The Importance of Community in Homeschooling

I was fortunate to grow up in a strong community. My memories are filled with having friends over, helping out at weddings, annual community events, and simply feeling secure of the social support I have from friends and family. These moments were not synthetically orchestrated by published Facebook events, tweets or online social groups. They were threaded by common values, common history and common direction.

As you look into homeschooling, consider aligning yourself with a community you can commit to. When your child has access to a strong community, it plays a pivotal role in providing support, fostering socialization, and enriching educational experiences.

1. It creates a supportive network. Homeschooling families often face unique challenges, and having a support system in place can provide much-needed encouragement, guidance, and inspiration.

2. Broadening Perspectives. Through interactions with other families, children can get exposure to a variety of perspectives in a safe environment which you select. I commit to meeting friends from different backgrounds, grade levels, economic statuses and beliefs in a way that you approve as safe. It also fosters a well-rounded education and prepares your child for a diverse world beyond their immediate environment.

3. Specialized Learning Opportunities. Community connections often open doors to specialized learning opportunities that may otherwise be challenging to access. Homeschooling communities often organize workshops, guest speakers, or classes taught by professionals or experts in various fields. This past spring, a group of parents were able to convince the nearby museum to host an event where the children raning from 3rd to 7th grade to learn about the California Gold Rush. This included a dedicated speaker and workshop on brick-making and searching for gold to mimic the people of the past.