Does your homeschool ever get out of the home? Reaching out to your community is a significant gesture both for the people you serve—and for your children, as they learn through serving. MaryAnn Gaver has more today on Home School Heartbeat, with HSLDA President Mike Smith.
Mike Smith:
MaryAnn, it’s been great to have you on the program this week. You’ve shared lots of practical suggestions that parents can implement in their homeschool routines. Today, let’s reach beyond the home and talk about the world outside. How can parents teach their children to take an active role in their community?
MaryAnn Gaver:
I think that taking an active role in our communities means just looking around to see what people need. And that can be right in our own neighborhoods. I guess it’s different for all families depending on where they live, but it can mean helping neighbors rake leaves, shovel snow, or do some other yard work. It could be visiting people at the local nursing home.
Again, the main idea is to get children to reach out to others, to show love and be industrious. In our neighborhood, for example, the lady next door had a huge garden so the twins would go next door and help her pick green beans when she needed help. Some families like to help at local food banks, charities, or ministries. It can even be as simple as knocking on our neighbor’s door to bring them some homemade cookies. The important thing is to look outward, and to help others in some very tangible ways.
Mike:
MaryAnn, thanks so much for all your great insights and suggestions this week! It’s been terrific to have you with us. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.
