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Do you home school your children? Stats reveal that about one million America kids are home schooled and about 100 000 families are home schooling in South Africa.
One of the main benefits of home schooling is the ability to instil a passion for life-long learning in your child. Parents get to choose the type of education they want for their children and the freedom to explore other areas of learning when they want to.
Shirley Erwee says that homeschooling is not just about academics, but about preparing children for life by helping them develop all round talents, abilities and relational skills. Extramural activities can add benefit and enhance this home schooling experience. Wendy Young agrees. “As parents we like to tailor-make our children's education and extramurals help us to develop strengths with wise choices as to what they will participate in,” explains Wendy.
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| You can select activities based on new learning areas for your child. Learning to read music, play the piano, sing or play chess can help teach your child new concepts that will assist in his learning at home and strengthen developmental areas. |
| “The ability to pursue areas of passion or talent adds much value to a child’s character,” says Shirley. “We are all good at something and we need to help our children find their strengths and abilities and develop them to greater potential.” |
| Extramurals will give your homeschooler a chance to socialise outside the home. “They provide opportunities for meeting new people and experiencing different teaching or leadership styles and group activities beyond the family,” explains Shirley. Your child will also lean some important life skills at extra activities –self-discipline, organisational skills and responsibility. |
| Extramurals provide opportunities for children to participate in activities which their parents are not able to offer at home or are not the parent’s strong point. |
| Take time to decide on the right activities for your child. Over-scheduling leaves kids tired and frustrated. Rather start off with one or two activities that interest your child. “Don’t be tempted to do everything just because it’s on offer,” says Wendy Young. “Choose extramurals carefully according to your child’s needs and abilities. Take your children’s interests as far as possible in the home and wait for maturity of character before rushing them into classes.” |
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Article by: Gina Hartoog. Expert consultants: Shirley Erwee of www.shirleys-preschool-activities.com and Wendy Young of www.homeschool-curriculum-for-life.com or jointly: www.south-african-homeschool-curriculum.com.
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