What About Homeschoolers? Understanding and Programming for Homeschoolers and their Parents

To register for this webinar please follow this link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/9316909412971/WN_tDsmO20kTPGMzOif7Glsbw. Sessions are free and available only to members of the Michigan library community. Registrants will receive instructions and a link to attend the session directly from PCI after they register.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of homeschooled students in the U.S. shot up from 2.8 to 5.4 percent during the 2020-2021 school year. While that number has decreased post-pandemic, homeschooling continues to be an increasingly popular education choice. Homeschoolers are a diverse community, but they do have one thing in common—they’re dedicated and voracious library users!

Join librarian and homeschool alum Elizabeth Stinnette as she explores the homeschooler mindset, discusses ways to connect with homeschool students and their parents, and presents real-life examples of library programs that have (and haven’t) worked to meet the needs of this unique community.

Homeschoolers aren’t intimidating, and they’re already your fans—you can make your library a resource and gathering place for them!

In this program, attendees will learn:

• The history of homeschooling
• How homeschool students are different from and similar to their traditionally-schooled peers
• What never to ask homeschool students or their parents
• How to connect with your local homeschool community
• How to create programs that meet their educational needs

Instructor: Elizabeth Stinnette is a children's librarian at Purcellville Library, a branch of the Loudoun County Public Library system in Virginia, where she specializes in programming for elementary-age students. Elizabeth earned her MLS at Catholic University of America and previously worked at a variety of LCPL branches, including a brand-new urban branch, a small rural branch, and an outreach van. Outside of libraries, she enjoys reading, writing, and travel.

PCI Webinars are recorded and available to members of the Michigan library community in the Library of Michigan's Niche Staff Skills Academy about a week after they air. New webinars will be in the New category for several weeks. You do not need to register for a webinar in order to view it later in the Staff Skills Academy.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Library of Michigan.