Veena started this discussion ·
Any parents here who Homeschool? What curriculum do you use and how much time a day do you spend on schooling? How many kids do you have? Thanks :) xoxox
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Well, we homeschooled our son, however, he is 29 yrs old now! We used a variety of curriculum based on which one was highly recommended for which subject AND based on his learning style. I don't know what's out there now. Our day was based on whatever was assigned for the day was completed. We didn't do the "school room" deal. He was able to do his work wherever, however in the house. I have a picture of him sitting on pile of laundry with clothes draped over his head! Some homeschoolers I knew did the "if they went out and found bugs on the lawn that was Science". I was a structured homeschooler with lesson plans, requirements, etc. However, we did do projects with household/food items, etc. Oh, Bill Nye the Science guy, Reading Rainbow, etc were part of our home lol We also schooled separate from the school system. We chose to be part of a private homeschool co-op. The family who formed the school filed the affidavit with the state and families were registered under that school. Different mom's would teach a certain subject where kids met once a week. I taught Spanish at the jr high/high school age, Sewing for 9 yrs old/up, and conducted PE for soccer season. Not all subjects were taught in this setting. We also had once a month park days; also looked for various ways to socialize. Some homeschoolers chose not to do anything outside of their home/church/homeschool. We did't. we had our son play city soccer, T-ball, summer tennis at a club (he ended up playing varsity his sophore year in traditional high school), he participated in a children's mexican folkorico dance group and whatever else I could find for him to try. We homeschooled thru his freshman year. At that time, I felt I couldn't take him any higher in education. He went to traditional high school in his sophomore year in Advanced Placement classes. It was a little challenging for me as he was an only child. So I had to be creative. However, in the homeschool co-op he was exposed to all ages from babies to adults all the time. Okay, I know I rambled and our homeschool experience is probably not helpful as it was MANY years ago and a lot has probably changed. Have you looked at/considered any specific curriculum?
I home my 4 children I just started this January. I have a 6yr, 7yr,9yr,11yr old. They are in k,2,4,5. We have school from 8am-1pm then its off to a local school for extra curriculums like dance and track. There are so many online resources it is not funny. Time4learning.com is a good one with a monthly subscription of 19.00 for the first child and 14.99 for each additional child.
Awesome thank you both for the input and links :)
A family that lived around the corner from me had four kids and they were home schooled. They were very dear childhood friends and I went to regular school during the day and played with them in the afternoon. Their mom used a lot of audio recordings for learning, videos, workbooks, etc. Their mom did have a designated room with four desks. She didn't make them sit in them all day, i remember them saying that's where they would take their tests or needed quiet time for practicing. CaliPolePixie home schools her children as well. Maybe she will chime in ;)
I am not a parent but I was a homeschooled from the 5th grade on. Different states have different laws about what they require in a homeschool ing curriculum (I was in the Midwest at the time). At first, my parents created their own lesson plans and later they switched to the American School (americanschoolofcorr.com) correspondence system. So, while I was in grade school, we studied about 6 hours a day and once I was older, I just followed the lesson plans on my own. I was able to move at my own pace, which meant finishing early. We also had friends who homeschooled and we would take field trips together. I'm sure there's an active community of homeschoolers online you could coordinate with. I think homeschooling was a really positive experience for me. I still had social interaction with kids through church, dance classes & other homeschoolers. I actually think public school (especially high school) in our culture has become a really dangerous fishbowl that kids get put in and they think it's the whole world. It seems like poor preparation for the real world. As soon as I finished schooling, I got a job. So I was making a little money, meeting people, functioning in the adult world. And my homeschooling didn't hinder my entering college at all. I do wish that I had had a counselor to advise me on scholarships & things, though! That would have been nice. Anyway, hope this helps. Good luck :)
PinkPony, I understand about the guidance on scholarships, extra curricular volunteer work, etc. I heard about these things in talking to other moms who had kids in the school system, then I would look it up and guide our son in that direction. Even though we put Daniel in traditional high school in his sophomore year, he did well. He graduated in the top 10 of his class and scored in the top 5% of the state testing. He got into UC Berkeley, however, didn't finish for various reasons. It was difficult for me as a mom and it was his dream to go to Cal. But he had to make his own decision. He's doing well working and living on his on in bay area. Good luck veena. It worked for us, even though as I said, having an only child I had to be more creative. At home I was his play buddy :)
I homeschool 2 of my kids. 4th and 6th grade (10yrs old and 12 yrs old) As for curriculum, honestly, what works for one kids will not work for another. So don't expect to use the same for all of them. Kids learn differently. My dd is great at remembering what she reads, so she can read and read and she'll learn, my ds does not, he has to see it, hear it, do it. He's a kinesthetic learner, vs auditory. I am a curriculum addict, I've tried sooo many. I'm what is called an ecletic homeschooler. I use different sources to piece together what I need. My goal for my kids is to teach them to be autodidacts..self teaching. I want them to learn how to teach themselves. We try to let them lead with what they want to learn. We do math and LA everyday, we do science, vs just reading about it. I have some great curriculum for that, it's so important that they do science and not just read about it..they need to experience it. For history, none of of enjoy it per se, so we do a lot of documentaries, it brings history alive. For geography we are using the Amazing Race! They are learning cool things about each country that they visit. For a starting off point, Time4learning is ok. My kids got bored with it by 4th grade as it's somewhat "kiddish" and can be annoying. I find it doesn't dive deep into much, but it is an excellent starting point while you figure out what you are doing. The great thing about homeschooling is it can anything you want it to be. It doesn't have to be school at home if you don't like that. Also, you don't spend near as much time as you do in regular school because there isn't as many students and you can go at the speed of your childs learning velocity. One will be great at math and suck at LA, that's ok, they can go ahead in math a the speed they need and slow down with LA until they understand. That is why I love it. My kids are totally different. mobymax.com is a great free LA and math program that a lot of school use even. I have a pinterest page that has TONS of boards with hs stuff.. http://www.pinterest.com/summer94/ (I am a curriculum addict!) The first thing you have to do before buying any curriculum is figure out what type of learners your kids are. There are many free ways to do it... here's one that you can secularize if you don't want religion added in there (like bible work etc) http://allinonehomeschool.com/ My favorite resource is http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/ Used curriculum... homeschoolclassifieds.com You can also find many homeschool books/curriculum at your library! You need to find out what your laws are.. http://nevadahomeschoolnetwork.com/laws/ http://lasvegashomeschoolers.com/legal.html Get in touch with other hs'ers in your area, they will know the laws best. Also, you'll need to figure out what type of hs'er you are, are you a stonch Christian? Secular? Christian but believe in evolution? These are important because many curriculums out there are very heavily Christian (like New Earth Christian). I am a secular hs'er, meaning I don't do any Christian curriculum. Religion in our house is only for historical purposes and it's for all religions, not just Christianity. It looks at though Nevada is a great/easy state to homeschool, this is good for you, makes it much easier when you don't have to jump through loops. Ignore all the socialization "issues" people have, they don't socialize in a brick and mortar school either. It's a bunch of crap unless you plan on being a hermit. My kids do a trampoline day (a giant place of a just trampolines), they take archery once a week, play basketball and soccer during those seasons, we are about to take some computer classes at a local gaming and computer repair lounge, also about to take sewing classes, all of this with other homeschoolers. And in the group I started we are about to do some science and engineering classes at my house..loosly formed. Just do tons of experiments and such! We are going to be sending a weather balloon up with a gps and cameras early this summer! Learning about flight patterns, wind patterns, gps, satellites, navigation etc... I suggest you search facebook for homeschool pages. If you go into my profile, you will see a ton under my likes. (be sure to search "Las Vegas Homeschoolers" or something and you can find local groups. If you want secular, but sure to put that in your search) If you have any questions at all, I'll be happy to help! I've helped a few people switch from public to homeschool like I did. Be prepared to doubt yourself..be prepared to think you are screwing your kids up, be prepared to think you are supermom and the best teacher ever! It's totally worth it for us!
Homeschool Buyers ClubDiscount Homeschool Curriculum at The Homeschool Buyers ClubSaving homeschoolers up to 86% off retail, since 2005. Get the best deal on homeschool curriculum at one of the world's largest homeschool clubs.Awesome, thank you so much Vision, Az, Pink, Hooked, DGP! Thank you, thank you! xoxoxo
You're getting a post from me also! I was home schooled 1st grade through graduation. As far as curriculum, it really is a matter of trial and error, and kids learning styles. When I was looking into it for our kiddos, I was drawn to the classical method. It is extensive and focused on teaching the classics and a more cultured approach to schooling. You can find classical curriculums out there. The only one I personally know of is Christian based and they are memoriapress.com I believe.
I homeschool three kids ages 7 in the second grade, 10 in the fourth late birthday lol and 11 in the sixth and I use online public school alot of states have them now. I use connection academy and have tried k12 both are good. They have teachers and lessons planned out fir them each day live lessons each week and teacher call ins. Its just online they send you all the materials you will need and you work at your own pace as the parent you just make sure they do the work answer questions if they need help and if you can't reach the teacher. But that is usually not a problem. If your state has state testing they will tell you where to go so that they can take the test needs for the state. They can work as fast or as slow as they need to and can do some hrs computer and rest with things you give them ex. Nature walk can be used for science hrs and math work sheets you give them for math. Find that I really like it if I travel all I need to do is take a lap top and make sure have internet because they even have the books online if you need to use them. I have been doing it for two yrs started after moving to Ga and my kids were bullied by other kids and even teachers. Look online for online public schools for your state and they will pop up and they are free. And recognized by your state as being state approved schools hope this helped if have anymore questions let me know happy to help.
I'm another formerly home-schooled kid chiming in. I would say check your state laws first before you decide about curriculums and stuff, because there may be requirements in the law that you need to meet. For first starting out, maybe have a look at correspondence schools. These usually have a complete lesson plan and include all of the books and sometimes all of the supplies that you need for the lessons. There are also services where you can send the completed work to a teacher and have them mark it and give feedback. Also check with your school district to find out if/when they sell off their used textbooks. Often you can get a bunch really cheap. Sometimes they have used regular books from the school libraries as well.
Thanks everyone! So far we are leaning towards Connections Academy. Tiger, would connections work if you travel a LOT or is it best to be in one location for the school year? We love our schools in Vegas, the kids like it too, we are looking into schooling at "home" due to possible travels.
As long as you have a computer and internet can do anywhere. So can travel with no problems plus they get days off through the year not including holidays so if you forget to do work one day or just want to have a break day can use a vacation day. Its a really good program and even have gifted programs so that is a good thing if any of your kids are advance in any subject. There is also fieldtrips can do to meet other students you can attend but not mandatory. So connections academy is also available in Vegas? If so I would go with them.
Just make sure that if you are going to go through connections academy that you sign up because I know here they have a cap at how many students per grade they have and don't want to miss out. Good luck and always here to answer questions.
Remember, with Connections and with K12, you are not technically homeschooling, you are public schooling at home and are bound by the state laws of what must be completed. If you buy the program privately you won't be bound by the laws. Connections and K12 can be good starting off points, some people like it, many don't. It is very rigorous (and I know that each state is a little different with the amount of work required) with a tooon of busy work and strict deadlines. Do some google searches for Connections Academy Reviews. That way you can really see what you're getting in to. I have looked in to for my daughter because she likes busy work and such, but I would have to pay for Connections in WA state as they are not here. Like Tigerlillies said, you will need to get your name in there soon with them for info, then open enrollment usually begins in the summertime but sometimes during the spring, be prepared for constant emails and calls lol. K12 is worse than Connections with that, but I'm getting bombarded right now from Connections lol
I used connections last year and at the beginning of this year switched to k12 because they are alot more strict when it cones to deadlines and assignments. Connections is alot more flexible with that they also provide envelopes so if the student has to mail any assignments in unlike k12. K12 is a very different school still fighting with them to give them their supplies that UPS is trying to charge me 15 per box and I have 6. With connections I just drop off at UPS and that's it shipping covered. Plus it was harder reaching the teachers heard from them more when I was trying to unenroll then when the kids went there. With connections I have traveled numerous times to Nc and Va even Pa and never had a problem as long as the kids had a computer since it is online and you have till midnight to have work done. Once a year you have to make sure you log on at the normal school time and they let you know when because the state checks that day for attendance. But besides that day there are days when so busy my kids will get on fir a live lesson and then wont get back on to complete assignments till late. My youngest just started having seizures right before Christmas so have alot of doctor appointments. Teacher call ins are usually once a month just to touch base and see if you need any help. It is state school just not brick and mortar but a lot more flexible plus it helps with having everything laid out so that you know they are getting the state required curriculum which can be difficult if were doing on your own. It also helps that its state recognized curriculum if you ever decide to go back to brick and mortar school since you know your child has received the proper information to make the transition easy and no confusion when it comes to grade placement like some ppl might have when they did the older types of homeschool. But like what was said each person has different opinions give it a try if you see not working for you can always take out and put back into traditional school.
Thank you both! Yes, I think public schooling at home is more what we are looking for. We do like our schools in NV and the kids all do very well here. It's more about options for traveling families then trying to move away from traditional school. Chances are they would only do Connections for a year then go back to school, but who knows, I never thought I'd be living in Vegas. lol
My daugbter isn't quite ready for schooling, but when she is, it will be done the homeschooling way. Since you're just next to AZ, maybe you could plan to attend the annual homeschool conference that is held in Phoenix on July 11th and 12th. On July 10th, there's a free mini conference that has an AMAZING introduction to learning style and curriculum that is as entertaining as it is informative. Even if you only come for the freebie, you won't be disappointed. The conference gives you a chance to see all the curriculum in person and right next to other curriculum for easy comparison. Here's the link to more info:http://www.afhe.org/convention_details.html
AFHEConvention 2026 - AFHEExperience Arizona's Homeschool Event of the Year! 43rd Annual AFHE Home Education Convention July 17-18, 2026 Phoenix Convention CenterWell, if you're looking for more of a public school at home, then yes, Connections for the free ones. I have seen that Connections is much better than k12. The k12 org is having some internal issues that make me nervous of them. If you are interested in paid options, there are many out there as well. I think most of your kids are in elementary, correct? There is also.. http://www.onlineschools.com/ Here you can go and compare online public and private schools.
i was home schooled my whole life. i loved it & i am so glad that my parents did that for me! a lot of the curriculums are (were) christian based, which is fine but when you decide on your history lessons make sure you include a non-christian curriculum even if you have to do secondary side projects. also make sure you find a group of home schooled families to get together with a few times a month for play days, craft days, field trips, dances... the things you would have in public school :) we even had a home school year book for our little group.
Thanks! Pole people are so amazingly helpful! xoxoxo
