Arts and crafts

By the way, LOVE the pic of little mouse blowing bubbles with the shopping basket on her head She does love her accessories

I love the idea! The only problem I have is that we live in a small town and there really aren't a lot of activities for young children. I don't even think that we have any type of mommy & baby type of get togethers. I've lived here all my life but except for a friend I met through one of the July mommies, I don't know any other stay at home mommies. Quite sad really.

What type of resources do you use? I saw the tot school banner but haven't really taken the time to look at their website, but how much 'kit' does one really need?

And thanks so much for answering all my question

Hi Marijke

Thanks for the reply! I think socialization issues is one of the biggest concerns of all parents and I also think that is one of the main reasons some parents decide not to homeschool. I can honestly say in my experience that socialization is only a issue for the parents! When you do homeschool, obviously you are schooling from home, but you will also include extra mural activities for your kiddos. At these activities they will come into contact with other children. Not to mention church and sunday school as well.

I have art and craft playdates as well as playdates with friends of my little girl and she is so happy and content. She will play beautifully, never nasty or saying things like "mine" or taking items away from other children. She is never rude, always have manners - fundamentals that I'm sure is laid down at home and not at a creche or daycare.

There are loads of homeschoolers in SA, you can join forums, and groups - all of these groups / forums do organize activites as well. You can basically do anything from singing in the choir to playing rugby. Just because you are a homeschooler does not mean that you cannot socialize like any other young child.

I started with my little girl when she was 15 months old, I know some parents start at a younger age, but I felt Mouse was ready then. Each child is different and you will know when your child is ready.

We homeschool because it is good for our family at this time. It is not a done deal that we will homeschool all the way through to high school, she might go to public school at some stage, but at this stage we are homeschoolers and loving it! This is also my opinions and I do not in any way want to offend anyone else, what may be a good fit for our family, might not work for you. Each parent and family need to make that choice on their own.

Hey Trudie,

I've been following your blog for a while now and just love all the things you do with your little one. I would also love to get busy and do creative things with my LG when she's a bit older.

When did you start with the "homeschooling"? My concern is that my LG might not develop socially (?) if she doesn't at some point go to a creche or daycare. On the other hand, I was home with my mother till I started preschool. So how do you overcome that hurdle?

I don't live in Cape Town, but close enough so would be really interested in hearing more Here's my email marijke01za@yahoo.com

Hey Trudie

This is a great topic. My LG is 9 months but I would love to get some ideas from you as you sound like you know what you are doing
My email address is krossouw1@gmail.com.
I am based in JHB or I would have defintely have wanted to go to your workshop!
I am not so good with arts and crafts so dont have any ideas right now but if I get any I will share

Hi All! I am a homeschooling mama of a beautiful little girl! (now 22 months old) I love spending time with her teaching (and learning) with her. She is such a joy and blessing, each day holds it's unique challenges, but we always get through it and learn in the process. I cannot imagine spending my day without her or dropping her off somewhere. Yes, I am in a fortunate position where I do not have to work and my hubby provides for us in order for me to stay at home with my Little Mouse.

One of our favourite homeschooling activities is arts and crafts. In fact -we love doing arts and crafts in our house, I would love to share ideas with other mommies, so please let those ideas roll in! I have some great ideas on pdf format, so if anyone wants me to forward that to them please email me at trudie@jollymommy.co.za

I am also hosting a standing arts and crafts playdate for those wanting to join in, email me and I will forward the details to you. (I'm in Cape town)

Any ideas on projects to do with the littles?