took my son out of Grade 4 about 7 weeks now and at the moment I read to him everyday and we are doing gardening most of the time.
Questions:
Do I need to cover the work again for when I start the homeschooling or can I just continue from where I took him out of school?
The workbooks that the school gave me, can I use them for homeschooling or should I ignore it?
Can someone please send me an example of how mothers keep log of their homeschooler’s progress?
I am new to this and I feel a bit overwhelmed sometimes and I honestly need some guidance in this matter.
Thank you for the opportunity to post my concerns.~ Norma
Answer to Deschooling 10 Year Old
Well done for having the courage to take your child out of school. What you describe, the reading and gardening, sounds like a great way to deschool your child and build your relationship and you would be wise to continue with that as much as you both like.
With regards to what materials to use, that choice is entirely up to you (or you and your son!) As explained in the article Curriculum Compliance, “it is essential to break away from the mindset that thinks that the information prescribed by the state is all there is to learn.”
Since no law requires homeschoolers to follow the national curriculum, you are free to explore whatever topics and subjects delight your son. Of course, its wise to continue learning subjects like Maths and Languages, but the books and materials you use, remain your choice.
Sign up for the free 7-part ecourse, Tips for Starting Homeschooling as this will provide you with lots of useful information and resources that will make you more informed and therefore more confident about the decisions you will be making.
Every two days you will receive an email, giving you time to read, research and process the information received. The email series includes the following topics:
1. Reasons to Homeschool – Bringing the children home
2. Deschooling – Your first 6 weeks to three months
3. Parenting and spending quality time together
4. Learning styles, philosophies and methods in the homeschooling movement
5. Choosing a Homeschool Curriculum – essential tips to avoid costly mistakes
6. Organization 101
7. Preventing Burnout
There are also various online South African Homeschool support groups where you can chat with other homeschooling parents and learn from them.
You will find some brief notes on record keeping lower down this page Homeschool Help
Since there is no prescribed curriculum for homeschoolers, you are free to keep records or not, as you wish. No one will be checking up on you.