4 Reasons the Library is a Homeschooler's go to spot
It's one thing to buy books and create your own library, but it's a whole different thing to visit the library to borrow books for your home library. Not belittling the first option, but borrowing books from the library allows you to change your entire book selection every month! Or however frequent you like! Also, it allows you to check out books before buying them; like that book your kids really enjoy and MUST have.
Exploring different books, stories, topics, and pictures makes learning and learning to read much more fun.
In addition to the endless supply of books, most libraries have toys and other learning resources available for kids of different ages. My 3 year old looks forward to going to the library to play with puzzles, blocks, trucks, and sometimes even to color.
Here are 4 reasons the library is our go to spot while homeschooling my preschooler (also valid for any age)
With no upcoming events, or scheduled activities, being indoors homeschooling day in and day out can feel a bit bland or boring. When extreme weather comes around, like very cold winters, or overly hot summers, our days at the playground and afternoon walks become infrequent to the point that we don't get out of the house as often as we would.
At times like this, we make frequent trips to the library. We go to the library all throughout the year of course, and it's top on our list of places to go while homeschooling.
Why is that you ask?
1. Access to a large directory of books and learning resources
2. Opportunities for new interactions and making friends
The most common question I get about homeschooling is "what about socializing?". I'm sure every homeschooling parent gets this question A LOT. Going to the library provides great opportunities to socialize and make friends, (not just for the kids...moms need mom friends too).
My kiddo has had the opportunity to meet and play with kids his age, older and younger while at the library. Not forgetting the friendly library staff who are always happy to greet him and have a little chat. He's exposed to a diverse group of individuals each time we visit the library.
3. FREE fun activities
The library is one spot that seems to always have free weekly activities. Storytime, crafts, yoga... quite a variety of activities. Storytime is our favourite thing to go to, and by "our", I mean "me"! My little guy takes a little while to warm up to it unless they start off with a song he likes.
In addition to singing, dancing and stories during storytime, that's a guaranteed time to meet other kids who also attend storytime.
At our library, during the summer, they have other activities like making bubbles, chalk art and other simple fun activities.
4. Change of atmosphere
If you've been couped up at home for a while (like I said at the start of this article), a change of atmosphere can be nice and a bit exciting for your homeschooler(s). It always provides a pleasant break for us, especially when there's nothing special planned.
BONUS!
The library is also our spot for learning about things happening in our community. They also have programs in collaboration with other organizations that you can benefit from. Our favorite is the "Read to Reef" book club that gives you 4 free tickets to the National Aquarium in Baltimore once you fulfill the reading requirements. That's quite some savings!