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Sandy-Mom March 4, 2008

Is it hard to homeschool your teenager? Any suggestions/ideas will be appreciated.

Sandy-Mom
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Parent Answers to "Is it hard to homeschool your teenager? Any suggestions/ideas will be appreciated."

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trooper
trooper April 26, 2009
There are pluses and minuses to home schooling. First, you need to identify your child's specific needs = educationally, emotionally, and socially. Then, you can determine what is the best environment. Teenagers are particularly unpredictable .If you should decide on home schooling be sure to consider how to allow for - or to address your child's need to gain independence and confidence as a young adult in a group setting. Also, consider the requirements in providing a rigorous curriculum which will enable your child to access post secondary goals. Perhaps combining home schooling with some school activities might be an option?? You have a lot to think about. How does your child feel about this?
Best of luck to you and your family,
Trooper
Tutoring
Tutoring April 26, 2009
no it isn't there are lots of computer programs to help and retired teachers who homeschool my friend being one of them.
Jsillymom
Jsillymom March 4, 2008
What deschooling is, is letting your child get away from the "school" method of learning and more with them doing reading and slowly introducing more formal learning. Sorry that was my fault for not explaining it more LOL. I won't critique you. As for not being able to teach math that is still ok because not only is there a lot of resources out there for homeschooling to help you teach but if you know another homeschool mom or join a co-op you can switch a subject with them so they can help teach a certain subject and you can teach another.
I am not very good at math either to be honest but my son who is in second grade has been able to multiply small numbers since first grade. I hope this better explains things. I realize too that homeschooling isn't for every parent but I just wanted to let you know that it is possible even with your difficulty with math. ;)
diaroy
diaroy March 4, 2008
I typed a long response but it disappeared, from this posting
spot for the 2nd time.
This website, or my computer, has a problem.
I had a lot more to chat about, but being only a notch above hunt
and peck, I can't bear the thought of losing my response again.
diaroy
diaroy March 4, 2008
The 'deschooling' doesn't sound like good advice.
But I'm sure your intentions are good.
Personally, I feel incapable of homeschooling. I can't handle the homework. It's supposed to be a review of what was learned, but unfortunately the teaching is often left to parents, via homework.
I have real problems with 5th grade math.
I have had guidance counselors with master's degrees say the same thing.
I'm afraid to send an email without doing a grammar and spell check.
Apparently, my child's teachers don't know how to use these tools.
Please don't critique me too harshly, those tools aren't available here.
CCnIzksMom
CCnIzksMom March 4, 2008
My daughter is 12 and is homeschool. My son just started kinder this year, doing very well by the way at a great public elementary school with a great teacher. We hope to keep him going unless of course our Gov. changes our school books.........
diaroy
diaroy March 4, 2008
You stated that homeschooling is easy and that you are experienced in homeschooling, yet one of your goals is; being involved in your child's school.
I don't understand, but getting the free computer was nice.
Jsillymom
Jsillymom March 4, 2008
My kids are young yet so I can't give you an answer but from what I have seen of other homeschoolers of teenagers things went pretty well. They had an even closer relationship than before homeschooling them. This will depend largely on you and your teens relationship. Does your teen want to homeschool? Do you want to do it? As a teenager they maybe able to do a lot of the work on their own with you just checking their work and being there to help when they need it. This depends on how much of an independent worker your teen is.

If you do decide to homeschool I would look up the laws in your state. A good place to find out the laws are www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp. I would also suggest finding out what kind of learner your child is. Do they learn more with hands on things? By listening? is your teen a visual learner? Ect..... more than likely you teen will have a combination of two or more. By doing this you can find what kind of homeschooling is best for your teen and your family. Homeschooling can be a lot of work but at least for us it's been well worth it and we enjoy it so much now.

Wanted to let you know too if you are going to pull your teen out of school I have heard other homeschoolers who have done this that have advised others to deschool them when you first pull them out. This just means to not do any formal schooling for a bit to get them used to the idea of homeschooling and you being the teacher. I hope this has helped you in some way.

ETA: I would also suggest trying to find local homeschool groups or co-ops in your area. This way you won't feel alone or overwhelmed in your homeschool journey. Your local Library may be able to tell you if there are any local groups in your area and also check your local YMCA you may find homeschool programs there too that your teen could join.
CCnIzksMom
CCnIzksMom March 4, 2008
Homeschooling has to be something that you and your teenager both agree on and want. No, it's not hard at all, as long as your relationship with your child is one of good communicating and trust. An excellent program to check out is www.caliva.org My daughter has worked independantly with me close by and has excelled far more than she would have than if I had left her in the environment she unfortunately had to deal with as a 7th grader. The k12 program at cava is free, they even send your child a computer. Check it out!
tjlove
GreatSchools Staff tjlove March 4, 2008
Hi,
There is a group on this community that is focused on homeschooling. I encourage you to join!
community.greatschools.net/groups/11543

Any contributed content above is the subjective opinion of that member or external author, and not of GreatSchools. GreatSchools does not check for accuracy in community posts or verify the contributor’s identity. If you are searching for health-related advice we strongly suggest you seek professional medical support. View our Community Guidelines for more details.
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