Homeschooling

Archive for April, 2010

Question: Non-Christian hands-on science - 7th grade?

I am using a Holt Science & Technology Life Science book for my son's 7th grade Science curriculum. I am brand new to "Homeschooling" and am using this because we're part of a county "Independent Study" program. I go through the Units with him, but I think adding a bunch of hands-on Life Science would be great. Can anyone point me to a non-Christian Life Science curriculum suitable for a 7th grade boy who loves science? We live in the state of California.

Answer: Glencoe has some complete programs that are secular.

http://www.glencoe.com/catalog/

If you are just looking for projects and hands on experiments to do in addition to his curriculum he uses in his independent study program look on these sites for discection kits, reference books, or curriculum. (Both Christian and Secular texts are available on this site.)

http://www.hometrainingtools.com

Homeschooling: Unit Studies and Lapbooking How To's

Question: please help! Homeschooling?

I'm currently a freshman and sttend a public school. I have a few questions and I really need answers.

I live in michigan, so would the michigan laws allow a teacher from my current school to homeschool me?
Whats a good series of textbooks to use for all of my required classes?
If i couldn't get a teacher from my school to school me, and neither of my parents have a degree in teaching, what are some good online courses that I could use?
They have to be fairly cheap.
What is the first step in starting Homeschooling?
Does my mom just tell my school she is taking me out, and Homeschooling me?
How do we keep track of my work so I can graduate?
Any additional information would be greatly appreciated!

Answer: someone from Michigan can probably give you specifics, but, unless you are ill or homebound with disabilities, I doubt the school district will pay for a teacher just for you. What you are looking for is not Homeschooling (I'll come back to that) but school at home. I recommend if that's what you want you look into Michigan cyber schools like K12, or Connections, or Insight Schools or any other ones chartered in Michigan. They are public schools in your home. They are paid for by the taxpayer so they are "free" to you. They provide all the textbooks and lessons you require, keep all the records and make sure you are learning. The charter school you choose will have an application form that will take care of whatever our mom needs to do to withdraw you. Because they are public schools you have to meet all the requirements for public schools in Michigan, like standardized testing, etc.

Homeschooling is where a parent teaches their own child at home without the public school. To learn more about that option, I recommend starting at homeedmag.com

Parents in most states do not need a degree to instruct their own children any more than they need to be trained nutritionists, or doctors or psychologists.

Does that help?