Learning On the Go

 The Van is the classroom.

Grandma's house is the classroom.

The World is your classroom!

Being flexible is one of the best parts of homeschooling. You make your own schedule, and adjust as needed. Also, when you homeschool, you can learn anywhere you go, which allows you to go to many places on field trips, or as needed, like errands and appointments. I have often taken lessons and worksheets with us to other places.

Here's the deal. Homeschooling is what you want it to be. If you decide that you need to be out all day, find ways to have teachable moments wherever you go, and bring portable workbooks with you! Everywhere you go, you can be learning.

If you have been following me from Facebook, you already know, if not, you don't know this yet, but I recently started a new job. As you know, when I started this blog I was doing a daycare out of my rental, and when we finally bought a house, we moved pretty far out of the way of all of our clients, so I haven't really had much income since we moved last July. I got hired at someone else's in-home preschool as her afternoon teacher. So 3 days a week (Tues-Thurs.) I take my kids to Grandma's and work for a few hours. Sometimes I can bring them,sometimes they just hang out with Grandma. So we have attempted to be all done with our schoolwork before we leave to drop the kids off at Grandma's. The first 2 days, there was some left to work on by the time we had to leave. So bring it along, and Grandma can help you get it done before I get back. There is no reason not to get it done, you still have to do it. It comes along and you will still finish your assignment. Obviously, if we were going to do a project together, it would be done in the morning before we have to leave. And if I ever bring the kids with me, their books come, too. That's the way it goes. We have our own days off that differ from the public school system, but there is not going to be any old excuse for not getting it done. We are portable, we are flexible. We make it work, and we have fun in the process. :)

There is a new trend in "home schooling" called "Unschooling".

"Unschooling places little emphasis on traditional school curriculum and encourages children to learn through their natural life experiences including play, game play, household responsibilities, personal interests and curiosity, work experience, travel, books, elective classes, family, mentors, and social interaction. Unschooling encourages exploration of activities initiated by the children themselves, believing that the more personal learning is, the more meaningful, well-understood and therefore useful it is to the child. Differing from conventional schooling, unschooling questions the usefulness of standard curricula, conventional grading methods, and other features of traditional schooling in maximizing the education of each unique child." (wikipedia )

While I m not sure I am 100% on board with the whole concept, I am under the belief that school and learning does not stop in at the classroom, but is without boarders and having an open, teachable mind is essential for true knowledge. Therefor, the concept is intriguing to me. I do think that kids need to learn some basics of schooling, in order for them to function in the working world. They need to have their basic academics, social manners and skills, and the ability to sit at a desk might come in handy in college or the work-field. But at a young age, they should be taught to enjoy the world, nature, learning, and being curious. They need to play and learn through play. They need to be kids. So, unschooling for younger children, and then slowly introducing other things is a good idea, in my opinion. 

I think there is importance int having structure, and schedules and order. I do believe in being very flexible within those schedules, though. Being rigidly bound within schedules is a recipie for disaster.

I've seen those families. They aren't in relationship because they are so worried about getting it all done. So for me, the people come before the lesson. And there are so many opportunities for life lessons that you can still teach and learn so much outside of your curriculum. But I do want to make an effort to stay somewhat consistent. That is very important as well. As in all good things, a healthy balance, moderation, not swinging too far on either side of the pendulum, is my goal. Structure with flexibility.

On the home stretch to summer break? Feeling the burnout?

Does your May look like this one?

I am, too. And my dyslexic daughter has her 3rd grade assessment test next month. I'm a little bit, um, sorta, kinda, FREAKING out, just a teensy bit. But I am not going to let myself get overworked, Because I know that home schooling has been the best thing for her. And I see she is actually doing great. So it's going to be all okay. We're going to make it!

YOU CAN MAKE IT, TOO!

So be encouraged. If you don't get it all done, it's okay. And if you feel like you really need to finish something, can it come with you to the Dr.'s waiting room? You'll make it!