Martin Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Hi, my son and I have taken the leap and we start home-schooling June 1. He's currently a Sophomore (soon to be a Junior) in high school. He hates school and his grades have eroded to virtually nothing. We hope the home-schooling process will help both of us turn his life around. This forum looks like it has lots of information so I'll read as much as I can. I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions as we are both new to this process. I'm looking for schooling resources. Are there any good links? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 May I suggest you go to the library and borrow The Well Trained Mind? Or, since you happen to be at the forums sponsored by the author of the book, you could click on Peace Hill Press and buy it. This book will guide you not only with curriculum choices but methodology. I am a believer. Welcome aboard, Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Buckle up--it's a thrill ride for sure! I started with one in K and the other one in 9th, so I have been where you are. I second WTM--it will give you excellent recommendations for curricula. You could start with the 8th grade recommendations and not be behind. I also think Sonlight is worth a look. Hope to see you lots! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan C. Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Find your state's homeschooling association, they can give you names of people who are homeschooling in your town. Then you can find out about local activites, co-ops, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Welcome! You've found a great forum filled with helpful people and a wealth of old posts filled with good information. I second Jane's recommendation to read the Well-Trained Mind. But reading back through a few months worth of posts here will give you more ideas for curriculum than you have time to try. All the best in your new venture with your son! Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 (edited) First, here are 2 web resources for getting you started, and understanding what your state's requirements are for homeschooling: - Homeschooling Basics -- article with specific steps to starting homeschooling, with links to resources: http://homeschooling.about.com/od/gettingstarted/p/homeschool101.htm - Homeschool State Laws: look up what the requirements/restrictions are for homeschooling in your state: http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp Second, I suggest getting "the big picture" of what is involved in homeschooling in high school: required coursework, credits, transcripts, record keeping, etc., etc. See if your local library has one of these great books, or invest in one: - Homeschooling: The Teen Years by Cafi Cohen - The High School Handbook by Mary Schofield - The Ultimate Guide To Homeschooling by Debra Bell - High School @ Home: You Can Do It! by Diana Johnson Third, see if you can find either a nearby homeschool group, or a family locally who is homeschooling high school students and talk with them -- a local "mentor" is a gold mine of help and information! Also, many states hold a homeschool convention in the summer, and while it is a very overwhelming experience, you are able to look over a lot of materials in the curriculum hall, plus there are great speakers -- often with a series of workshops specifically to help new homeschoolers get started. And you'll very likely make some great connections with other local homeschoolers -- and be sure you go *with* your son so he is involved in the process! State Homeschool Organizations -- find a group in your state: http://www.homefires.com/state.asp Homeschool World: homeschool organizations and support groups by state: http://www.home-school.com/groups/ Homeschool Groups By State: http://www.homeschool.com/supportgroups/ Finally, once you have a good idea of what will be involved in homeschooling high school, The Well Trained Mind book is a wonderful resource for explaining what the classical, trivium model of education is, and how to specifically implement it with lots of details about how to cover various school subjects, scheduling, and curriculum suggestions. And whether you've read The Well Trained Mind or not, you are always welcome to participate on the Well Trained Mind board, here -- lots of great experience here! Especially as you are starting with a high schooler, I would definitely get his input and involvement -- have him read some articles on what is involved with homeschooling, or parts of an intro to homeschooling high school book. Together, learn what credits are required for high school graduation, and what kinds of classes will help prepare him for whatever higher education and/or career he might be interested in. Together, figure out how to accomplish those requirements -- and it doesn't always have to look like a textbook. I think the Cafi Cohen book above talks about internships, apprenticeships, volunteer work, community college courses, homeschool co-op classes, etc. as counting for credit. But having your son's buy-in -- and active participation! -- is critical. This is his life and future, afterall; he needs to be part of the decision-making process. Also, working it through together, is a tremendous relationship-builder! :) Again, welcome! And best wishes for a wonderful journey in homeschooling for your whole family! Warmest regards, Lori D. Edited May 29, 2009 by Lori D. added info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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