Homeschoolers connecting with children's authors and authors connecting with homeschoolers

[Sarah0000]

I've been pondering whether there would be any interest in a homeschooler "author visit" such as happens at brick-and-mortar schools. Or perhaps not even an author visit, but some "place" where authors could go to connect with homeschoolers and homeschoolers could go to check out the latest in children's literature. Or both?

The question arises because some authors are wondering how to directly reach homeschoolers. I recently guest blogged about "Books in the Homeschool" Books in the Homeschool: A Quick Guide for Children’s Authors – WRITERS' RUMPUS (writersrumpus.com) (it's geared towards authors). But other than coming across books in the same way any other parent does (blogs, reviews, word of mouth) how would homeschoolers know that a book/resource was out there for them... especially ones that specifically appeal to homeschoolers such as books that don't take place at school? Just blogs? 

I'm not sure what I'm asking... just for your thoughts on this topic, I guess. Traditional schools have librarians with access to catalogs that included synopses, topics, curricular connections, and digital copies, so books can make it to the "right" audience through that channel. But there's nothing, as far as I know, that would work similarly (with a different focus) for homeschoolers.

 

[Insertcreativenamehere]

The Read Aloud Revival does virtual author visits/events -- that might be a good option to investigate? 

[Dianthus]

Homeschoolers often utilize their public libraries. We visit a minimum of once per week. Could send info through those channels.

I would think they could also start visiting the homeschool convention circuits.

[HomeAgain]

We drive an hour to go to a little bookstore because of this.  It's owned by a children's author, the staff is fabulous at promoting children's literature and connecting kids with books, and there's a room for regional authors to come visit and have events.  It is well worth the drive for us (even if my pocket book doesn't usually like it!)

I'd say the easiest way to set something like this up specifically for homeschoolers would be at conventions or through regional homeschool groups.  If publishers had a way to curate homeschool friendly books and events on their site, that'd probably help, too.

[Shoes+Ships+SealingWax]

I would love to participate in something like this, especially it there was a location (virtual or physical) where authors would be willing to communicate back & forth with homeschooling families in something akin to “real-time” such as via a FB Group or these forums. Not all the time - but maybe a once per year Authors’ Conference, or a monthly “Ask Me Anything” featuring a different author each month.

The authors could post about whatever topics they’d like - what they’ve recently released, what they’re struggling with, the creative process, the journey from concept to creation to publishing, polls or questions for the homeschoolers to weigh in, etc. 

[Sarah0000]

13 hours ago, Shoes+Ships+SealingWax said:

I would love to participate in something like this, especially it there was a location (virtual or physical) where authors would be willing to communicate back & forth with homeschooling families in something akin to “real-time” such as via a FB Group or these forums. Not all the time - but maybe a once per year Authors’ Conference, or a monthly “Ask Me Anything” featuring a different author each month.

The authors could post about whatever topics they’d like - what they’ve recently released, what they’re struggling with, the creative process, the journey from concept to creation to publishing, polls or questions for the homeschoolers to weigh in, etc. 

Authors do virtual events often, including many of the things you listed, but it's usually public schools who book/organize/host these events. Sometimes authors do events through their own channels, like virtual launch parties and events for kids, but I don't think the communication channels reach homeschoolers for the most part. 

[Sarah0000]

On 4/9/2022 at 5:54 AM, HomeAgain said:

We drive an hour to go to a little bookstore because of this.  It's owned by a children's author, the staff is fabulous at promoting children's literature and connecting kids with books, and there's a room for regional authors to come visit and have events.  It is well worth the drive for us (even if my pocket book doesn't usually like it!)

I'd say the easiest way to set something like this up specifically for homeschoolers would be at conventions or through regional homeschool groups.  If publishers had a way to curate homeschool friendly books and events on their site, that'd probably help, too.

That's an excellent idea. I didn't even think of conventions since I never went to one. It's a little tricky for a traditionally published author though because they generally don't sell their own books directly, which is why events are mostly hosted at bookstores.

[Sarah0000]

On 4/8/2022 at 10:50 PM, Spirea said:

Homeschoolers often utilize their public libraries. We visit a minimum of once per week. Could send info through those channels.

I would think they could also start visiting the homeschool convention circuits.

Yes, the books do go through the library but nobody is "tagging" books for homeschoolers. Like, books that have a homeschool family in them, or at least books that don't take place in a brick and mortar school or books that have a kid independently learning, etc. 

[Sarah0000]

On 4/8/2022 at 1:32 PM, Insertcreativenamehere said:

The Read Aloud Revival does virtual author visits/events -- that might be a good option to investigate? 

Had no idea! Will definitely check that out.

[Sarah0000]

Thank you everyone for your interest. I will think on this. 

[Dianthus]

35 minutes ago, Sarah0000 said:

Yes, the books do go through the library but nobody is "tagging" books for homeschoolers. Like, books that have a homeschool family in them, or at least books that don't take place in a brick and mortar school or books that have a kid independently learning, etc. 

Well, could create a resource list for homeschool related books and send to libraries. Our librarians also search terms for us, so if books have the search term "homeschool" tagged, that would be helpful.

I will say, that I thought we were given the side eye when my kids were little and we began homeschooling. Like, why are you here in the day and not in school? All the librarians know us now and appreciate my kids. But perhaps homeschooling in general may not be supported by librarians. Stereotyping, but just a feeling... don't want to get in a debate over this comment.

[Lucy the Valiant]

Tangential idea - When ours were younger, we did an "Author Project" together. We'd read one (or several) books by a children's author, and then the kids would write letters and / or draw pictures to that author. They introduced themselves as home schoolers and asked a few questions, either about the book characters or about the author's own life. If the author was still living, we'd mail those out, and if the author was deceased, we just tucked them in our binder. 

MANY of the authors wrote back - some with pre-made materials, etc., but many with individual letters actually answering the kids' questions! We saved all of them in a 3-ring binder, and just built it over the years as interest waxed and waned. ❤️ 

[Sarah0000]

18 hours ago, Lucy the Valiant said:

Tangential idea - When ours were younger, we did an "Author Project" together. We'd read one (or several) books by a children's author, and then the kids would write letters and / or draw pictures to that author. They introduced themselves as home schoolers and asked a few questions, either about the book characters or about the author's own life. If the author was still living, we'd mail those out, and if the author was deceased, we just tucked them in our binder. 

MANY of the authors wrote back - some with pre-made materials, etc., but many with individual letters actually answering the kids' questions! We saved all of them in a 3-ring binder, and just built it over the years as interest waxed and waned. ❤️ 

That is sweet! We've done that too but the letters are lost.

[Dmmetler]

I wondee if you could do something like Skype a Scientist? That was set up originally to give classrooms a way to connect virtually with working scientists, but has expanded to offer both a set schedule of drop in events (focused on different ages) and a matching program where any group can be matched with a scientist. Maybe something like that for authors, where there might be a regular set time a week for an online reading and discussion, but also a Google form you can fill out to be matched with an author to talk to your group? Maybe there's a bookstore that could host on their website, and have a featured page where you could order books by the authors? 

 

 

[Sarah0000]

On 4/12/2022 at 10:13 AM, Dmmetler said:

I wondee if you could do something like Skype a Scientist? That was set up originally to give classrooms a way to connect virtually with working scientists, but has expanded to offer both a set schedule of drop in events (focused on different ages) and a matching program where any group can be matched with a scientist. Maybe something like that for authors, where there might be a regular set time a week for an online reading and discussion, but also a Google form you can fill out to be matched with an author to talk to your group? Maybe there's a bookstore that could host on their website, and have a featured page where you could order books by the authors? 

 

 

Oops I missed the comment before. That's a wonderful idea, too. Perhaps I can do some research and find a bookstore that is particularly homeschool friendly. 

Authors do want to get paid for visits, virtual or otherwise, which public schools do pay for. But I'm not sure that would go over well with homeschoolers. I just checked out Skype a Scientist which is a great idea. Something like that but not nearly as frequently could work, and have broad use, but someone would have to manage it.  🙂