Posted in Beginning the homeschool journey

Public school has started up again in our region, as has our local homeschool group.

Recently, on large public forums, there have been frequent questions from new homeschoolers on the pros and cons of homeschool groups.  The responses always vary and I'm always surprised by the variety of options that seem to exist out there for support groups.

Some communities have three or more homeschool groups, ranging in size from a few families to over 300 people.  Some regions have groups that sponsor field trips only; some offer co-op learning opportunities; some offer park days and social outlets; many combine these various options.

How to choose which group to join when there are many options may seem confusing.  Whether to join the local group, if there is only one option, may be a difficult choice as well.

Whatever your options in homeschool groups, it seems that there are a few factors that have to take priority in making your choice.  By honestly answering a few questions, you may gain some insight into what really works for your homeschool.

• What do you want from a support group? 

Do you want friends for your child/ren and time for them to socialize?  This may be of primary importance if you live in an isolated area or have an only child and feel that they need a social outlet.

 

Are you looking for help in teaching a subject you are unable to teach, or you dislike?  There are a variety of people with multiple talents out there who like to share their love of learning in certain areas.  Science seems to be a popular co-op subject as many parents simply do not find time to organize experiments, or dislike the mess that science projects make.

 

Field trips can be great with homeschool groups and are often part of their agendas.  Some places only want to offer tours or other special experiences to groups of ten or more.  And, attending these events with other friends can make the experience so much more fun for everyone.

 

Parental support is another aspect, often overlooked, with homeschool groups.  Sometimes, that's really what is needed by the homeschooling family - a chance for the teaching parent to recharge and connect with others "doing what we do."  It can be a place to learn about new curriculum, methods, sources of materials, and learning styles. 

 

Some groups are secular based; some are Christian; some are mixed.  Determining which you are comfortable with can make a difference in your options.  It's OK to ask up front.

• Consider how much time you wish to devote to your homeschool group outings.

This can be trickier than you think!  First, you have to consider how long the classes or group times are and how often they meet.  Groups offering co-op classes are likely to meet more often than those providing PE or social outlets. 

 

But, then you must consider other factors, like driving time, planning time, "homework" time if a class is involved, and "distractions." 

 

Distractions are what I call those things that sort of "creep into" trips.  We live in a rural community with limited shopping options.  So, if I get involved in a homeschool group in the next major town, I also need to consider drive time and how much time I might add to each trip by running errands "while I'm over there." 

 

I've learned that anything taking me to the neighboring town essentially takes half of a day, at least, once I add in the extras - and there are always extras!

 

• After you've analyzed what you need from a homeschool group and determined what's available in your area, you can limit your decision to what fits you based upon offerings and location. 

But, there's still one more consideration that needs to be made.  How does the group you've chosen actually "fit" your family?

 

For instance, a group might "advertise" that they offer field trips and classes and that they are Christian.  But, when you attend, you find that they all belong to the same church (not yours) and have their established social order and shared background and "fitting in" is going to be difficult. 

 

Or, a group may be secular, but you find that they are very supportive of homeschooling and are extremely open and tolerant of your religious views.

 

You may be invited to attend a group by a homeschooler you've met and liked, but then find that the group is highly structured and doesn't provide the social free-time you were seeking for your child.

 

Being comfortable with what the group offers is a big plus in the beginning.  Later, once you've become familiar with how the group works, it's always possible to suggest changes or additions to the agenda.

 

How do you find a homeschool support group?  You may try your state homeschool association, which should have a listing of available resources in your area.  The local library, which is often frequented by homeschoolers, often has some knowledge of who to contact.  In addition, the library is a great place to meet homeschooling families, especially during the public school year.

Finally, if you can't find a group and you want one - start one!  There are several online resources (like *this* and *this* or *this*), or simply do a search on starting a homeschool group.  You'll be amazed at the stories and the amount of information you'll uncover. 

Homeschooling groups can be a great facet of your homeschool journey.  It can either be a core part of your academics, a great addition to what you are doing at home, or a place of rejuvenation and fun for you and your children. 

Others, homeschooling and otherwise, may try to tell you your child "needs" a homeschool group for socialization, academics, competition, or other reasons.

But, the important thing is to keep it in perspective. Like any "extracurricular" activity, if it isn't working for your homeschool or children, don't become a slave to it.  Evaluate your decision periodically and decide for yourself.

Abe Lincoln was taught at home, and he didn't have a homeschool group.