Why are we doing this?
I have had a difficult time explaining this to people. I think everyone gets a different answer from me depending on the day.
Shortest Answer:
We want to make our boys' learning experiences tailored specifically to them.
Little Longer Answer:
Our son went to Public school for 3 years. He was stressed, our days were extremely rushed and overwhelming, and we felt there was too rarely enough time to go on family outings or add extra activities to our lives. (Not to mention that he came home asking about rated X movies when he was in first grade.) We have some friends who homeschool – we thought they were crazy, and I even confess I tried to talk them out of their ways a time or two. But, here we are now, joining the homeschool population and doing things our own way. We like the results so far.
Shortest Answer:
We want to make our boys' learning experiences tailored specifically to them.
Little Longer Answer:
Our son went to Public school for 3 years. He was stressed, our days were extremely rushed and overwhelming, and we felt there was too rarely enough time to go on family outings or add extra activities to our lives. (Not to mention that he came home asking about rated X movies when he was in first grade.) We have some friends who homeschool – we thought they were crazy, and I even confess I tried to talk them out of their ways a time or two. But, here we are now, joining the homeschool population and doing things our own way. We like the results so far.
Whoa, way to much information answer! You sure you want to read this one?
WARNING: The following contains a sick quantity of idealism.
Content
It has been fun to choose “curriculum” and books for the boys. We have tried to select books and projects that suit the boys’ specific learning styles and stimulate their minds so they love to learn. Also, each day I spend time reading to the boys from some of the very best classic books. Exposure to quality books that the boys are eager to devour will hopefully set their foundation for a life- long love of learning.
Contests
Oh my goodness, the world has been opened up to us with so many amazing contests. We are working on three contests right now. A Grand Royal writing contest, a lego video contest, and a science exhibit contest. What fabulous, real life opportunities to work hard on something of interest and see what comes. Of course, there are contests for kids in public school too, but when our kids were in school all day, it was hard to find time to put quality effort into these fabulous learning experiences.
Love of Learning
It makes my heart flutter when I hear my five year old talking about nomads, or when I watch my 8 year old wander to Wikipedia with his “research” notebook in hand so he can study a topic he has been wondering about. They beg to do science experiments, or go to the library to pick up books on things they want to learn about.
If the weather is nice, we go outside to ride bikes or talk about nature. We try to fill the day with a love of all things good, interesting, and meaningful. We have our share of armpit farting, talk about video games, Sponge Bob and other such swarthy boyhood wonders. We try to make room for all of their interests so we don’t squash that genuine excitement they have for learning things.
How is this done?
- Letting them choose WHAT they want to learn. E has really wanted to learn cursive, so his writing assignments are done in cursive. And I found him a joke book where he can copy jokes in cursive. Meanwhile, M wanted to learn about race cars, so we got a stack of library books on the subject. Of course, there are things each day that they have to do but don’t really want to do; but the next idea helps a lot with that.
- Letting them choose WHEN to do certain subjects. Almost the whole day is flexible. I give two or three options at a time, ie: math, writing, or origami. Then the kids get to choose what order to do the work in. This really helps their attitude in getting it done. We don’t do most things together. They really branch off on their own for the most part.
- Exposing them to lots of quality, exciting learning options. This is done through field trips, hands on learning and science experiments, and good classic reading. Each day I try to read to them from the best children’s stories. (Like the writings of Hans Christian Anderson, Original Winnie the Pooh stories, The Tale of Desperaux, Little House on the Prairie, poetry, and on and on.)
- Opportunity to stretch, eat good snacks, or even work outside so they can keep their minds and bodies fresh. This morning, I gave M an oral history test while he was hanging upside down on the trapeze. It was great!! I really think being hungry, bored, and stuck in a chair could be to blame for a lot of behavior problems we see in kids at school these days. I also think being hungry, bored, and stuck in a chair would make it very hard to love what you are learning. I’m just sayin’….
Field Trips
We will take a field trip every other Friday, and sometimes weekly depending on our schedule. There are places I have wanted to take the boys for years, but have not found time. We are going to fill our Fridays with apple picking, visits to the PBS station, local theater and symphony productions, bow and arrow shooting, museums, marble making factories and on and on. Makes me giddy just thinking about it!
We will take a field trip every other Friday, and sometimes weekly depending on our schedule. There are places I have wanted to take the boys for years, but have not found time. We are going to fill our Fridays with apple picking, visits to the PBS station, local theater and symphony productions, bow and arrow shooting, museums, marble making factories and on and on. Makes me giddy just thinking about it!
Principles and Faith
Each week we focus on inspiring people, such as Helen Keller or the Wright Brothers. There is nothing to light the fire of the soul like a true story! We weave scripture stories and examples into our day whenever we can.
So what ideas do you have? Please leave some comments and let us know what is working for your family!! You dont have to be homeschooling to do these things!! All are welcome to comment and discuss here.
So what ideas do you have? Please leave some comments and let us know what is working for your family!! You dont have to be homeschooling to do these things!! All are welcome to comment and discuss here.
