I am homeschooling my second grader and seventh grader. We started homeschooling, because we were just not happy with the school our daughters were attending. Last year was our first year and it was a rough adjustment for my oldest, mainly because she was so used to study guides being handed to her rather than actually reading a chapter and creating her own notes. Our youngest loved it from the start.
Although my preteen is still going through some typical growing angst, her attitude is much improved. We have the typical subjects of math, science, spelling, reading, grammar, writing, and history. Along with those, I have added extra subjects including foreign languages, piano lessons, PE, and geography.
The pros are:
- you can control how fast or slow you go on each subject to make sure they understand it.
- no tests to "teach".
- getting closer to your children, which helps you understand them better.
- children become independent and start thinking for themselves.
- children learn self discipline.
- children are able to pursue their favorite subjects.
- minimized peer pressure.
The cons are:
- possibly no support from family members.
- school can take all day long.
- learning how to juggle work/housekeeping/schooling.
I would suggest joining The Texas Home School Coalition. They have so many helpful hints and will help you with any problems you may have from school districts, CPS, and truant officers. The website is www.thsc.org
Also, join any local home school groups for support, organized field trips, and tips on how to create your own curriculum. Hearts and Hugs is a wonderful group. The group organizer is very active and has many activities/ideas for everyone. Their website is www.orgsites.com/tx/heartsandhugs/index.html
My husband was dubious at first, but now he will be the first to admit that home schooling is the way to go.