Homeschooling families can use Facebook tools for a variety of purposes from finding free curriculum to planning field trips, building community, gaining support, and staying informed about homeschooling legislation or local homeschool conferences and events.
Homeschool children can network, too, creating large social groups, interest and activity groups, gaming groups, etc., both local and beyond. Facebook requires users to be at least 13 years old. However, with parental participation, younger children can also benefit from Facebook's social and entertainment tools.
Online Safety for Kids
Like any parent, homeschool parents also want to help children stay safe online. Possible dangers include inappropriate content, advertising, one-click buying, child predators, data collectors, computer viruses, etc. Netmartz, netsmartzkids.org, is a fun website that teaches kids about Internet safety.
Young kids may enjoy Club UYN where every member knows how to "Use Your Netsmartz." Club UYN engages kids in games and activities that help them learn about staying safe on and offline. They can download and print the club membership card with Net Smart reminders, as well as other printable activities.
Sharing Free Homeschool Resources on Facebook
In "Free Homeschooling Resources on Facebook," homeschooling mom Lisa Russell pointed out that many homeschooling families use use Facebook to coordinate field trips, share free online curriculum finds, find support, and even play educational Facebook games.
Homeschoolers can use Facebook to more easily tap into the multitude of learning opportunities in local communities and beyond. You can find local groups and groups for particular styles of homeschooling, such as the Unschooling group.
Follow Homeschooling Articles on Facebook
Planning Homeschool Events
In "Homeschooling Groups Use Facebook to Plan Events," Jamie Hobbs highlighted the benefits of Facebook's social networking tools for use by homeschooling families. Existing homeschool groups can communicate more easily with Facebook, as well as gain new members.
As Hobbs pointed out, field trips are an important part of a homeschool education. Facebook event tools allow field trip organizers to invite members, receive RSVP on the event page. Members can then ask questions, hold discussions, and finalize field trip plans on the event page.
By reaching out to the homeschooling community and inviting a significant number of members, the group can take advantage of group discount admissions to many events.
Facebook social networking tools allow homeschoolers to easily share resources, build community, organize events, and gain support, for the benefit of all homeschoolers.
You might also enjoy: The Online Homeschool Collection
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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