Home school experiences and tips for survival for whole family

[Red21]

In short ... 

my son starts home schooling tomorrow at 16 

in diagnosed high functioning autistic with chronic depression and video game as a number one enjoyment

a chaplain visits for 30 minutes first time to check home schooling environment and teach son how to home school himself 

what are the hopes and thoughts that lie within my son and myself 

knowingness that his journey is one that is. And has always been out of the boxes and beyond  most specialist lived experience ... DV, PSTD, ADHD, ODD, GIFTED AND TALENTED, AUTISTIC, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION just some labels thrown at his life.

my labels are very different. Brilliant mind, wonderful tuned in, strong, empath, teenager, boy, son, friend, brother, amazing individual for change 

who else had/has a heart racing feeling how does their child attempt and where to start homeschooling their self and satisfy the legal requirements of the department o education to a schooling to the age of 17 

he is 16 and a half.   Seems a little challenging and possibly just a paperwork trail until when ... ?

[Big_Crab]

Hi @Red21, sounds like there is a challenging and rewarding time ahead for both you and your son.  When a positive change in made you will be surprised the difference it makes.

 I took my daughter out of mainstream school half way through grade 11. She was being bullied and while the school had a 'no bullying policy' they refused to do anything. She became depressed and didn't want to go to school.

We ended up sending her to an 'alternative' facility that concentrated on teaching them Math and English. The only two subjects they really need. She finished her 11 and 12 in 8 months and went from a  D student to an A+, and then went on do to a Certificate III to get the points needed for her QCE and because she hadn't reached the magical age 17.

There will be hurdles, but we are here to support you.

[Red21]

@Big_Crab
Wow I wasn't expecting such a glimmer of hope to finish the year 11 & 12 so soon rather than drag it out ... well done to your daughter that's incredible and a shining example and role model.

Thanks for the inspiration.

[Ngaio-RO]

What a wonderful story @Big_Crab I get so happy when I hear about young people turning their school experiences around. I know so many incredibly smart teenagers who don't fit the school mould and, as a result, their marks don't at all reflect their intelligence. Which wouldn't matter except they are part of a system that equates ability with those marks so it becomes harder and harder for them to believe how smart they really are.

So when I hear of young people like your daughter getting the support she needs, and turning her marks around, I feel so happy!!

I love how you describe your son @Red21 Your 'labels' seem much more about the person he his than any diagnosis he may have been given.

Did it start today? How's it all going?

[Red21]

Thanks for asking @Ngaio-RO

Small steps, we had a chaplain visit for 30 mins , the home schooling online system had a glitche (lol!) so my son could not log in to anything.  However, we both realise that is life and not the biggest concern or need for concern.  

Ending on a high ... it is the most progress made in education for a year so a good start, Rome was not built in a day hey!  

Feeling positive !

[Ngaio-RO]

That's amazing @Red21 Well done! What a great start for you both.

Huge congrats to your son for being so chill through the glitchy start. 

What happens now?

[Big_Crab]

Wonderful news @Red21

Technology is great when it's working but a real nuisance when it's not ! glad to hear your son is rolling with it and not letting it negate the experience. 

Keep up the great work Mum !!

[taokat]

Hey @Red21, I justr wantd to follow up and see how things are going with home schooling? Mine is educated via distance ed, and has been since term 3 last year. She's in year 10 this year, and wants to leave at the end of this year as she really doesn't enjoy it. Being only 15, and not even turning 16 until April 2018, she needs to continue with some kind of study, so she wants to start with a Cert IV in Pharmacy. 

She'd missed the first 3 tems of Year 9, so took a little while to settle back in to her schoolwork, but is one of the top students now. 

Bullying in schools is a huge issue, and I think most schools talk about how they do not tolerate it, but when it comes to it, they don't like to have to deal with it. We experienced the same as you, the stories we could tell!

I'm keen to know how your home schooling is working out. Do you struggle with your son being home every day and not getting alone time? I must admit I miss my alone time. I am lucky now though, my daughter found herself a job, so I do get some respite. It's just that thing of being around someone, anyone, 24/7. We all need a break from each other! This option of schooling is working beautifully for my daughter overall though. She's much calmer and happier without the negativities she faced from kids and teachers at school. 

[Louis333]

My son is a student with IEP as well. We did home school last year. The sources we use including Kahn Academy, Beestar, Kumon, and Mathletics. So far we like Beestar and Kumon which align with school curriculum and state standard. 

[Hannah-RO]

Thanks for sharing @Louis333 it's really useful to share info like that with other parents here who are homeschooling. How is your son going now? Are you still homeschooling?