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Bronwyn G

As I said to you earlier, Zach, yes I would be interested in homeschooling my kids.

I would have to get a Bachelor of Arts in my preferred course and then get a B.Ed or a Grad Dip. I would then be part of the third generation of teachers in my family, which makes me proud. I would hope to do my writing and look after my children and other children who are about the place.

(I do have a dentist appointment so I'm trying to be confident and optimistic about the future and get my affairs in order in case it should go wrong which will only happen in one in a million cases).

What are the homeschooling rules in Georgia and what oversight is being given at the moment? How would you change it?

Working in your pyjamas must take a great deal of discipline.

I missed your voice and advice on the podcasts. The others did a very good job. Did you enjoy the Willowbrook podcast?

Anne Davis

Hi Zach!

I missed you during our second podcasting event! You would have added to the conversations!

I enjoyed reading your thoughts on homeschooling. Working in your pajamas would be so comfortable! That made me think about an article I read about a school where students could get up and move around whenever they wanted. Here's the link:

http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2006/03/28/fidgeting_

Do you think you would like learning in this type of classroom? Hmmmm, I think we need to podcast some ideas we have about ways to make our classrooms places that truly foster lifelong learning. Got any ideas?

Keep on blogging!

Mrs. Davis

Mom

Hello Zachary,

Some of our experiences in homeschooling were stressful. I learned right away that following a minute by minute lesson plan like some would suggest was just not going to work for us. I also remember we had a lot of fun, too. I learned some really cool things myself. I think the worst part for you was doing work you thought was boring. Since I was mom everything was supposed to be fun and challenging, right? I think the worst part for me was trying to keep you interested in some of your least favorite subjects. The thing that most sticks out in my mind is not the stress or the occasional conflicts we had but the rewarding times. The time we did science projects all day or sitting down on the couch reading books together.
As for the interaction with children I completely agree with you. There are always children around to be social with. I also like the idea of being social with children of all ages. When you go to public school you tend to get grouped with children your own age. I remember when you were four one of your best friends, Jaleel, was almost nine. I always loved that. You played with him everyday when he got home from school and he was always at our house. I definately think it is beneficial for children to interact with different age groups. The socialization thing doesn't hold much water with me, anyway. Humans are social animals for the most part. I believe there are more negative aspects of socializing in a public school setting anyway. Anyway, I really enjoyed your post and I miss homeschool, too. I think you've had a great experience in school, also. I can't wait to get back in school myself. Then you can help me with my homework. LYA

Bernadette Henning

Homeschooling sounds great to me. The sleeping late part is 'right up my alley'! I also agree that students socializing can be done in so many ways that I don't think you miss a lot of that when you are homeschooled. It is a good thing that you do miss the negative impact that some students can have on you. Teachers have to be rather structured in order to teach and get all the material covered but with fewer people involved it sometimes can be done in a much more fun way. I was very impressed with your thoughts on homeschooling. Keep up the good work.

Mom

I just wanted to add that I have such a great respect for all teachers that I probably did not have before I homeschooled Zach. I know what a daunting task it was at times to get through a day of lessons with one child...I could not imagine being able to do it with twenty or more. I also want to say again what a wonderful experience it has been for us to be at JH House. I love every teacher that is involved with my child and Mrs. Hooper is just great. My trust has been restored and it gives me such peace of mind sending him off everyday knowing that he is being taught by such a caring and experienced group of educators. We will certainly miss all of you next year. Thanks to all.

Zachary

I kind of miss homeschool because I remember somedays we would just sit down and do all our work without anything getting in our way. Then, we would fall asleep on the couch. On somedays we would sleep late and then wake up at about 1:30 PM and barely have time to get busy. But somehow we managed. miss the times where we would sit down and accually have fun by having school. I miss that because now I have to be away from home from 7:30 AM to 2:15 PM. But it's really sooner then it seems. I have the weedends the look forward to also!

Zachary

Bronwyn,
The Georgia homeschooling rules, if I'm right, are you have to complete the tests and complete all work. I would change the rules about tests and shorten the amout that is required to take. There are 16 tests in all, maybe more! That is one reason why I came to public school. I thought it would be simpler to take the CRCT.

Staci

FYI:

From the Georgia Department of Education
http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/schools/homeschools.asp

Every parent, guardian, or other person within this state having control or charge of any child or children between their sixth and sixteenth birthdays shall enroll and send such child or children to a public school, a private school, or a home study program. (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690-1)

Parents or guardians must annually submit to the superintendent of the local school district in which the program is located a Declaration of Intent to utilize a Home Study Program by September 1 or within 30 days after a program is established. The local school superintendent will provide a form upon request for this purpose to be returned to that office The Declaration must include the names and ages of the students, the address where the program is located, and the dates of the school year.

Parents or guardians may teach only their own children in the home study program provided the teaching parent or guardian possesses at least a high school diploma or a general educational development equivalency diploma, but the parents or guardians may employ a tutor who holds a high school diploma or a general educational development diploma to teach such children.

The home study program must include, but is not limited to: instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science.

The school year must include the equivalent of 180 days of at least 4.5 (four and one-half) hours of instruction per day unless the child is physically unable to comply with this requirement.

Monthly attendance reports must be sent to the local superintendent at the end of each month. The local school superintendent will, upon request, provide the reporting forms.

Students in home study programs shall be subject to an appropriate nationally standardized testing program administered in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm-referenced tests. The student must be evaluated at least every three years beginning at the end of the third grade. Records of such tests shall be retained.

The instructor shall write an annual progress assessment report in each required subject area for each student. These reports shall be retained for at least three years.

Robert

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michaela

how hold are you? im home schooled to and i have a weblog it is on wordpress if you ever want to go check it out just go to: michaelabug.wordpress.com and check the things ive written and if you do comment on mine and if i get the chance and will write back. By the way i think it is really cool that you can stand up and say that you think it is the familys choice to homeschool or not. well i got to go post on my blog hope ill be able to write to you again see ya P.S. i just want to say im 10 years old and in fifth grade because i skipped kindergarten

michaela sorenson

how old are you? im home schooled to and i have a weblog it is on wordpress if you ever want to go check it out just go to: michaelabug.wordpress.com and check the things ive written and if you do comment on mine and if i get the chance and will write back. By the way i think it is really cool that you can stand up and say that you think it is the familys choice to homeschool or not. well i got to go post on my blog hope ill be able to write to you again see ya P.S. i just want to say im 10 years old and in fifth grade because i skipped kindergarten

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