Monday: 9.8.08

I’m trying to get us back to our usual “semi-structured” schedule after our crazy start last week. Due to my Mom’s declining health and a couple of crises, we traveled 100 miles round trip every weekday last week. Thus, most of our “schooling” occured in the car (with the exception of our outside classes: Spanish, ballet, homeschool chorus).

Our homeschool philosophy is pretty ecclectic. Because of my own learning disability (ADD), and my background in Early Childhood Education, I do believe learning is life-long. Because many of my early experiences were negative due to the (undiagnosed) ADD, I want my kids to enjoy learning. I don’t believe learning just occurs between the hours of 9am – 3pm.

Thus, we do have some fairly structured time that tends to be “work-booky.” Many workplaces are very flexible and who knows how it will evolve. However, everyone needs some sort of self-discipline (not all of us will hold jobs where the jammies we now wear to “school” at the dining room table will be en vogue!).

However, having said that, I really do believe that kids having a bigger investment in learning when they help choose and guide what will be learnt. Because of that philosophy, my oldest is into Lego Robotics. Something he asked to learn.  My daughter is in ballet, and my youngest is in acrobatics…all because it was self-guided interest.

Our days are a big mix of “formal” instruction time, free play exploration and structured outside classes based on an interest the kids have. It works pretty well for us!