God bless you as you launch out.:wave:

[Dianna]

Hi everyone,

This contest is now closed. I still have tons of stuff to give away, so I'll start new contests soon!

Dianna

[Dianna]

Melissa, I moved your post to it's own thread in this forum, titled, "nervous about homeschooling".

Dianna