Welcome to the Ocean County Homeschoolers wiki.  This wiki will serve to walk you through the various features of the blog, in case you are new or nervous about blogging.  Relax, even if you have never blogged before, I will highlight the various sections of the blog and what they may be used for.

First notice the simple layout of the blog: the central part is where you may post or comment.  The right side bars are for special links.  Here is some general information defining a blog, and then specifically, what is the purpose of this blog.

From Wikipedia:

"A blog (a portmanteau of web log) is a website where entries are written in chronological order and commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog."

Blogging is not just about keeping a journal online as some may believe.  It is a method of social networking, a way for members of a particular community to remain connected remotely and stay informed.  By nature, as a homeschool parent living in a large suburban county, it is difficult to stay connected to one another.  There are so many ways in which a blog like this is important:

-If someone is curious about homeschooling, and knows no one in their area.  This can be a way of reaching out and asking questions.

-If a homeschool group has just formed a sports team or debating team and are looking for other groups to interact with in this area.

-If a parent is interested in starting up a new homeschool support group

-If a homeschool group would like to publicize their activities, fundraisers, plays, etc

-If there is a legal matter that needs to be addressed or representatives to be contacted this could be a way to form grassroots support.  It is a way to be notified of legal issues.

-If someone is encountering new issues in homeschooling that no one they know can help them with, this could be a place to find someone to chat with.

The list goes on...the important thing is that we get started!  The blog consists of Posts (written by myself and other authors) and Comments written by anyone in the homeschool community.  Don't be shy about commenting on these Posts.  If you would like to become an author and add your own Posts, then please contact me at nvscils598s07@yahoo.com and I can invite you to become an author.

Please note:  This blog is for the public; it needs to be so new homeschoolers can find us and the public can read what is posted.  However, all comments must be approved to get through.  My only reason for censoring comments would be if it is inappropriate or rude in content. 

Also, this blog is for homeschool support only and to share information.  It is not an opinion forum (for example, if someone posts that they disapprove of homeschooling, etc. the message will not be posted).