So it's been awhile since i've posted, but i've got my notes from our homeschool moms meeting a couple of Saturdays ago, and thought I'd post what sounded good to people, and we can go from there in terms of planning...
First of all, the BBQ in Brule - Juanita is hoping we can change this to Saturday - it works for me - any of you? We still need to plan games/activities - anyone have any other special ideas? Juanita brought certificates last year - maybe a photo booth? (says the lady who brings her camera everywhere) - prizes?
Art Coop - possibly every other week? Possibly two groups? One for older children and one for youngers? Sheila has a program that she likes, and some of the other moms also have resources for arts/crafts . Is there enough interest in learning sketching that we could hire a local artist to do a six week session for us? Sheila also recommended a CD called Phonics of Drawing program that was very step by step...
Drama - this came up while discussing art - Sheila is willing to help the older children write and put on a play - i would be willing to plan something fun to do with the younger siblings if this were something we had enough interest in...
Library Day - We weren't sure about what form this would take - but i do have invitations from the library, if we as a group would like to come in and talk about their online services (which will honestly take your breath away), or just a library orientation time. We can also use their Teck Coal room for free as i'm a library board member :) -
Homeschool Choir - well, this is just me itching to do a little extra music - if only i had a few more voices :) - I am thinking we could do this over the fall and end with a trip to Pine Valley retirement home... We have quite a lot of musical families and moms willing to help out, or even who might like to be involved in something like this. As a family, we've provided music for the Pine Valley Christmas dinner the past two years, and it would be fun to include the whole homeschooling group...
Field Days - i am hoping to talk to the coordinator out at Switzer park today about field science days - i will make a separate post about that! But other ideas included
`museum in Edmonton/Zoo (travel as a group, get a group discount)
`Ft. Edmonton park - free admission on some days
`Kelly's Bathtub - biology field trips
`recycling round up - field trip to the recycling centre (Juanita is looking into this one, as she's the field trip queen!)
`the dump - some concerns about the safety of our vehicles and of our children...
`SPCA
`possibly have a field trip to visit some horses
Halloween - recognizing that we all have different ways to handle this holiday - we thought it might be fun to gang together and do something fun that night. Some families have a tradition of going out to eat instead of being home - other families celebrate REformation day with games and a German dinner by candlelight - if there is interest in getting together to avoid the costumes and themes, we could easily have a great night together instead!
year end banquet - this was a neat idea - the idea is to celebrate and show off what the students have learned not just in academics, but in music, drama, projects, in their hobbies or service work.
Christmas - we had a great banquet this year - Kim suggested maybe putting together a living Nativity - this could probably be an easy thing to put together, even for some of the older children to arrange
Fishing - the Alvarez and Parton families suggested fishing as a group activity - i know my littles would love that, too!
Horses - Kim's mom may have a lead on a field trip this way
Mechanics - Vinicio Alvarez may be able to teach some of the older children useful skills esp regarding car maintenance etc - sounds great!
helicopter tours - this is a possibility we could set this up through the forestry department?
mine tour - i think this one is coming up soon! Whoever sees it in the paper - please post here!
swimming lessons - Kristy and Natalie are wondering if there is enough interest for us to nab lesson times during public school hours - Natalie said the last time she checked, the times available were after 2:30- until 3;30 as there were still lifeguards available - the possibility would be to break into two groups for ability levels..
skating - public skating happens M/W/F - this would be an easy one to arrange :)
I know this is a lot to read! But i hope you found a few things that sound great to you - if anyone wants to organize one of these things, feel free!
