heradorset - heradorset

HERA is a friendly Poole based Home education social group, so whether you are already home educating or are just contemplating the idea, please feel free to browse the site and contact us if you want to know more. You will find some pictures available but others are for members only as these contain pictures and videos of individuals in our group. If you do decide to join us and do not wish any photos to be put on the website please let us know when you join.

We do arts and crafts, science, outings and workshops. Visit this site regularly to see what's going on, and let us know if you would like to join in with the fun.

In the 'Documents' section you will also find details of rules and regulations for joining HERA, and of course the all important childrens charter with a list of qualities our children discussed as being most important to them for the group. There is also a poster for you to print if you would like to pass on basic information about the group to others who may not have access to our website.

The calendar will be updated as we go along so please check in regularly so that you dont miss out on any events or workshops which you may like to take part in, some of which may have limited spaces which will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Updates & news

HERA has an Allotment !!

We have been lucky enough to have been allocated a community allotment at Kingston Lacy. It provides a fantastic opportunity to get the children outside learning whilst having fun and growing their own fruit and vegetables. There is also the opportunity through this to achieve the Young Gardeners Certificate which we will be working towards, both at the allotment and during some Friday group sessions.

We will be found up there most Tuesdays anyone wishing to join in with the project please let us know.

HERA Teenz

HERA Teenz, is officially up and running !!

It was recognised that the older children would benefit from a social group aimed purely at allowing them to socialise independently away from parents and siblings, although parents can meet at the same time for coffee etc... just in a completely different area to the teens.

This new branch of HERA will organise an event/ activity once a month for home educated teenagers, probably the first Wednesday of each month although this is subject to change. The first event will be bowling on 7th March, 12pm at Bowlplex, Tower Park, details of which have been added to the calendar. Feel free to invite other teens as you meet them, I will soon have some more business cards that you can hand out advertising the new group. It is important you let me know by the date stated whether you are able to attend as many of these events will need numbers in order to book.

As usual my contact numbers and email can be found on the 'contact us' page, if you would like me to email you with details of the events as they are planned please let me know your email address so that I can add you to the list, or alternatively keep up to date by checking the calendar which can be found on this website, I have added a HERA Teenz page which will include latest news and events about the new social group. If you have any ideas for activities please let me and I will look into them. Thankyou :)

Sarah xx

Happy New Year

Well, we are back at group now after our Christmas break and what a great first day back. Today we designed and created games. Keep an eye on the calendar as we will be adding activities regularly, we already have planned, Candle making, Chinese New Year Activities, Music Workshop, Macrame and of course a celebration for HERA's 2nd anniversary.

I have opened a new discussion on the board for people to post any ideas they may have for activities and/or outings.

Drama Production

A big well done to all the children for an excellent drama production today :) and Thankyou to Susanna (Helen O'Grady Drama Academy) for coming along to group for the last three weeks and turning our young ones into budding actors !!!

Rocket Competition

Last Thursday we launched our rockets, congratulations to Dylan for achieving the highest flying rocket, Thomas for getting the furthest distance, Thai for the best design and Jack for the best effort, oh and to Jacks Daddy, Tony, for taking the competition the most seriously !!!, we hope you enjoyed receiving your medal :), even if you couldnt be there on the day.

Water Rockets

Well what great fun we had today setting off some small water rockets, I cant wait to see how the big ones fly on Thursday!!!

We will be at Avon Heath Country Park from around 10.30am on Thursday... dont forget your rockets and for those of you havent yet made one bring an empty bottle decorated (the bottom of the rocket should the opening end of the bottle) and leave the end open so we can place a cork in it, other than that tail fins, nose cones etc its all down to creativity.

There will be a competition for the furthest / highest and best designed rocket.

Have fun and see you Thursday xx

E-Bug

Thankyou to all the children that took part in the evaluation for the e-bug fun on the farm activity. I hope you have all recovered from those gruesome looking bacteria !!

Zoolab Visit HERA

On 19th August, Zoolab visited us at HERA bringing with them, a hissing cockroach, a corn snake, a tarantula, tree frogs, a gerbil, rats, a giant African land snail and a Scorpion. The children were allowed to interact with the animals although the frogs, tarantula and scorpion were passed around in their boxes. Our topic today was 'adaptations' and the children in the morning chose an environment and then designed a creature which could live there with adaptations which we discussed, so when Heather from Zoolab arrived the children were keen to see the various animals and learn how they had each adapted.

Shoe Box appeal

Well its coming up to that time of year again, when I start harrassing you all for shoe box appeal donations. I have just ordered all this years leaflets and posters etc, so it wont be too long... so start saving your shoe boxes and bits and pieces. For those of you that dont know what I am talking about, Samaritans Purse, run an appeal every year for people to donate shoeboxes wrapped up like christmas presents with various little items inside ie, toothpaste, toys, books, pens, paper etc. they really do make a huge difference to childrens lives, if you dont believe me click the following link to watch the video but be warned you may need tissues handy (I do)... http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.operationchristmaschild.org.uk%2F&h=KAQCmCk50AQD7Smlat1-bMgHXgl3Cm54yp2sYgixOl4BGkg This year I intend to have a prize for the child that manages to collect the most shoe boxes for the appeal so if you have an idea of where you would like to advertise for them and would like a poster or leaflets let me know asap as I may need to order extras !! Thankyou. Sarah xx

Well Done.....

to all who achieved the second level of the Crest Science awards 'SuperStar'.

We have been working towards The Crest Science Awards, many of our children have already achieved the first level 'Star' and have now gone on to achieve their second awards. To gain their certificates and badges our children have had to complete a set number of science experiments for each level.

So well done, and we look forward to starting the next 'MegaStar' awards in September, which are more project based and more indepth.