3 Ways to Build Connections as Homeschoolers

Last week, I interviewed Jodie Ellis, the founder of S.E.R.V.E., which is a Louisiana-based homeschool organization that supports community involvement and connection. Ms. Ellis talked about her past and why it inspired her to start S.E.R.V.E. She found herself homeless at one point in her life, and S.E.R.V.E. now helps the homeless. Homeschoolers are invited to join S.E.R.V.E. and volunteer their time. They can help with community efforts, such as feeding the homeless or supporting hurricane victims. This helps homeschoolers develop confidence and empathy for others around them. Ms. Ellis emphasized that connection is everything in this life.  

At S.E.R.V.E., homeschoolers can also find ways to make connections. They can join in the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball, co-op classes, career fairs, or cultural events. S.E.R.V.E. offers a plethora of events for homeschoolers. Ms. Ellis welcomes homeschoolers with special needs. She has seen many of these children flourish at S.E.R.V.E. because they’ve found their tribe. 

• Find your tribe. 
• Serve others and include others. 
• Emphasize the relationship over the coursework. 

Connection > Perfection

First of all, find your tribe. Connect with other moms at the park, library, or grocery store. Find local organizations like S.E.R.V.E. or make connections at your child’s activities. Test out homeschool communities to see if they fit your family’s needs and values. Don’t mold yourself to fit into a clique, but find unique friends. Contact homeschooling veterans and ask them questions about how they made connections. 

Next, serve others and include others. Volunteer with your children and teach them how to volunteer. Serve others and realize that people all live differently. This will help your child build empathy, discernment, and perspective-taking. On a personal note, I volunteered as a child, and it greatly impacted me. I learned that the world is a big place with people who just need to see a smile. I also made lifelong connections and friends. Teach your child that others might look or live differently from them, but we should still be kind and seek to include others. 

Third, in your homeschool experience, emphasize the relationship over the coursework. Don’t let the coursework rule your family. If your child needs a break, take a break. Show them that performance-based learning isn’t the priority. Your family culture is the priority! This will then help them make healthy relationships in their lives. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ms. Ellis spoke on the key to homeschooling: connection. S.E.R.V.E. offers a way for homeschoolers to build connections and give back to their communities. If you live in Louisiana, connect with Ms. Ellis and start networking and volunteering within the group. All in all, Ms. Ellis provided heart and explained how families can proactively seek out ways to connect with the world around them. 

Click the link to join our Facebook group!

- NxtEra

Written by Bethany (@thebookwormgirl_bethany)

Helpful Links: 

Website: SERVE Homeschool Outreach Homepage

TikTok: TikTok - Make Your Day

Instagram: S.E.R.V.E. Homeschool Outreach (@s.e.r.v.e.homeschooloutreach) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook: Facebook

YouTube: SERVE Homeschool - YouTube

LinkedIn: LinkedIn