About this time of year, many homeschoolers are beginning to plan for summer studies or the next school year. Our co-op is already beginning to form the 2010-2011 class schedules based on student interest and teacher availability. As you decide the subjects you want your children to study, you might consider sharing your own skills with others – and allowing them to share with you.

If you have a skill, a hobby, an interest, or a subject you enjoy, you can teach other children along with your own. You don’t even need to be in a co-op to get started. You can offer the class to your homeschooling friends — it can be a casual class, meeting in your living room or at a park, or a more formal class, meeting in a library or community building. You might charge a small fee for your time, or you could barter for other classes or services.

Need some ideas? Here are some topics to get you started:

• Foreign languages – Are you fluent in a foreign language? These are a must for college-bound high school students
• Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics: These lab sciences can be harder to fit in the family’s schedule when there are lots of little ones around.
• Math — Teaching upper level math classes can be difficult, so if you’re good in math, you would be able to fill this need.
• P.E. — Are you athletic? You can organize exercise activities and team sports.
• Literature — Do you love to read? Do you appreciate good literature? Form a group to read and discuss the books you choose.
• Chorus – Are you a good singer? Consider directing a children’s choir.
• Personal Finance – If you manage money well, you could teach this topic to teens.
• Art – Do you draw or paint? Do you like to do crafts? You could start an art class working with your favorite medium.
• Photography – Are you an amateur photographer? A professional one? Share your enthusiasm with students as they learn the basics of taking a good picture.
• Scrapbooking/Stamping – If your creativity flows in this area, show the students how to preserve memories by creating their own personal scrapbook.
• Home Economics/Cooking – Does your family rave about your cooking? Consider starting a class for budding chefs and teach about kitchen safety, nutrition, and preparing meals.

The list of possibilities could go on and on…just take what you know, and share it!

Guest Blogger: Samantha Bell

Photo by Khaleeka

Homeschooling Reading Curriculum by SmartTutor.com

Story Time – Stories for Kids

We know it’s important for our children to get enough exercise, but how do we work physical education into our homeschooling day? Even though you may not have a daily class time for P.E., there are other ways to fit it into your child’s schedule.

Check with your local YMCA to see if they have homeschool classes available. Our YMCA offers exercise classes once or twice a week for a small fee.

The YMCA also offers sports programs throughout the school year. You can sign your child up for soccer, flag football, or other sports teams.

If you are part of a homeschooling co-op, check to see if a P.E. class is available during the up-coming school year. These classes are often divided into age groups, making it fun for all involved.

If you know someone who is interested in teaching a class, you can create your own P.E. course with other homeschoolers you know. We started one about three years ago with a coach who agreed to teach the class. We meet twice a week for an hour each time, and the coach plans and directs the activities for a small fee. If a coach isn’t available, a parent might want to lead the group.

Ask about established homeschool sports teams in your area. You can sometimes find homeschool swim teams, baseball teams, or football teams if there’s enough interest.

Check with local churches for baseball, softball, or basketball teams that your child could join.

Start a running club with other homeschoolers interested in track. Meet once a week to warm up and run together.

Plan a field day with friends. Invite them to participate in races and other activities. You might even offer ribbons or small prizes to the winners.

Keep watching for sports camp opportunities, especially in the summer. Many colleges and churches offer basketball, baseball, tennis, or soccer camps.

Don’t forget the other ways to incorporate physical exercise in your school days: bike riding, walking, hiking, roller skating, jump roping… there are so many possibilities!

Guest Blogger: Samantha Bell

Photo by mikebaird

Homeschooling Lessons and Games by SmartTutor.com