Ohio homeschool families, whether they're homeschooling independently or enrolled in a district program or virtual schooling facility, have plenty of resources to help them find real life learning opportunities. Homeschool support groups can be a resource for planned field trips with other homeschoolers. Families can also opt to visit these places on their own.
Homeschooling in Ohio
Ohio homeschool families are subject to rather strict requirements, compared to other states in the nation, being that families must submit a learning plan or curricula list. Parents homeschooling without a degree muse prove themselves proficient in homeschooling under rather vague conditions and many families opt to participate in state run independent study programs and online homeschool or virtual schooling programs instead.
Real Life Homeschooling
Homeschool families who are concerned about the systematic "dumbing down" of learning materials are understandably concerned over the material that's being taught in these virtual or online homeschool programs. Families may wonder whether or not their children would do better with real life homeschooling, based upon the child's interests and experiences, using real materials and primary resources rather than textbooks and the division of life into "subjects."
Ohio Homeschool Resources
The Christian Home Educators of Ohio (CHEO), the Home Educator's Cooperative Learning community (HECLC) and the Homeschooling in Ohio (HiO) group offer resources to help Ohio homeschooling families find each other, with support group directories. CHEO is clearly a religious organization and helps direct new homeschoolers to other religious homeschoolers and local homeschool support groups. HiO lists several different support groups, of all kinds, without prejudice. HECLC brings together all of the state's support groups and provides an email support newsletter.
Ohio Homeschool Field Trips
Ohio has a wide variety of natural resources and living history field trips that families can participate in. Throughout the state, there are opportunities to learn about the real world just by living. Visiting museums, state parks and historic sites gives children concrete experiences that transcend book learning. For History, visit the northern coast area, to see Ancient Indian villages and pioneer re-enactments. For Agriculture, the rural areas have plenty to offer. For Mathematics and Science, the universities have events and festivals, as well as math and science museums for children to explore.
Ohio has a wide variety of natural resources and living history field trips that families can participate in. Throughout the state, there are opportunities to learn about the real world just by living. Visiting museums, state parks and historic sites gives children concrete experiences that transcend book learning.
