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Preschool Special Ed?

August 9, 2010 By HeatherL 2 Comments

When my daughter “graduated” from our state’s early childhood therapy program it was assumed she would go straight to the local special education pre-K. She has autism but I thought that should be no reason not to homeschool her. I also didn’t understand why she had to go to the local pre-K when clearly in many ways she was not ready for school. I chose to homeschool her and I have never looked back!

When we were left on our own I knew I had to take charge of all the aspects of her learning.

I thought about each part of her learning separately.

-Therapy
-Social
-Academic

First I tackled the therapy she needed. My daughter needed Occupational Therapy for her sensory need problems. I found out that my local school system did not want to deal with homeschoolers in any way. So I started that therapy privately.

Then I looked at the social aspect of homeschooling. The question I had to answer was just how much outside socialization did a 3 year old need? I found that I could easily provide fun outings that would help my daughter learn to work and play with others. We went to MOPS, our church’s Co-op fun days, Sunday school and of course anywhere I went she came along. This gave her many different set of people (her age, older children, adults) to deal with.

Academic was the most intimidating for me to take care of. I was afraid that I would be late in starting book work. Or worse I would pick the wrong material and ruin her growing phonics skills. The doubts were only magnified by the doubts of the therapy team and local school system. Funny enough I had already been homeschooling for 3 years and yet I questioned my every step.

Finally I realized I needed to slow down and only give her what she was ready for. At 3 years old that wasn’t much. We read together. We sang songs. She hung out when she wanted to with the older kids while they homeschooled. I looked for signs of readiness to go to the next step.

-singing the full alphabet

-pointing to letters and naming them correctly

-counting to twenty

-able to attend for a five minute lesson

Homeschooling can be the most stressful when starting. You are new and unsure. That is okay! Remember back to your kindergarden class it was full of fun hands on activities. Preschool is just a formalized version of what parents naturally do with their children at home. Singing, introducing books, letters, numbers, animals etc to a young eager mind. Some of our children are specially blessed and may need more time and understanding to succeed.

You are the most loving teacher your child could possibly have! You can homeschool your child. You can also have fun and develop a wonderful relationship with your child that will last a lifetime!

Heather Laurie and her husband, Christopher, have been married for 13 wonderful years, and have been blessed with 7 children, two of whom are awaiting them in Heaven. They began their homeschooling journey eight years ago, amidst trials and unexpected journeys, including a genetic disorder, autism, sensory disorders, and lupus. Heather and her husband created the ministry Laurie Family Ministries which includes Special Needs Homeschooling as a way to use their trials for the Lord’s glory and to encourage special needs parents and homeschoolers.

Homeschooling an Only Child: Make Time for Friends

May 6, 2010 By Robyn 5 Comments

One of the questions I am asked most frequently about our homeschooling is, “What about friends?” If you are homeschooling an only child, I am sure you have heard this question quiet often as well, even from other homeschooling families.

While homeschooling your only child can have definite advantages, you do have to pay special attention to help your child make time for friends. This can easily be worked into your schedule and as part of your child’s homeschooling extra-curricular activities with thought and planning.

Here are seven tips I have found useful:

Tip 1: Group lessons. If your child loves guitar, painting, swimming, tennis, karate, or golf, find an instructor offering group lessons for children of similar ages to your child. Many times, there are instructors who offer sessions specifically for homeschooled children earlier in the day before public schools are released. Check with other homeschooling families for recommendations on such groups and instructors. If private lessons are needed, try and make those as additional lessons if possible.

Tip 2: Homeschool groups. Find a homeschool group in your area that provides not only support for you as a homeschool parent, but activities such as field trips or co-operative classes in which your child can participate. You and your child both will build relationships with other homeschooling families through these groups.

If there isn’t one in your area, prayerfully consider starting a small one of a few families to meet each week. Plan a group field trip, a meet up at the library, or a picnic in a local park.

Tip 3: Team sports. Sign up with your local recreation department for seasonal sports such as baseball, football, soccer, basketball or swim team. If your child is of the age where your recreation department no longer offers team sports, check with local sports instructors for golf, tennis, swimming, or soccer to see if there are teams available where your child may play.

If your church does not already participate, you may encourage your church to begin a youth team to play other church groups if there is enough interest. If not, check other local churches for Upstart or similar leagues.

Many state and local policies allow homeschooled children to participate in extra-curricular activities provided by the school system. These activities may include sports, band, or drama. Check with your local school system for applicability and guidelines.

Your child will interact with other children in your community while learning the importance of teamwork.

Tip 4: Church groups. This is definitely one of our family’s favorites. Participate in your church’s youth groups on a regular basis. Through church school, weekly youth groups, and vacation bible school your child will make great friendships within your church family. Encourage your church to begin additional activities for the church youth if these formal activities are not already available.

Tip 5: Scouting. As a family, become involved in scouting through your local Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts of America. Scouting provides excellent learning activities for your child and fosters a strong parent-child bond while providing a group setting for age-mates with your child.

Both organizations provide excellent locators on their respective websites.

Tip 6: Play dates. Most parents participated in playgroups with their children when their children were toddlers. This one on one time with a friend is still vitally important for only children as they continue to grow into young adults, especially for homeschooled only children.

Tip 7: Day camps. As we are nearing summer, many communities offer day camps for children. These camps provide concentration on a specific activity such as art, acting, a certain sport, or an academic subject. Camps or activity days may also be provided year-round through your local college or university. Check with your recreation department, city hall, or local college or university for available resources.

By making an effort to consider your child’s need for social interaction with children near his own age, your child is able to reap the benefits of homeschooling while enjoying time with friends.

Robyn Stone is a wife, entrepreneur and homeschooling Mom to one very energetic little boy who is not quiet so little any more. She shares about her journey in life on her blog Our Homeschool Home. She loves a good cup of coffee, photography, and a great conversation.

Self-Doubt – Get out!

November 25, 2009 By Guest 6 Comments

“Junior is taking violin, Latin, and computer science this year,” your neighbor brags, “his teachers are marvelous. He couldn’t be happier.” You smile politely and walk away, but then it happens – self-doubt returns.

Self-doubt is a dangerous thing. It undermines our good intentions and sabotages our efforts. Doubt prevents us from seeing solutions. It prevents us from moving forward. And sadly, self-doubt prevents us from fully enjoying our homeschooling experience.

Every homeschooler suffers from periods of doubt. We worry that our children are not learning enough. We worry about sports, friendships, and handwriting. I was a master at this. Wanting the best for my children, I spent hours selecting a curriculum; only to fret that something better exists. I set up a schedule and changed it the next day. I wrote lesson plans I didn’t follow. I set goals I didn’t meet. In short, I wasted countless hours and let self-doubt drain my energy. Over and over again I questioned if my children be better off in school.

After homeschooling for nearly eight years, we moved from the city of Pittsburgh to a farm in Ohio, leaving behind our beloved support group, museums, and bookstores. We bought four horses, a puppy, and a handful of cats. I was thrilled; the picture perfect homeschooling environment. We had 40 acres, two ponds, and a menagerie of animals. What more could you ask for?

Yet, before long my excitement dwindled. Life on a farm is hard. Animals get sick: they needed care. Grass grows fast and puppies pee on the floor. Restoring a 150-year-old house also required more time and energy than I ever expected. In addition, I had three children to homeschool; three different grades, three different sets of needs. I was completely overwhelmed and quickly lost confidence.

scared-woman

I punished myself for not doing more, for not covering every subject, every day. Jon’s handwriting isn’t perfect. Kathryn’s spelling needs help, and Garrett is falling behind. Worse, I felt like I wasn’t working – at least not in the traditional sense. My job didn’t bring in a paycheck. I didn’t have a boss and didn’t need a wardrobe. I felt guilty. I am home all day, I reasoned. Why is dinner late again? Why can’t I get more done?

Frustrated and defeated, I enrolled my children in a small Christian school not far from our home. School started. The children were fine. But I was a miserable. What happened? Why had I failed? We moved to the farm intending to homeschool through high school, yet I had not lasted a year. For months I punished myself. It was my fault, my weakness, and my failure. I had let my children down.

As the year went on, I spent hours looking around our “empty” house. We had everything a school could want: books, microscopes, telescopes, and computers. We had educational posters, projects, and maps cluttering our walls. Sadly, the only thing missing was me.

In a typical public school there are separate teachers assigned to each grade, often to each subject. The cafeteria boasts a variety of staff. There are cooks, cleaning personal, and supervisors. The principle handles discipline; the bus drivers and janitors keep the system running smoothly. Homeschools, however, tend to operate with only one employee – a mom. And in our house, mom was exhausted.

teacher

Fortunately, as the months passed, I began to look less at myself and more at my children. Jon and Kathryn were placed in the highest reading groups. Both were in advanced math. Both had friends. Both received A’s on every report card. Jon had even been given a lead role in the Christmas play. And much to my surprise, he pulled off a solo in front of 300 people. Garrett, however, was not so fortunate. Kindergarten, for him, was disastrous. He struggled in reading, developed obnoxious behavior, and caught every virus that went through the school.

Sadly, it took placing my children in school for me to realize my mistake. Once enrolled, each child was immediately placed in a different grade, a separate classroom. There it took three teachers, each working full-time, to provide their education. Only then did it occur to me, that I too had been a working mom. In fact, I had been doing the job of three full-time professionals.

In retrospect that year was invaluable to me. It allowed me to see the results of my homeschooling effort. In subjects where I felt my expertise was lacking, I discovered that the schools are often no better prepared. I learned that I was being too hard on myself. I learned that some schools aren’t as great as they sound, to spite what my neighbor may think. Garrett’s experience taught me that homeschooling does matter.

As a result, I can honestly say that my worries about socialization, grade placement, and curriculum have vanished. Today I am much more relaxed. I am more confident, and so are my children. I will always be a homeschooler at heart, yet all three of my children have spent a year in school.

Foolishly many of us believe that homeschooling is about our children. We worry about selecting the proper curriculum. We struggle to provide our kids with social opportunities, friendships, and community service. We debate our decisions, question our progress, and critique our teaching skills. But homeschooling is also about you.

As homeschooling moms, we are clearly working moms. Yet, often our jobs are taken for granted; our needs are over looked. Learn to insist on help, occasional vacations, and frequent days off. Take care of yourself. Conquer your doubt. And most importantly, give yourself permission to be human, permission not to be perfect. No one woman can do it all and no good teacher’s union would let her try.

AnnLloydAnn Lloyd is the author of four books including: Tips and Tricks for Homeschooling Survival and Just ‘Til I Finish This Chapter…,. Tips, Quotes and Practical Advice for Nurturing Young Readers. She is a 10-year homeschooling veteran and the mother of three. Her work has been featured in Home Education, Practical Homeschooling, and Life Learning Magazines. For more information visit her website at: www.mereink.com.

What About Socialization? (giveaway)

January 12, 2009 By AmyS 26 Comments

Congrats Megan of Half-Pint House on winning this book!

myth-of-socializationcover250_lrgYou have decided to homeschool, you have researched curriculum, bought supplies and are ready to begin when you hear the question, “So, what about socialization?”

As you stutter and fumble with words, you try to remember all of the reasons you decided to homeschool in the first place. Wasn’t socialization one of the reasons TO homeschool? You remember that you want to build relationships and disciple your children. You want to protect and provide what is best. But the words get stuck in your throat and fear suddenly takes rein in your heart. “What if they are right?”

Whether you have been homeschooling for many years or are just beginning this journey, the question of socialization will eventually be asked. How do you answer the critics when you have not been able to adequately form the answers yourself?

What About Socialization? is the answer. Veteran homeschoolers provide solid responses to the tough questions:

  • What is socialization anyway? 
  • Is our home a viable answer? 
  • How do I shelter and protect while providing opportunities?
  • How do I find good opportunities for my children to interact with others?
  • How do I evaluate whether they are receiving enough or too much socialization?
  • What are some ideas that will help me provide opportunities for my children? 

Would you like to win a copy of this indispensable e-book from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine? Leave us a comment sharing some of the ways you and your children socialize with other families. This giveaway will be closed on Friday, January 16 at 10:00 EST.

Heart of the Matter Friday Meme: Extra Activities, Helping or Hindering?

September 12, 2008 By Angela 6 Comments
Welcome to the Heart of the Matter Online meme. Every Friday we will feature a different topic for our meme. Mr. Linky is set up below so please share with us your Extra Activities, Helping or Hindering?

What is your weekly extra-curricular routine? Do your kids take music lessons? Sports? Are they involved in church activities? How much time does this leave for family time? Are you over-scheduled or relaxed in your outside programs? Share with us your thoughts on this!

Please link directly to your “Extra Activities, Helping or Hindering?“ post. Failure to leave a direct link will result in the removal of your name from Mr. Linky.

The schedule for the theme of the homeschool meme is located in the right column under “Blog With Us”. Please check it out to view upcoming themes.

Fostering Friendships

July 17, 2008 By Cheryl 2 Comments

Well, summer is finally here. Here in the Pacific Northwest summer arrives bluntly, and unannounced. All of a sudden one day, it just arrives. With summers’ arrival, one can also expect an occasional dose of what I call: Imboreditis. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Imboreditis, it is almost always brought on by unnecessary and invented boredom by children. There are many inventive and creative antidotes to ward off Imboreditis, but one sure cure-all will almost always involve getting together with friends.

Over the years, I have watched my children foster healthy and meaningful friendships. One thing I’ve observed about the majority of homeschoolers, is they are almost always very social creatures – very contrary to the old myth that homeschooled kids may have trouble socializing. An awful lot could be written on the subject, but we’ll save that for another post.

A great benefit to homeschooling is the fact that these kids are able to foster meaningful healthy relationships, as they begin to learn what kinds of relationships may or may not be good for them. They learn which friendships are reciprocal, and which ones are not. They learn to have compassion, patience, tolerance, and mercy, and they learn to forgive too – ‘cuz, hey no body’s perfect. All this is experienced and played out during creative, free, group play.

Our homeschool group meets weekly outdoors for this very type of group play, and the kids have come to eagerly look forward to it. It’s very interesting to watch this type of group play. There is a playground close by, but the kids prefer to stay in the grassy hills where many games are invented. Games of hide and seek, tag, soccer, and much imaginary play are carried out. Through these games, the kids are learning cooperation, how to be sensitive to others and are becoming keenly aware that not everyone may share their point of view. Through it all, I’ve noticed strong friendships and close bonds forming among these kids of varying ages and backgrounds.

As my children get older, I’m becoming keenly aware at just how much these friendships are becoming more relevant and meaningful to my children, as I witness the value of fostering friendships. My own childhood has left me with very fond memories of many summers spent in play with a few good childhood friends. Some of these friendships have carried over to adulthood and continue to warm my heart.

As you enjoy your summer with your children and family, I’d encourage you to consider creating opportunities for your own children for this very kind of group play. Give them opportunities to foster meaningful friendships. I pray that these experiences would warm their hearts as as my own childhood friendships have warmed mine.

Cheryl has been married to her ‘do all’ husband for 13 years. They live in British Columbia, Canada on beautiful Vancouver Island. Cheryl has been homeschooling their two daughters ages 8 & 10, for 5 years. Her approach to homeschooling is mostly Classical with a dash of Charlotte Mason. She used to be one of those parents who thought they could never homeschool – boy, was she wrong. She enjoys blogging to encourage others that they too can homeschool if the desire is upon their hearts. She homeschool simply because – her kids are worth it. Please visit Cheryl at HomeSchool Journey.

So We’ve Chosen to Shelter Our Children

June 7, 2008 By Mandy 4 Comments

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life, and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:1-3

I believe in protecting my children from outside influences in their youth. However, it’s not enough to just protect them, but I also need to be teaching them the Word. As I keep them close to me throughout their childhood, I will have many opportunities to do this, which is why it is so important that God is first in my life. How can I ever expect them to put God first, if I do not live and walk that way myself?

God has told me that I need to pay more attention to what my children watch. I really started picking apart the shows they were watching. I came to realize the Disney Channel isn’t as innocent as I had believed.

It is no wonder we raise little diva girls full of drama and attitude. They’re only mimicking what they see on television! It’s no wonder we’re raising boys who bully, lie, cheat, and rebel! They’ve learned much of this from their favorite shows.

It’s a good idea to write out your values and remove the things from your home that do not encourage those values. I know, it’s easier said than done. It will mean you will have to sacrifice some of your favorite shows, movies, and games, but if it’s not okay for your children to watch and do, in many cases, it’s probably not acceptable for you either.

As parents, we know we need to unite under discipline and authority. It’s not helpful when one parent undermines the other’s authority. This is common sense. What we often fail to see is that these television shows, movies, and books our children are looking at are teaching our little ones lessons that contradict the values and morals we long to instill in them. They are undermining our authority. By allowing our children to watch and read such things, we are sending them mixed messages.

In the same way, we also need to limit the time our children spend with people who may influence them to do things that are unacceptable. People will tell us we are sheltering our children far too much, but I believe that it is better to shelter them now while we build them in the Lord so, when they are older, they are able to stand strong in Christ through temptations and trials. In a manner of speaking, we are building a foundation for our children, and outside influences can weaken it or cause it to crumble.

Because we homeschool, we are often asked questions about socialization. Honestly, I hate these questions. It’s ridiculous, really. We may shelter and protect our children, but we certainly haven’t hindered them from being “socialized”. If anything, by limiting outside influences, we improve their socialization. They learn how to treat people with respect because they are not constantly around rude, disrespectful children and adults who only consider themselves and walk around with a “Me-me-me” attitude. I’ve been told my children are missing out on a lot. Let me tell you, I agree. They are missing out on a lot of inappropriate talk and actions. They’re missing out on bullies who push them around and brats who tell them they’re ugly, stupid, and not good enough. They’re missing out on textbook teachings which have made theories seem like fact and have excluded Christ (or, in the case of some Christian schools, they’ve left out the truth of Christ). Gee, hmm. Doesn’t sound like they’re really missing out on anything of godly substance by staying home with me!

Somehow, somewhere, we have been duped into believing that in order to have well-rounded children, we need to expose them to the world. We need to teach them to be “open-minded.” I am guilty of being deceived here as well. I have read and tried to follow the instruction of many a child-rearing book. I found myself (and my children) frustrated and overwhelmed. What we need to remember is God has given us authority over our children and has instructed us to raise them up in his Word. His Word is our guide book. Sometimes people say, “I wish babies came with an instruction manual.” Well, I know where you can get one. It’s called the bible, and you can find it wherever books are sold. The Dollar Tree sells them for, you got it, a buck!

We live in a world that says, “There is no absolute truth,” and, “Truth is what you want it to be.” As Christians, Christ is Truth and Christ is the Word, so we can put our faith in the Word. We can live by the Word, which means we can live in Truth. It does exist, and it’s Christ. We don’t need to teach our children to be open-minded to the world. We need to teach our children to be open to the WORD.

Now, I realize it may not be possible for everyone to homeschool their children. I understand that. However, if God has pricked your heart in this direction, you must obey. Sure, you may feel ill-equipped. You may feel it’s an impossible task, especially if you work outside the home. You may feel that you just can’t handle being around your children all day, every day. God makes no mistakes, and if he has prompted you to bring your children home from school and keep them there, then it is in their best interest (and yours as well) to listen and obey. A feeling of panic and fear is natural for many. There are times when I have said, “Dear Lord! You’ve given me more than I can handle!” And, the truth is, he has. You may have heard the saying, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” That’s a lie. God will give you more than you can handle. He does this so you will depend on him and not yourself. Rest assured, God will give you the tools to handle what he has asked you to do. Not only will he give you the tools, but he’ll also give you the blessing. However, he doesn’t hand us the blessing first. He asks for obedience, and when we take the first step, he blesses our lives in more ways than we can imagine.

As a “discipleship schooler,” or what some may call an “unschooler,” I use mentoring as my number one way of teaching. It saddens me to see parents who fail to connect with their children. They don’t fellowship with their kiddos. They keep them at arm’s length, instead of allowing their munchkins to get involved in their lives.

We need to really involve our children in our lives, but we also need be involved in our children’s lives. When I was in junior high and attending a public school, I came home one day and found myself arguing with my mother. She was frustrated over something I had posted on the internet. She said, “This isn’t you! Why would you write that?” I scowled at her and replied, “You don’t know me at all!”

Truth is, as much as she wanted to be involved in my life, as close as she longed for us to be, I was away from her for 8-10 hours a day, five days a week. During that time, I fellowshipped with people who did not have the same values as my family did. They encouraged me to do things that were against my parents’ beliefs and wishes. I had spent about 50 hours a week with people who encouraged my sinful flesh. Combined with the 60 hours I spent sleeping per week and the 15-20 hours I spent talking to friends on the phone or online, this left around 40 or fewer hours for my parents, and, well, you know I wasn’t spending every single minute I was home (and not talking to my friends) by my parents’ side. I was probably off brooding in my room, writing angry poetry, and listening to angry music. (Yes, I was that child.) When it came right down to it, I was spending more time under the influence of those who did not encourage me in the Lord. They became more important to me than my parents. After all, I spent far less time with those two people who conceived and birthed me than those who prodded me to rebel!

The year my mom took me out of public schools, I changed. I stopped being so angry. I finally picked a few friends that encouraged me in Christ. That’s not to say I didn’t make wrong choices or still have a few bad apple buddies, but I was around my parents more and bad influences less. I began to know them better, and they got to know me better. Our communication improved. I only wish this would have happened sooner!

When we send our children off to school, we lose them in a way. Again, I understand that some people may not have a choice. I get that, I do. I ache for those people, because they are truly missing out on an amazing experience, one that will strengthen not just our children, but the family as a whole.

Schools aren’t there to encourage your children to find their identity in Christ. Schools don’t care about your children’s spiritual well-being. Can you imagine what life would be like if your children were nurtured in the Spirit and were encouraged to be everything God desired them to be? Can you imagine the effect that would have on your family? Can you imagine the impact that would have on the world? All for the glory of God!

If we really, really stopped to think about it, it would blow our face off!

My ultimate goal is not to produce intelligent children. Do I want them to be smart? Sure! Yes! Definitely! Still, my ultimate goal is to produce children who are on fire for Christ, who lean on Him, and long to be useful to His kingdom – whatever that might mean and wherever that might take them. I trust, in that journey, God will fill them with all the natural and spiritual knowledge they need to know.

Of course, that doesn’t mean I don’t have moments where I panic and wonder how I am going to teach them all of the things they are “supposed” to know. I do, more than I want to admit! Yet, deep down inside, God has given me a promise to cling to. He has promised he will protect and guide my children if I follow him in obedience. He has given me a vision of my children, and, when I feel discouraged, I cling tightly to those things he has shown me.

Mandy is a former homeschooling student who has set out to homeschool her three young munchkins in an unschooling meets discipleship method. In her column “Delightfully Discipled”, she gives a glimpse into the curious minds of her children as they follow their natural instincts to explore the heights and depths of knowledge and and are led though Godly discipleship. She blogs at MandyMom.com and Noggin News.

Homeschooling with Co-Ops

June 7, 2008 By Guest 4 Comments

One of the greatest misconceptions that people have when they hear the term “homeschooling” is that children who are homeschooled do not have the same opportunities for social interaction as children who attend school. In reality, homeschooled children have many resources and opportunities to lead a social life including church, sports, hobbies, and educational co-ops. Recently, I asked homeschooling moms that are members of our two Yahoo groups to share some of their co-op experiences with me and I received a great response from many of them!

1. Kids enjoy the variety of resources and materials provided.
2. Parents do not have to do as much research and footwork on their own; they are able to share with other co-op parents.
3. Co-ops gives homeschooling families the opportunity to bond with other families in their city or state.
4. Co-ops keep homeschooling families on schedule.
5. Co-ops keep homeschooling families accountable for their studies.
6. The extracurricular activities are fun for both the parents and kids including football games, craft parties, theme parties, field trips, etc.
7. People who belong to co-ops sponsored by their church appreciate the opportunity to share their faith and bond with other parish families and the pastors, who sometimes participate also.
8. Co-ops that offer classes or unit studies give students the opportunity to learn a broader range of topics and/or to learn a subject their own parents may not be comfortable teaching, for example higher level mathematics, music, or foreign languages.
9. Students are exposed to different types of teachers.
10. Students are held accountable by someone other than their parents.
11. Parents provide each other with support and encouragement.
12. Students have the opportunity to interact with kids of all ages, not just their grade or age level .

People who belong to co-ops have a wide selection of experiences. Some belong to large co-ops that include over 200 families. Larger co-ops are able to teach many classes (one offers 80 different classes from preschool through high school with subjects ranging from science, math, history, art, music, foreign languages, drama, and public speaking) and sponsor many field trips and other activities. Some larger co-ops even offer courses that students earn college credits for.

Smaller co-ops may not have as large of a selection of resources, but the benefits are the same. Even a co-op with just a few families can benefit from the interaction with each other as well as gaining exposure to the different teaching and learning styles of its members.

Some co-ops meet once a week for a few hours and some meet a couple times a week for an entire school day. Many homeschoolers belong to Art, Music, or Physical Education co-ops. These organizations are a great resource to help parents include “extras” in their children’s education that they might not be offering at home. While music lessons, dance classes, soccer, gymnastics and other sports are great ways to add to a student’s regular curriculum, they can be quite costly. Co-ops that are organized strictly for phys ed give students the opportunity to learn a sport, play with other kids, be competitive, and to get their exercise.

Another great thing that many co-ops sponsor is Educational Fairs. These events are great opportunities for students to show off their work, whether it is art projects, science projects, or lapbooks! One Art co-op sponsors an art show for its students. They invite family and friends, serve desserts or appetizers, and allow kids to showcase their artwork!

In addition, some homeschoolers belong to online co-ops. Online co-ops may not offer the same social interaction or benefits to the students, but they are a great resource for parents. In addition, online co-ops are a perfect way to hold families accountable for their studies and to keep them on schedule. An online co-op is a great way for a parent living in a rural area to have the opportunity to interact with other homeschooling parents. Online co-ops are also a great idea for a first-time homeschooler who needs some guidance and support from others who are more experienced.

The biggest benefit that many homeschool moms liked about co-ops is the fact that their children (and themselves) are able to form real bonds with other children who homeschool. Whether the members of a co-op meet once a week for a couple of hours or meet several times a week for an entire day, the benefits are the same. Co-ops provide both parents and students a place to work together, support each other, and learn together!

©2007 Katie Kubesh

Katie Kubesh is co-owner and writer/researcher for In the Hands of a Child. Recognizing that hands-on projects are essential to the learning experience, In the Hands of a Child has created Project Packs that go beyond the hands-on aspect. They have taken the preparation time out of the parent/teacher job description with complete ready-to-assemble lapbook units that are available in eBook, printed book, and CD formats. Please visit their website at www.handsofachild.com.

Heart of the Matter Meme: Socialization

May 9, 2008 By The Amies 2 Comments
Welcome to the Heart of the Matter Online meme. Every Friday we will feature a different topic for our meme. Mr. Linky is set up below so please share with us ways that you and your family socialize.

Please link directly to your “Socialization” post. Failure to leave a direct link will result in the removal of your name from Mr. Linky.

The schedule for the theme of the homeschool meme is located in the right column under “Blog With Us”. Please check it out to view upcoming themes.

SO WHAT ABOUT SOCIALIZATION?…AND OTHER QUESTIONS (part 3)

April 8, 2008 By Guest 3 Comments

SO WHAT ABOUT SOCIALIZATION?…AND OTHER QUESTIONS ASKED ABOUT HOMESCHOOLING!
(This is part 3 in a 3 part series.)

HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO CRITICISM AND QUESTIONS?

Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
I Peter 2:23 “…and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered not threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.”

I have found that some people are just not open to the idea of homeschooling and there really is nothing that can be said to change their minds. In those cases I have learned that it is best to be quiet. There are some cases where people know very little about homeschooling, and are genuinely interested in what I am doing. Some might feel intimidated by what they see us doing. Whatever the reason may be, people seem to have a lot of questions, and can be very outspoken about the subject!

Having said all that, we must remember that any comment or criticism that we may encounter is something that God has allowed in to our lives, and we have the responsibility to respond in a God-honoring fashion. We have the responsibility to evaluate the criticism and sift out any truth that there might be in it. This can be hard to do because many times criticism is not given in a way that is loving or considerate. Though people may step over the line with their comments and opinions, and maybe even focus on the potential negatives of home schooling, it can provide a good opportunity for us to go before the Lord and evaluate what we are doing.

Most importantly we need to pray! We must be aware of the challenges that may come with homeschooling, and pray for God to open up our eyes to the needs of our children, not just academically, but socially and spiritually. It can be helpful to find an objective, supportive person who loves your family, and ask them if they see any areas in our children’s lives that may need work. I have done that over the years, and it has been such a help to us! Others can see things that we do not!

As always, we need to remember that all we do should be done “…to the glory of God”
(1 Corinthians 10:31). This includes how we respond to the criticisms and questions concerning homeschooling. THESE THINGS CAN ACTUALLY MAKE US MORE EFFECTIVE AS HOMESCHOOLERS! We can be THANKFUL, even for the criticism, as He uses it for
HIS GOOD,
HIS PURPOSE,
and HIS GLORY!!

Gina is the mom of two high schoolers, a freshman and a Senior. In her column “Reaching High,” she shares the many lessons that God has taught her and her family, as they have sought Him through the years. Visit her at her blog, Chats with An Old Lady.

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