Lumos is an enrichment program that brings homeschoolers together from the Canton of Zurich on three half-days a week to focus on hands-on projects, team challenges, free play and other fun activities that maximize social interactions, peer-to-peer learning and the development of 21st century skills like creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking.
Program focus
Developing social skills, teamwork, communications & collaborative problem solving.
Calendar
September 5, 2024
to
July 10, 2025
Mondays
1:00 PM
to
4:00 PM
Tuesdays & Thursdays
11:30 AM
to
3:30 PM
Date of birth
Group 1
2013-2016
Group 2
2017-2019
Group size
20-25 kids
Parental involvement
Not required but welcomed.
Location
Wallisellen / Dübendorf area *
* To be determined
Facility
A space that allows for indoor and outdoor activities *
* Still open. Please contact us if you know of a good facility.
Supervision
Two highly qualified teachers. Scroll down for more information about our teachers.
Languages
English* and German
* English fluency is not a pre-requisite for the program.
Costs
Fr. 100 / year
* Additional donations to cover material and rental costs are appreciated, but not required.
Our program pursues a dual purpose:
Provide a consistent opportunity for homeschoolers to learn & play together
We are huge believers in the power of homeschooling to spark children’s love of learning, move at the pace that’s best for them and provide flexibility for families. We are also huge believers in the power of kids learning from one another through play, collaborative problem solving and team work. As homeschoolers it’s sometimes difficult to find consistent opportunities for children to learn and grow together within a dedicated community. Lumos solves this problem!
Develop the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century
Due to artificial intelligence and other technological developments, the world is changing faster than ever before. Studies indicate that 65% of today’s elementary students will work in jobs that don’t even exist today. How can we prepare our children to thrive in a world that’s changing so rapidly? By helping them to develop the skills that make humans unique and that will be valuable no matter what jobs exist: collaboration, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, emotional intelligence. While some of these skills can be developed independently, most are best developed in groups. Lumos focuses on developing these skills.
Learning goals
Social skills
We provide ample opportunity for kids to develop their social-emotional skills through teamwork, collaborative games and challenges, free play and discussions about/reflections upon group dynamics.
Communication skills
Learning to present in front of a group, participate in group discussions, debate, give feedback, negotiate with others, and be persuasive are critical life skills that we develop through our program.
Leadership & teamwork
Being able to work with others, lead teams, resolve conflict, compromise, build upon others’ ideas and be a productive member of a group are essential skills for today and the future. We will provide lots of opportunities for kids to hone these leadership and collaboration skills.
Collaborative Problem Solving
Thinking out of the box, taking risks, persevering in the face of challenges, navigating situations with no clear answers and thinking logically are essential skills that we develop through collaborative challenges and other group problem solving activities.
Format
Team projects
This workshop focuses on team projects in which children learn a variety of skills such as teamwork, creativity, and time management through hands-on experiences. The projects are diverse, suitable for children, and also promote public speaking and perseverance.
Nature explorations
This workshop offers children half a day in nature to explore forests and lakes. This promotes physical and mental well-being, social skills, resilience, problem-solving, and environmental awareness. The activities are diverse and suitable for children.
Team challenges
This workshop focuses on cooperative games, simulations and challenges that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, teamwork, and leadership in children. The aim is to develop judgment and understanding for a complex world.
Schedule
Mondays
NATURE EXPLORATIONS
1:00 - 1:30 PM
Guided exploration and field study
1:30 - 3:30 PM
Team games and/or nature-inspired projects
3:30 - 4:00 PM
Free play
Tuesdays
TEAM PROJECTS
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Circle time, free time, or choice projects
12:30 - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Working on team projects
3:00 - 3:30 PM
Free play and cleanup
Thursdays
TEAM CHALLENGES
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Circle time, free time, or choice projects
12:30 - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Working on team challenges
3:00 - 3:30 PM
Free play and cleanup
We encourage children to attend two or ideally three days per week, but this is not a requirement.
Educators
Sonja Dänzer, PhD
Experienced educator, specialized in philosophy, ethics, and communication. Possesses comprehensive knowledge in developing competency-based curricula and is passionate about integrating sustainable business practices into education. Committed to promoting creative and critical thinking and ethical understanding among her students. Lives in Zurich and enjoys outdoor activities.
Location
Common questions
How much does your program cost?
Is the program a replacement for homeschooling?
Is the program a replacement for regular school?
Why is the program only open to children born between 2013 and 2019?
What language will the program operate in?
Where will the program take place?
Who are the teachers?
What is expected of Lumos parents?
What is expected of Lumos children?
Do we have to participate on all three days?
My child goes to school. Can s/he still attend the program?
How do I get started with homeschooling in the Canton of Zurich?
Will you accept all families that apply?
What happens if we join and find out it's not right for our child or our family?
How are decisions made at Lumos?
What does the annual calendar look like?
What if we want to take a vacation while Lumos is 'in session'?
How will I know what's going on at Lumos?
Will Lumos give grades or school reports?
Where does the name Lumos come from?