GRAND TRAVERSE HOMESCHOOL inclusive networking support
FAQs
- GENERAL: Is homeschooling legal?
Yes, although regulations vary from state to state. At the links page is information about homeschooling in MIchigan.
- GENERAL: I'm thinking about homeschooling; where do I look for information on how to get started?
In the links page of this website, there is a section for those new to homeschooling. There are many wonderful links that will give you a lot of insight and information to think about.
- GENERAL: I am thinking about homeschooling, but my parents are concerned about how their grandchildren are going to socialize and make friends. How does that work with homeschooling?
Socialization is often brought up as a concern, so much so that it has almost become something of a in-joke among homeschoolers. Some parents of homeschooled children feel that the opportunities their children have to get out and explore the world and interact wtih people of all ages are so numerous that homeschoolers actually have the advantage over their peers. Besides the activities found through homeschool groups, there are community clubs, scouting, 4-H, church youth organizations, classes, the YMCA, community sports, and volunteering, just for example. We also appreciate that our children generally seem more readily able to play with and befriend children that are not the same age as themselves, because they are not regulated to same-age classrooms, which is an artificial environment, not like any other social construct out in the "real world." Check out our links page for further reading if interested.
- GTHOMESCHOOL SPECIFIC: I am new to homeschooling. Can I get curriculum or textbooks from you?
Every parent who homeschools is responsible for providing their own curriculum. There are as many options as there are homeschoolers it seems. Please check out the links page for curriculum resources, helpful links for beginning homeschoolers, and the methodology section. You never know what path will work for your family.
Our lending library has some (currently limited selection) curriculum available for checkout as well as general homeschool books.
- GTHOMESCHOOL SPECIFIC: I want to join the group, but only because my child is interested in finding friends for one specific activity/club. Can I just ask if there is an interest in the activity once I join?
Yes, of course! All GTH members can use the yahoo group to connect with other homeschoolers and make plans/find other homeschoolers who share similar interests.
- GTHOMESCHOOL SPECIFIC: I joined the group and I see a post for an activity I want to attend, but it is at somebody's house I don't know and I am hesitant. What do I do?
Ask questions! Anyone posting an activity will leave contact information, so contact the host and introduce yourself. Because we want this list to be open and inviting to all and to serve as a communication hub for any individual or group representative that wants to join, you must use your own discernment about whether an event is the right fit for you and your children.
Still have questions? Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.
Wondering what we do? Please click on our In-Person Support page.
Everything sounds good?
"An eternal question about children is, how should we educate them? Politicians and educators consider more school days in a year, more science and math, the use of computers and other technology in the classroom, more exams and tests, more certification for teachers, and less money for art. All of these responses come from the place where we want to make the child into the best adult possible, not in the ancient Greek sense of virtuous and wise, but in the sense of one who is an efficient part of the machinery of society. But on all these counts, soul is neglected." ~Thomas Moore
