I had to step out in faith this week. A local newspaper reporter wanted to take photos of the boys “doing school.” Problem is – every time he was able to come out – we were – Volunteering at the local Book Author’s Fair, Attending a Renaissance Fair Campout, Working at the Library, on a Field Trip, at Surf Lessons, Etc – So he would reschedule. This is the sort of shot he wanted.
Their workboxes are behind them, the “classroom/learning library” is actually in a different room. He asked to record them – and then asked them questions. I prayed. I walked to an adjoining room. And I prayed some more.
He said he was Pro-Homeschool. He asked questions like – Have you always homeschooled? Do you think you are missing anything? Do you have any friends? Do you like homeschooling? He asked me – what I thought was different between the way I learned in school, both private and public, and the way the boys are learning.
I’m hoping this one makes the paper. The boys were pretty upfront. I didn’t coach their responses. I’d love to hear a panel of Home/Public/Private kids and listen to how the answers would differ. Nathan filled out his Brain Builders/Social Studies worksheet 5 times in different styles of print. Jon just randomly wrote numbers on his Jump5 Math Book.
Ultimately, I think the interview was good. We’ll see it in the paper on Thursday. (Our town only has one paper edition per week). My goals? To promote homeschooling in Lincoln City. To let people know that people do homeschool through middle school and high school. To know that there are people to contact in our small town to join with. To let people see a different way of learning than the Oregon “School at Home” Charter School – ORVA? K-12 type options. I told the guy – I was taking him on faith – not knowing the angle of the article – as he kept trying to say it would be ok – pro homeschool etc. But this isn’t my first rodeo with the paper – even a poorly quoted negative article would let families know we exist in Lincoln County. And that – Is what I want. 
PS. I had to post these pictures of our table looking spiffy in the middle of the day and their Workboxes looking so organized behind them and I’m not sure my boys have ever sat on the same side of the table and did anything without kicking each other – but don’t they look sweet?. . . For the trained TOS Eye, you’ll see I would like a couple of brownie points for displaying 2 upcoming reviews and 3 Timberdoodle products. . . . . . Work it – work it . . . .
+Angie Wright
Pebblekeeper 
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Our family did this for our local newspaper a few years ago, too! They wanted “first day of school” shots and photos and interviews from homeschooling as well as public and private schools. It was neat – they did three separate articles, big, full-page articles, on each of the schooling options. Some families thought I was crazy to do this, because they thought that the paper would twist our words. Well, the reporter was quite conservative, and she was definitely pro-homeschooling by the time she left our home! Even the photographer was impressed. It was a great experience all around, and I’m glad that we did this.
Julieanne
http://www.JoyInOurJourney.com
What was funny/interesting Julianne – is that the reporter was going to attend a public library meeting about homeschooling, and said he would only be there for a moment, and asked if it was OK to come. I said yes. He ended up staying for the entire meeting and thought our discussion was way more interesting than he had expected, he put off a meeting to stay through the whole thing. He does seem to be very pro-homeschooling, but I do not know his background at all. Like I said though, this isn’t my first dance with the paper, and I have only been exposed to half written, misquoted articles, no matter how well the intentions are. How exactly does one shorten an hour long meeting into three paragraphs and a photo? So I give grace. Thanks for your understanding and kind encouragement!
Oooo. Homeschool rock stars!! Can’t wait to hear about the write up. Sounds like you are spreading the good news of homeschooling. 🙂
They do look sweet…but a little unnatural. I think I prefer the lived in look. 🙂
Shhhhh you are one of the few that knows real from newspaper photo shoot!
Sent from my iPod
Yeah for homeschooling! 😀 Good for you for being a part of this, and for being an awesome HS family!!!
I was thinking the same thing Blossom said; all those outings would have been EXCELLENT additions to his article! Maybe hw will mention in the paper where you were each time he came and missed you…
PS. They do look sweet. 🙂 And, you deserve, not one brownie point, but a whole pile of them! 😉
Corine 😀
I hope the article turns out great! I totally understand your concern.
LOL and yes they look so ‘sweet’ sitting together so nicely.
Hmmm, the guy should have taken photos of the activities you guys do because THAT is a large part of homeschooling, isn’t it?
Let us know when/if it’s published! We want to read!!