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Smoothing the Way

Smoothing the Way has come to North Tarrant County!  We are here to help new homeschool Moms!  The first year is often filled with questions, concerns, trials, victories that need to be celebrated and passion that needs to be stirred.

Scripture says that two are better, because when one falls down, the other can lift them up.  We believe Smoothing the Way takes this principal to homeschooling Moms.  By meeting regularly in person, having a email group and having fellowship times – we can lift one another up.  We can also answer questions and share ideas.

Many people ask “why only first time homeschoolers?  I still need help!”  The answer is that, we want to provide a level playing field for the group.  If we allow a few moms who have been homeschooling for 3 or 4 years, then new homeschoolers might not feel as open to sharing, and the other moms might feel the group is not as beneficial.  Come by and talk to me individually and I’ll help you find another group that will provide you with the level of support you need.  Eventually we will do the same with the members of Smoothing the Way – after the year is up, we’ll help them find other groups to be involved in and people to connect with.

New Homeschool Moms:

Shannon Blakely and I (Marlain Jones) both found Smoothing the Way and thought of YOU! We know that the first year of homeschooling can be hard.  We want to help.  While we can do that in thousands of ways, Smoothing the Way seemed to be a proven program which would give us a plan to use to do this. 

The most important part of this group is our monthly meeting!  These are going to be held the 1^st Monday of each month.  The calendar for the monthly meetings is available on the main Smoothing the Way website.  With the membership (a  $75 fee) comes a notebook filled with information about each of our monthly meetings.  Each month we will have more handouts, pages for notes and opportunities for you to add to your folder.  By joining the group you’ll be able to create a valuable notebook to use for years to come, you’ll have access to our web-group for emailing reminders and questions and information. 

Occasionally we will  have coffee times and maybe a very informal Mom’s Night Out. The calendar (below) has dates for Mom’s Night Out, held monthly on the last Tuesday of each month at The Book Cover.

Just a few other notes about joining.  You are welcome to join at anytime by coming by The Book Cover.  If you are not sure about joining, you are welcome to attend one meeting without joining, but after that you would need to join before attending any other meetings.  If the $75 membership fee is difficult to afford, please talk to Marlain or Shannon and we will do whatever is necessary to provide a scholarship or workout a payment option.

Veteran Mentors

While Marlain and Shannon have committed to leading this group, wisdom is found in the voice of many experiences.  So, we need help from veteran homeschool Moms that are willing to share their strengths and advice with new homeschool families.  We know there are lots of veteran mentors around that might be willing to help.  If you are willing to make the commitment to come to at least 3 meetings during the year, please contact Marlain or Shannon.  We would also love to have help from some of these same people with bringing snacks or drinks for our meetings or perhaps planning field trips and activities for the group.  If you feel this is a way you could use your gifts, abilities and experience – please let us know!  While we are not wanting to burden our mentors with a large number of meetings to attend or activities to be involved in, we do want to be sure you are committed to attending enough that the members of the group can begin to know you and feel comfortable with the veteran mentors that are attending! 

The two of us really can’t do this alone, so we are looking forward to the help of many veterans!

Join Today!

If you are ready to join, come by The Book Cover.  Even if you aren’t ready and just think you could use some encouragement, come by and talk to us!  We want to encourage all our homeschool Moms!  Your life is busy and your job is hard.  You need cheerleaders to encourage you. 

If you have other questions about joining, please feel free to call and speak to Marlain or to email her!  Shannon is also willing to help with questions and phone calls, but remember she has a family to take care of and children to teach.  Marlain feels blessed to have the opportunity to be available to talk to any of our members (or potential members) during the normal day as she doesn’t have other responsibilities during the day! 

You can contact Marlain at The Book Cover at 817-428-4328 or email info@the-book-cover.com .

2008 Calendar: All meetings are now being held in our classroom at The Book Cover.