Today marks the start of our 5th week of homeschooling. Here are just a few updates:
I have learned that a set daily schedule doesn't really work for the kids. They tend to get really caught up in whatever subject is being presented and want to just dive in...so that's how I'm approaching things with them now. So, while I'm following standard grade level requirements for them, I'm also allowing their approach to learning to be a bit more organic. If they are knee-deep in fractions and loving it, I'm not going to interrupt them to move onto grammar just because it's 10:30. We can get to grammar later or the next day. My goal is to promote a dedication to learning...not just blindly follow a set schedule. I'll give you a prime example: today, our schedule was a complete mess and Peyton wasn't feeling well. So instead of focusing on a certain subject area, I decided we'd focus on real-world education...things we could process and discuss, things to make them better people, not just better students. Here's what we studied today: cultural differences between the "east" and the "west", how to save a choking baby, how and when to use an Epi-pen, educational reform, how margarine is made, how the Syrian war started, keeping our bodies safe, how babies grow in the womb, and improving our reading and speaking skills. We also explored the Spanish and Korean languages, as well as the topics of homeschooling, religion, the Civil Rights era, and of course, random trivia. Was today structured, organized, or school-like? Nope. But they loved every minute. I'd consider it a great day of learning.
Stewart is now in a book club for "tween-age" boys. He didn't want to go, but he ended up really enjoying himself. Even Peyton enjoyed herself because the hosting family has a 9-year old daughter who is quickly becoming Pey's good friend. Speaking of Pey's friends...she has a play date with one or more of her "traditionally schooled" friends at least once a week. And of course, Stewart's friends still come over all the time. For me, it's important that they are able to continue building and maintaining solid friendships, even as homeschoolers. I want to be their primary influence, but not their only influence.
Next week, Peyton will be attending her first Lego Club meeting. She's been working on her creation for over a week now! She's also on the roster for upcoming Cooking and Art classes with other homeschoolers, and both Peyton and Stewart will be in an upcoming Social Studies class for homeschoolers, as well.
A few weeks ago, I created a Facebook event to get a few homeschooling families together on the playground. That has since grown into me hosting a weekly event called, "Thursdays at Throckmorton." It's the perfect chance for our families to meet and SOCIALIZE! I love that it's weekly, so whenever a family can't make it, they can come the next week. We have a steady flow of families to meet and interact with. And seeing the different homeschooling styles has been both inspiring and comforting.
Peyton is now taking gymnastics twice a week and her coach loves her dedication. Learning to do a back kickover has been one of her toughest challenges and I can't wait until the moment she accomplishes this skill. (There may or may not be an abundance of happy tears.) Bonus: one of her homeschooled friends is in her Tuesday class, so Peyton gets to see her at least twice a week.
We are working on an African-American History Timeline project, as well as a general Social Studies Poster project. Peyton completed the entire K-2nd grade math program on Khan Academy, and she's now working on the 3rd grade program. Stewart is still working through the 5th grade program, mainly because the problems require more time-consuming calculations. We are studying both Spanish and Korean (their choice), and I've challenged them to start communicating with each other in one of those languages. Let's see how that works out LOL! And we've been spending a great deal of time on social skills, life skills, and critical thinking.
As far as "field trips," I was able to take them with me to vote and explained the entire process. They absolutely loved it, because we had previously researched candidates, as well as the election process. And because they're homeschoolers, they were able to stay up pretty late to watch the election coverage on TV. I also took them to see President Obama (and other politicians) speak at Fayetteville State University. Talk about a once in a lifetime opportunity! PRESIDENT OBAMA IN PERSON!!! Most recently, I took them to a technology fair at Barnes and Noble...a day of coding, Legos, building, robotics, and even dancing with an actual robot!
All in all, we're still happy with homeschooling. I continue to hear about disapproval from family members, but I can see first-hand the benefits of homeschooling...my children are happier, smarter, and healthier. And so am I. I can actually see my children developing their own interests and passions, without anyone else's influence. One of the biggest benefits is flexibility in our schedule. We can adjust our schedule to meet our needs, and when we can't focus on our needs, we embrace the chance to be resilient, serve others, and find new goals. So, while it may not be for everyone, it is for us at this point in our lives. I don't even know if I will homeschool them forever. I'd like to, but I'm smart enough to know that life happens and things change...ESPECIALLY in the military. So to plan for my children's needs 2 and 3 years from now would be foolish. But I pray this works out for all of us. They deserve it.
