Freedom to teach, to learn, to grow
Mission:
We are a child-centered group dedicated to providing support and information for all homeschool families regardless of race, religion, teaching methods or learning styles through planned social, academic, and extracurricular activities.
We are a child-centered group dedicated to providing support and information for all homeschool families regardless of race, religion, teaching methods or learning styles through planned social, academic, and extracurricular activities.
Why homeschool?
Here we choose to homeschool for a variety of reasons. Some homeschool for academic reasons believing we as parents can meet the needs of our children better with individual attention and the ability to select curriculum that fits our children's learning style and level.
Others have decided to homeschool for religious reasons feeling that education at home allows parents to be the main source of influence on their morals, values, and character. It also helps parents to be more involved in their friends and extracurricular activities.
Some have chosen to homeschool for health reasons, when the child has a medical condition that can be controlled better at home with parents being their true caretakers.
And often, what happens is that we may have started with one specific reason to homeschool but then realize it is very much beneficial for a multitude of reasons. We often cannot imagine this until we are there.
Here we choose to homeschool for a variety of reasons. Some homeschool for academic reasons believing we as parents can meet the needs of our children better with individual attention and the ability to select curriculum that fits our children's learning style and level.
Others have decided to homeschool for religious reasons feeling that education at home allows parents to be the main source of influence on their morals, values, and character. It also helps parents to be more involved in their friends and extracurricular activities.
Some have chosen to homeschool for health reasons, when the child has a medical condition that can be controlled better at home with parents being their true caretakers.
And often, what happens is that we may have started with one specific reason to homeschool but then realize it is very much beneficial for a multitude of reasons. We often cannot imagine this until we are there.
Making the Choice
Deciding to homeschool can be a difficult. We have pressure from family, friends, schools. We worry that we couldn't possibly educate our children especially as they get older. And we aren't even sure of the laws and how to go about homeschooling.
So belonging to a support group is probably the best step you can take in the beginning. Advice from parents, new and seasoned, who come from different backgrounds and chose to homeschool for different reasons is the best resource we can find.
Deciding to homeschool can be a difficult. We have pressure from family, friends, schools. We worry that we couldn't possibly educate our children especially as they get older. And we aren't even sure of the laws and how to go about homeschooling.
So belonging to a support group is probably the best step you can take in the beginning. Advice from parents, new and seasoned, who come from different backgrounds and chose to homeschool for different reasons is the best resource we can find.
What to Expect
Well, expect one to two years of getting to know your children--their learning style, strengths and weaknesses. You are also going to get to know your own teaching style. And it takes time for the two to mesh. In the meantime, what I find that happens is a bond with your children that might not have been there before, especially if you had them enrolled in traditional school and withdrew them to homeschool. Those seven to eight hours at school is time lost, but definitely time that you can make up.
Enjoy your time together. Read, explore, and read some more! Don't ignore media like tv and the internet. We have many wonderful educational sites that are stimulating to students, often much more so than traditional texts. But, of course, don't neglect the simple act of reading. With the use of the internet, we have a plethora of choices for curriculum and no reason to use a text that you or your child find confusing or dull.
And take advantage of the freedoms that homeschooling offers. Maybe school works better for your teen after dinner sprawled on his bed with his music playing. Or maybe your third grader loves working on the patio with a tall glass of lemonade taking breaks by playing with the dog. Also, traveling and field trips are always informative and create memorable experiences that will round out their education.
Well, expect one to two years of getting to know your children--their learning style, strengths and weaknesses. You are also going to get to know your own teaching style. And it takes time for the two to mesh. In the meantime, what I find that happens is a bond with your children that might not have been there before, especially if you had them enrolled in traditional school and withdrew them to homeschool. Those seven to eight hours at school is time lost, but definitely time that you can make up.
Enjoy your time together. Read, explore, and read some more! Don't ignore media like tv and the internet. We have many wonderful educational sites that are stimulating to students, often much more so than traditional texts. But, of course, don't neglect the simple act of reading. With the use of the internet, we have a plethora of choices for curriculum and no reason to use a text that you or your child find confusing or dull.
And take advantage of the freedoms that homeschooling offers. Maybe school works better for your teen after dinner sprawled on his bed with his music playing. Or maybe your third grader loves working on the patio with a tall glass of lemonade taking breaks by playing with the dog. Also, traveling and field trips are always informative and create memorable experiences that will round out their education.
What about Socialization?
Ahh, the dreaded "S" word... While many will say it's not an issue at all, in some ways, it can be. Our children can and do learn social skills from parents and siblings, but it is important that we as parents take an active role in providing them opportunities to make friends. It isn't always easy. If they go to school, they are surrounded by kids year after year and have choices as to whom they want to be with. Homeschooling can be lonely for children who don't have buddies to hang out with. That's where this group comes in!
Because of our members, we have many activities for kids to join from sports, co-ops, newspaper, and park days, parties, dances, and ceremonies, and we always have field trips and group learning experiences. When our children are enrolled in traditional school, they are usually given opportunities to join extracurricular activities, but as homeschoolers, it's important to know that we have not only taken on the role of academic educator but also the role of activities director. If your child or you are looking for an activity that we don't have, it might be something for you to consider doing! If we all take a role in providing social activities for our children, we all will benefit.
Ahh, the dreaded "S" word... While many will say it's not an issue at all, in some ways, it can be. Our children can and do learn social skills from parents and siblings, but it is important that we as parents take an active role in providing them opportunities to make friends. It isn't always easy. If they go to school, they are surrounded by kids year after year and have choices as to whom they want to be with. Homeschooling can be lonely for children who don't have buddies to hang out with. That's where this group comes in!
Because of our members, we have many activities for kids to join from sports, co-ops, newspaper, and park days, parties, dances, and ceremonies, and we always have field trips and group learning experiences. When our children are enrolled in traditional school, they are usually given opportunities to join extracurricular activities, but as homeschoolers, it's important to know that we have not only taken on the role of academic educator but also the role of activities director. If your child or you are looking for an activity that we don't have, it might be something for you to consider doing! If we all take a role in providing social activities for our children, we all will benefit.
Choosing Curriculum
Choosing the right curriculum can be a frustrating experience especially in the beginning. Be flexible, and use your curriculum as you see fit. When you can, try something new. Many families will let you see their books, lend or sell their used ones, and give their recommendations also. But always know that what works for one family or even one child, may not work for another, and sometimes even the same child will need a change from a curriculum that may have worked. The beauty of homeschooling allows us to cater to our children's educational needs so that they thrive and really love learning.
Choosing the right curriculum can be a frustrating experience especially in the beginning. Be flexible, and use your curriculum as you see fit. When you can, try something new. Many families will let you see their books, lend or sell their used ones, and give their recommendations also. But always know that what works for one family or even one child, may not work for another, and sometimes even the same child will need a change from a curriculum that may have worked. The beauty of homeschooling allows us to cater to our children's educational needs so that they thrive and really love learning.
Homeschooling doesn't necessarily mean all school is done at home. It does mean that you, as parents, have taken your children's education in your own hands. Be open to new experiences that can enrich your children's lives both academically and socially.
...and don't forget to have FUN!
Connect with us on Facebook by requesting to join our group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/132206980133240/.