Sure, homeschooling is an educational method that's been around since the beginning of humanity, but that doesn't mean that homeschoolers are technologically deprived. In fact, homeschool families use social networking sites like Facebook to coordinate field trips and share free online curriculum finds.
Homeschooling Resources on Facebook
To browse specific homeschooling resources on Facebook, use the same search function that's used to find members. Enter your keyword, search anything from "Christian homeschool" or "radical unschooling" and even "Atheist homeschool" in order to find more homeschooling fan pages, individuals and social groups than you can imagine.
Downloadable Curricula and Free Worksheets
A popular Facebook group for homeschoolers is "Freehomeschooling101" (no spaces). Site owner Shelly, who blogs as "The Mom with Brownies," operates this group in order to share free online homeschooling resources with families. On this page and in its archives readers can find many free resources, like the downloadable Puritan curriculum and free government resources and links to free worksheets and lesson plans for homeschoolers.
Homeschool Freebie of the Day, a popular email group from the Erskine family that produces the Radio Free Homeschool, is also on Facebook. Each day, a free downloadable homeschool eBook, printable worksheets, book report forms and lesson plans are available from their website. Announcements are sent to all members of their email list and Facebook group.
Homeschool Support on Facebook
Many local, statewide, national and International groups have pages on Facebook. Fans of these groups can use the common page to connect with other members and share resources and information. Some groups are using their Facebook pages to coordinate field trips; the calendar application automatically sends reminders to every member who plans to attend.
Local groups tend to keep their membership private, for members' personal security. Other groups use the page for community outreach, allowing non members to access the page, as a way of soliciting new membership and keeping the community abreast of the group's activities.
Educational Facebook Games
Facebook doesn't allow members under age 14 to create accounts of their own, but Facebook games like Zooville and FarmVille have great educational potential. "Getting ahead" in FarmVille is math in action. Players buy seeds and pant crops for profit. With their coins, they can decorate their farms. Savvy players compare the ROI (return on investment) for every crop, planning ahead, estimating and calculating in order to reach their goals. ZooVille, by the same company, allows players to create virtual zoos and teaches animal facts along the way, using a similar set of mathematical skills for advancement. Language Arts games, like Scrabble and Pathwords are also available.
Facebook is just one of many ways modern homeschoolers are embracing technology as a social and learning tool. On a local and on a global level, Facebook allows people to interact on their own time, which is important for busy families.
Lisa Russell - Lisa Russell is a freelance writer and mom of six daughters. She blogs about their life at lisarussell.org
