Homeschooling is viral and the epidemic is spreading. Many homeschooling moms use the internet for support, ideas, and recommendations. The internet is exploding with groups, networks, blogs, swap boards, and resell sites pages dedicated to homeschooling. Homeschoolers have been using the internet as a tool of education for years so it is only natural to turn to this source for all homeschooling needs. Homeschooling mom bloggers increase in popularity every day. These women are gracious with their time and open with their support. Today, I want to introduce you to one of my new found favorite online homeschool resources and … Continue reading →

When the socialization question is posed to homeschoolers, the defense most used is that their kid participates in group activities or takes a class here and there. Recently, I have noticed people giving the advice that homeschoolers should HAVE to work in groups. I am hearing more and more that this is the only thing that would make homeschooling acceptable. While it is a good idea due to the fact that each family can use their strengths to teach the kids collectively, I don’t like the idea that it is being put out there that this IS THE WAY to … Continue reading →

If from time to time you feel alone in your homeschooling endeavors, never fear, you are not… not by a longshot. As proof of this, I submit to you the Carnival of Homechooling. The Carnival of Homeschooling is a roving blog hosted by a different homeschooler each week. In each post, the host intruduces posts of blogs from homeschoolers all over the country, and possibly even all over the world. Today’s Carnival of homeschooling is quite special. It is the 158 week that carnival has been in existance. That makes today the three-year Anniversay. Yay. If you mosey on over … Continue reading →

For us the decision to homeschool was an easy one. I happen to go to a church where almost all the members of the church (it’s a small church) live within a two block radius of each other. Not only that but almost everyone homeschools. So I live within walking distance of a whole bunch of other homeschoolers. You’d think we’d get together all the time, but the truth is we don’t. We have different aged children, some moms have teenagers and others of us have preschoolers, and to meet their needs we’ve tended to go in different directions. But … Continue reading →

In my previous post, I described the different types of homeschooling communities I belong to and expressed my desire to create a community here on families.com. Here is my proposal: Families.com has an awesome forums structure. The discount and coupon people use it heavily, and I would like for us (those interested in homeschooling) to utilize it in very much the same way. If you go to the families.com forums, and scroll down to the Parenting section you will find homeschooling tucked in there among the other topics. I strongly encourage you to participate in the families.com homeschooling forum. It … Continue reading →

One of the coolest things about homeschooling is the ability to handpick your friends and community as a whole. There will be some things you cannot control, like people moving away, and bullies living across the street, but you can eliminate influences that are toxic to your family for the most part. There are many things you can base your homeschooling community on, creating different types of homeschooling communities. Most of these are informal, but some are formal and require faith statements. I belong to several different types: My local community: Through a local homeschool group, I am aware of … Continue reading →

Homeschool Co-ops are one way where many parents are choosing to meet their children’s social and/or academic needs. Co-ops can range in anything from offering one or two classes to a full day with a complete schedule that has classes for everyone. If you’re home school group doesn’t have one, you can start one fairly easily. A Defined Purpose Good groups have a defined purpose. You can walk in or pick up a brochure and you’re immediately aware of what the purpose is. Sometimes the purpose is to have a social outlet. Sometimes it’s to trade expertise in a variety … Continue reading →