Tempted but daunted

[baddyfreckleface]

I have a 5 year old dd who is currently in y1 of a 'very good' school. Her foundation teacher was brilliant and dd really learnt a lot. She also grew more confident and became very sociable. Her teacher allowed for the children to have their little quirks. It was really a lovely class.
Her Y1 class is not working out the same. It's a job share class and we aren't really happy with either of the teachers. I have been on all the school trips and it is very much like herding sheep. Not exactly inspiring to learn more.

I am really interested in HE but find it a little scary as obviously I don't want to let her down. Also I have a VERY demanding 2.5 year old. I worry that I would be letting both dc down if I take my 5 year old out of school as neither would get the attention they need.

So, how do people manage with younger dc?
Also I would be very interested to know how a day pans out for families who are HE.

The decision is the scariest part! After that, it's mostly fun (with the occasional "I am totally sending you back to school" moment). My DD1 would be in yr1, and I also have a 3.6 yo.

If you're HE then your DD1 will get loads more one to one time than she would at school, even with your younger DC around; in a class of 30 with say 5 hours of class time, each child will get 10 mins. I'm sure your 2.5yo will let you have that . Every HE group I've been to has had younger siblings tagging along, so you won't be alone.

Have you had a look to see what's available near you? Facebook is a good place to look for local groups.

Every day is different for us! Recently we've been on quite a few days out (getting them in before the winter hits), mainly relating to history which is what DD1 is really interested in at the moment. We've also been to a few HE groups and met up with some HE friends at the park. At home we usually do crafty stuff or read books.

Hope that helps a bit.

Thank you for your reply. It does help thank you. And yes, when I think about it of course I can give her more time than her teacher can.
I suppose it's having the confidence to do it alone that's a big thing.

The more I read up on home ed the more I think it could be great. I have approached a local Facebook group and have decided to use this weeks holiday as a trial home ed week. We are going to do a project!
Dd is fascinated by all animals, especially bugs so day trips are pretty easy and we already do them anyway. Although it will be easier to do them in the week rather than with a herd of other people at the weekend when dd has had a full week at school anyway.

She isn't massively keen on school and is an expert at tuning out so I really don't think she would miss much.

I am worried that family and friends will think we are crazy. They already think we are odd and antisocial so would have a field day if we took dd out of school. But the more I read, the more armed I am to argue out case! (Not that we should have to)

• oh and it seems you are my MN expert now as you have helped me a lot already with my fish tank!

Oh god, don't rely on me as an expert

I was a bit worried that people would think we were bonkers but most people have been really positive. No one's said anything to our faces, anyway. My parents both work in education (well, DM's retired now) and they're both really supportive.

Haha! Don't worry, it's just funny how you're on fish and HE and that's where I have been posting for advice (I'm not stalking you, honest!)

I have a great fish tank now, thanks to you

Ah shucks Glad your fish tank looks good!

I don't post much in HE really, I've only just put it back in my active topics again. I've been getting a bit more involved with organising local HE stuff so I lurk for ideas mostly.

Hi, I don't have younger children so can't answer that part:) but 'how does a day pan out' part I can.

For us we have 3 'active' days where we are out and about at home ed groups, trips and after school activities. we then try to keep 2 days just for us where we make it up as we go along. I would rather have 3 quieter days but so far we haven't managed that.
On an active day we are up, have breakie and make picnic. The kids might read over breakie or play with the dog. we then might take dog out before we go or if out for the day I have family who will look after dog:) We then go to whatever has been arranged, a museum visit or over to friends or to a HE group. We usually roll home in the early afternoon & the kids then play, read, draw or sometimes decide to get something 'worky' out of their folders etc
On a quiet day we sometimes all pile into my bed and read. Get up etc and then maybe do their maths or whatever. Today my daughter has spent the entire morning reading and my son has made a writing den and written loads of letters to family. I have given him help as he asked for it, spellings etc He is now making a movie on his camera with the dog. Im about to get us some lunch. After lunch we plan to walk the dog & take their basketballs down the the park. Later they have both asked to help with dinner so one will help make a main course, the other will make the pudding. They have searched through recipe books to find a recipe. My daughter can follow the recipe herself and just needs help with the cooker. I tend to still be needed with my son to help him weigh stuff. One of their cousins is due to come over after school for a play & then later my daughter has a club to go to.
We have a timetable pinned up in the kitchen to give us some order which details all the groups/clubs/playdates. In between there are some things I like them to get done each week, then maybe some things they have asked to do and then plenty of free time where we all make it up as we go along.

Thank you Lula - sounds lovely!

I am definitely keen now and feel more confident on the learning side of things. Dd has very specific interests that I can use to motivate and interest her.

I am still worried that I will be a bit rubbish at the social stuff. I am pretty shy and don't have a lot of friends. Dd is very sociable but and pretty confident and I want to keep her that way! I'm not sure I could do that. I am looking for groups in my area and hopefully can meat some like minded people with children she can build friendships with

Ah ! Thank you OP for a eureka moment for me - I knew I had crossed paths with Eaurouge before! She does give good fish advice!

Oh crikey, I didn't realise people would remember me outside the den of fish geekiness

baddy, I wouldn't worry too much about being shy, all the home ed people (bar one) I've met have been lovely. I've met people that I would consider to be my friends, not just the parents of the DDs' friends. If you join a FB group then you'll get chance to get to know some people before you go to a meet up.

Famous for your fishy knowledge!

Well I tried two Facebook groups. One hasn't replied after two days and one has said I can't look/join their group until I am actually home educating.

That's a bit rubbish Try googling, your area may have a yahoo group you can join, or have a look on the education otherwise site. Our area has a big yahoo group covering 3-4 counties, then smaller local Facebook groups. I can't remember if you said you could drive, but it might be that the group in the next County are more welcoming.

Sometimes groups run events at half term for interested school goers too. You could ask a group admin if they'd let you know?

Oh dear, groups can vary a bit. Some are more relaxed then others. sometimes you need to send a pm to the admin to say that you're not a spammer or a LA spy.

Have you tried the mumsnet home education fb group?
Send me a message there as admin, or here and i can approve you.
From there we can help finding other groups for you

Thanks everyone.

I have messaged the admin from both. The other Facebook group still haven't replied.

There is a yahoo group. My computer won't load the page properly and I have to email the admin to see if I can be approved to see the page. I will try and sort it tomorrow.

Bobby - thank you so much that would be great. I didn't know there was one. I will be in touch