Joyce C: - has joined the chat -

  judy: Welcome John. Would you begin by discussing what type of cirriculum parents should use for their child?

  JD: Hello everyone.  

  Joyce C: Hello all

  judy: Welcome Joyce.

  JD: As far as curriculums go, I'd recommend using the state of Georgia requirements. Of course those will vary depending on the age and grade level of the student. But it is a good way to start and provides you the necessary organizing structure for what to teach. 

  Shannon H: - has joined the chat -

  judy: I think one of the concerns parent have going into homeschooling is socialization. How can you make sure your child has a social life?

  JD: You will probably need to adjust the curriculum to fit the needs of the child. 

  Joyce C: First, do I need any specialized educational training to home school my child, and what are some of the advantages of home schooling

  JD: Socialization if very important for all students. Make sure they have time for free play with friends. Also, include learning activities that allow them to take field trips, join clubs, and other other activities where they can interact with other students. 

  Shannon H: How did you find these clubs and field trips?

  JD: Do you need special training? That's a good question. I don't think you need any specialized training, although it does help to know how to write, ask questions, organize things and listen. But, what you don't know how to do, you can always find someone to help you in that area.

  Joyce C: I know its a personal perference, but, Is home schooling recommended for a disabled child, and if so, why?

  JD: Home school allows you, even with a standard curriculum, to create a unique learning environment for the student. They have the opportunity to master skills and really focus on their unique talents and strengths. 

  JD: With the internet, you can find clubs and field trips through the many home school associations and groups that are now out there. Or, you can do your own field trip. The YM/WCA, Girls & Boy Scouts, and many other organizations offer structured activities for all students. 

  Shannon H: What would you say is the biggest misconception re homeschooling?

  judy: In Augusta, there are actually organzied field trips in the community calendar for homeschoolers. The Y also offers homeschool PE.

  godis4me4eve: - has joined the chat -

  JD: In my experience, parents of disabled children usually home school after they have exhausted several options. 

  JD: Disabled children present a wide variety of strengths and learning difficulties. Parents should weigh what they have already tried, against what they are willing to commit to. 

  JD: You want to go into homeschooling, not knowing everything, but as much as you can. 

  judy: What do you do when you reach a roadblock in your teaching? Such as the child cannot get a concept.

  godis4me4eve: I'm curious to know what are the disadvantages,if any, of home schooling your disable child.

  JD: I think the biggest homeschool misconception is the one about students not having a social life. But some of the other misconceptions are that only devoutly religious people do it, and the other one I've heard is that it will hurt the student's chances of going to college. 

  Shannon H: Aren't there even scholarships specifically for home schooled children?

  JD: When you reach a road block in teaching a concept, don't panic. It is a difficult place to be, but you have to do some problem solving to find out what is going wrong. Why is the student not learning the concept. You might have to reach out and get help for that specific problem area. 

  JD: Some of the disadvantages of homeschooling: if you are not use to teaching or training, it can be a shock. You don't really know something until you try to teach it. Teaching is tough work! It can be somewhat isolating, because it takes time. You are not going to get a lot of pep talks and support from other people. That's why some homeschoolers join groups. 

  judy: How do you keep yourself motivated? You really stuck in there for a lot of years.

  JD: I believe there are scholarships for home school students. I know many colleges and universities today welcome home school students. 

  Shannon H: Is there a website that can help find these groups?

  cindy: what are some of the best ways to deal with separation of school time and regular home time? and how to keep a schedule of each?

  JD: Google home school resources Georgia and you'll get a list of resources here. Also the center has information on different groups and resources. 

  JD: Regarding motivation, I sat across from our son everyday. That's what kept me going. It was our responsibility to do what we could for our son, and that pushed me do what others had sad couldn't be done. 

  Shannon H: Did you ever use tutors to help?

  JD: With the daily schedule, we kept what were roughly school hours-8 to 3pm. But keep in mind, with one student, were able to focus on a lot of skill building, reading, etc. 

  cindy: was there ever a time when your son just refused to do the work?

  JD: We never used tutors. We did have one exceptions math computer program called Math Tutor. 

  JD: I meant to spell exceptional. 

  Shannon H: How did you handle the mandatory testing that schools require, like ITBS, etc.?

  Shannon H: What I meant to ask is, is ITBS and other testing required of home schoolers, or are they exempt?

  JD: We never hit a wall with our son. He had some good and some bad experiences in regular schools prior to home school, so I think he was ready to try something else too. 

  JD: I don't believe the Iowa Test is required of home schoolers, but we used it just to see how our work compared with school programs. 

  judy: It is almost time to wrap up for the evening. Does anyone have a final question for John?

  Shannon H: It seems they are testing the kids to death in public schools. Cogat, ITBS, writing skills, etc. It's alot. I just wondered if there was a condensed equivalent for kids who are taught at home. Lucky them!

  Shannon H: Thank you, John. Any recommended books for the parents who are considering home schooling? Websites, etc.?

  JD: Just my opinion, but I think there is too much testing. Although it is important to measure what a students knows. We integrated testing into our son's work by giving him the opportunity to show what he knows in a variety of ways-making things, showing us how to do stuff, having him take of places, writing stories, etc. 

  JD: Try this website: /www.heir.org/ Thanks to everyone! 

  Shannon H: - has left the chat -

  judy: John, Thank you so much for sharing with us this evening. It has been an educational experience.

  JD: Thank You. Bye.