Homeschooling in Connecticut
Hi, my name is Ponn and I am the Time4Learning state representative for
Connecticut. I have been honored for my writing, marketing, work with public
health and my administration of the website American Muslim Mom, but my biggest
pride and joy is being a homemaker to my beloved husband, and homeschool mother
to our three daughters. I am also a devout Muslim. I have a rare brain disorder,
but my attitude has always been "I'm living with a disability, but NOT disabled."
We're an eclectic homeschool family and have been homeschooling our 3 girls, ages 9, 8 & 6 yo since birth, with the exception of 7-months. We love to travel domestically and overseas (our oldest trumps me about about 7 countries). We're a very hi-tech family with multiple computers on our own wireless home network. We strive to utilize all 8 Multiple Intelligences (such as Art Smart/Artistic Intelligence, People Smart/Interpersonal Intelligence, Self Smart/Intrapersonal Intelligence, etc.), and use all our senses when we teach and learn. We love exploration, problem-solving, critical thinking and brain teasers, and we like to use as many learning styles as possible so we can integrate hands-on, interactive, and most of all fun in all that we do!
Connecticut Homeschooling Laws
Legal Disclaimer: This section is one family’s story and how they meet the mandatory school attendance laws in Colorado. It is not intended and should not be used as definitive legal advice. In most states, parents find a variety of legal methods to pursue the educational approach that they prefer for their child.
To find out more about the legal requirements for homeschooling in Connecticut, visit one of these sites: Connecticut Homeschool Legal Requirements by HSDLA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association); Connecticut Homeschool Legal Requirements -with information, articles, and state-specific resources; and info on Connecticut Homeschool Legal Requirements by Ann Zeise.
Regarding Islamic Home Education
We live strict to the Qur'an and Sunnah (actions and saying of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him). We study the Qur'an based on our obligation to read and recite our Glorious book based on the rules of Tajweed (correct articulation, pronunciation, and enunciation with correct speed of the recitation), with understanding the tafsir (meaning) in order to memorize; not the other way around.
Our Favorite CT Homeschooling Resources
We have found some terrific resources that help us to homeschool successfully in our state. We are active members of most of these organizations and recommend them highly:
Great Ways to Home Educate - A monthly newsletter for over 150 families statewide. Typically 10+ pages each month for $10/year membership that includes, Annual Spelling Bee, Geography Bee, Science Fair, Math clubs, Coops statewide and regional, homeschooler-specific team sports and much more. For more information, please contact me directly.
I also recommend:
CT Homeschool Network
CT Homeschoolers Inclusive
Greater New Haven Homeschoolers
Between Counties Homeschool Support
Our Homeschooled Children - CT
Homeschool - Muslim - CT
CT Homeschooler's Community Cupboard
We Love Homeschooling in Connecticut
We love homeschooling in Connecticut. There are no legal requirements for the state of CT, if you opt not to report a letter of intent. However, since birth, I have portfolios (more like a full cabinet) & standardized tests for various (ad-hoc) years just to make sure our children are getting at least "grade" level. Fortunately, they far exceed the average; typical of many homeschoolers ;-). In Ohio, we had to have one or both viewed and signed by a certified teacher/administrator; which we compiled.
Connecticut Home School Laws
Summary: The state of Connecticut requires compulsory school attendance of children between the ages 5 and 18. Connecticut recommends that homeschools operate for 180 school days, and cover the following subjects: reading, writing, spelling, English, grammar, geography, arithmetic, United States history, and citizenship, including a study of the town, state, and federal governments.
Parents are requested to file a notice of intent to homeschool with the local school superintendent within ten days of beginning their homeschool. This intent form would include pertinent information about the homeschool such as the name of the teacher, subjects to be taught, plan for assessment, and days of instruction. They will also be asked to submit a portfolio of each homeschooled child's work for the previous year for review. No standardized tests are required of homeschoolers in Connecticut.
How We Homeschool
We are notoriously known as a "not-at-homeschool-family", because we are get most of our education outside of our house than we are in it. We enjoy contests, field trips, games, competitions, etc. mostly for the educational fun of meeting families with similar interests.
This year, we plan on being a bit more "organized", since I'm a co-moderator of 2 local homeschool yahoo groups, and active members of the nearly a dozen homeschool yahoo groups, where I organize coops, Math club, Invention classes, study groups, playdates, Invention conventions, science fairs, board game days, socials, etc. Additionally, we're using Time4Learning for most of our core courses and keeping the records as "formal" documentation or "grades" finished.
Generally speaking, we get our studies done in the morning, which includes, T4L, Qur'an, Arabic, Islamic Studies, etc. before we go out for our daily activities that start and end between 12 noon and dinner time. Each day we have some social activity, such as Math Club, Science/Invention class, playdate, Book club, archery/air rifle, museum day Sunday through Saturday. If they did not finish any "work" before our daily outing, they complete it in the evening; which is not typical because we enjoy cooking, eating, and cleaning all our dinners together as a family (with Baba) and spend our full evenings as a family with family games, reading circles, documentaries then movies and fun, relaxed time during the weekend evenings.
If you have any more questions or comments about homeschooling in Connecticut, why not contact me on the If you have any more questions or comments about homeschooling in Connecticut, why not contact me on the Connecticut Parent Forum. at: ponnsabra |
