

After reading this story about a group of third graders plotting to kill their teacher, I’ve seriously begun thinking about homeschooling my children. Seriously, third graders? It is unreal. I can barely wrap my mind around it. What is up with kids today?
So I have begun to research on how and when I should begin to homeschool my children. Many websites I have looked at said to begin homeschooling at 6? That seems like a long time to wait to educate my children. Pnut is only 3 and I know that they have pre-K programs that they offer but I don’t know how to do them at home nor can I find any information on what I need to start them in our home.
Does anyone else homeschool? Is there any information you can give me on when and how to start homeschooling? Any information would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.




LJ Said:
Scary…now I think I need to homeschool!
Try this link to learn more about it:
http://www.homeschool.com/default.asp
April 7th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Chris Said:
If you homeschool them, doesn’t that mean they’ll plot to kill *you*? If I had kids, I’d see if I could send them away until they’re 30.
April 7th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Dawn Said:
Before you start looking at curriculum and programs I’d suggest you check out any John Holt books (How Children Fail, How children Learn) that your local library has. They’ll help you look at how your child learns which is key.
Next, there are two great sites to browse, http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/ and http://www.midnightbeach.com/hs/. Both sites have tons of articles and links that will help you explore all the different approaches to homeschooling.
I’m a homeschooling mom and I did no formal schooling of my daughter until she was 8. That doesn’t mean there was no education, it just means there was no formal program of it. My son is 6 and I plan to do the same with him. You are welcome to explore my blog and the ones linked to in my sidebar. In fact, blog, message boards and email lists were of the most help to me when I started looking at homeschooling.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
The Domestic Diva Said:
Thanks for the links Dawn and LJ, I will definitely be doing some more research on the subject.
As for you Mr. Chris….yes, that probably does mean that they will eventually plot to kill me. But really a part of me is torn, one part wants to send them off to school the other wants them hanging on my apron forever.
April 8th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Melinda Said:
My mom is a private school teacher and has had some interactions with homeschoolers. Homeschooling is awesome, but if you don’t have the right attitude it can be a disaster. Here’s my thoughts:
1)It takes involvement. You can’t just put in a video (or DVD), stick the kid on the couch, and check out. It’s a little more involved than that!
2)It takes discipline. You HAVE to teach the kids every day, even if you don’t always want to.
That said, homeschooling can be amazing, lots of fun, and amazingly flexible, and a great experience for everyone involved.
Chris, I understand “not wanting kids”. For many reasons I will probably never have kids either. But the education system in this country is far from perfect, and moms like the Diva love their kids and want them to get the best education possible. Homeschooling is one option, and she’s a wise woman to consider every option available.
April 9th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Ashley Said:
I work in a public school as a computer lab teacher. I previously taught a 2nd/3rd grade split class. I can’t imagine any of the 3rd graders I had coming up with something like that. It’s unbelievable. I recently had a group of third graders at the school I work at get in trouble for looking up pornography at school. I was shocked when I had to go through the computer and see the sites they had been on.
I guess what I want to say is that homeschooling can work wonderfully for people, but there are great things about public or private schools too. Kids need to be able to socialize and learn things from other kids. Kids have wonderful stories and experiences they can share with one another.
One crazy story on the news is not representative of all the schools in the world. You’ll decide to do whatever is best for your child. Good luck with whatever you decide!
April 10th, 2008 at 2:15 pm