By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

The Ellis County Home School Network is providing a curriculum fair Thursday for those who have already made “the leap” to homeschooling and for parents who are thinking about it, according to group Treasurer Andrea Meier.

Meier home-schools her 7- and 9-year-old children.  She said she started the  “homeschool journey” four years ago and admitted the idea was scary at first.

“I think a big part is finding a network of people that can help walk you through it,  to provide the encouragement you need, and to trust yourself and the children that they are learning what they need,” she said. “Just to trust you mom instincts because they are not usually wrong.”

Meier said the fair will offer a chance to talk to parents from all different backgrounds and experience who will provide ideas about the different types of homeschooling curriculum available.

“Some curriculums are very expensive, and you don’t want to put a lot of money in (to one type) and find out that curriculum does not work well with you and your style, and your child and his learning style,” Meier said, “so this is a great way to find out what works best for you.”

The fair will also provide a chance to learn about the network’s group classes, such as physical education, art and “Explore,” a class providing hands-on learning experiences.

Most importantly, Meier said the fair allows the 30 members, serving 90 children in Ellis County, to share ideas and support each other and anyone thinking about homeschooling.

“They are some who have been homeschooling for a long period of time and some who have only been homeschooling for a year or two, so we are all at different spots in our homeschooling journey,” she  said.

Meier said some curriculum and materials will also be for sale.

The hourlong event begins at 7 p.m. Thursday at North Oak Community Church.