Finding homeschool support and building relationships can be a challenge! If you are new to homeschooling, new to the state, or even new to a region of the state, it can be much like moving into a different neighborhood. It takes some time to get to know your homeschool neighbors, as well as what the homeschool "neighborhood" or community has to offer.

As you begin to get acquainted, connections and friendships are made. Often this takes you beyond the neighborhood and into the larger homeschool community to discover avenues for support and enrichment that meet your needs and the unique needs of your children.  

By Maresa Kelleher

“Bloom where you are planted.” My kids have not only heard this a million times but

have lived it. I always say that my kids are truly my heroes. Moving constantly, not

having any family around, a parent possibly being deployed, being “the new kid” often,

and really, just having such an unpredictable life can be overwhelming! The ever-

changing landscape of military life is, I think, EXACTLY why God led us to homeschool. This would be their constant. This would be the anchor that steadied them through each move, each new state, or new deployment or new tour schedule. Their dad and I chose this life, they didn’t. We will do everything that we can to make it the most beautiful, full, and exciting life that it can possibly be. This has allowed them to become more resilient, more adaptable to so many new situations, and stronger humans overall.

April is the Month of the Military Child. It is a time when we recognize all that these kids must go through and sacrifice. So, military children, we see you and we thank you and you are loved and appreciated.

There are many ways we can show our appreciation, not just in April, but throughout the year. If you have a military family move to your area, or join your church or co-op, get to know them. Invite them over for dinner. Be someone they can count on in times of need. Make them feel welcomed and like they are home, even if it is only for a short time.

If you want to show your support this month, we invite you to wear purple on our

PurpleUp for Military Children Day, April 13 th .

By Jessica Leavitt

A common mistake made by many (parents, teachers, doctors, relatives, well-meaning strangers) is that literacy only relates to being able to read. This couldn’t be further from the truth! The Language Arts encompass so much more than simply the reading of words. Children should be learning to listen and speak, both in a learning context and in a casual conversational context. Did you know? Drawing is considered a pre-writing skill! Make sure you give your child credit for talking about stories they have heard, for making up and telling stories orally, and for having conversations with others.  When you pay attention to other literacy skills such as these, you will realize that you don’t need to rush reading skills. If you slow down and let your child learn to read at a natural, enjoyable pace, great things will happen. You will both appreciate the added benefits of waiting – here are just a few to look for:

• Increased vocabulary: Having a large vocabulary is a strong factor when it comes to reading success. Read to and talk to your child. Introduce new words and explain them in a way your child will understand.
• Increased confidence: Many children guess at words when first learning to read. This is very common. However, it is also a sign that the child is struggling and would benefit from more time before reading independently.
• Better Comprehension: If you spend an extra year or two reading TO your child and talking about the books together, you will be setting your child up for future success in reading. While you are reading, you can introduce vocabulary such as: character, plot, setting, narrator, comparison, conflict, symbol, etc.
• Lifelong love of reading: Removing the pressure of early reading does so much to foster a natural love of reading – and learning! – that will last a lifetime

To help take the stress out of teaching reading to your child, consider purchasing HOME's New Teaching Reading: A Stress Free Resource Guide.

Jessica Leavitt is a former elementary teacher who now homeschools her two children. She enjoys camping and hiking with her family, loves children’s literature, and works from home part-time. Jessica supports the Early Learners group for Homeschoolers of Maine and believes in the importance of play for children of all ages. 

By Sarah Buchwalder

Not too long ago, Valentine's Day was called St. Valentine's Day. St. Valentine was a Roman physician and martyr who wrote letters to friends and loved ones from prison as he awaited execution because of his Christian faith. The notes were signed: "From, your Valentine." Why not take some time with family one of these winter days to make your own valentines - notes of hope and encouragement to those you love and maybe even those you don't know? A hospital, care facility, or even correctional facility might welcome simple cards letting residents know you are thinking of them. Or you could make some notes of appreciation for others in service positions - cashiers, your local library clerk, your postal worker. You could have the fun of shopping for inexpensive supplies (decorative paper, stickers, ribbon, and other add-ons) OR have even more fun working with what you can find on hand in the house. Cut out pictures from old magazines and catalogues as a collage! Make some tea or hot chocolate and popcorn to make it a cozy and memorable experience for everyone. Not to mention all the skills and subjects this activity works in - budgeting, problem solving, community service, fine arts, fine motor control, even history if you take the time to explain the tradition of notes and cards at this time of year because of St. Valentine.

Consider a deeper look at Valentine's Day with HOME's Chocolate and St. Valentine unit study!

Sarah is a mother of three and a New York expat, homeschooling on the Midcoast.  Her degree is in philosophy, and she wears multiple hats at HOME (and home).  She sort of classically educates her kids and likes being by the ocean, growing food, and having meaningful conversations with friends.  She is a pet mom to an especially handsome bearded dragon, three chatty guinea pigs, and a fluctuating flock of hapless Ancona ducks.