As I mentioned in my post about the Benefits of a Homeschool Support Group, I happen to belong to the best one around. It’s a happening group!
Even though I haven’t been very active in recent years, I’d like to share some types of meetings my group offers. I feel qualified to share these partly because my family participated in these meetings for years and partly because I was instrumental in bringing some of these ideas into being.
Rejuvenation meeting- We have one of these every February when a lot of folks have hit a slump. It’s usually a dinner or potluck with a speaker who offers encouragement.
Homeschool Gallery- Near the end of each year, my group hosts a gallery where students get to display work they’ve done throughout the year and/or perform a talent. Friends and relatives are invited to see what students actually accomplish in homeschooling.
Curriculum swap- At this meeting, members share about books and curricula they have found particularly useful. Members get a chance to handle the materials and ask questions. Sometimes a swap or sale occurs.
New Member Tea- This is usually an informal gathering at someone’s home where new and prospective members can get to know people and learn more about the group.
Speed Mentoring- This is a fun way to connect older, more experienced homeschoolers with newbies. New members rotate every few minutes to a different mentor and can ask one question of that person.
Question and Answer panel- Yet another way to connect the voice of experience with rookies who need help. A few experienced homeschoolers with a wide variety of family situations and methodologies form a panel and members of the group can ask them any questions on their mind.
Guest speakers. Speakers from within and without the group are invited to speak to the group for about an hour (one speaker per meeting). Each year the topics vary greatly, but at least one session will be geared to high school and one geared to those with younger kids.
Practical skills. Among the speakers that come to the group, some offer practical skills to help with a particular area of homeschooling or homemaking—anything that will make homeschooling easier. Examples: Menu planning, organization, creating lapbooks and workboxes, couponing, cleaning house efficiently, home-based business.
This is only a small sample of possible meetings for support groups, but these are what have kept our group alive and vibrant.
Image by USDAgov on flickr
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
These are brilliant!
Thanks!