When to begin Kindergarten:

This is not an issue for homeschoolers, but you do have to name a grade at some point.  If you look for info,each school district has their own dates for K registration, so you can see if you can find the dates for local districts.

Spring Grove's date that I know of as of 2012, was Sept 1 and the child had to be five by that date.  I know York City is different.  Actually it is only a established parameter for schools and as a home schooler, YOU can decide when to begin K or other education.

The law in PA is age 8 for reporting, and so most kids are in grade 3 at that age, BUT, I have seen all sorts of variation.  I know kids that are in fourth grade for their first evaluation.  I know kids that were in second grade.  I know parents that did not start "counting school (either k or 1 ) until after age 8 and for their first age 8 evaluation, the child was in first grade,
so it is really up to you.

Most parents like to keep the "grade" of their homeschoolers sort of in line with the majority, mostly for outside and church activities, as many Sunday School classes for kids are arranged by grade.  So, I am sure this does not answer your specific question, but you can call her grade K at any time that YOU think is appropriate.  Some parents start their kids early and others like to wait and have an older grade K student.  

The Sept dates do seem to cause the most confusion, so your question is valid.

http://www.greatschools.org/students/academic-skills/150-kindergarten-ready-or-not.gs  is a link that explains this confusion;  Your child may be deemed ready in one state or type of school but not in another. In most states, a child must reach the age of 5 for public school, but the birth date can range from June 1 to December 31.

PA school accept students from age 4 to 6 for K and it varies by district.   http://ecs.force.com/mbdata/mbquestU?SID=a0i70000004J3cq&rep=Kq02&Q=Q3195

Source: TopMastersInEducation.com

I am still active in the Home School community Many of the Alumni Moms get together as well. I have been doing evaluations for nine years  years now, so I am keeping current with popular curriculum and new curriculum. Things sure have changed though since when my kids were in home school (1988-2009). Many more lessons on the computer, Apologia has grown and Teaching Textbooks are very popular. Many, many things for free on-line now. Check out the free classes from Yale, called Open Yale Courses: http://oyc.yale.edu/

"Open Yale Courses provides free and open access to a selection of introductory courses taught by distinguished teachers and scholars at Yale University. The aim of the project is to expand access to educational materials for all who wish to learn."

now I just need more time to share my years of experience with you.  Still doing evaluations and am working with two moms who are new to evaluations, so we all  are here to assist you!

still in the thick of things even tho I am no longer a homeschooling teacher.

I am still active in the York Home School Association. Many of the Alumni Moms get together as well. I have been doing evaluations for six/seven years now, so I am keeping current with popular curriculum and new curriculum. Things sure have changed though since when my kids were in home school (1988-2009). Many more lessons on the computer, Apologia has grown and Teaching Textbooks are very popular. Many, many things for free on-line now. Check out the free classes from Yale, called Open Yale Courses: http://oyc.yale.edu/

"Open Yale Courses provides free and open access to a selection of introductory courses taught by distinguished teachers and scholars at Yale University. The aim of the project is to expand access to educational materials for all who wish to learn."

now I just need more time!

link to the Simple Dollar, read this and think homeschool

10 More Essential Skills You Didn’t Learn in College

http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2010/10/14/10-more-essential-skills-you-didnt-learn-in-college/



This is a good article about things not learned in college (or traditional
school). One more reason to homeschool/these things are taught in home
school since they are life and we are 24/7 with our kids. Homeschool is
more like what you really need for LIFE, so make sure these are included,
which maybe more important than academics.

check out my friend's web site

http://www.iHomeEducate.com

what about High School courses?

This is directly from the school code. It was chapter 5 as referred to in Act 169.
4.23. High school education.
(a) Instruction in the high school program must focus on the development of abilities needed to succeed in work and advanced education through planned instruction.
(b) Curriculum and instruction in the high school must be standards-based and provide all students opportunities to develop the skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and problem-solving and information literacy.
(c) Planned instruction aligned with academic standards in the following areas shall be provided to every student in the high school program. Planned instruction may be provided as a separate course or as an instructional unit within a course or other interdisciplinary instructional activity:
(1) Language arts, integrating reading, writing, listening, speaking, literature and grammar.
(2) Mathematics, including problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, algebra, geometry and concepts of calculus.
(3) Science and technology, including participation in hands-on experiments and at least one laboratory science chosen from life sciences, earth and space sciences, chemical sciences, physical sciences and agricultural sciences.
(4) Social studies (civics and government, economics, geography and history, including the history and cultures of the United States, the Commonwealth and the world).
(5) Environment and ecology, including scientific, social, political and economic aspects of ecology.
(6) The arts, including art, music, dance, theatre and humanities.
(7) Use of applications of microcomputers and software, including word processing, database, spreadsheets and telecommunications; and information skills, including access to traditional and electronic information sources, computer use and research.
(8) Health, safety and physical education, including instruction in concepts and skills which affect personal, family and community health and safety, nutrition, physical fitness, movement concepts, motor skill development, safety in physical activity settings, and the prevention of alcohol, chemical and tobacco abuse.
(9) Family and consumer science, including principles of consumer behavior and basic knowledge of child health, child care and early literacy skill development.
(d) The following planned instruction shall be made available to every student in the high school program:
(1) Vocational-technical education under § § 4.3 and 4.31—4.35 (relating to definitions; and vocational-technical education).
(2) Business education, including courses to assist students in developing business and information technology skills.
(3) World languages under § 4.25 (relating to languages).
(4) Technology education, incorporating technological problem-solving and the impacts of technology on individuals and society.
(e) College-level advanced placement courses may be offered as planned instruction in the high school curriculum.
(f) This section does not preclude the teaching of other planned instruction designed to achieve a school district’s, including a charter school’s, academic standards.
(g) School districts, including a charter school, shall determine the most appropriate way to operate their high school programs to achieve the purposes under subsection (a) and the academic standards in their strategic plans under § 4.13 (relating to strategic plans).

What about home schooling a struggling learner or special needs?

It really depends on your child's particular need, but some of these are general enough that they cover a variety of struggles. I also like to watch the child read and often find vision therapy is needed. These are books that might be helpful. I also recommend the articles put together by Charles Schwab that are now on the Great Schools web site. http://www.greatschools.org/LD.topic?content=1541

Living with a Challenging Child: Encouragement for Mothers of Children with ADD, Hyperactivity, or Other Behavioral Problems, by Jayne Ray Garrison

Homeschooling the Challenging Child, by Christine M. Field

Heads Up Helping!! Teaching Tips and Techniques for Working With ADD, ADHD, and Other Children with Challenges, by Melinda L. Boring

www.nathhan.org: National Challenged Homeschoolers
You can order a subscription, too

www.hslda.org Home School Legal Defense Association
"Struggling Learners" section--there is a email newsletter you can sign up for and information on the site re:assessing your child for learning disabilities

www.eastersealscentralpa.org You can ask to be put on their mailing list for Therapeutic Recreation Programs (camps, swimming, skiing, etc.--adapted for physical limitations) Offers ACES (Acquiring Community Experiences and Skills) camp in the summer for children with Asperger's Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism. Also has social skills groups in the spring and fall, too.

www.joyceherzog.com Sells Luke's Life List and Luke's School List, which can help you make your own IEP through a series of checklists of skills you want to focus on. The focus verse is Luke 2:52 "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man," and uses that verse to organize various skills, including "favor with God" (spiritual growth) and "favor with man" (social growth).

Thanks to Debbie for much of this information!

A Thomas Jefferson Education, written by Dr. Oliver DeMille.

I just recently learned about the book A Thomas Jefferson Education, written by Dr. Oliver DeMille. You can find a lot of information as there are many groups of people using this method of education.
You can find other families.

http://www.tjed.org/

You can take on-line classes.

http://www.tjedacademyandprepschool.com/

Check it out.
start here to read their intro to the educational model and the site.

what to do with a student that hates writing & math?

This question came to me today. Any thoughts on how to do school with a child who absolutely hates writing and math?! I have had a real laid back approach to school but obviously there comes a time when you need to write and you need to do math.

This mom goes on……I have tried so many different math programs, and even some writing ones. I am thinking part of this is just stubbornness in not wanting to do it. If she had her way we'd only read, read, read and do lots of history!! Which I love, but again, we need to do other things. I am concerned that she is "behind" in both areas and will never get caught up. I get caught up in that thinking of "where is she compared to other kids" and then I feel defeated.

Here is my answer. Well, some times you just need to negotiate. You must do this since it is required of you and me sort of statement. Use an idea
below for two weeks. Tell her this is new and we will do it for two weeks, and keep at it, or if you don't like, we will find another
way, but you must write and we are going to do math.
If is is stubbornness, that needs to be addressed too. here is a link to look at....http://www.characterjournal.com/html
There are all sorts of character traits to work on...like http://www.characterjournal.com/html/initiative.htm Initiative or others on the list.

And, then you can find some fun ways to do it too. There are lots of web site for math. Maybe one will appeal. Think outside the box!

Maybe get an old check book and a check register (I have lots of check registers you could have) and do a game with money
and she keeps her balance and she gets paid for "school work" and you subtract out payments for getting rewards or subtract out
for not doing something correctly. You can do multiplication for three times something and then make a payment for that, etc.
Think of anytime you are using math, have her do it for you or explain to her what you are doing, why you need the math, etc.
sale prices at the store, adding up grocery money, etc. Make it "alive for her".

what about a pen pal? typing on the computer? daily grams? fun short things to do. journaling?
http://www.dailygrammar.com/archive.shtml


http://www.theteacherscorner.net/daily-writing-prompts/december/ is daily writing prompts for December. if she does everyone, there can
be a reward to the "check book" which she needs to add in. make it multiplication for how many you did that week if you entry into the registry each Wednesday or each Friday.
here is the link for January
http://www.theteacherscorner.net/daily-writing-prompts/january/


http://www.dailywritingtips.com/ is another resource.

don't feel defeated, think, I can do this and I will find a way that works for us! We are special and we are unique!




click on mental math
there are the four functions.

the left dots are easiest
and you can see how long it takes to get them right.
some get difficult!

http://math.usask.ca/emr/menu.html




free online math fun up through high school and college as well!

MATH


http://www.themathpage.com/

http://www.purplemath.com/quizzes.htm

http://math.usask.ca/emr/menu.html

http://www.mathsisfun.com/

http://www.clc.mnscu.edu/kschulte/mathworksheets.html

http://www.clc.mnscu.edu/kschulte/mathworksheets.html#College

http://college.hmco.com/mathematics/resources/students/ace/college_algebra/ace.html

click here for my online interview

http://instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=3588699

what about pre-school?

Be careful with formal learning if he is too young. You need to do things with your child that he enjoys. Why do we think we all need to do the same things at the same time as in a group setting?

Every person, even young children, need to go at their own pace and as your son develops, you will find he has wonderful gifts, which might not match everyone else on the planet and I say, "GOOD for Him!
Our society rewards adults that are "different" but in children, we think we have to make everyone the "same." Think of the salaries and fame of unique dancers, sports figures, etc who have a different skill set. Give your son lots of time to explore the world and let him grow up. How do you do this?

go places, walk outside, let him be part of your "work", help in the kitchen, use a mini-broom, do things that you are doing. talk about what you are doing, let him try what you are doing. play with a wash cloth while you are folding laundry, etc. Lot of good things at the local library for free.

And, when he is ready, a little group play such as Joy School, for ages 3,4, & 5!
This is a "do-it yourself" program with other moms using the curriculum
meeting twice a week in homes. After that, it was easy to go into homeschool though some of the Joy School moms went on to send their kids to K and first grade.
here are some links for more research.

http://www.joyschools.com/

Unique Preschool teaching children the fundamental "joys" of life.
Joy Schools are well-established (over 100,000 parents have been teaching) and truly unique preschools. The central belief of Joy School is simply that children, while in their most impressionable years, should be taught life's most important thing, various capacities for joy. A related belief is that children suffer not from being started in academic learning too late, but in starting too soon, before they have a basis of social and emotional self-esteem.

The Joy School preschool lesson plans are written for three, four and five year olds. An age variety in a Joy School group is no problem. In fact, it is often an asset as older ones teach and "tutor" younger ones. There are two different sets of lesson plans, so children can participate in Joy School for two years in a row.

When I did it we only had one year and it was the first set of Joys. Nice way to start out slow!
enjoy them while they are young!

what changes did the PDE make to testing requirements

CHANGEs-WRAT not accepted for the 09-10 school year.

The WRAT is a wonderful test that is only an hour and done mostly orally one-on-one, but it is no longer on the accepted list of tests for grades 3, 5, & 8.
I have spent a lot of time trying to plead my case, but as of now, no WRAT's can count for the law. I can still give them and some parents have asked for them, but it is a double cost, since you still need to do one that complies with the law. So, here is the list. I recommend you just do it with YHSA (www.yhsa.org) unless I find another test that I am willing to administer.

http://www.pde.state.pa.us/k12/cwp/view.asp?A=11&Q=54281
is the link for the info below.

The Department has approved the following nationally normed standardized tests for use by home education programs if they choose not to take the statewide test:
1. California Achievement Test
2. Comprehensive Testing Program (CTPIV)
3. Iowa Test of Basic Skills
4. Metropolitan Achievement Test
5. Peabody Achievement Individual Test – Revised Version
6. Stanford Achievement Test
7. Terra Nova
8. Woodcock Johnson Revised Tests of Achievement III

The following additional tests will be accepted until June 30, 2009:
1. Comprehensive Testing Program (CTPII)
2. Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills
3. Peabody Individual Test
4. Wide Range Achievement Test
5. Woodcock Johnson Revised Tests of Achievement

Definition of a portfolio-three things as listed in the law

Home Education Reference Documents
24 PS 1-102 Definitions

(1) A portfolio of records and materials.

The portfolio shall consist of
(1) a log, made contemporaneously with the instruction,
which designates by title the reading materials used,
(2) samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks or creative materials used or developed by the student
(3)
and in grades three, five and eight results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests in reading/language arts and mathematics or the results of Statewide tests administered in these grade levels.
The department shall establish a list, with a minimum of five tests, of nationally normed standardized tests from which the supervisor of the home education program shall select a test to be administered if the supervisor does not choose the Statewide tests. At the discretion of the supervisor, the portfolio may include the results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests for other subject areas or grade levels. The supervisor shall ensure that the nationally normed standardized tests or the Statewide tests shall not be administered by the child's parent or guardian.

This is directly what the law says, and the only thing I did is add the numbers (in bold) to the list of things listed which says what a portfolio is. Using the commas and common English grammar, you can make that sentence in to a list of three things. They are a list of books used, samples of work and test scores if a testing year.
The log is defined as keeping a list of what books you are using by titles the reading materials used. No where does it say you need to list what pages or chapters to topics were read or studied. People are reading more into the law than what is says. It only says titles of the materials. And, you track either days or times, again not page or chapter.

Study the law-Act 169 of 1988 for yourself.

my friend has some great ideas for "back to home school"

My friend wrote this and I asked her if I could post it to my blog. She said yes, so here it is!

I was just reading the Sept 1st issue of Woman's Day and they had some very cute bakery ideas for the start of school.? My kids are older now but we still have our traditions.? We always take pictures on the 'official' first day, my kids give me an apple, and I give them a "Welcome Back-to-Home School" goody bags filled with school supplies (we can never have enough pencils!).? We also either go out for breakfast or choose one everyone likes.? We also love to make smoothies or coffee and sit on the front porch watching the kids getting on the school bus!? I know a little mean but still fun!? Instead of calling it back to school clothes shopping we do some of our fall/winter shopping too.

I have even made bagged lunches' for the kids at lunchtime and we usually try to make something school themed for snacks or dessert that day.? We also review our school's mission statement, goals for the year both individually and as a whole, and now in high school we write up a 'contract' where exactly what is expected from them is laid out in black and white.? I also make one explaining how I will be helping and what I am willing to do to make the school year a success.

Just thought I would pass along some ideas.

God's continued blessings,
Tracy B

article on home schooling and the trends Aug 09

http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14177435

connect to this article.

College Professor Critiques Homeschoolers

this is from Greg Landry so it is not my writing. I am posted this also to the high school info!
The Balcony Lady

This article may be published on web sites and in publications as long
as it's reproduced in its entirety, including the resource box at the
end of the article. Thanks!

College Professor Critiques Homeschoolers

copyright 2009 by Greg Landry, M.S.


I teach sophomore through senior level college students - most of them
are "pre-professional" students. They are preparing to go to medical
school, dental school, physical therapy school, etc.

As a generalization, I've noticed certain characteristics common in my
students who were homeschooled. Some of these are desirable, some not.

Desirable characteristics:

1. They are independent learners and do a great job of taking initiative
and being responsible for learning. They don't have to be "spoon fed" as
many students do. This gives them an advantage at two specific points in
their education; early in college and in graduate education.

2. They handle classroom social situations (interactions with their
peers and professors) very well. In general, my homeschooled students
are a pleasure to have in class. They greet me when the enter the class,
initiate conversations when appropriate, and they don't hesitate to ask
good questions. Most of my students do
none of these.

3. They are serious about their education and that's very obvious in
their attitude, preparedness, and grades.

Areas where homeschooled students can improve:

1. They come to college less prepared in the sciences than their
schooled counterparts - sometimes far less prepared. This can be
especially troublesome for pre-professional students who need to
maintain a high grade point average from the very beginning.

2. They come to college without sufficient test-taking experience,
particularly with timed tests. Many homeschooled students have a high
level of anxiety when it comes to taking timed tests.

3. Many homeschooled students have problems meeting deadlines and have
to adjust to that in college. That adjustment time in their freshman
year can be costly in terms of the way it affects their grades.

My advice to homeschooling parents:

1. If your child is even possibly college bound and interested in the
sciences, make sure that they have a solid foundation of science in the
high school years.

2. Begin giving timed tests by 7th or 8th grade. I'm referring to all
tests that students take, not just national, standardized tests.

I think it is a disservice to not give students timed tests. They tend
to focus better and score higher on timed tests, and, they are far
better prepared for college and graduate education if they've taken
timed tests throughout the high school years.

In the earlier years the timed tests should allow ample time to complete
the test as long as the student is working steadily. The objective is
for them to know it's timed yet not to feel a time pressure. This helps
students to be comfortable taking timed tests and develops confidence in
their test-taking abilities.

3. Give your students real deadlines to meet in the high school years.
If it's difficult for students to meet these deadlines because they're
coming from mom or dad, have them take "outside" classes; online, co-op,
or community college.
_______________________________

Greg Landry is a 14 year veteran homeschool dad and college professor.
He also teaches one and two semester online science classes, and offers
free 45 minute online seminars..
http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com

© 2009 Greg Landry, M.S.
Website design by www.ArtDesignsbyChristi.com

when is age 8 to file the affidavit

You do not file until the school year AFTER her 8th birthday

For example if your child turns 8 during April of 2010, your first filing year is 2010-11 school year.

Go here and click on FAQs!

http://www.pde.state.pa.us/home_education/site/default.asp

When do I need to file an affidavit?

You must file an affidavit for each child you will be homeschooling when he or she is between the ages of 8 to 17. (24 P. S. 13-1326 - compulsory school age) You must file an affidavit when you begin the home education program and annually thereafter by August 1.

If your child turns eight before or during the first two weeks of the annual school term, or within the first two weeks of the second semester, if the school district in which you reside promotes students semi-annually, the affidavit needs to be filed by the child's birth date. If the child turns 8 during the school term, the affidavit should be filed prior to the beginning of the next school year. (24 P.S. 13-1304 - admission of beginners). If the child has attended any school in grade 1 or above, you must file an affidavit whenever you begin homeschooling, regardless of the child's age. (24 P.S. 24 13-1326)


So, that is directly from the Dept of Ed in Harrisburg. Look to the Dept of Ed for answers on homeschooling, not your local school district.

affidavit for multiple students?

quick question

I already printed each individual affidavit out, but can I put all 3 children on one affidavit? I'm assuming it's ok, but wanted to run it by you.

It is fine according many others that do it that way. Just use one affidavit with all the kids listed.
I just never did it that way, since I kept everything separate for my two.

It does not matter and if you pay for the notary, one makes more sense. Save some money.

Yes, okay for one.
Homeschooling Lady