Imagine...
--a group of friends hanging out on couches and bean bag chairs, discussing philosophical questions like, "Do we control technology, or does technology control us?" or, "Do you perceive things as they are or only as they seem to be?"
--a break in the middle of the day for a cup of warm and soothing tea (or hot cocoa, or lemonade...) and a snack, while sharing and enjoying poetry. It might be song lyrics. It might be a classic. It might be your original words. No pressure. No analysis. No critique. Just letting the beauty of rhythm and language wash over us.
--art projects that give you the opportunity to try new techniques and materials. A chance to collaborate or work independently. Flexibility within structure.
Hi! My name is Erica Johns, and I've been homeschooling my six children since 1997. Since I now have one homeschool graduate and 5 teen or pre-teen students, I know how important social opportunities are for homeschooled teens in particular. I also know that parents want to help their teens feel connected to their peers, but often struggle to do so when considering the additional needs of the entire family.
In an effort to keep my own kids connected, and to help other families do the same, I have decided to start an enrichment class series for the 2014-15 school year. We plan to meet 10 weeks in the fall semester, and 10 weeks in the spring semester, and cover a few topics and opportunities that are often overlooked or unable to be done at home:
Poetry tea time: This ain't your great-grandma's tea party! Inspired by Brave Writer's recommendation to relax and enjoy the gift of poetry, each week we will have some delicious treats to eat, while also sharing poems that we like. There's no test, no quiz, no big discussion--just the enjoyment of poetry for its own sake. This is a subtle, yet powerful opportunity for your students to relax and enjoy something that many of them probably think they don't like! Even your boys will like this more than they think they will. A great addition to your existing literature and Language Arts program!
Art: Each week we will have time to work on art projects! We will explore a variety of art approaches that will appeal to this age group. Plans include the new and awesome Gelli Plate Printing, zentangles, collage, watercolor painting, drawing activities, and more. See the videos on the sidebar for some examples of a few upcoming projects.
Brain Boosting Games: We will take a half hour each day to play some games that work to strengthen our memories, recall speed, and conceptualizing abilities! It's a lot of fun, too.
Lunch and Recess: Bring your own lunch and enjoy hanging out with your friends. Bring soccer balls, games, guitars, crafts, or just sit and talk with your friends. We have a big back yard with trees and a hill that is great for sledding down when we have snow, too!
Field Trips and Extras: I would love to take the kids to places like Elmwood Inn Fine Teas in Danville, The Wild Fig independent bookstore in Lexington, and to do other extras as we see them come up and have an interest. We may also have some ongoing collaborative art and poetry opportunities within the group, and I'd love to put together a keepsake book of our time together. An end of year event would be a great way to finish our year together, too!