As homeschoolers, sometimes it feels like are carrying a heavy load all alone, and while some of us enjoy staying home as much as possible, others among us crave the occasional day trip out of the house. It’s even a better scenario when that trip includes some learning and it’s within the boundaries of our own community.
I love making a list of potential outings and having it available when I need a last minute place to go or planning ahead so the trip coincides with what we are already learning.
Here is a list of common community resources that you, as a homeschooler, might find near you.
Librarian: This one is a little obvious for most homeschoolers, but sometimes we need a reminder that a librarian is like a superhero of the book world. A good librarian will point you in the direction of great resources, pull books for you, order new materials for the library upon your suggestion, and give tips on researching topics. Additionally, a librarian might also teach a class for your homeschoolers on how to use the organizational systems within the library.
Professionals: Becoming friends with professional bakers, bankers, grocers, store owners, chefs, dental hygienists and others can be a good resource for field trips and research projects down the road. Make note of who seems helpful enough to have great conversations about their profession.
Universities: The local university, no matter the size, can be a hotbed of great resources for a homeschooler. Universities might be opportunities for:
- students who might teach music lessons at reduced rates
- foreign language tutoring
- supplemental therapy (speech, reading, occupational, etc.) offered through departments wanting to give their students to practice their skills
- professors that might welcome you into their labs for a field trips
- agriculture departments that will let you tour their facilities and meet the animals
- museum-quality displays on campus and greenhouses that are home to plants from around the world
Gym/playgrounds/workout facilities: Locate the nearby play spots to use for recess times and playdates. Some gyms or fitness facilities might even offer classes just for homeschoolers that fit our schedules better – just ask!
Other homeschool families: Not only are other homeschool parents a tremendously valuable resource, but so are the older students. High schoolers are often looking for a small part time job or just time to do fun things out of the house. Often they are willing to babysit, be a mother’s helper or teach mini-classes on high-interest topics to younger homeschoolers.
Social Clubs: Do a quick online search to see what kinds of clubs already meet regularly in your area. These folks are highly invested in their topics and truly enjoy teaching others about it, especially kids! Within just a few miles of me, I have a kite-flyer club, a beekeepers’ association, HAM radio club, all sorts of crafting clubs, coding, paramedic training club, 4-H clubs, runners clubs and so many others. Send an email asking if they would be willing to host a short class for your co-op or if you could drop in on their next meeting to learn about what they do.
We all need an occasional break from the daily grind of math drills, spelling tests, read-alouds and laundry. Take advantage of the learning opportunities already around you and enjoy a little variety in your days.
Lindsay Banton is a caffeinated mother to three great kids. She never expected to homeschool, but has found that it is a wonderful addition to their lifestyle and wouldn’t change it for the world. In addition to homeschooling, Lindsay works alongside her husband in campus ministry at a large university in Connecticut. She grew up in Virginia but has settled into life in New England, learning to love the long winters, cool springs, green summers and gorgeous autumns- and has built a boot collection to meet all the demands. She is currently blogging at www.oaksreplanted.blogspot.com