How to connect with homeschool families if I don’t use Social Media?

[Starlight]

Hi ladies,
In my past posts, I’ve been considering homeschooling because of the COVID school lockdowns and possible COVID vaccine for school attendance. However, during my attempt to find homeschool communities, social media seems to be the real draw back. Most groups are through Facebook or other private email groups that seem inactive. I don’t (won’t) have an account on FB.

So my question is: How can I find local homeschool groups without using social media? How do you ladies who homeschool connect your kids to other kid groups for socialization and group learning opportunities?

Thank you so much for any info. I’m pretty much starting at square one for anything that has to do with homeschooling.

 

[Atlas Shrugged]

What about having FB for school info and that’s it. I have a FB account and not one friend or family member is on there. I only have it cause there is a group on facegeoup that is extremely helpful in my area of healthcare. That’s it. Nothing ever posted on my page and I have been griped at by not accepting anyone but oh well. You can use Facebook for a homeschool group and ask questions or get info on that group page and nothing outside of it. That might work????

 

[muhtea]

I got an FB account to try to find groups but found nothing on there either, now I'm not on there anymore. At this point it's hardly worth it for me (one kid left at school in sophomore year and we're homeschooling English to avoid that propaganda, mostly she's doing STEM type classes that are more immune to that kind of stuff, and I think I've convinced her to do AP Physics instead of BS history) but you might try libraries and church. I've not had much success finding groups when we were homeschooling or looking into going back to that. All I've managed to find is a choice between mega-lefties and super-fundies, neither of which is my bag, frankly.

As for jab requirements, look into waivers for your state in the meantime. I've had waivers on file for my kids since they went back to school and I'm guessing those will still apply unless they make some law overriding that, in which case it will be time to withdraw and do a GED or homeschool or whatever. I'd also find out if you can homeschool certain subjects for credit since that's a way to at least avoid the worst offenders for propaganda.

 

[Mrs.DanielH]

Maybe try looking at local churches. They might have a few homeschooling families the pastor could connect you with or a larger church might have a group.

 

[Starlight]

Thank you for your responses. There’s a Catholic Church/school near by with a pretty big mom group (or at least it used to be years ago). I might give them a call. They might be able to help point me in the right direction.

 

[messaggera]

Depending on your location a few state or municipalities should have homeschooling programs:

Libraries
Zoos
Parks
Science Centers

There may be programs specifically for homeschool families.
@catholicmom , on here, was doing pods I think? I thought I remember her teaching some sessions.
She may have some more insight.

Good luck,

 

[PVW]

Here's a website: https://www.parents.com/kids/education/home-schooling/the-best-homeschooling-resources-online/

 

[catholicmom]

@catholicmom , on here, was doing pods I think? I thought I remember her teaching some sessions.

Yes, I teach some small homeschool classes. If anyone is interested in learning more about how to get that started, please feel free to DM me.

In terms of where to find homeschool connections...honestly, a lot of communication is done by word of mouth and through local homeschool groups on Facebook (the latter of which I don't do). Word tends to travel quickly in homeschooling circles when people find dependable class options. A friend of mine who homeschools has had multiple teachers quit halfway through the semester in classes at the library, etc. This phenomenon is unfortunately very common in homeschooling circles.

Finding homeschoolers at your church is a good place to start, as they will likely already be clued in to which groups are legit. There are often homeschool fairs held at public libraries, too, that let prospective parents meet the different local "vendors." That can help to a certain extent when vetting programs.

Also, there are sometimes specials at gymnastics or dance studios for homeschool families, where kids can take classes during the daytime. It may be worth reaching out to a "hobby" provider like that to see if they would be willing to start up a class for homeschool kids. You can also look into a la carte class programs at local Christian schools or sports programs through area middle and high schools (I have heard of the latter being possible through both public and private schools).

If I can think of anything else, I'll post it to the thread.

 

[Lamkins]

Is it all social media or just Facebook? Gab is growing like crazy.

 

[Starlight]

Is it all social media or just Facebook? Gab is growing like crazy.

Do you think there are homeschool groups on gab? I’d be more willing to join gab as opposed to other social medias

 

[Lamkins]

Do you think there are homeschool groups on gab? I’d be more willing to join gab as opposed to other social medias

I searched and 25 results came up all of which appear to be individuals who homeschool except one that sells homeschool supplies and a couple that appear to be groups. If you need something local I think you’d have to start one yourself on Gab. You can always delete your account if it doesn’t work out. I saw the moderator on an anti Raverly group I’m in on WimKin say Gab requires a subscription to start a group, which is why she’s not starting our group on Gab. I don’t know the cost or details.

 

[Starlight]

Here's a website: https://www.parents.com/kids/education/home-schooling/the-best-homeschooling-resources-online/

This site was very helpful. There are some links to a few homeschooling websites where they try to help connect homeschool families. Just what I was looking for! I’ll definitely try emailing a few of them.

Also, there are sometimes specials at gymnastics or dance studios for homeschool families, where kids can take classes during the daytime. It may be worth reaching out to a "hobby" provider like that to see if they would be willing to start up a class for homeschool kids. You can also look into a la carte class programs at local Christian schools or sports programs through area middle and high schools (I have heard of the latter being possible through both public and private schools).

This reminds me, I recall seeing a local Charter school that did a hybrid homeschool/in school program but that was before COVID. I’ll have to call them and maybe they can connect me to their homeschool group.

Thank you, ladies. You’ve given me lots of ideas on where to start!

 

[Luna Novem]

I'd definitely recommend churches, and you can try Meetup.com. Other ideas for your kids are community sports, etc. We used to do a YMCA homeschool class, it was swim and gym.

 

[Jessie]

Church. If your church doesn’t already have a large homeschool population, try to find one that does, even if you don’t prefer the worship style. Make sure it’s a true, God-honoring church, of course. But let personal preferences and non-essential matters go in order to find a place where your children can thrive with other like-minded families. Remember that your faith is firm. Theirs is still being formed. Make it easy for them to regard church as their second home with people they see throughout the week, not just Sunday morning.

 

[Mike_Key]

I'm unsure if men can post here ... nevertheless ...

If you don't want social media connections people will work with you through Texts. I have multiple group text threads with very traditional people - they send out messages every so often.

If your kids are public schooled kids then your/their chance may not happen until next Sept.

When that time arrives you will likely have them enrolled in a Homeschool Co-op. It's too late for joining now during this Spring. But in April/May directors of Co-op Groups open registration for the Fall semester. They will want an "intention form signed", "obligation to teach form" and likely a Statement of Faith form signed. Less costly Co-ops will have nominal fees ($100) for the family but you will have to teach a class which is typically an extra-curricular class or something that isn't core material being taught at home. Examples are ... sewing, baking, auto mechanics, law class, politics, founding fathers, reading, acting drama, wilderness medicine, outdoor skills, map, orienteering, PE, photography, art, etc. Also, keep in mind, provided that Dad passes the background check or interview - he can teach too. It can be a shared effort between mom and dad.

If you choose a "tutor type" Co-op (All these Co-op options are for 1 day a week), then you can pay the higher fee for your student(s) and you'll not have to teach next Sept for that one (1) day.

Also, you may look into Christian scouting groups. There you'll be invited to hikes and camp trips, provided you are in an Open and free State unaffected by Covid 19 shutdowns.

A third option is creating something of your own. On a small scale you can create a, say, three (3) family "pod", where every 2 weeks on a Friday you get together for a 6 hour time period where the kids learn something and then have a playdate. If you want to start a large group then that would likely look like --- You with a spreadsheet, inviting, interviewing, collecting fees and organizing some 20 families and an average of 70 kids. This is much work but well worth it.

One other thing that I've seen is - a woman created a Wilderness Group with 70-80 kids. This group had 3 leaders and a once a month outing to a Nature center, a popular historic hike, a historic farm, the Zoo, or say the science center in the nearest big city. It still exists and is cool because each outing guarantees 40-50 kids playing together outdoors.

The opportunities are abundant and kids need it now more than ever - what with a small fraction of kids talking about suicide, sadly. Again, if you show your worth - people will gladly accommodate you without the Social media. I know of moms that are so valuable and so worth it - they can come and go as they please from Co-op Groups because they are proven as reliable and very capable to organize and provide priceless input.

Best wishes

John 3:16

 

[budoslavic]

Hi ladies,

In my past posts, I’ve been considering homeschooling because of the COVID school lockdowns and possible COVID vaccine for school attendance. However, during my attempt to find homeschool communities, social media seems to be the real draw back. Most groups are through Facebook or other private email groups that seem inactive. I don’t (won’t) have an account on FB.

So my question is: How can I find local homeschool groups without using social media? How do you ladies who homeschool connect your kids to other kid groups for socialization and group learning opportunities?

Thank you so much for any info. I’m pretty much starting at square one for anything that has to do with homeschooling.

Have you tried Dr. Duke Pesta's website's FreedomProject Adacemy's State Info's homeschool associations? Click on a state you're interested in and it'll take you to an external website page with lists of groups, organizations, etc.

STATE INFORMATION

FreedomProject Academy offers a fully accredited, Classical education for Kindergarten through High School. FPA is rooted firmly in the Judeo-Christian values as promoted in the Constitution by our Founding Fathers, who strove to guarantee the preservation of our God-given liberties.

www.fpeusa.org

 

[Starlight]

Have you tried Dr. Duke Pesta's website's FreedomProject Adacemy's State Info's homeschool associations? Click on a state you're interested in and it'll take you to an external website page with lists of groups, organizations, etc.

STATE INFORMATION

FreedomProject Academy offers a fully accredited, Classical education for Kindergarten through High School. FPA is rooted firmly in the Judeo-Christian values as promoted in the Constitution by our Founding Fathers, who strove to guarantee the preservation of our God-given liberties.

www.fpeusa.org

That is really helpful! It looks like there are a few groups in my area so I’ll probably start reaching out to them. Thank you!