Homeschool Groups

There are so many homeschool groups to choose from. Which kind is right for you? There are Catholic homeschool support groups, Christian homeschool support groups, and secular homeschool support groups. There are laid back support groups and formal support groups. Here are some tips for choosing a group to help with your homeschool needs.

Some homeschool groups are completely internet based and information is obtained through question and answer forums. These forums can draw homeschoolers from around the globe. Internet based support groups are very helpful and informative, especially if you live in a remote area or an area with a small homeschool population.

Local groups vary widely in their mission and activities. Some provide only e-mail chain announcements about area homeschool events, curriculum sale notices, and advice.

Some homeschool groups have support and encouragement activities for parents only. These might include parent meetings or mom’s nights out.

Some groups are "co-ops" and provide and outlet for children and parents opportunities to learn together through classes or field trips.

Some are a mix of all of the above.

Finding a local homeschool support group as a new homeschooler was critical for me. The women I met were understanding and helpful to this frazzled, nervous, former teacher about to embark on an unknown journey. My children were “mid year pullouts.”

I knew the group was meeting the last day they went to school. I dropped them off that day with cookies and milk (to share with their classmates) and went directly to the location of their meeting place.

I nervously waited in the parking lot for 45 minutes wondering if we were making the right decision. When the group started to arrive, I went inside and explained to the first person I saw that today was my children’s last day at public school. We would start homeschooling on Monday. WHAT DO I DO?!?

Immediately, three or four other women gathered around congratulating me and telling me everything would be OK. They plugged me into a small group class for new homeschool moms. (The children were all attending their own “classes”.) I learned so much in that hour.

Before I left, several of the mom’s suggested I pick my children up from school and meet them at a local park after lunch. “That way, they’ll get to meet some kids right away.” Needless to say, I was thrilled with the idea and we showed up at the park. I couldn’t believe the size of the turnout. There had to have been 50 people-all homeschoolers- there. The girls were nervous, but found several new playmates of varying ages. The moms just sat around in the grass and talked while the kids played. I was amazed at how well all the children got along. Teens were playing soccer with 8 year olds, 8 year olds were playing with toddlers, and everyone was having a good time, we stayed almost 3 hours!

I’m sure I would have done fine homeschooling on my own, but the extra encouragement and wisdom that is available from families in the local homeschool support group is incredible. Once you get a year or two under your belt, stick around and help someone who is newer than you are, you’ll be surprised at the positive influence you will continue to experience by helping others in their journey. I’ve had many veteran moms (ladies with nearly 20 years of homeschooling experience) say they are so energized by the new members’ enthusiasm, it keeps them from "homeschool burn out." I’m happy to say I am still an active member of that group and hopefully “repaying” some of the benefits I received by helping other new homeschoolers.

Check this list for a local homeschool support group listing with brief information for each group. If none is listed, do a Google search using your city name plus “homeschool group” and see what comes up. You can also check with your local librarian – they usually know the homeschool families, especially in the children’s department.

Some larger cities may have more than one homeschool group. Talk to the leadership or visit the ones you are interested in and choose one that you think is the best fit for your family. Remember, just because you have homeschooling in common, doesn't mean every homeschool group will be a fit for you, so be sure to visit first. Of course it is fine to join more than one, but most families are only “really active” in one group.

I hope you find great encouragement and ideas from all those veteran homeschool families out there!

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