Frugal Café Site Search:

The Plus-Side of Joining a Homeschooling Support Group

Compiled by Vicki McClure Davidson

Homeschooling can be a tough, demanding project, but other homeschool families are available to help you share the burdens and to give you the answers to your questions. They understand you and your child because they have gone through the same ups and downs. They offer support and involve members in community activities, such as service projects, field trips, homeschooling workshops, and teaching techniques.

Mike Smith offered valuable information about the benefits of joining a local support group on the Home School Heartbeat radio program .

The transcript of that program is provided below.

Joining a homeschool support group is usually inexpensive (or free) and a good opportunity for you and your child to connect with other homeschooling families. | Photo credit: Nick Jackson

Many non-homeschooling families hold the view that homeschoolers are simply teaching their children within their own family and not interacting with anyone else. Not true! Most homeschool families are connected with the outside world through their church, drama groups, 4-H clubs, and many other community organizations.

When you start homeschooling, joining a homeschooling support group will be one of the best things you can do. As a new homeschooling family, gaining practical experience and learning from others will be the fastest way to become an accomplished homeschool parent.

Local support groups vary in size from a few families to several hundred families. Support groups are often involved with arranging field trips and other activities where larger numbers of families can jointly participate in an educational experience. Support groups also provide a dedicated network of homeschool families who can provide encouragement through the inevitably difficult times.

Joining your local support group will likely enhance your homeschool experience, and your children should benefit from socializing with other homeschool families.

To listen to current and archived radio programs with more homeschooling tips and information, go to the Home School Heartbeat section of the Home School Legal Defense Association's website (www.hslda.org).

Transcript provided with permission | September 30, 2004, Home School Heartbeat radio program.

Frugal Café Philosophy

The Plus-Side of Joining a Homeschooling Support Group