I'm going to start homeschooling my son in the fall and have heard from others there is a need for a group in this area. I've done this road before and indeed loved the group we were in years ago....with my older children. To get this rolling, I am holding a meeting to talk about homeschooling: is it right for you, will your kids be under socialized (not unless you want them to be!), can I teach science when I can't even make my own Italian dressing, where do I get books......?
I'm looking to start a group that would like to be active together on field trips, play days, and even share some talents in small class settings. Whoever would like to be involved in a homeschool group can help shape it to be what ever our imaginations would like it to be.
If you're interested in checking out the possibilities, come to the meeting at Good News UMC on June 17, Wednesday at 6:30. They have a pot luck at 5:30 and all are welcome for that as well. There is child care available at the church for any kids not of nursing age during the meeting.
You can e-mail me with questions or call me.
joyful2bHis@yahoo.co.nz
231-9999
I hope to see you there!
Valerie Lofton

Great idea - what ages are you dealing with?

This is open to any parents of school age kids (k-12) who want to homeschool. It's a meeting to talk about how any parent can homeschool and organizing a group of parents who want to support each other through the homeschooling time.

I homeschooled both of my boys here in LA. Both are now LSU graduates.

I support your efforts - good luck!

G

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Homeschooling was a fantastic experience for our family. Not our original plan or first choice, but in hindsight the best thing we could have done. We basically deschooled, then unschooled and did unit studies, and took advantage of Okaloosa County's Blended School program as well as community theater, educational day camps, and lots of on-the-cheap travel.

If I can do it, anyone can!

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Susan Horn
www.artisan-builds.com

That's great Susan!! I love your quote - "If I can do it, anyone can!" That's exactly how I feel about our experience. Unit studies are great. One question can lead to an entire unit!

My oldest got interested in the Linux operating system from reading an article in Technology magazine from MIT - did his science fair project on it and became a Linux expert. I don't know if he would have ever had that experience if it weren't for homeschooling = as they don't even teach keyboarding around here till 9th grade

G

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Valerie,

Yes, there are homeschoolers out there looking for a homeschooling group. However, it is not clear whether the group you are starting is faith-based or an all-inclusive homeschooling group.

Thx~OM

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

I hope it is all-inclusive. When my sons were younger the ONLY homeschool group around here wanted members to sign a "declaration of faith". It wasn't something as general as a belief in a high power either. You had to believe a certain way or not be accepted. We opted out which was unfortunate because it limited the socialization. Even if we had believed exactly as they did, we would have still opted out due to the non-inclusive aspect.

Good luck
G

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That's why I asked. There are a handful of homeschoolers here looking for an all-inclusive group. I feel the same way that you do, I don't want my kids around only people who think only one way, even if it's exactly like us, but I do want them to be around open-minded people, of all backgrounds.

And, Valerie & other posters/lurkers, if it is faith-based, I wish the group the very best of luck. Organizing a group like this is very time-consuming and your willingness to do so is wonderful.

Blessings~OM

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

I agree organic mama (love that name). Even if the group is faith based that is great - I would have totally joined the faith based group if we didn't have to sign the declaration. It was a large group of families that offered a lot by way of music and field trips, etc... My "unofficial" smaller local group had nothing but families who homeschooled using a faith based curriculum and we all did great together. What was wonderful were the kids - they could give a flying fig what anyone believed or didn't believe! They just wanted to be with other kids and have fun!

I am still VERY close with a few of those families. I always tried to focus on what we had in common instead of what we didn't. I feel like the larger group missed out by being to inclusive.

G

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Hi Organicmama and others interested!
Sorry, I'm swamped and have been slow at checking in here. The group will be just a group of parents and kids homeschooling. Any group activities that are offered by parents, faith based or not, can be accepted or turned down by families wanting to attend. What ever you use to teach your kids with at home will be strictly up to you. The group is more for networking about homeschooling, parents supporting parents (can I call someone if I don't remember how to multiply fractions!) and socializing our kids in more of a controled group environment. Using all of us, we have the opportunities to expand on our knowledge. One family may know of a cool exhibit coming to the museum and another family may know of a turtle nest hatching out one night!
I promise, I won't make anyone sing praise and worship songs with me unless you want to!
So, please come if you're interested on Wed night and let's all see what we have out here. It's going to be a BLAST teaching our kids!
valerie

Yes, you did a great job, Susan! We enjoyed homeschooling with your kids too! Thanks for opening up your home to all of us!
valerie

Hi, Val! Good to hear from you. Hope y'all are all well. We had a sweet little group back in the day, eh?

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Susan Horn
www.artisan-builds.com

Valerie,

Unfortunately, we are not going to be here this week. We will be visiting with family later this week, but will be back soon.

This is probably the touchiest of all subjects about this, but if it's not faith-based, then meeting the same time as a church function isn't comfortable for everyone. I don't mind having meetings anywhere, but I wouldn't want it to coincide with other, unrelated events. For example, in Athens, the local LLL would meet at the Episcopal church and the coolest little alternative school actually had their pre-k part of their school at at a church, but neither was at the same time there was anything going on.

I am glad to see a group like this starting. There are a few of us that have started putting our heads together to form one, but we're always going in a million different directions.

Thanks again and let me know when the next meeting is!

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

Sorry you'll miss it, Organicmama. Hope your trip is safe and FUN! although I can't imagine any more fun place than here in So Walton during summer.
If you want to be notified for any future event, you may want to send a mail to my mail so you can get on the e-mail list. I don't think I'll post more homeschooling things on here once this meeting is in the past. But I will have an e-mail mass group.

I realize it's not 'comfortable' for everyone, but I've got a lot of experience with trying to get groups together and it never is convenience for everyone at the same time. So, just like retail where you never get it all done, I just do the best I can for today and go from there tomorrow.

Wishing everyone a pleasant evening and gorgeous morning!

we are looking at homeschooling our daughter through the Connections Academy....we have done quite a bit of research but would love to hear from homeschool supporters as well about the Academy.....It is basically a virtual public program done at home.....the state of Florida supplies all the text books and materials for your child and they even set up a tailor made curriculum geared toward your child's needs.....There are no fees involved and we are going to be able to do some travel with our business and our daughter can do her studies on the road......we are looking forward to the homeschooling experience and plan on getting involved with other homeschool groups as well.....Sue