Just because you choose to homeschool your child, doesn’t mean you necessarily want them to be isolated from their community. We all need social integration at some level, and our kiddos are certainly no different in that regard!

If homeschooling is something that appeals to you, the good news is, there are now more resources available than ever, both national and local,  to help make that a reality for you and your child.  Here at the BHML, we have been welcoming Homeschooling families once a month for the past year to discuss common issues they are facing. With many different options available, from “unschooling” to a more formal syllabus, the experience is definitely not the same for all, but there are crossovers for sure.

After taking August off to complete our Summer Reading program, we are getting ready to start up again with our first Homeschool Connection meeting of the new semester Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 2 to 3 p.m. With kids starting new grades and in some cases, families experiencing Homeschooling for the first time, this is a great opportunity to check-in with others and get some tips on what has worked for them. Keeping your child fully engaged and time management  both seem to be issues that are regularly discussed.

Some general tips that may help,  include making learning interactive and hands-on whenever possible, using a variety of different media and activities, and letting the child have some input into what they are learning. It is also important to keep the lessons interesting and engaging for the child, as well as making sure they are challenged but not overwhelmed. Incorporating physical activities and time spent outdoors can help with focus too.

Home education can come with challenges for sure, but with a bit of organization and a positive attitude, the decision to homeschool can be very rewarding! “These monthly Homeschool Connection meetings are really informal.”  Says Children’s Librarian Jen Betts. “We have 8-9 families that have been coming regularly, although not always at the same time. This is an opportunity for kids to craft and spend time with other Homeschoolers, while parents can chat  about issues at hand with other parents, or reach out for help with resources. It didn’t seem like there was anything else happening like this locally, so we started it ourselves and it has been very well received.”