One of the things I love about homeschooling is how every activity becomes a springboard to learning. Whether it be a trip to the aquarium leading to an in-depth look at the creation of in-home aquatic habitats, which is still currently under discussion. No, we cannot keep jellyfish in our pool! Or, a simple family outing for ice cream sparking curiosity about how ice cream is made. There is an abundance of opportunities available, that don’t require a book.
After one such trip out for ice cream, the boys practiced reading a recipe, following measurements and listening to directions in order to make their very own blueberry ice cream. They were intrigued at how the cream thickened from a liquid into ice cream, as they know it. However, they were not impressed by how much time and work the process took. While they enjoyed the experience and treat, they still prefer to get their ice cream from the store. Oh, well. Perhaps, next week I will show them how to make their own butter!
Whether an outing is the culmination of a learning experience or the start of one, don’t miss the simple opportunities available within your own communities. These real-world experiences are what make education real to our children. These will be the lessons they remember.
I’m joining in with Timberdoodle’s Learning on the Go Blog Hop.
This helps give Mr. Man a visual and helps him transition between activities. We will also be implementing a new incentive activity that will, hopefully, eliminate some of the whining I hear when I say the word “school”. Since Pokemon is currently THE thing in our house, the boys will be collecting Pokemon eggs. Each egg contains a Pokemon which they can add to their book as they try to “catch them all”. To earn an egg the boys will collect tokens by doing schoolwork without whining and following the newly implemented Family Rules. Tokens will go onto their token boards and can be traded in for a Pokemon egg when they have ten tokens.
MamaBean Az 