Sep. 6, 2006 - Something Different
Well, we have started our new school year. And I have learned one thing already. What we are doing is NOT working. I wish I might have learned this a little sooner. The bookwork is great. A very practical approach to learning the basic subjects. But what we are missing is passion. Passion for learning the wonders of this amazing world the Lord has placed us in. My children will sit down and dutifully do their schoolwork...and do it well. But they aren't loving it. And I so want to nurture in them a true desire for knowledge and understanding. I want them to know not only how things work, but why. If left to themselves they explore everything, everywhere. Now I want to channel all that curiosity. I don't have the personality of an "unschooler". Deep down I always have a hidden plan and I run best on routine. But I also don't fit well with the highly structured. I think my ideal would be to dabble in the books long enough to grasp new concepts, leaving off the repetition. Then we would take those new concepts and test them out in daily life. Ahhh, but at the moment I am so totally unsure how to make that happen. And it doesn't help that I immediately come face-to-face with that horrid person in the mirror that tells me I am not educated enough to think outside the books. But I refuse to listen to her this time. I will look to my Lord who alone knows exactly what my children need. He who knows how they will learn best and be happiest is more than delighted to give me glimpses into the hearts and minds of my children. I will trust in Him to restructure what school looks like in our home!
Comments
Sep. 14, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by praiseherinthegates
Have you read anything by John Taylor Gatto? or Terri Camp?
We are thinking on these things too. I am interested to hear what you will do about this. I have decided to start trying to spark interests in my children, with read alouds, then make lapbooks and sort of grow the curriculum from there.
We are starting to read a book about Benjamin Franklin, I was inspired by this:
"Benny's teacher told him to "Go fly a kite!" His moms said, "Sure. Turn it into a science project." Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity by flying a kite. He was home schooled." I got this from the website of our homeschooling Board (we have to register with a board here).
Blessings,
Rebecca ~Mama to 7 under 9!
Sep. 20, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 5sweetkids4me
