When we began homeschooling, I worried a bit about my kids missing out on iconic school experiences like riding the school bus and class holiday parties. I knew we’d have to sacrifice some things with our choice to homeschool, but figured it was worth it. Can’t have your cake and eat it, too, right?
I got over the school bus thing pretty quickly (after all, I only rode the bus during one of my twelve years of public schooling, and it wasn’t exactly the highlight of my life). And thankfully, I found that fun holiday parties with other kids can be pretty easily accomplished outside of the classroom.
Today the kids and I went to our local homeschool group’s Valentine’s Day party. It was held at the church where the group meets each week. (It’s not a church group – in fact, it’s not religiously affiliated at all – it just meets at a church. Don’t want to perpetuate any “homeschoolers are all religious freaks” stereotypes.) There were about 20 or so families, and we had a great time.
The kids made their own bags to take home their Valentines, just like in “real” school.
(I just love to see a boy putting flowers and hearts all over his bag.)
We had goodies of all kinds, store-bought and homemade.
Did I try out the brownies with the M&Ms? Heck yeah. Yummmm.
The kids deposited their Valentines, store-bought and homemade, into the other kids’ bags and boxes.
Pals young and old had plenty of time to hang out. Dolittle and her friend here are having a typical 6-year-old conversation about teeth they’ve lost. (I wonder if women do this when they’re 86, too?)
BoyWonder naturally found all the balls in the building (which were actually hidden from sight behind a curtain). It’s like he can smell them or something.
One of the greatest things about homeschool parties is that you have kids of all different ages together.
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