When I was working at the Ask a Homeschool Parent booth at the Called to Teach Convention in Allen last month, the most common question I received from parents was, “How do I find community as a homeschooler?”
Finding friends for your homeschooled children is vitally important. Statistically speaking, homeschoolers typically have better social skills than their public school counterparts, since homeschooled students have the freedom to interact with a wide range of ages of people and to have outside-the-box experiences and conversations. (source)
Here are some ways you can reach out and find like-minded friends for your kids - and yourself!
⛪Attend a church. Finding a church with other homeschooling families is a plus! Churches will not only have opportunities for your family to worship together, but will present ways to make friends in Bible classes, special events, socials, and the like. Church offices are also good places to call to look for homeschooling play groups that meet.
📚Ask a librarian. Children’s librarians will probably be aware of what homeschool groups meet in the area or other homeschool parents that might have kids your age, if they frequent the library. Libraries also frequently have storytimes, STEM activity days, Lego clubs, craft times, etc. that you can join in and meet new people.
♟️Find a homeschool group with our handy guide. This guide wil help you find a group, if you’re in Texas, and if not, just Google “homeschool field trip group+Your State” to begin your search. There are all sorts of field trip groups, groups that meet for activities like chess or sports, or groups that simply meet to play.
📋Start your own group! Can’t find one in your area? With the increase in homeschoolers, you can bet that other homeschool families exist in your area and would appreciate a group! Advertise online and put up fliers at the library, grocery store, coffee shops, and other places that have a local events board. You can also advertise your group with THSC for free, if it is in Texas.
🎒Find a co-op. Homeschool co-ops are different from playdate or other types of groups, because co-ops involve regularly-scheduled classes. There are likely several options within driving distance in your area. Co-ops often have different homeschooling styles or philosophies, so make sure to go to an open house before committing to it in order to make sure it’s a good fit for your family.
I hope these ideas help you create an environment of joy in your home and in your homeschool overall.
Thank you for reading,
Jessica Lovett
THSC Lead Editor & Writer
“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” -Proverbs 27:9
Is something missing in the way you homeschool your students?
It happens to all of us… Sometimes we need to stop and evaluate what direction our homeschool is heading. If you need to add some additional structure to your day, have you considered an online learning program?
Founders Classical Academy is a brick-and-mortar school that offers an online program, too, with just as much rigor and academics as a private school.
Click the button to see sample schedules for Kindergarten all the way through 8th grade from Founders Classical Academy.
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“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
–Marcus Garvey
When reading this quote, I think of a house and its foundation. Without a firm foundation and the right materials, a house will fall. A tree without roots cannot soak up the nutrients necessary to stand and grow strong. The same is with a nation. If we don’t know the truth, birth, and building blocks of our nation, both good and bad, we cannot grow as a nation. As you can tell, I love history quotes just as much as I love history. There is so much that can be learned in a simple quote stated by a God-fearing person with outstanding character traits. After all, isn’t this what we desire for our kids?
Bring Christ-centered science insights to your homeschool! You can test drive a new virtual, interactive science lab, get infographic lessons, fascinating videos, and more from College Prep Science! They even have a COVID-19 lesson on how viruses work, complete with audio lesson and worksheets!
In the last article, I described a common tactic that is employed by the world in conversations, a tactic that youth are very vulnerable to.
Actually, adults are vulnerable to it as well, but since I’m a teacher I focus on youth.
In this article, I want to lay out some initial thoughts on how we as parents, church leaders, and Church adults can respond to this social reality and help guide our kids through it. Read on…
As a Christian parent, I’m committed to helping my kids know God’s word—His special revelation to us. This isn’t merely about memorizing Bible trivia or getting a good mark on a Bible test. Rather, it is through God’s word that we get to know what God is like. The Bible is primarily a story about God. He is the main character. Over and over, the Bible says, “God loves,” “God hates,” “God says,” “God desires,” “God does.” Every time we read the Bible, we get to know its Author. We get to know His character, His desires, His personality.
Here are two practical ways to promote Biblical literacy at home. Read on…
The theme for Called to Teach this year is all about freedom… Freedom to choose homeschooling for your family, to structure your home life as you see fit, and to create an environment of peace in your homeschool!
Called to Teach will have hundreds of exhibitors to let you see homeschool curriculum and resources for yourself. THSC Coaches will be on hand to answer your questions.
You can hear from amazing speakers like Chelsea Cameron, Allie Beth Stuckey, and other movers and shakers in the homeschool world.
As a homeschooler, THSC helps your voice be heard!
We have all heard about the politicization of the public school system and, as advocates for homeschooling, feel worried about governmental overreach into our homes. Our right to homeschool is one of the most important rights we have.
Are you looking for a way to support the homeschooling community and make sure your values are protected?
If you join THSC, you can also take comfort in knowing that you’re supporting THSC’s Policy Team. They work hard behind the scenes to watch every single bill in Texas that is presented to the legislature and make sure it is not undermining families. THSC also works hard to help members who have experienced prejudice for being a homeschooler - either with CPS, with governmental benefits like social security, in college admissions, or with the public school system.
Is your homeschool graduate looking for a way to become more involved in politics? Are they passionate about making a difference in the world but you’re not sure where to help them start?
The THSC Watchmen are a team of homeschool graduates who serve as legislative analysts and lobbyists for Texas' homeschool families. Every single legislative session, the THSC Watchmen work tirelessly to protect the rights of homeschool families.
This is a resume-building opportunity for students to have hands-on experience while with other like-minded individuals, in a safe and controlled environment. Watchmen serve together for an entire legislative session. Apply today!
Mask mandates, Critical Race Theory, and the teaching of sexually explicit material are causing parents to step back and recognize what their children are being taught in public schools.
In a post-pandemic world, homeschooling continues to rise, and parents have become empowered to take charge of their children’s education. We believe that parents have a God-given right to raise their children as they see fit, without government interference.
Check out this new, inspiring video showing real homeschooling families and what a difference being a part of a supportive community like THSC can truly mean!
Do you wish that there was a place where you could chat with like-minded homeschool parents? We are opening up a brand new Facebook group for both THSC members and non-members to be able to stay updated on important happenings in the homeschool community and help each other on their homeschool journey. Check it out today!
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