I was viewing Jennys class room and thinking of how we had open houses back in the day and invited family or friends to look around at our projects and lessons and stuff we had on the bulletin board and wall art, etc. I did it because when I was a kid that was my shining moment! Going to open house and showing off my art work or written word, I can so clearly remember one poem I wrote in 7th grade that received the red dot AND a star and ribbon! I can quote it, it was simple but it was the first time my own work got such recognition and the thing that made me become a writer. I think pride in their work is as important as the A or the B on it when they worked hard to receive it. I think it helps them feel "normal" to have open house and valentines party or whatever other holidays that we do, did etc. Plus it showed our friends, thier friends from church in neighborhood etc that they were too working! My friends even began home schooling after one such time that her kids came in and really enjoyed what we were working on!
We have never had an open house. We have people coming to our house on a regular basis so they see the art projects that Ems makes anyways. She plays the piano on Thursdays for the seniors and on Sundays for the church, so they get to see how she is advancing. She calls her sister to share a new poem she memorized or read her something she wrote. When people come over during the day, they see Em's books about so they know what curriculum she is using. Since homeschooling is a part of our life and not so many hours of book work, people see on a regular basis what she is accomplishing. So I have never felt the need for an open house. Plus, we have a very homeschool friendly church and a pastor who announces before the church the wonderful things our students, public and homeschooled, are accomplishing. He even supports the students by encouraging church members to attend recitals and sports games of other children. He believes people need to make our kiddos accomplishments important. He really makes graduation special. He has all graduates come before the church. He allows them to say a special something if they desire. He then blesses them through prayer for their future and gives them each a new Bible. Sometimes he even gives them a gift card for the family to go to dinner and celebrate. The fact that we homeschool is really out there to those we know and they often ask Ems how things are going or they share school experiences with her. It is who we are so what we do is known by those who know us.
Our homeschool association is doing a "homes tour". People will go on a tour to 4 or 5 houses, just to see how other people organize their homeschool, and to ask questions of each other. I will be one stop on the tour. I think it might be a great idea to put out some of my DS' special projects, and maybe even let him present something. I love the idea of a proper open house too!
When we first started homeschooling it was in the midst of a chaotic time. My step mom was dying of cancer.God took her quick 5 months between diagnoses and death. We had moved house to be closer and a bunch of other things. My mom and step dad had fears that the kids weren't getting enough schooling in. So I held a Open house for my parents. They got to go through the work the kids did and see all the special projects. The kids were so proud to be able to show off lap books and science projects! That was also the last time they voiced any concerns over homeschool. In fact any time we mention public school they are the first to argue against it.
