Homeschool Learning Lab welcomes homeschoolers (and out of session public/private schoolers) of all backgrounds and abilities to an environment where students are able to express themselves and learn about the world around them, where families can find support for their homeschooling adventure, and together we strengthen the entire community.
COVID 19 Update: We are striving to provide quality content in both an in-person (outdoor) and a virtual setting. Masks will be required while on library property. When in person, please stay close and help your child ask for and grant six feet of social distancing space. We will closely monitor the number of active COVID cases in Durham county and may return to all-virtual in the future.
Homeschool Learning Lab meets on Thursdays at the North Durham Library from 10-11am. We welcome homeschool parents, caregivers, and kids (both homeschoolers and out of session public/private schoolers) ages 4-18.
Desiree Peterson and Molly Schaefer, librarians at the North Regional Durham County Library, design weekly programs to educate and engage local homeschoolers. Generally, the teachers and librarians completely lead the class, but parents may be needed, depending on the skills required. Parents are always welcome to stay in the class if that works best for their family (eg. kids will need help completing the project, kids are nervous about being in a new place, parents are curious about the subject). Otherwise, parents are welcome to gather outside the classroom to talk quietly amongst themselves or just enjoy the library facilities! Children under the age of 11 may not be left unaccompanied at the library.
Sometimes for science or other topics, kids are split into two groups (older and younger.) The kids are allowed to self-select which group they would like to be in, or their adults are welcome to decide for them. Often the younger kids will need more help from their grown-ups in these cases.
NOTE: This program is designed to be at no cost to any family. There may be times when families are asked to bring small items on a voluntary basis, but nothing is required.
If your child is under the age of 11, they should not be left unaccompanied in the library. Some programs require more parental involvement than others.
Library's childcare and courteous conduct policies:
https://durhamcountylibrary.org/about/policies/courteous/
https://durhamcountylibrary.org/about/policies/safechild/
For example, one parent wanted their kids to preform a short play (part of their curriculum that just would not work well at home), so the parent asked that the group try doing some Shakespeare. Desiree asked all the kids in the program which play they wanted to do (they chose Macbeth) so she divvied up the parts--most people played 1-3 roles--copied and highlighted the scripts for the last act which the kids preformed after she read a brief summary of the first acts. It was a great way to feel like the kids were getting a full education, and were not limited by what any one family could do at home.
Got a suggestion? Email Desiree or Email Molly