HOMESCHOOLING 101

  By Mary Roberts Clark

Just moved to Richmond and don’t know where to meet other homeschoolers? Been here a while and thinking of homeschooling? Following are some resources and ideas to help you get started.

Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) – headquartered in Richmond, this wonderful association has (or will find) the answer to nearly all your homeschooling questions. For more information, log onto www.heav.organd get started.

Support groups – again, the best place to hook into the homeschool support group that’s right for your family is on the HEAV website. Groups are listed by area so it’s easy to find a group near you. From sports to 4-H to honor societies, you’ll find a little of everything.

Curricula – many homeschoolers buy online. If you are looking to save on used curricula, you might try eBay, or Google a search for used homeschool curriculum. For new books, log onto your favorite publisher, like Abeka or Bob Jones University Press. Again, a great place to learn about the different types of curricula is at this weekend’s convention, where dozens of venders will be available to discuss their new products, and over 33,000 used items will be on sale at great prices in the Used Curriculum Sale.

Miscellaneous items – lots of homeschoolers love yard sales. There you can find books, desks, bookcases, and even unopened science experiment sets at the greatest prices around. Check the classified section in each Friday’s Richmond Times-Dispatch (or check classifieds online at www.inRich.com) to find yard sales in your area – they’re listed by zip code.

Socialization – of course, that’s the first question you’ll be asked should you decide to homeschool – “But what about socialization?” If you are involved in a local church, you’ll probably meet other homeschoolers and find plenty of opportunities for socialization. Then there’s always the park! Of course, most homeschoolers agree that the best form of socialization occurs within the family unit, where parents are available to train their own children in biblical virtues.

Special Needs Children – NATHHAN is a national organization dedicated to helping homeschooling families with special needs – their local support group in Richmond is headed by Deb Pegram, who can be reached via e-mail at strengthuntostrength@juno.com.

Co-ops – Richmond’s West End boasts a wonderful cooperative school for homeschoolers. It offers individual classes in foreign languages, advanced math and science, and even performing arts. In fact, some children complete most of their high school classes at Westminster Academy. Learn more online at www.westminsteracad.org.

Whatever your questions, as you begin the wonderful homeschooling journey, there are others who have been down the path before you and are ready to help. Enjoy!