Summer schooling for us usually consists of a lighter than normal workload, but we do have a routine. Typically we will continue with reading, writing and language skills. This summer we decided to have a complete and total respite, so we will soon be back to school like the mainstream families.
Traditionally we follow a classical curriculum approach but more in the style of Charlotte Mason, although I do like Susan Wise Bauer, and her books very much, I find her schedule much too ambitious for our routine. I admire Susan’s intellect, organized approach and ambition, but I do find the schedule and very demanding for both the children and myself. I do find she sets the bar extremely high. Charlotte Mason’s style is looser, the edges a little softer, with the scope of the depth more dependent on the family and their expectations.
With the nearing of the school season, I am formulating my approach for this year. Our situation has changed in the past year with me spending more time pursuing other endeavors, and my husband taking on more responsibility with the schooling. I want things to continue to run smoothly, with the children being inspired, my husband staying under control, and the educational bar remaining above average height.
Tough order, but not impossible!
In past years we have used interest driven learning, or motivational approach, and have found it extremely effective. This year, this interest based approach will fit the bill perfectly.
My daughter loves her animals, and has begun to inadvertently collect rabbits, of which I have posted other articles. I will have her expand on that interest, with an extensive book report on rabbit’s and their origin, habits, physical anatomy, family and social structure and so on. She will be able to expand into geography, and biology through this as well.
If we can purchase a secondary computer at an inexpensive price, we will have her post to the pet stuff and develop her skills in writing, communication, computer, and enhance life skills.
Our son is a nature buff and adores all natural wildlife. He as well loves to draw and admires Robert Bateman. Being younger than his sister, he can delve into drawing, biology and anatomy and whatever interests him in his chosen field.
We will join the largest, big city, English dominated library, closest to us and make a pilgrimage every three weeks to stock up on a variety of books, videos, and tapes.
The children are huge hockey fans and have each chosen their favorite team to study this year. In that subject we will be able to study, history, geography and if we want to we could research how ice is made, prepared and maintained, the amount of time and electrical power is used, what are the differences between hockey ice, speed skating ice and figure skating ice, the possibilities are endless.
Implementing their favorite things, their passions into the curriculum, stimulates their drive to learn exponentially.
We will have a few subjects that will remain dry, but that is not a bad thing. Children need to learn discipline. There are always things in life that we have to do even though we don’t want to, it will be an opportunity to learn more life skills.
Debbie is the cofounder of debnbob.com, a blog focused on alternative choices for thinking people. It is through her blog that she discusses issues that require contemplating and questioning. Sometimes it just isn’t appropriate to take what you are told at face value. Independent thinking is becoming an anomaly. You may feel free to ask Debbie, she is bound to have an opinion. She is also a professional homeschooler, animal advocate, spiritual seeker, alternative thinker and business owner. You may visit Debbie’s blog at: www.debnbob.com.