Support group events
starting a support group
by Annelie Kruger
Support for ourselves and developing our children’s socialisation skills are uppermost in the mind of most home school parents. My experience has been that it is up to you to reach out to other parents in similar circumstances.
Through the CHE you can find out if there are other home
schoolers in your area.
Invite everybody to your house or a park where you can meet and discuss
how and when to socialize.
When we started home schooling in 2001 we joined a very active group. I was fortunate to join this group the year before we officially had to start grade 1. I found it interesting to listen to everybody and then to make a decision on what material to buy and how to approach the whole thing.
Initially we had one educational and one social outing per month – I found that one outing per month is sufficient. Ask the kids what they want to do and work from there. In my group every mom gets a turn to arrange a social and educational outing and this work well for us – you might have different ideas.
We also went on a camping trip and what great fun that was. The kids had such a good time - we didn’t even know they existed. Different ages, sizes, English, Afrikaans, girls or boys they just seemed to enjoy every moment of the weekend.
If you need help, just ask. Most people are willing to lend a hand.
Home schoolers are quite fine with the bring-a-snack-and-cool drink thing. Nobody expects one mom to do everything.
As things progressed through the years we formed another group and since 2004 we go camping every year at the same time and place. Although some of the kids don’t see each other during the year, they still remember the previous camp and the friends they’ve made.
Possible outings: Movies, putt-putt, ice-skating, Kirstenbosch, The Castle, Coca Cola factory (or a factory), Ostrich farm, Honey Bee Foundation, World of Birds, Crocodile Farm, Fossils Park, Taalmonument, Zoo, Kleinplasie, climbing Leewkop, Aquarium, Laser Quest, Ten Pin Bowling, Monkey Town, beach, Robben Island, theatre, camping.
Good luck for 2008!!
KONTAK BESONDERHEDE – ONDERSTEUNINGGROEPE:
Malmesbury
Marlize Crafford
Sel: 072 052 6280
Tel: 022 – 482 4005
craffies@telkomsa.net
Vredenburg
Barbara Tudor
Sel: 083 729 3338
Clanwilliam
Marietjie Smit
Tel: 027 – 482 2729
wimpie.smit@telkomsa.net
Melkbosstrand
Elize Swart
Tel: 021 - 553 1633
Vir meer inligting en/of inskrywingsvorms kontak Linda Koetsier Tel: (021) 883 2924 / 083 683 1858 of Koetsier@flotron.co.za
