Anyone home educating - ie NOT sending kids to school

[PotPourri]

DH didn't go to school til he was 14, and at his own choice. I went the full way through. He's definately got a more rounded view of the world and learns from his surroundings and books etc much more effectively than I do (and I'm a very high achiever as it happens). I learn to pass an exam, or to meet a deadline, or in preparation for a presentation. And it just doesn't stick.

We're expecting our first little 'un and I'm wondering if anyone could share success/less successful stories about home educating. I would love to have the courage to do it, but it's so different from what I know...

From what you have said, going through the workbooks would definately help. They cover pretty much anything and you are right that the 1:1 is the best thing for him. Hope you get on ok ks.

You are the one who best knows your child, so you are the one best qualified to teach him.

Muminamillion, we've been 'official' a year now, although I decided on HE when ds was about 3. It's great, we love it. We love the freedom, and the ability to learn whatever we want, and I am learning just as much as they are!

As for how we do it - well, there's a question! We're fairly autonomous, and do little formal work at the moment. I'm actually planning to start doing a little more planning, just to balance out the curriculum a little.

I think its amazing too. Cant believe how much I've learnt from the girls! My older girls went to school for a few years. When we moved to a larger village, they never settled in the new school, which was my chance to take them out (had always wanted to HE). That was 3yrs ago. We started off being very structured, I think most people do. However, we are now almost totally autonomous. Occasionally I will suggest that dont they perhaps feel like doing a little maths??? We've always had LOADS to show the education officer each year, but this year we've gone out a lot, and the girls have used the computer more, so we dont actually have much written work. I dont know how she will take that - she has always been very pleased in the past with the amount of 'work' they were able produce.

Are you a member of EO?

Yeah, we're in EO.

We've not yet encountered the LEA, though as we're seeking 'treatment' for ds' 'behavioural problems' I suspect it won't be long now. We keep everything, so I guess it won't be a problem if they do. It's just all the intangible things which are so difficult to document - and often the most inspired.

I know what you mean. And I have an horrendously bad memory so can never remember all the places we have been, all the things we have done etc. Did try keeping a diary each day, but kept forgetting to write in it!!! Ive just taken out a subscription for the Aquila magazine after someone on here recommended it. Looks great - really educational but fun for them.

Ive sort of lost enthusiasm for the EO magazine, which is a shame because I used to love it popping through the door. It seems that there is very little practical advice/experiences and so on these days. It is largely compiled of agm info, government proposals etc, which, although important, doesnt really help in a practical way. I woud like it to get back to how it used to be.

We subscribe to the 'Freedom In Education' magazine now too. It has really good information for parents and children alike. The author, Gareth Lewis, has written 2 fabulous books about HE - the best I have ever read. Have you managed to have a look at them?

I must admit, I know what you mean about the Eo newsletter. It does seem like more and more of it is guidance and regulation and all that kind of official stuff. It does have its good points though.

I've heard of Aquila, I think my kids are a little young yet. It's funny, I was looking at the Freedom in Education site the other night. I think most of the newsletter is duplicated on the site, and we just don't have the available funds just now. We have got One to one, which I dip into regularly! I'm not sure if I agree with all his ideas, but it certainly gives you food for thought.

I don't fill in the diary every day. there are big gapes where I've not filled it in for ages. I keep it more for me really, and have done since the kids were small, it's just an extension of that. I love looking back and remembering what we've done, and the things they said and everything. They grow up so fast and I know I won't remember most of it!

We're going away tomorrow, so I won't be able to check up on this thread for a week or so. Keep in touch though. Feel free to email through CAT.

I'll do that. Thanks. Have a nice time away

Hi There
We recently moved to the Republic of Ireland and we educate our son ,who is nearly 7 at home.
He went to quite a strict prep school in the U.K.they were very concerned about their ofsted reports etc.
He was quite advanced academically when we moved here.and even though they had the class above his in the samr room they were not really prepared to let him take on other work(prob not their fault as they do not have the resoures).Also the majority of schools here are still owned by the Catholic Churc which we are not involved with.
It seems to be ok at the moment.We have met up with other home eddersetc.I think it is something that needs to be evaluated regularly.Some people are very laid back and do not have any structure others are more structured.
WE will see how itgoes.
Good luck,whatever you decide.