59 replies to this topic

[elemental]

http://www.education-otherwise.org/

PLease can this website be pinned here as there are often questions that come up about home education and this link takes people to education otherwise, the nationally recognised group for home educators.

[Jolly Roger]

I see no reason why we can't discuss the potential advantages of a pinned home education thread - perhaps even a subforum could be set up for ASD-specific home education.

How many people would be in favour of that? Bear in mind that if it isn't used, it would be removed.

[Mrs K]

I would be in favour of a H/E sticky/sub forum

Although mm is in mainstream i can see i may possibly go down this route in the future, so would welcome the info, if its possible.

[bravenewworld]

Yes, I would be in favour of this too.

[Jolly Roger]

No other takers? I can't justify opening a subforum if only two people are interested.

[elemental]

Last time I spent some time on this forum I was often asked for info on home ed. I think it is just a resource in the same way

as ammunition for statement etc. I think it's easier to simply have a link pinned so people who are interested can access it

when there is a need.

[Jolly Roger]

I'll keep an eye on this thread.

If it grows, if the need for a discussion space on home ed becomes obvious, then a subforum can be set up.

I think that pinning it for now gives it the best chance. Do you agree?

[traffic light mum]

Hi.. im interested..have ben considering it recently with my daughter who has been terribly bullied and hasn't been to school for almost two weeks because of how depressed/anxious it has made her.She is going to give it a try and go back tomorrow, but it is definately an interest for us still.xx

[elemental]

http://www.freedomfo...drentogrow.org/

another link with up to date info

[bravenewworld]

I read this in the Autumn 2009 NAS Communication magazine:

Policy and campaigns - We are also working hard on the Review of Home Education. Following strong representations about the experiences of home educators of children with autism, we were the only specialist SEN organisation to be invited on the expert reference group. The Review made it's recommendations in June. There is still a lot of detail to be developed about how the Review's proposals will be put into practice, and we will continue to work to make sure home educators get the support and recognition they deserve.

[Steph]

I Strongly considered home ed for Caleb if our request for a specific unit was turned down.

A think a subforum would be awesome, I wouldn't have much to say about Caleb as he's not home schooled, but maybe I could offer a little insight into how it worked for me and my 6 bros/sisters. We were all homeschooled our entire lives (I did attend 1 yrs of HS in a public school).

[bravenewworld]

The following reader's question appeared in last Saturday's Guardian, Money section, Personal effects:

'Any answers? We are considering home schooling as the secondary schools around us are dreadful and we can't afford to move house. My wife's a trained teacher so we are particularly prepared, but what's it like in reality? Does it work? What are the pitfalls? How have previous home schoolers turned out?'

If you have personal experience of home education, you are welcome to email your suggestions to personal.effects@guardian.co.uk. There's a £25 National Book Token for the best answer. A selection of replies will be published in next Saturday's Guardian.

[Daffodil]

SInce ds started school 3 years ago I have drifted in and out of thinking about home ed both for him and dd who is NT. I would greatly value a thread on this as there are all sorts of reasons why i think home ed is a good idea but equally there are all sorts of reasons why both of them are still at school!! I was brave enough to insist that ds only did half of reception year as I felt that it was all too much for him but that's it so far.

I have met a number of people home educating kids who are NT but have never met any parents doing so with children with autism. It would be great to know of their experiences and what the support network is like.

[elemental]

SInce ds started school 3 years ago I have drifted in and out of thinking about home ed both for him and dd who is NT. I would greatly value a thread on this as there are all sorts of reasons why i think home ed is a good idea but equally there are all sorts of reasons why both of them are still at school!! I was brave enough to insist that ds only did half of reception year as I felt that it was all too much for him but that's it so far.

I have met a number of people home educating kids who are NT but have never met any parents doing so with children with autism. It would be great to know of their experiences and what the support network is like.

I am home educating my son with aspergers and have done for nearly 2years. I know many others who are home educating children on the spectrum. I think it depends on your area as to what support you can draw upon. Look at the first link of 'education otherwise' to put you in touch with what's happening in your area, or even if you just want to chat to someone on the phone about the possibilities. There are specific forums for home educators of children with additional needs. There are many parents in this position, more than I would have considered!

[Shiroi Tora]

First, I realize not all families, for a variety of reasons, cannot home school. For those you can...the gains will be tremendous. There are a some great home schooling programs out there....we use Plato as my son's (9 yrs. old - Aspie / Profoundly Gifted) main teaching platform. We supplement with other computer / Internet based teaching programs as well as through books / workbooks - DVD courses. The courses are self paced and have micro tests as well as comprehensive ones. The micro tests are so important as it ensures mastery of concepts before allowing one to go on. I have more information on the supplementary programs on my blog at my signature.

You may fit the pace and courses to your child's strengths and weaknesses. There are no distractions or stress. True learning may take place. The Plato learning system is accredited for use for home schooled children and is used by many gifted students. They have it from K-6th / and from 6th - 12th.

Many Aspies will learn so much more and much more quickly at home. We are having great success with them. My son LOVES home schooling. He gets his socialization through structured play times and through sports. He is so happy - and he is learning so much more.

Ah...just realized...most of you are Brits. Have you got any on line courses approved for home schooling? I highly recommend home school to all stay at home mothers. Especially those where the child is having difficulty for some reason. My son absolutely loves it...and it is doing him a world of good.