With 5 weeks of homeschooling behind us already this year, I'm still learning more about myself in the process than I ever anticipated. You see, I've always attended school in a public school setting. I've always had blocks of time for each subject throughout the day. I've always had designated chapters that were covered. I've always had to do every single problem that was on my paper, even if I had already mastered that subject. I've always had busy work to keep me occupied so I wouldn't interupt the other students while they worked. I've always had the mindset that school is boring.
When we began homeschooling PQ, we knew we wanted him to experience learning. We wanted PQ to be the driving force behind what he learned about. Of course there are subjects that he has to learn each year, but we wanted PQ to see the value in being able to focus on subjects and topics that were of interest to him. We wanted PQ's self confidence to soar to new heights as he explored life. It has always been our desire to encourage PQ to seek new learning opportunities and delve into subjects that he really enjoys learning about.
I like to put things in a box. I think everything has it's place. I've been keeping the same mindset that X,Y,and Z needs to be covered before we can move on to the next item on our daily schedule. But what I have neglected to do is step back and determine if my expectations were realistic and necessary. Is having PQ copy spelling words that he already knows really helping him? Or is it busy work? Regardless of the subject, I have been putting school in a box. And this goes against everything that we first set out to do. I know that my quirky personality has been putting a damper on our homeschooling experience and I have resolved to try and be more laid back in my approach.
Over the past week, we have had several experiential learning opportunities. We have had more fun in the past week than we have had since we started our homeschooling journey. We've laughed more. We've smiled more. We've shared more. And we've learned more...all because the approach is intentionally unintentional.
Miss Bri gave a lovely presentation about Monarch Caterpillars.
Izzy Sunshine told us all about their Life Cycle.
Little Miss Aud showed off her new friend.
The boys were curious, so they explored.
And everyone went hunting for some friends to bring home!
Sugar loved Twirly's little squirmy friend...
...and BoBana was very proud of her catch!
Caterpillar Snacks (breadsticks) were enjoyed courtesy of Twirly.
*Thanks again for those...they were yummy!*
Never a dull moment with PQ.
Over the weekend, we played a Memory Math Game to help PQ with his times tables.
(Seriously, CHOCOLATE makes MATH more fun!)
Oh no! They don't match.
Better luck next turn, PQ!
PQ spent some time with Sugar and his new friend, Patrick.
Say HELLO to Patrick, Everyone!
Miss Sugar has been learning a few things herself...
she is a climbing machine!
On September 11th, we spent the day learning about the horrific events that took place 11 years ago. PQ learned about Islam, Muslims, Bin Laden, Califates, and he learned how fortunate we are to live in the United States.
A kid friendly documentary about September 11th helped him to put the pieces together.
PQ's poster for September 11th- he used this when giving an oral presentation to his Grammy and to Papa H. He did an AMAZING job! Great job, PQ!!!
Sugar learned how to snap crayons...oh joy!
...And this was a lesson in Life Skills for Sugar...and a lesson in patience for me.
PQ wrote THANK YOU notes to the Police Department and Fire Department in honor of September 11th...and he baked Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies for them as well. Upon delivery of the items, PQ was invited into the office by the Chief of Police. He sat down and talked with the Chief about what he had learned and what positive things came out of the events. It was really cool to sit back and watch PQ share what he had learned.
Today was Patrick's BIG DAY...
...he is on a life journey, just like the rest of us!
I thought today's release was rather ironic. As the past week unfolds before your eyes, I can't help but wonder what type of journey you're on. We are all on some type of journey and we are all trying to do the best we know how. Journey's are not always easy...but they are usually the best learning experiences in our lives!
