Hi there, Having a few "issues" with my son and his education and we are considering homeschooling - just wanted to know if anyone knew of any gifted homeschooling groups out there in Chch / North Canterbury - a chance where he could interact with his "peers". Thanks :)
Hi Laetitia, I can't help you specifically with Chch, however I do want to say that the majority of homeschoolers we've come across here in Auck are if not gifted, at least different and quirky! So even if you don't come across a specifically 'gifted homeschool group' you may find that any local homeschool group will have kids that will be as peers to your son. The other thing of course is that homeschoolers are usually very happy to interact with all different age groups. This is our 5th year homeschooling, and both my children are very 'different' in the usual circle of schooled kids. However they both have more friends - both schooled and homeschooled, now than they ever have had while at school. And these friends are all either older or younger, they actually don't have any the same age!!
Giftedness does not tend to be a focus in home educating communities because most children have a programme which caters to their individual needs, gifted or not. I have met many gifted children who are home educated and quite a few whom I would expect to be recognised as gifted if tested.
This website for the national home educators lists several groups in Canterbury. Dead Boring (North Canterbury) and CHE (Christchurch) organise regular gatherings for children (all ages welcome) although these will be during school time. CHE also runs information evenings (register through the website or by telephone) and members can attend their “Designer Kids” network meetings for parents who are home educating children with extra challenges like giftedness.
