I have decided that I would like to homeschool my 7yo son next year rather than send him to our local school for third grade. I have had nothing but problems with school since he started preschool.My family however is very much against this idea. My son cries every morning when we get ready for school because we have to do the morning routine step by step each day and sometimes this makes him 3-5 minutes late for school no matter what time we start getting ready. His teacher has threatened him that he will be getting detention and spending time with the principal if he is late, now he goes to school feeling sick and crying every morning scared that he is late even when he is not. He is on medication that seems to work very well, however it doesn’t really do much for the emotional part. He cries and gets upset about everything and feels that he is not a good kid and that he is to blame for anything and everything. Next years teacher is a very strict teacher not to mention gets her point across in the classroom by yelling and throwing things. This will be way too much for him to handle. I think he will have better self esteem for a job well done with school work and what he is learning as well as well as excel when he goes back to school the following year but I seem to be the only one that feels this way. Help.
Re: Thinking of Homeschooling my ADHD son need some advise
The main issue, is whether you will have the time to commit to all of the daily work?
The internet has really changed homeschooling, as their are many online homeschool support groups, that you can go to, to ask questions and get advise.
Their might also be a local homeschool group, which is also helpful.
So the main thing is to network, with other homeschooling parents, as schools are usually unhelpful.
Re: Thinking of Homeschooling my ADHD son need some advise
I applaud your courage to do what you think is best for you son. You know him best. Never forget that.
Homeschooling can be a huge undertaking. Plug into local groups and to groups online. Do your research on what approach would work best for your son and your family. Is you son more active and hands-on, or could he sit doing workbook work for quite awhile? Check out the local laws in your area-you will probably need to formally withdraw your son from school and notify the district with paperwork of some sort. Some states require tracking your hours of teaching-what subjects you are working on, etc. Figure out what is important to you for his learning goals, and also look at learning goals for third graders in you district and see what you can cover.
I homeschooled one year and might go back to it-my youngest is struggling and my oldest is just a couple years away from the dig-eat-dog world of middle school. I fear kids will make mincemeat of him when he lacks social skills and is not tuned into jokes and such. My greatest revelation was that as a teacher, I tried to save money by creating all my curriculum and designing thematic units. I was tired and eshausted by March. Next time, I’m getting a pre-made curriculum that I will use as a basic starting point and supplement where I need to.
Something to think about…..if you asked 100 diferent families how they homeschool, you would probably get 100 different answers. These answers would fall along a spectrum of the “Unschoolers” that focus on life lessons when a child is ready to learn them, to formal curriculum and instruction from books-only done at home with parents as teachers/guides. You have to search your heart, know your child and think about what will work for you.
Blessings to you in your new adventure.
PS-Usually homeschool groups have curriculum fairs and conferences in the spring time. Ask around and try to go to one. Often there are curriclum exchanges at these fairs as well. Great place to network and get info.
Re: Thinking of Homeschooling my ADHD son need some advise
Like you I have had nothing but problems with the school since my son started preschool. He was kicked out of school in preschool and is facing expulsion from kindergarten. He too has low self esteem and dreads going to school. I have often thought of homeschooling him, and have met with resistance from family and friends. They say it would impede his social development. However, his social development is already impeded by the school as they have isolated him and put him in a self contained class. I say that you are the best judge of what your son needs and if you feel he would be better of being homeschooled then go for it. I’m still considering it.
Homeschooling is a very individual decision. For some kids it is a great thing because they don’t have the distractions and stress of a classroom environment and more 1:1 attention. You should also check into virtual schools that can supplement your homeschooling.