The fact that homeschoolers tend to band together contributes to the success of the movement. Today on Home School Heartbeat, Mike Smith talks about how the Internet contributes to the homeschool sense of community.
Mike Smith:
In the early days of the homeschool movement, many homeschooling parents felt isolated from the world around them. As homeschooling grew and the numbers of homeschoolers increased, fewer and fewer parents started homeschooling feeling so cut off. Now, with the Internet available to anyone with a computer and phone line, no one homeschooler need ever feel isolated again.
Online message boards and discussion groups are available for parents to post their questions about homeschooling. There are many friendly moms out there happy to answer questions from homeschool beginners.
Chat rooms are available for real-time discussions of issues surrounding homeschooling. Many homeschoolers, especially those in more rural areas, rely on these online support groups for advice and encouragement. If no one in your local group of homeschooling is facing the same sort of educational problems or issues that you are, you might just find a friend online.
If you're new to the Internet, be sure to check out a few websites dealing with Internet safety. That way, you can enjoy the fellowship of other homeschoolers while protecting yourself against online troubles.
You may find that online discussions with other homeschoolers are a great way to get ideas for your own homeschool program.
And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.
