Cola City Homeschoolers

Composting Workshop
2021-02-24 13:00 - 14:30 UTC | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Composting Workshop
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, February 24 @1pm
All ages — $5/family
This class/project is part of our Green Steps Environmental Education series. We have partnered with Harbison State Forest’s Certified Wildlife Habitat Garden as our “school” garden.
You’ll be learning about how composting works, with a vermicompost bin that you’ll be able to take home with you. We will also be looking at a variety of backyard compost bins.
Please bring;

fruit/vegetable scraps or peelings (no added fats or sugars) or a bag of leaves, if you have any–for us to put into the compost bins.
optional: seed paper Valentine’s to plant in the garden box.

Garden Project from 1-3 pm on February 24 @1 pm at Harbison State Forest 5600 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212.
Cost: $3/student or $5/family to help fund our Green Steps projects
We’ll meet behind the Education Center (Note: the building is closed, and we will not have access to restrooms). Parking fees are waived for this activity. We will still practice social distancing. But, masks are recommended whenever we’re closer than 6 feet apart.
Please wear comfortable clothing in case it’s chilly. Water bottles and hats are also advisable.
Contact Kim/Cola City Homeschoolers with any questions.
colacityinfo@gmail.com or 803-348-2419

Oh! The Humanities! Teacher Webinar
2021-02-23 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Oh! The Humanities! Teacher Webinar
By Bill of Rights Institute
Tuesday, February 23 at 4pm
Educators — FREE
Click HERE to register
Join Bill of Rights Institute for our spring teacher webinars series! Sessions will be led by BRI hosts (and sometimes prominent guests) and will be explorative conversations on topics in teaching, history, civics, and culture.

Sign Language Club
2021-02-19 15:00 - 16:00 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Image by John Hain from Pixabay
Sign Language Club
By Isabel Perkins
3rd Wednesdays @3 pm
Tweens/Teens — Free
3rd Fridays ASL Club: 2/19, 3/19, & 4/21 No supplies necessary, come learn/practice Sign Language
*Weather permitting, meet at Riverwalk Park, 201 Naples Ave,Cayce, SC 29033
In case of inclement weather, an alternate location will be available for those who RSVP.
Contact: Isabel Perkins, girl4god78@yahoo.com (803) 409-9512 to RSVP each week.
Note this is not a drop-off activity. Parents are asked to stay on-site, nearby. You can take younger siblings for a walk along the trails. Masks are recommended when social distancing is not possible.

Battle of Aiken
2021-02-19 08:00 - 2021-02-21 17:00 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Battle of Aiken
by Sons of Confederate Veterans
All Ages — $$
Saturday/Sunday, February 20-21
Friday, February 19 (FREE School Day)
Click HERE for more information
Come and see history come alive with cannons, cavalry horses and living history experts. For three days, re-enactors eat, sleep, live and fight in a painfully recreated version of the world in 1865. This War Between the States event has grown from a few hundred men with muskets to a full-blown Civil War festival. In addition to battle reenactments, there are authentic 19th-century military encampments, living history presentations, reproductions of medical facilities, an engineer and signal service, and civilian portrayals. Food vendors will be available.

COST

Ages 0-5
FREE

Ages 5-12
$5.00

Ages 13-18
$10.00

Ages 19 and up
$15.00

e join us and see history come alive with cannons, cavalry horses and living history experts. For three days, re-enactors eat, sleep, live and fight in a painfully recreated version of the world in 1865. This War Between the States event has grown from a few hundred men with muskets to a full-blown Civil War festival. In addition to battle reenactments, there are authentic 19th-century military encampments, living history presentations, reproductions of medical facilities, an engineer and signal service, and civilian portrayals. Food vendors will be available.

COST

Ages 0-5
FREE

Ages 5-12
$5.00

Ages 13-18
$10.00

Ages 19 and up
$15.00

Litter Trashes Everyone Art Contest
2021-02-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Litter Trashes Everyone Art Contest
by PalmettoPride
K5-5th grade — FREE
Deadline February 19
Click HERE for more info and entry
“Every child is an artist” — Pablo Picasso
PalmettoPride knows that South Carolina students are creative and care about the environment. Our annual art contest is available to any South Carolina K-5th grade teachers or educational groups to participate in this fun and educational competition.

Kindness Challenge
2021-02-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Kindness Challenge
By Hometown Homeschool Association
All Ages — Free
Deadline: February 17
February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day but we have decided to challenge all homeschoolers to participate in a Kindness Challenge for the month of February! We have posted a calendar with different challenges each day for families to participate in. If you complete 14 out of the 28 challenges, you will receive a certificate to show off your participation.
Please email us the challenges you have completed to Hometownhasc@gmail.com with the list of participants and we will email you the PDF certificate from HHASC. Feel free to attach some photos of you participating in the challenge as well.
Click HERE for printable challenge

Young Minds Poetry Contest
2021-02-15 08:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
Young Minds Dreaming Poetry Contest
by SC State Library
Deadline: Monday, Februrary 15
FREE — 3rd-12th grade
Click HERE to enter
SC State Library invites all South Carolina students in grades 3rd through 12th to write a poem using the theme: “What Inspires You?”
Author Pat Mora is this year’s featured guest. She will join us for a ceremony in late spring 2021, to celebrate the 2020 and 2021, contest winners. Pat Mora’s books remind us that inspiration is around us if we listen and notice: Mothers, Grandmothers, Families, the Earth, and our experiences. In her poem “Writing Secrets” (BOOKJOY, WORDJOY), she writes, “let yourself/doodle, daydream, imagine.” She reminds us that there’s no one like you. What (or who) has been an important experience or influence?
Mora, an award-winning author of books for adults, teens, and children, is a literacy advocate and a popular presenter on creativity, inclusivity, and bookjoy. A literacy advocate excited about sharing what she calls “bookjoy,” Pat founded Children’s Day, Book Day, in Spanish, El día de los niños, El día de los libros, “Día.” Pat and her partners, including the American Library Association and First Book nationally, promote this year-long initiative of creatively linking all children and families to books and establishing annual April Children’s Day, Book Day celebrations. On April 30, 2021, Día will celebrate its 25th Anniversary!
Poems must be original work not previously published. Entries are submitted electronically and may be submitted in English, bilingual Spanish-English, or transcribed from those who have a visual disability.

Community Scavenger Hunt
2021-02-13 12:00 - 15:00 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Discover Your Community Scavenger Hunt
by HERO Co-op
Saturday, February 13
All Ages — $20/family
Click HERE to register
Come along with HERO Homeschoolers for an afternoon of family fun! Tune in on Facebook live for clues to specific locations/items around Irmo. Race other families to figure out which location/item the clues are leading you to! Once you arrive at that location/item, post a picture of your family at the location or with the item. Everyone who participates in the event will be entered into the grand prize raffle. Families will receive extra entries for being the first, second, and third, families to decipher each clue and share their picture!
This is a fundraiser for HERO! You do not need to be a member of the co-op in order to participate with this event.
Contact HERO with questions: HEROofIrmo@gmail.com

Chess Club
2021-02-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Chess Club
By Isabel Perkins
Wednesdays @3 pm
Tweens/Teens — Free
NOTE: this club has switched to 2nd Wednesdays
Chess Club: 2/12, 3/12, 4/7 & 5/5 Bring: Chess Board (if you have one).
*Weather permitting, meet at Riverwalk Park, 201 Naples Ave,Cayce, SC 29033. Lots of parking available by the ampitheater.
In case of inclement weather, an alternate location will be available for those who RSVP.
Contact: Isabel Perkins, girl4god78@yahoo.com (803) 409-9512 to RSVP each week.
Note this is not a drop-off activity. Parents are asked to stay on-site, nearby. You can take younger siblings for a walk along the trails. Masks are recommended when social distancing is not possible.

Boys' Club Zoo Meet-Up
2021-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Boys’ Club Zoo Meet Up
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Friday, February 12 @10 am
Elementary Boys — FREE/Zoo Admission
Cola City Boys Club is geared to faciliate social connections for our homeschool fellas. This meet-up is at Riverbanks Zoo on Friday, February 12 @10 am. Zoo admission is FREE for Lexington/Richland County Residents (limited tickets are available on 2/2, while supplies last). Click here for FREE tickets, if you don’t already have a membership.
This is not a drop off event. Parents are asked to stay with your participant. We also understand that you might have siblings along–which is ok. Please fill out the form below, so we know to keep an eye out for you. Look for Naima Lewis when you arrive.
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Field Day Planning Meeting
2021-02-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Image by StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay
Field Day Planning Meeting
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Parents — FREE
Thursday, February 11 @7 pm
We’re planning a Field Day. If you’d like to volunteer to help make it happen, let’s get our plans together.
Bring your calendars so we can pick a date/time/location. Also bring your ideas for activities you could facilitate.
Fill out this form so we can send you a zoom link.

Parent Name

First

Last

EmailLook for an automated confirmation when you submit and follow up info with the zoom link.

Mobile PhoneInclude a number just in case we need to text you the meeting reminder and details. Cola City Mailing ListWould you like to be added to our mailing list for information about upcoming homeschool events and activities?

Yes, add me to the mailing list

No thanks, not right now

Looking at the Past Teacher Webinar
2021-02-09 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Looking at the Past Teacher Webinar
By Bill of Rights Institute
Tuesday, February 9 at 4 pm
Educators — FREE
Click HERE to register
How do we explore the full stories of history with students?
Join Bill of Rights Institute for their spring teacher webinars series! Sessions will be led by BRI hosts (and sometimes prominent guests) and will be explorative conversations on topics in teaching, history, civics, and culture.

Zoo Mondays
2021-02-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Homeschool Mondays
By Riverbanks Zoo
Mondays, Ongoing
Elementary Ages — $10 (plus zoo admission)
Click HERE to Register
Note: This is open to the public, not hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Contact Riverbanks Zoo for more information: 803.779.8717
Throughout the school year, Homeschool Mondays offer experiences for students 5-13 years old at the zoo. Each month a new theme is explored through age-appropriate activities that challenge and excite students about the natural world.
Age Groups:
Level 1 Ages 5- 6 (Birthdate Range: 10/1/12 to 9/30/14)
Level 2 Ages 7- 9 (Birthdate Range: 10/1/09 to 9/30/12)
Level 3 Ages 10-13(Birthday Range: 10/1/06 – 9/30/09)

Park Meet-Up
2021-02-05 14:00 - 15:30 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Park Meet-Up
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Friday, February 5 at 2 pm
All Ages — FREE
Come meet-up with other homeschoolers. Friday, February 5th at 2 pm at Springdale Park, 2915 Platt Springs Road, Springdale, SC 29170 Note: This group *does* recommend masks, but will not enforce mask policies.
The playground is fenced in all the way around. Has playground equipment and open places to run/play. Also picnic shelter
Bring kickballs and other lawn games and board games to play, if you wish. More info about this park location: https://www.lcrac.com/Default.aspx?tabid=362897
Look for Elizabeth to meet you: Call or text if you need to reach her (803) 319-8490
Please, fill out this form so we can send you a reminder email and know to keep an eye out for you!

Girls' Club Virtual Meet-Up
2021-02-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Girls’ Club Meet-Up
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Thursdays @noon
Ages 8-12 — FREE
Let’s talk “girl stuff” and make new friends. Come hang out on zoom with us for “Yarn Barn”, Thursday, January 28 at noon. Help plan for more meet-ups and topics. This is an informal, unstructured time for participants to talk with each other.
Hosted by Kim Kelley (parent volunteer) and Alyssa Kelley (student volunteer). Fill out the contact form to get the zoom link–and also updates about future club meet ups!
Bring:

your yarnable crafts to work on and show/tell about. Crochet, knit, macrame, even cross-stitch or embroidery or something else similar.
your own snack or lunch

Oops! We could not locate your form.

Seed Paper Valentines Project
2021-02-03 13:00 - 14:30 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Seed Paper Valentines Project
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, February 3 @1 pm
All Ages — $3/participant

This project is part of our ongoing environmental education series with Green Steps. Participants will create valentines for nature. We’ll “make” seed paper that can be used for gift tags or gift cards–and also planted to enjoy pollinator friendly plants. Make-it-Take-it–all supplies included!
Ages: All ages can participate (but younger participants may need parental assistance).
Location: Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia, SC 29210
Note: Please wear masks or face shields while seated in the picnic pavilion, while participating in the paper-making activity.
Cost: $3/participant
Look for 2021-2022 project schedule soo.

Family Workshop @Zoo
2021-02-01 10:30 - 11:30 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Homeschool Family Workshop
By Riverbanks Zoo
Mondays, Once a Month
All Ages — $20 (plus zoo admission)
Space is limited so Pregister HERE
Note: This event is open to public, not hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Contact Riverbanks Zoo with questions: 803.602.0803
Family Homeschool Workshops offer the opportunity for adults to work with their children in a hands-on science lesson. The activities are geared to children ages 6-10, but the whole family is welcome to participate. Each family unit (maximum of 6 people) will receive one kit to work on together during the program.

HERO Classes Begin
2021-02-01 08:00 - 17:00
HERO Co-op Classes Start!
Monday, February 1
Click here to register
HERO is a homeschool group based in Irmo providing supportive activities and resources designed to benefit all home educators in the greater Columbia area regardless of religious preference, political affiliation, ethnic background, family structure, or educational philosophy. This discrimination free society allows the development of a nurturing family of homeschoolers who can build lifelong relationships through learning together.
**Recommended by Cola City Homeschoolers

Valentine's Card Exchange (by mail)
2021-01-29 | Virtual Event
Valentine’s Card Exchange (by mail)
By Cola City Homeschoolers
All Ages — FREE
Sign up by: Friday January 29

Will you be my Valentine? We’re doing it again this time for Valentine’s Day…SENDING CARDS! It’s also a great way to make connections with other homeschoolers, while social distancing. Cola City Homeschoolers is hosting a Valentine’s card exchange during the month of February.
Sign up by January 29. We will organize the lists by ages (as much as possible). You’ll get a list of participants to exchange cards with–up to 25 familes to send/receive. We encourage personalized message or token item included for each child. Examples: stickers, tatoos, crosswork puzzle, word puzzle or other small valentines.
Note: Your mailing address will be shared with other participants and student names, so that the cards can be personalized by the sender.
Registration for this activity is closed.
Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com with questions.

Girls Club Meet-Up
2021-01-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Girls’ Club Meet-Up
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Thursday, January 28 @noon
Ages 8-12 — FREE
Let’s talk “girl stuff” and make new friends. Come hang out on zoom with us for “Yarn Barn”, Thursday, January 28 at noon. Help plan for more meet-ups and topics. This is an informal, unstructured time for participants to talk with each other.
Hosted by Kim Kelley (parent volunteer) and Alyssa Kelley (student volunteer). Fill out the contact form to get the zoom link–and also updates about future club meet ups!
Bring:

your yarnable crafts to work on and show/tell about. Crochet, knit, macrame, even cross-stitch or embroidery or something else similar.
your own snack or lunch

Oops! We could not locate your form.

School Choice Virtual Rally
2021-01-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
School Choice Virtual Rally
by My SC Education
Wednesday, January 27 @11 am
All Ages–FREE
Click HERE to register
As part of the National School Choice Week celebration, My SC Education invites parents and educators to attend our 2021 South Carolina Virtual School Choice Fair.
This virtual event will take place on Wednesday, January 27 at 11:00AM EST.
Hear from students, schools, and lawmakers from across South Carolina to celebrate school choice. Join us to make your voice heard and learn more about your education options!
This event is free, but an RSVP is required to attend.
Event Schedule:

11:00 – Welcome, National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance
11:10 – School Choice for Private Schools, Magnet Schools, Home Schools and Charter Schools
11:30 – Student Showcase of NSCW Dance
11:45 – A Conversation With Virginia Walden Ford (Miss Virginia)
11:50 – Presentation of Governor’s Proclamation

Utilizing Available Materials: Teacher Webinar
2021-01-26 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Utilizing Available Materials Teacher Webinar
By Bill of Rights Institute
Tuesday, January 26 at 4 pm
Educators — FREE
Click HERE to register
Teaching what is and is NOT in the texbook. How do we utilize what is available in materials and what we do to go beyond it?
Join Bill of Rights Institute for their spring teacher webinars series! Sessions will be led by BRI hosts (and sometimes prominent guests) and will be explorative conversations on topics in teaching, history, civics, and culture.

National School Choice Week
2021-01-24 08:00 - 2021-01-30 17:00 | Virtual Event
National School Choice Week
By School Choice Week
January 24-30
FREE–All ages
Celebrate our choice to homeschool this week.

Click HERE for FREE educational resources for families
Click HERE for printable resources for School Choice Celebrations!
Click HERE for digital resources to showcase your school choice on social media

Checkout this Kick Off Event, Monday, January 25 at noon, on Facebook: Click HERE
Another printable for activity ideas
Read more about National School Choice Week–why homeschoolers should participate

Suzuki Music Open House
2021-01-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual Event
Suzuki Music Open House
By Suzuki Music
Saturday, January 23 at 10 am
All ages — FREE
Click HERE for more information
The Suzuki Academy of Columbia & UofSC Program exists to provide musical instrument instruction to students ages three and older on the violin, viola, cello and classical guitar using the philosophies and methods of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.
Online info session for interested families in Suzuki Academy of Columbia on Saturday, January 23rd, 2021. Suzuki Academy of Columbia is a music program through USC that is based in West Columbia that teaches kids from 3-7ish violin, viola, cello, and guitar using the Suzuki method (beginning with ear-training versus sight reading).

Homeschool Bowling Club
2021-01-22 13:00 - 14:30 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Homeschool Bowling Club
By Stars and Strikes
Fridays, Jan 22–Mar 26 at 1 pm
All Ages — $5/week
Join Stars and Strikes at 700 Columbiana Drive, Irmo on Fridays 1:00pm-2:30pm. $5 per bowler per week (includes shoes). Starts January 22, 2021-Ends March 26, 2021
10-week program includes:

First week practice and coaching session
8 weeks of competitive league bowling
Cosmic Bowling Pizza Party on final week (March 26)

Two Divisions: Bumpers (3 per team) OR No Bumpers (4 per team)
USBC Certified Coaches available
Note: Masks are recommended inside the building. However, will not be enforced while participant is bowling. If you wish to be grouped with others who are strictly adhering to mask requirements, please include that on your registration information.
Please Pre-register to help prepare lane assignments.
Contact Mike Wagner mwagner@starsandstrikes.org, include: Parent Name, email address, phone number, number/ages of participants, bumper/no bumper preferences.
Printable form to turn in at the desk (in person) or via email

Sal's Feed and Seed Tour
2021-01-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Sal’s Feed and Seed Tour
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Monday, January 18 @1 pm
K5-5th grade — $5 per student
Come meet our very own local version of “Ms. Frizzle”–Sal! And get a guided tour of the farm. Find out what’s the difference between Mules, Donkeys and Horses. Learn about local, non-GMO gardening. Stick around to browse after the guided tour.
Tour is geared for K5-5th grade. We ask for parents to stay on site (no drop offs). Families with younger siblings, please keep the littles from disrupting the group.
Masks are recommended per CDC guidelines. Thanks!
Find out more about Sal’s Feed and Seed: Click HERE She has a monthly subscription box especially for teaching kids about local gardening year round!
Look for 2021-2022 project schedule soon.

Flipgrid Weekly Challenge
2021-01-14 12:00 - 12:30 | Virtual Event
Flipgrid Challenge: Celebrate School Choice
By Cola City Homeschoolers
All ages — Free
Due: Thursdays at Noon
It’s a great time to get connected online. Let’s get to know some other homeschoolers! Remember that you can upload previously recorded clips or record “live” in the grid.
This week’s challenge is: Celebrate School Choice.
January 24-30 is National School Choice week–which is a celebration of all the options for education. I’m all about celebrating the reasons why we love homeschooling.Â
Here’s a printable placard, you can write out your reason–while you also tell us in the recording. If you’re uncomfortableÂ on the video, you can always upload a picture while you tell. Even if you’re camera shy, you can still participate!
Click HERE for PRINTABLE PLACARD
Want to join Flipgrid Club to connect with other homeschoolers, while social distancing?
CLICK HERE to join the club!

Read more about how to celebrate National School Choice Week

Bill of Rights Institute: Teacher Webinar
2021-01-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Hindsight/Foresight Teacher Webinar
By Bill of Rights Institute
Tuesday, January 12 at 4 pm
Educators — FREE
Click HERE to register
Hindsight may be 2020, but foresight is so 2021! How are we planning ahead for teaching (and living) in the coming year?
Join Bill of Rights Institute for their spring teacher webinars series! Sessions will be led by BRI hosts (and sometimes prominent guests) and will be explorative conversations on topics in teaching, history, civics, and culture.

Assigning Grades: FB Live Event
2021-01-12 14:00 - 14:30
Assigning Grades: a Facebook Live Event
By the SC Homeschooling Connection
Tuesday, January 12 @2 pm
Parent/Teachers — Free
Let’s talk about Calculating Grades.

When you need grades and when you don’t.
How to calculate grades.
Our expert panel of association directors will help advise about policies and procedures for your homeschool records.

Join us for our panel discussion with:

Kim Andrysczyk (The SC Homeschooling Connection),
Lara Caldwell (The South Carolina Homeschool Accountability Association),
Hazel Douthit (At Home in the Lowcountry ),
and Michelle Palczewski (Hometown Homeschool Association of South Carolina).

Click HERE for the FB event
Read more about calculating grades: Click HERE

College Fair & Conference
2021-01-12 08:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
Homeschool-Friendly College Fair & Conference
By Homeschool Parent Association
January 12, 2021 8:00 AM-2:00 PM
For High School Students

Student Registration NOW OPEN! Meet College Representatives from leading “Homeschool-Friendly” Colleges, Universities, and other Higher Education opportunities. Exclusivley for Homeschoolers!
Click HERE to register
