School at Home - and Out
Hello to all who have the topic of the 2020/2021 school year on their minds. If Christ is the Head of the church and the kitchen is the heart of the home, then I see work and school as the arms and legs of the family as there is always somewhere to go and something to do! But now, even as the script is flipped in so many households, back to school we go...sort of... Regardless of how this school year progresses, we can make the most of each day and do the best we can with what we have.
My hope is to provide a list of tools to help families who may be unfamiliar with educating children at home. For those families who are following a public-school-at- home arc, many of these resources may be used to extend and enrich assignments, provide alternates for time that would otherwise be spent at extracurricular activities, or provide support in areas where the family is unfamiliar with a subject or seeking a different perspective on a topic.
You may be wondering:
“What resources are available for those unexpectedly homeschooling?” Answer: more than you need, and plenty to spare.
“Can I homeschool my child if I’ve never taught a day in my life?” Answer: Yes! No homeschool parent knows everything, we learn right alongside our students. I daresay they enjoy it more if I declare upfront that I don’t know much/anything about an upcoming area of study.
“Are there grade-level courses available that won’t cost me an arm and a leg?” Answer: Absolutely. Much is free, many are cheap, several span multiple grades and often are reusable.
“I hate math. How can I help my child like it?” Answer: See Life of Fred, which is on our list of winners.
“What do I actually need to prepare our home learning environment?” Answer: The basics for elementary and middle grades are: a Bible, a library card, a grade-level math curriculum (printed or online), internet access (to expand on subject matter), and basic school supplies (blank and lined paper, pencils, and age-appropriate art materials).
Things to remember
(or what I have to remember to say sane):
Begin at the cross: If all you do in a day is read a chapter of the Bible aloud and discuss it with and pray with your children and everything else after that explodes despite your best efforts, it’s still a win.
Focus on today: Unexpectedly homeschooling is a tall order. Set reasonable goals. Take one day at a time, then look back over it. Do the same with weeks and months.
Cool your jets: Home education is hard, set a time of day aside to regroup (we like 4pm, with tea or something similar).
Stay salty: Homeschooling without the ability to visit libraries or beaches or museums or nature centers is like eating food prepared without salt. It will sustain, but may not be very pleasant. So if this experience doesn’t shine with the glimmer of Christmas morning, keep in mind that much of the richness that draws and keeps families in the homeschooling life is extremely limited for now. You’ll need to do some sleight of hand to add flavor back in without those usual resources.
Additional Note: A respected mentor of mine, and my first resource teacher, Linda Smith, offers a handcrafted 2-year thematic curriculum which takes an imaginary journey around the world exploring cultures, arts, sciences, language, societies, music, food, applied math, animal and plant life, and geography, and highlights those subjects and more with excellent literature and digital enrichment. We used this curriculum with our older two boys, and now we’re excited to revisit it with our youngest son. Her newly-minted manuscript is now available for purchase and includes regular Zoom coaching meetings as part of the price.
Information and reviews available at Magical Tapestry
