I am or was a public school teacher for 5 years until my daughter was born 17 months ago. I know it seems early but I am considering homeschooling and I was hoping you all could give me some insight on the social and athletic aspects. I know I don't want her going where I was teaching so my choices are to homeschool or find a new school to teach at wheere she can go with me. Any info. would really help. Thank You!
Hi, and welcome, Thera! I used to work in public school (school social worker) while homeschooling our DS (fifth grade until done). I wish I had a dollar for every teacher who told me they wished they could homeschool their kids! Many homeschool co-ops provide social interaction and even athletics for members. Depending on where you live, there might be any number of homeschool or "regular" sports to participate in, or private schools with sports who would admit homeschoolers. If you can't find what you want, START something!!!
Welcome. It depends on your state and your area. Some states allow homeschoolers to participate in extracurricular activities in the ps system others states do not. In our state kids cannot participate in ps extracurriculuars so homeschool groups have worked to compensate for it. There are different co-ops which provide classes, gym and just some social interaction for the kids. We also different hs sports groups for things like soccer, baseball, archery, hockey and I think there is even basketball in the area. Many homeschool support groups offer field trips, teen events, proms, square dances, mom's nights...you name it. This alows the kids to get together with their friends and offer fellowship and support for the parents. I can say dd has made better friends and has had more opportunities because we homeschool. Does she miss out on a few things from ps yes but what she gains from hs'ing and her opportunities out weight anything she would get from ps with a whole lot less stress for the family.
Welcome to the spot! Most families find socialization isn't as much an issue as many people make it. For one, where in life since getting out of school have you ever been forced to sit in a room full of people within one year of your own age and told to sit down, shut up and listen to one person whether you cared about what they had to say or not? How many times are kids in school told "You're not hear to socialize, you're here to learn." I'm assuming from your post you are a SAHM. Is your 17 month old socialized? Does she interact with others when you have company over? Does she interact with others at the store? Do you take her to the library for mommy and me or to a MOPS group? Do you (and do you plan to continue to) interact with her and try to show her what is expected of her in society, in your home, at parties, in the store, at church, at grandma's house, at the park, etc? That's socialization! Homeschoolers love to get together! How many groups are in a area will vary. But start searching out groups now. I know the local groups I belong to are welcoming. Yahoo Groups - search your town and near by ones and homeschool. Even if the group is in a town to far to drive to regularly, many members post activities in near-by towns, so it may be worth joining just for the e-loop info, even if you never 'join' in on the groups meetings. Ask your local library! Homeschoolers love the library! Many libraries even have activities for homeschoolers monthly. Ask your local rec department - they may have homeschool sports leagues during 'normal' school hours, if not your homeschooled child can join in evenings and weekends with the local PS kids. Call local churches - Many churches have homeschool groups. Some will only be open to members of that church, but others will welcome non-church members, though even those often require sign a statement of faith, but if you are Christian, it's worth a try. Search Homeschool Legal Organizations - Search HSLDA.org From there click your state-they will have state and local organizations within your state listed. If they don't have a local group listed, check your listed state sites will may list even more local groups. Network wherever you go - If you're out and about during school hours and you see someone with school aged kids out too-strike up a conversation, ask if they homeschool Call local businesses and ask if they have homeschool days - skating rinks, inflatable playplaces, museums, nature center, etc Go to the homeschool days they offer and network there. Start your own group - If all else fails, start your own group! libraries, book stores, office supply stores, craft stores, local parks and museums are all good places to post fliers. Hope that helps, and feel free to jump in with your question, everyone on this board is very helpful and friendly.
I'm a teacher too. My kids have participated in homeschool groups, church activities, and plays. You'll find some suggestions for socializing here: Ideas For Socializing Hope this helps.
Congratulations on the birth of your daughter and it is never too early to think about homeschooling. That is the teacher in you, planning ahead! As for athletics, my children all participated in town recreation sports. We were able to meet many people from our town and neighboring towns. This has provided a sense of community for my kids in their own town. We also joined the town beach and my children all turned out to be excellent swimmers. They also made friends there that they saw almost daily during the summer. Hope that gives you some ideas!
