Monday, June 18, 2007

Homeschooling Community

One of the many things I love about homeschooling is simply being a part of the homeschool community.

Rob had a friend years ago who was a public school superintendent. Later, this gentleman left his job to start a company that helps parents with their special needs children. In the process he found himself working with homeschoolers.

When I went to him seeking some help with one of my own children, he shared this with me (I paraphrase):
You know Maureen, I've really come to appreciate homeschoolers. When I was in the public schools and I would go to parent meetings and hear comments like, "My Billy is so smart" and "Suzy is the most popular girl in her class" and "Jimmy is the best football player on the team." It was all about them.

When I go to homeschooling meetings, I hear, "Oh, you're having trouble with reading? I know just the program to help you!" and "Do you have any good ideas for field trips?" and "Don't get discouraged, you can do it!" It is all about building up one another.

3 comments:

John Jansen said...

It seems to me that "community" is one of those words that has become hackneyed in recent years to the point that it has become nearly devoid of any real significance. (E. g., "the international community": what the heck does that mean, anyway?)

However, Maureen, as you use it in the context of homeschooling, it's an apt description.

Although my wife and I haven't fully committed to homeschooling yet (our oldest is four), we joined a local homeschooling group this past year to get our feet wet.

From what I've seen thus far, the "It is all about building up one another" observation expressed by your friend is one I'd have to concur with as well.

Anonymous said...

Great post! I couldn't agree more. I've been in the homeschool community for some time now since I have seven children that were either homeschooled or are still homeschooling. I love our little homeschool community!

Anonymous said...

Amen! Amen!
This is so true. So true.