When I started my homeschooling journey with my 2 oldest children 8 years ago, it was difficult to find fellow homeschooling families. I spent a lot of time speaking to people in the community and searching online to get connected to other homeschoolers in my area.

Homeschooling has been steadily gaining popularity, and because of this, homeschooling co-ops, Facebook groups, community-based activities, and meet ups with other families are popping up everywhere. In my area, there are so many opportunities to connect with other homeschooling families we could be away from home all day every day if we wanted.

When I meet new homeschooling families or families who are considering homeschooling their children, I always connect them to our local Facebook group. In just the Belleville Ontario area there are over 430 members, and I've met other homeschoolers out in the community who have not even joined the group yet!

Homeschooling is really growing fast in this area. My close friend is one of the admins of the local Facebook group, and she spends a great deal of time providing our families with up-to-date information on programs for homeschoolers in the area. We have everything from gym class and library programs to art and French classes and gymnastics. One of the many perks of homeschooling is that most businesses have enough business savvy to tap into the homeschool market and offer daytime deals when the public-school kids are in school. This benefits the business by generating income during off-peak hours but also benefits the homeschooling families by keeping activities affordable. If there is an interest in a program or activity that is not currently being offered, most businesses are happy to accommodate homeschooling children during the day.

Connecting to our homeschooling community is a great way to participate in homeschool activities, enjoy time in the community, meet other homeschool families from all walks of life, and have fun! Today, more then ever, it is easier to connect to other homeschooling families thanks to the growing number of homeschooled children and social media groups like Facebook!

My name is Katie and I am a busy homeschooling mother of 4 wonderful children aged 2 to 15 years old. I have been an advertising sales representative for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine for over a year and I have also written articles for The Canadian Homeschooling minute. I am an Early Childhood Educator, trained Montessori teacher and a certified neurofeedback practitioner. The children and I live a quiet and peaceful life on our hobby farm north of Belleville, Ontario with our cats, dog, chickens and ducks.