Homeschooling Outside of the Home

The world is our classroom as life has much to teach those who are willing to learn the lessons offered. Today's topic is Homeschooling Outside of the Home. We'll take a look at Co-ops, Training, Field Trips, Support Groups, and Homeschool Associations.

Co-ops can vary in what they offer. Some meet more for socialization, teaching the arts, and team sports to meet physical education requirements. Other Co-ops hold in-depth classes on all of the major subjects: math, language arts, science, and history. One of the major benefits of belonging to a Co-op is drawing on the knowledge of mommas who have a years of homeschooling under their belts.

As homeschoolers, we have the opportunity to train our children in every area of life. We can send them off into the world with the skills they will need to not merely survive but thrive. We can teach them to care for themselves, their car, their home, and their finances. To help them prepare for their future, we can also provide them shadowing and apprenticeship opportunities that will allow them to learn the education and skills required to perform certain jobs.

Field Trips not only offer fun educational experiences but they also provide numerous hands-on learning opportunities. Children learn best by doing. I still remember the awe in my son's voice when we walked through Independence Hall in Philadelphia. To know that he was standing on the very ground where George Washington and Benjamin Franklin trod made history come alive for him.

Support Groups are a great source for homeschool parents. They provide contact with people who have a similar goal: to educate their children in the best environment. They can provide insight on curriculum they's utilized over the years: what they liked about it, what they didn't like, and what worked best for them. They can provide helpful hints on working through issues such as homeschooling while moving, homeschooling children with chronic illness, homeschooling children with special needs, and more.

Finally, Homeschool Associations are a great source of support, for field trip opportunities, Co-op opportunities, socialization outlet for you and your children, and much more. Homeschool Associations also offer teacher's cards for discounts at local stores and online, discounts for HSLDA, as well as updated information on state laws and regulations.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. Please take a moment to stop by the Homeschool Review Crew and read additional posts from my friends.