Dear Fellow Homeschooler,

Cell phones...drama...makeup, Oh MY! This is your guide to dealing with the one and only, public schooler. Be warned: this is just for fun. I have nothing against public schoolers (well, not most!) and have several friends that are in public school. This is merely just for fun. Enjoy.

~HomeschoolGirl

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Chapter One: Conversation

Oh dear! It's all happened to us once or twice. We've run into a "public schooler" in the market, or on the street, or at an event. They come to talk to you! Don't freak out, because they can SMELL fear. And they will use that to their advantage. Be very cautious, and don't reveal to much information about yourself. Unless, of course, they're nice.

Scenario #1:

You see a girl texting on her cell phone. You pull your mom's iPhone out, and she instantly can sense that you indeed have a very cool device that she would like to use. Slowly, she approaches you as you play a math game.

"Hello," she says. "I love your shirt."

She's most likely lying, so just nod and give her an overly-friendly smile.

"Oh, gee, thanks! Your's too!"

Go back to your game, but angle the iPhone away from her. That sends her the message that you are pretty intent on that and aren't willing to share. Of course, she doesn't get it.

"Cool phone."

Uh-oh. She's being very direct! If you want to be nice, reply like this: 

"You have a great one too! This one actually isn't mine, though. This belongs to my mother. In fact, I should probably get it back to her. Bye."

You turn to walk away but with desperation, she flings her bag to the grown, spilling out it's contents. Since you're a kind homeschooler, (curse that!) you turn around to help her pick stuff up. She stuffing it in very slowly, trying to think of something good to say.

"I've always wanted an iPhone."

Boy is she desperate! Don't give in, however, to her fakely-sweet protests. Just smile back at her and wave.

"Maybe you'll get one some day! Nice to meet you! Goobye!" 

You turn to walk away but, with one last act of hoping to get on the iPhone (she seems to really like it for whatever reason!) she grabs your arm.

"Can I see your iPhone? Please?"

A public schooler said please! You are dumbfounded. Quick, regain your senses.

"Sorry, I can't since it's my mom's. Have a nice day."

RUN! (and that's just what you do!)

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Scenario #2:

You've been talking to this really nice girl, Maggie, for an hour while you two wait for your mom's to finish up their Bible class. She's a lot like you, and you've gotten along really well. Then suddenly...

"Where do you go to school? I go to Lily Academy."

You know very well that's a high strict public school...that you are not interested in! 

"I'm homeschooled, actually." 

She gives you a confused look. Oh no! It's the "what the-" look, which means she's about to ask...

"Homeschooling? What's that?" 

You know, once you tell her, this conversation could go either way. So you're very careful the way you answer. Don't boast, brag, or sound superior. (Even though you feel sorry she has to attend such an awful school!)

"It's when my mom stays home and teaches me. Basically school at home." 

She looks like she's thinking about something. You sigh internally. And then she asks-

"How do you like it?"

Be honest! Let her know what you really think.

"It's perfect for our busy lifestyle. I enjoy the freedom. What do you think of Lily Academy?" 

Her eyes lighten up as you change the subject. You're safe...for now! 

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Scenario #3:

Your cousin is having a sleepover, and she's invited you. Your mom says you should go, however, you'll be the only homeschooler there! How will you get through the evening?

"Hello!" 

You walk through the front door and hand your cousin her birthday gift, giving her a hug. There's a bunch of girls gathered in her living room. Three of them are texting. Two girls are giggling together about something. The last girl is reading. You wave.

"Hello! My name is _ _ _ _"

They hardly look up, except for the book reader. Go to her first! The first new person to show interest in what you have to say will probably be the easiest to get along with and be friends with.

"May I sit here?"

She looks up and nods, obviouslly shy. You sit next to her while your cousin makes her way around the room, talking to everyone. You want to start a conversation with the girl and aren't sure how. To do so, target their obvious interests. For the texters, it would be cell phones. For the gigglers, clothes and gossip. And for this girl...

"What're you reading?" 

She looks up, and allows you a small smile. She indicates the book with her hands.

"Twilight. I really love it!"

Oh, dear. You have a strong dislike for Twilight, especially the themes centered around the book. But at least she's spoken, and that's a start. Find something to say about it, just not anything mean.

"How interesting! I like a book similar to that...it's called Lord of the Rings."

She looks interested for once! 

"Oh...that book was amazing!"

Success!

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Awesome! Did you read that? I hope you did! Because if you didn't the second chapter won't make too much sense...or will it? Am I making sense? 

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**Hope you guys enjoyed! Feedback, please. :))