Soon it will be March Madness and people will be choosing “their teams,” making predictions about who will win the coveted basketball title. Of course basketball isn’t the only place for teams. If you are a homeschool parent, you also have a team. Not just the learning team you rally and coach everyday – your kids – but a team that enables you and your family to succeed in your homeschool endeavors. And like March Madness, you are able to choose your team! Here are some key players you might want to consider:
Friends Who Homeschool
When I considered homeschooling, I first went to a friend who I knew was successfully homeschooling her children. I asked her, “If I wanted to homeschool, what would I do?” She was a wealth of information! Consider having someone on your team who is a bit further down the homeschool path. They can offer advice and a seasoned perspective. In addition to a mentor-type figure, it is also great to have a friend who is closer to your own experience level. You can celebrate and commiserate together! If your children are similar ages or grades, you can swap ideas, brainstorm approaches, share materials or carpool to lessons and events. Friends that support your homeschool effort can be essential for success.
Coops
In most locations there are various types of homeschool coops. These range from informal groups of homeschool families who get together for social outings to groups formed for instructional purposes. For example, a coop may meet once a week during which time one parent teaches a science lesson, one a writing lesson, another parent a math activity. The students will rotate through the various areas and lessons. The students benefit from the social interaction with other children and adult teachers, and the parents provide an entire learning day while preparing only one lesson each. Other coops may center on a particular theme or skill. Everyone comes to partake in that one subject. Most coops are free, others require a fee. Coops can provide a helpful facet to your homeschool experience.
Local Community
There are many in your local community who may be a helpful part of your homeschool team. Your local library may provide resources that would enrich your homeschool curriculum. Some libraries even offer programs and events specific to homeschoolers. You may even approach local organizations to partner with you and other homeschooling families by providing educational experiences (field trip to the fire house) or community service opportunities (work day at a local soup kitchen). Counting the community as part of your homeschool team will help your children develop a sense of being a vital part of a larger community.
Public School System
It may sound counterintuitive, but your local public school system can be a part of your homeschool team. Besides informing you of procedures expected of you as a homeschool parent (e.g. Do you need to submit a letter of intent? Do homeschool students need to participate in district standardized testing? Do you as a homeschool parent need to provide record of what is being taught?), your local school district may assist you in other areas. Some public schools will provide diagnostic testing and services for homeschool students with various learning challenges. You may even find that your public school system allows homeschool students to participate in music or sports programs. While it seems homeschool and public school are polar opposites, it may be worthwhile to look into what options or services they may provide to assist you in homeschooling.
Online Community
Besides those in your local area, you can find many sources of help and information online. There are a number of groups and websites devoted to the homeschool community. Sites such as www.homeschoolfacts.com, offer a wealth of information and resources including finding answers to many other homeschool related questions. On their site you can research homeschool laws specific to your state and locate support groups near you. Whether for information or inspiration, those in the online community can be an asset to your homeschool team.And of course there are many blogs that offer ideas, encouragement and a sense of camaraderie among homeschool parents.
So, want to win big in your homeschool experience? Build a team of those who will encourage you to excel in your homeschool efforts. Your passion for doing what is best for your children and their support is sure to be a winning combination.
Copyright © 2013 J. Hoffman / GSN (NV)
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Email: JHoffman@GlobalStudentNetwork.com