"Don't you worry your kids won't be socialized?" That question is one asked of homeschoolers more often than we would like to admit. While my most common response is that my children are socialized with different ages and groups of people far more than they could be in any classroom setting, this question undoubtedly comes from a lack of knowledge of the multitude of opportunities that are available to homeschoolers. Here in the Tri-Cities region there are hundreds of different opportunities for families to be involved, encouraged and yes, "socialized" with each other. If you are a homeschooler looking for ways to get connected, check out some of these awesome opportunities.
- Homeschool P.E. Opportunities: Quantum Leap Trampoline Park offers a discount price of $5/child for homeschool groups who call ahead and reserve a time slot. Heart of Tennessee Gymnastics offers homeschool gym for $5/child with a max of $12/family on Thursday each week. They also offer parkour and other gymnastics programs specifically for homeschool students. Memorial Park Community Center (Johnson City Parks and Recreation) offers homeschool P.E. for ages 5 and up and a Preschool P.E. for ages 3-5. Both programs are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-2:00 and 1:00-1:45 respectively. Cost is only $3 and $2 respectively for each class. Kingsport Parks and Recreation offers homeschool P.E. on Mondays and Thursdays through the school year as well.
- Co-Ops and organized groups: Our area offers many different types of co-ops and/or similar programs for homeschool families. Some of the local organizations include Bristol/Abingdon Facebook homeschool group, multiple Classical Conversations groups, ECHO, HELP, Heritage Home Scholars, KACHEA, State of Franklin Homeschool group, TEACH and Tri-Cities Homeschool Playdate Facebook group. Each of these groups is very different from each other and provide families the opportunity to find a program of the size and structure they are comfortable with. Most meet weekly and provide homeschoolers the opportunity to learn and interact in a classroom setting. Some families choose more than one program, some choose one and others to choose none at all. One of the greatest joys of homeschooling is that families get to find and implement what works best for them. These are only a few programs available and more information can be found about each online.
- Sports: A common misconception about homeschooling is that kids will miss out on sports. In our area, several of the mentioned co-ops and organizations (KACHEA and TEACH are two examples) offer sports programs for enrolled students. KACHEA offers soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming and football program opportunities. TEACH offers volleyball, cheer, and basketball. Most area rec leagues and Upward programs are also welcoming of homeschool students.
- Formals, proms, dances and graduations: Some of the area homeschool organizations offer proms, formals, and graduations for both kindergarten and high school, allowing homeschoolers to not miss out on celebrating those big milestones.
- Field trips: Many of the area homeschool groups offer field trips for their members. I have also personally been very surprised at the number of businesses and organizations that have been extremely welcoming to host our groups. Most places are excited to offer a group rate for homeschool families that want to get together and learn and socialize.
- Library: Libraries are an amazing place for families to meet and learn together. Several area libraries offer programs specifically for homeschool students and the Unicoi and Elizabethton/Carter County Libraries can even boast that homeschool mamas are on staff to answer your questions about curriculum and available area resources. Check the websites and Facebook pages for your local library and see what they have to offer.
This is most definitely not a complete list of homeschool resources in our area, but just a look at some of the things available to you. If you are struggling with being stuck inside this winter, check out something new for your family.
Jilian's most important job is being the mother of three boys who are six, four and two with one more set to arrive in July. She coordinates field trips for TEACH homeschool co-op and co-admins the Tri-Cities Homeschool Playdate group. She works part time as the Health Educator for Tobacco at the Carter County Health Department and is the Director of BABE Breastfeeding Coalition. She and her husband love having the opportunity to homeschool their boys and are grateful for the experiences their family gets to share.
Jilian's most important job is being the mother of three boys who are six, four and two with one more set to arrive in July. She coordinates field trips for TEACH homeschool co-op and co-admins the Tri-Cities Homeschool Playdate group. She works part time as the Health Educator for Tobacco at the Carter County Health Department and is the Director of BABE Breastfeeding Coalition. She and her husband love having the opportunity to homeschool their boys and are grateful for the experiences their family gets to share.
