The Homeschool Network's Mission
To provide a supportive, resourceful and respectful community that aims to help all homeschooling families flourish in home-based and community-based learning.History of The Homeschool Network
THN began in the fall of 1996 as The Burlington Homeschool Network. Shauna Bennett and Heather Butler were looking for a group that would welcome families regardless of their style of homeschooling. During its second year, the group more than tripled in size. Presently, THN is a vibrant and dynamic group made up of families that learn, share, and socialize together through participation in activities and in our yahoo group.The Function of THN
THN provides the opportunity to meet and form friendships with other homeschooling families, and to participate in activities. These include monthly meetings, social events, field trips, yahoo group access, and more. Members are welcome to organize and/or host activities that interest them. Examples of activities include: informal get-togethers, public speaking, recitals, fairs, book clubs, museum visits, tours, physical education, etc. No formal activities are scheduled for the summer months.THN's Functioning Principles
Below are THN's Functioning Principles. THN is:- INCLUSIVE: Our group is richer for its diversity and welcomes families who:
- home school
- have diverse backgrounds
- have differing learning and teaching philosophies
- SUPPORTIVE: We support each other in our efforts to homeschool our children. We accomplish this by:
- learning from each other
- listening to each other and building friendships
- sharing ideas, resources and experiences
- getting together for social and educational activities
- DEMOCRATIC: The running of THN is open to any current member who is interested. Members are encouraged to become involved according to their own strengths and interests. Involvement is voluntary and the group operates as follows:
- no one leader
- no executive
- democratic decision-making by vote at meetings and by proxy vote
- no official involvement in disagreements
- PRIVATE: The THN Member List is private and we respect each member’s right to privacy. The purpose of the list is to facilitate networking between current THN members. Please:
- keep the Member List in a safe place
- do not share the contents of the Member List with anyone who is not a current THN member
- RESPONSIBLE: Participation in THN events is voluntary. As members of THN, we understand that responsibility lies with each of us for:
- our own safety and well being
- our own actions and those of our children
- providing satisfactory education for our own children
- taking the initiative to ensure the group is meeting our unique needs
- working out any disagreements that arise
- communicating any expectations or restrictions when organizing an event or field trip, if necessary
- INTEGRATED: Many THN families participate in our larger community through:
- community clubs and programs (sports, music, drama, art, library and more)
- conferences, committees and boards
- An ADVOCATE: Both our website and our brochures aim to inform the larger community about who we are. We are enthusiastic about:
- sharing information about our group
- fostering an appreciation and understanding about homeschooling as an alternative form of education
- inviting prospective members to an event or a meeting to learn more
- supporting interested members to participate in outside homeschooling conferences, media events and trade shows
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Hello,
The Halloween Party was a fabulous success. We couldn't believe the number of happy families who showed up in costume and had a great time with experiments, games, art, crafts and lots of good food.
It showed our group to be strong and committed to our choice of homeschooling and most willing to have a fun time socializing with all ages. With that success under our belts, plans have been made for a Christmas-time party in mid December.
In the meantime, kids are still busy at community centres, skating rinks, pools and YMCA doing activities slotted for homeschoolers. We are a very diverse group and our methods of homeschooling vary widely. While some do curriculum, others do variations on it and others lean more toward unschooling. When we get together it makes for some lively conversations. Our next meeting will discuss the deschooling process as well as bring up activities, theatre outings, field trips and other opportunities available.
Please check into some of our links and resources listed on this page for more homeschooling information.
-Lucy
The Halloween Party was a fabulous success. We couldn't believe the number of happy families who showed up in costume and had a great time with experiments, games, art, crafts and lots of good food.
It showed our group to be strong and committed to our choice of homeschooling and most willing to have a fun time socializing with all ages. With that success under our belts, plans have been made for a Christmas-time party in mid December.
In the meantime, kids are still busy at community centres, skating rinks, pools and YMCA doing activities slotted for homeschoolers. We are a very diverse group and our methods of homeschooling vary widely. While some do curriculum, others do variations on it and others lean more toward unschooling. When we get together it makes for some lively conversations. Our next meeting will discuss the deschooling process as well as bring up activities, theatre outings, field trips and other opportunities available.
Please check into some of our links and resources listed on this page for more homeschooling information.
-Lucy
Labels: November update
