Alameda Oakland Home Learners

How our Homeschooling Support Group Functions

AOHL is for parents and kids of all ages, from babies to teens, to get together each week and socialize. We meet every Thursday for our “Park Day” alternating locations primarily in Oakland and Alameda parks. Park Days start at noon (sometimes people are late) and run until late afternoon and you may drop in at any point during that time. We require prospective new members to meet us at one of our park days before you may join our group. Each homeschooling support group has a different social dynamic. We advise newcomers to visit more than one local homeschooling support group and try to find one that feels right to both you and your child(ren).

We welcome prospective new members on the 1st Thursday of every month at Lincoln Park in Alameda. We would enjoy meeting you and your child(ren) at that time. Our Park Days are listed with links to their locations under the heading of Calendar of Events at AOHL.net. At Park Day, you should find people willing to answer any questions you have about homeschooling. Feel free to initiate discussions. Many in our group are new to homeschooling and others have been doing it for over a decade. Bring a folding chair to sit in. That’s how you'll recognize us: we are usually sitting in a circle. Feel free and don’t be intimidated to join us as we always expand the circle as more people arrive. When you come, ask to speak to a greeter, who will help with introductions and any questions that you may have.

Although Park Day is our group’s main activity, members also organize classes, field trips, camping trips, and other social events. We also chat on-line about different homeschooling topics. We have a Yahoo group to facilitate communication between members; however, we are strictly a volunteer-run homeschooling support group or a “social group,” not an on-line group. We do not offer any services except what parents and kids offer on their own accord to other members in our group.

If, after meeting us you would like to join and participate in our group, please talk with the Membership Secretary or the Treasurer at the park. We charge membership dues of $5.00 per year. The membership year starts on September 1st and ends on August 31st. We do not pro-rate dues. Our Yahoo group and roster are available to members. Members must attend an AOHL Park Day at least once annually in order to renew their membership. If you have questions or concerns, you may contact our Outreach Coordinator, Kristin at

 

Background:

The Alameda Oakland Home Learners support group was formed in the mid-nineties by a group of parents committed to teaching their children at home.  AOHL promotes tolerance and respect toward all members, regardless of learning style; family configuration; and racial, cultural or religious background. We welcome diversity.

 

AOHL encourages all members to contribute their time and talents to the group, as they see fit.  Members are expected to follow the Guidelines listed below, and to ensure that their children abide by them as well.

  

GUIDELINES FOR ALL MEMBERS:

Members must interact with one another respectfully, both in person and in our online forum.

 

GUIDELINES FOR AOHL PARK DAYS AND EVENTS:

For parents:

• Parents must supervise their children at AOHL park days and activities, or designate another adult who will do so.

• Parents should make certain their children know and understand the Guidelines for Kids stated below.  

• Parents are encouraged to offer assistance to any child to help resolve differences or promote safety. If a parent intervenes with a child from another family, please inform that child's parent of the situation.

• For classes and field trips, parents should discuss a planned activity with their children beforehand and be sure their child wants to participate in the activity.  Participants are expected to treat speakers and other participants respectfully. Parents are responsible for removing their children from an activity if they are disruptive to the group.

 

For kids:

• Try to get to know other children. Parents can help.

• Be considerate of others and their belongings.

• Be safe.

• If you cannot resolve an issue with another child safely and respectfully, get an adult to help.

• Include everyone in games and activities (unless an activity has been pre- designated as age-specific.) If you need to make an exception to this rule, talk to your parent.

• Accept guidance from any AOHL adult who offers it. If you disagree with what an adult has said to you, talk to your parent.

• Please, no weapon play, including sticks and foam weapons.