Sep. 11, 2009 - Lone Ranger Homeschoolers
As you probably know, I was homeschooled. When I was growing up in this area, my family belonged to a Christian homeschool support group called CHESS (an acronym-nothing to do with the game!). It was a wonderful facet of being a homeschool kid and I have wonderful memories of my days in CHESS. It was not a daily interaction like you would get in a public school, but we did get together on a regular basis with other families for all sorts of different activities.
I don't remember doing very many field trip type things, like museums or what not, but rather the memories I have are of things like getting together every fall at the forest preserve around Thanksgiving. Each family was to bring a ziploc baggie full of meat and vegetables, which we all added to a big cast-iron pot over an open fire. While the stew simmered, the children played in the crunchy leaves and enjoyed the fresh, crisp fall air.
Then there was the time we did a reading co-op. Each participating family read Calico Captive on their own time, and then we got together for a day of bringing the book to life. We went dressed in garb of the era, and did several different activities - as I remember it, a cooking project and a craft or something like that - that had to do with the book. I don't remember the details of the projects, but I do remember how much I enjoyed it!
Every year we also had a History, Science and Art Fair, where students from K-12 could enter a project in one, two or three of these categories, for judging and prizes, but also for a time to get together and appreciate each others work as well. And all year long, it provided incentive for working on a project for the fair.
Then when I got to high school we had cooperative classes every Friday. Together we learned about Illinois history, the US Constitution, we took a Worldviews class, a leadership class, and even a speech and debate class, all taught by homeschool parents. These were not only times to learn together, but times to look forward to fellowshipping with other like-minded young people. I wasn't the only weird person out there! lol.
There were also gym groups, basketball teams, band, a biology class, and other things available over the years that I did not participate it, but many of my friends were able to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities. And being a member of CHESS provided the privilege of a graduation ceremony, both for eight grade and high school. Something to really celebrate!
Many of the friendships that I made in our homeschool group have lasted over the years. In fact, one of my good friends became my sister-in-law!
These days, I know a lot of lone ranger homeschoolers. I know life is busy. I know that you may still be able to have a positive homeschooling experience without belonging to a support group. But when I look back at my own life, I believe that one of the aspects that made my homeschooling experience such a positive one was belonging to a support group. If you are not a member of one now, I highly recommend that you find one in your area and join!
A few weeks ago, I went to a CHESS meeting - this time as a homeschool mom rather than kid. :)
I was surprised at what the leader was saying - that even among CHESS members, there are many that are choosing not to graduate with the group, because the children that would be graduating don't really even know each other, so they don't see the point! The moms go to support group meetings, which is a good thing, but apparently they don't participate in things regularly that could connect their children. I thought that was really sad. Looking back, I think I would have missed out on a huge blessing if we had not been an active part of CHESS. I am so thankful for those experiences that have played a role in shaping the adult that I have become today. :)
Comments
Sep. 11, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SeekingJESUSnTeachingKIDS
I heard some people talking about that at the picnic/olympics day. I didn't know what they were talking about. I was thinking they were talking about the game, but started to catch on from their conversations. I didn't know that people from lwc were getting together. It sounds like the way you did it would be fun.
:>Michelle
Sep. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by tsukayama
Hey Michelle!
CHESS has been meeting in South Holland for years and years, and just changed their meeting location this year to LWC. :) Less than half of the members are from our church. And CHESS has many groups all over the suburbs, so the big events are corporate. It would be great for you to join! The Olympics thing wasnt CHESS sponsored, but rather just for HSers in our church. :)
