Q for Homeschool Moms and Teen Girls?

Question

My daughter and I will be hosting a small group for homeschooled teen girls. Some get-togethers we will have at our home but we want to plan some fun outings, too.

What ideas can you share for breaking the ice with this age group? We personally don't know any of the other girls yet, but a few of them do know each other.

We have tons of games, which will allow them to engage socially, and also videos, but that won't necessarily allow them to get to know each other better.

Answer 1

Contrariwise, videos really will help them. Especially TV shows because none of them will be able to resist making comments about what people are doing or wearing.

Board games are great as well, something like Worst Case Survivor or Would You Rather both generate a lot of discussion.

As for outings, I dislike the mall. Mostly that's me and not like the whole 'need more stuff' ideal that's perpetuated. I like activities like minigolf, or movies. What would be awesome is if you could get the girls to brainstorm some things they are passionate about, and start volunteering! We make sack lunches for homeless people, and the kids have so much time to talk and chat while that's going on, and they have the added bonus of doing good while learning important lessons about life. Baking cookies for elderly people in a nursing home (being aware of diabetics of course), or doing a clothes drive for foster children in your area. Look here for more info

http://www.volunteermatch.org/

Answer 2

Bowling and mini-golf for first outings. You are in little groups, can cheer each other on, start the small talk...

I'd wait to have something at your house until they've gotten together at least a couple of times out in public first. But at your place, in addition to what you've listed, baking is always fun. If they are crafty teens, that's another idea. Making something together for a women's or teen shelter or sick children's ward/hospital...

Answer 3

What about mixing science in? You could make it a "spa day" and try different concoctions - such as making bath "bombs", seaweed face masks etc.  Search the web, I'm sure you'll find some recipes.

Also, what about doing a mini play or a fashion show?  

Have fun!

Answer 4

Before your get together, ask each girl a few questions about herself and compile everyone's answers/questions.  As girls arive, hand them the list of questions/anwers, and have them go around asking others questions to match up who goes with what question.  I have done this at many get togethers with my friends and my students.  Put a time limit on it for a busier activity!

Answer 5

Try playing games to get the girls laughing. Cranium is a fun game, and I think homeschooled girls will like it a lot. You could also try games like the one where everyone takes turns saying three things about themselves, but one thing has to be a lie, and the other girls have to guess which one is a lie. This will get them talking and getting to know eachother. Look on party game websites for icebreaker games/activities. A physical game can get girls laughing and getting to know eachother too. One fun game to break the ice is played like this.

Have each girl pick a partner and sit on the floor back to back with that partner. Each group locks arms and tries to stand up together without locking arms.  It's harder than it sounds. THe ones to do it the fastest are the winners. After each try, have them try it again with three people locking arms, then four, then five, until the whole group is sitting in a circle backs to backs with arms locked and has to try to stand up all at once without letting go. It's lots of laughs and will break a lot of barriers between people who may not know eachother well yet.  Good luck!

As for outings, the mall isn't really great for groups of people who may all have different interests. You could try things like bowling, ice/roller skating rink, water park/pool when it's warmer, movies, mini golf, when you get to know parents better and can get permission, maybe do things like horseback riding for an afternoon (some places have organized day rides for beginners), or kiyaking. You could have a sports day at a local park, baking/cooking at your house, making things like beaded bracelets, jean purses, decorating old jeans, decorating/tie-dying t-shirts, picture frames, friendship bracelets, etc. Once you've had a few get-tegethers or outings, you could try asking the girls what they'd like to do. Have them make suggestions, and vote as a group to decide the next few outings (most votes is the next outing, then take the remaining options and vote for the following outing, and then the following so you have a few lined up). There's so much you can do! Good luck!

Answer 6

Give them something they have to discuss and work out together, like a group problem. We did a cool one in class once where we split into two groups and each tried to come up with a government. Who would be the leader, what principles based on, laws, court system, etc. Then we came back after a couple class periods and compared and discussed.

I also was home schooled for a while, we did crafts together, it was a good balance of watching a demo then working and talking as we finished our own projects, but that may not get the whole group involved. Maybe a group project, which they then show to their parents later and explain who made/did what?

Any team building exercises would be fun, I've done two involved in getting people to know each other. The first was a team ropes course, most teens love these if their close enough for you to get to. The other one was a hike, we climbed a short mountain (it could be done in a day) and had stopping points along the way. Each time we stopped we had to tell the group 3 interesting facts (favorite animal, color, etc) about someone we didn't know. That one was really good, as some people weren't really hikers so we all had to wait for each other and help each other climb. We didn't make it to the top, we decided as a group that we would turn around as one girl was having trouble with her asthma. However, by letting it be a group choice we really felt bonded by our choice to help her out.

Answer 7

I agree with the post about shopping or maybe a trip to Starbucks. Girls have fun going to the mall and nothing will fire up conversation like window shopping for clothes and shoes! Also, there seems to be something about gathering at a coffee shop for a coffee (or cocoa or tea or a bottle of water) that makes teens feel more grown up and willing to engage in chit chat.

Games that involve talking, like Catch Phrase or Taboo are fun as well. Those are always big hits and everyone ends up discussing the game and laughing when it is over. It will also allow you to see their personalities.

One idea is on the first gathering, have them write down what they would like to do, then go over them together, this will give the girls time to discuss things and will allow everyone to see who likes the same things they do, and will give you a chance, as facillitator to get to know their likes and dislikes a little better.

If you plan trips outside the home, the easiest thing to do is have the parents drop off and pick up at the location so they know exactly where you are. Trying to coordinate the travel yourself is too much work.

Kudos for taking on such a much needed task!

Answer 8

Maybe you should take them shopping. Shopping really helps people get to know one another. I feel that when I shop with people, I get to know them better. Also maybe take them to get ice cream, or go to a little cafe. That way they can sit down in a place that is social. If you have board games be careful. Some games I know teens (like me) like, but others are just plain boring. I know everyone loves Clue and Life. Also maybe have them each share something interesting about themselves, which will have them really open up as everyone gets a turn. I hope I helped.

Answer 9

you should prob spike the punch... it will be a grand old time

Answer 10

Maybe you could try a sleep over and make homemade pizza or something.

Answer 11

try a make over party toe nail painting make up  hair you know girly girly stuff

Answer 12

Take them to the mall!!!

Answer 13

If I were you, I would get only a few games to play. You dont want the girls to feel obligated to play games if they just want to hang out. As a teen, I know by experience that meeting new people is hard, especially teens, who are usually judgemental. Ask them to bring something important to them, that reflects their personality and they cherish. Dont focus on board games so much as interactive games. Let them get in groups and preform a skit together or something. Just try to pick something that will interest everyone. Wish you the best of luck!!