Unrest.
This week there has been unrest everywhere we turn. Racial unrest. Political unrest. Religious unrest.
Through homeschooling, however, we have a great opportunity to give our families something extremely important: REST.
Through rest, we give our families the gift of not having to respond when the world says we should. We give our families the gift of not having to be sheep. We give our children the gift of knowing they can be secure in themselves and their path without the approval of the world.
So, rather than devote a lot of time to the unrest this week, I would like to share 5 tried and true ideas/resources that have brought our homeschool rest. These are GOOD things that allow to learn, grow, love, and share.
When we dedicate ourselves to having the best homeschool possible, we are creating the best young people possible, who in turn have an amazing impact on a hurting world.
Parents, don’t ever forget that through homeschooling you are CHANGING THE WORLD - one learner at a time - one day at time.
The Power of Story in the Elementary Years
This is a post from a little over a year ago and it still rings true today. Story is important in ever single area of the curriculum. You should never let a time go by that you are without a good story!
My son and I finished reading My Side of the Mountain aloud this week - what a simple, beautiful story it is. As we read I was so appreciative of the chance to spend time together, laugh together, and admire the simplicity and beauty of language.
Do You Have One Fun, Simple Game?
We’ve been playing Shut the Box since my kids were little. The other night after dinner my son set the game down in my lap and challenged me to a 15 game Shut the Box tournament. This game brought us together - sometimes it’s hard to connect with a teen, but the game was calling his name and I was happy to play with him.
When the kids were younger I thought it was great because we practice simple addition facts up to 10 with this game. It was quick, easy, and fun.
I encourage you to have a favorite family game like this.
Positive, Wise Voices
The older I have gotten the more important I realize it is to have wise voices in my life. The world lost one of those wise voices a few weeks ago. Ravi Zacharias was an inspiration not only to me, but also to my children as they make their way through the teen years.
We listen to many of Ravi’s talks in the car. We watched many of his videos - especially during quarantine.
One of the big advantages of homeschooling is exposing your children to these wise voices. I encourage you to watch True Love in a Time of Crisis with your big kids. It’s very good.
Ravi Zacharias, True Love in a Time of Crisis
Nature Study
I wish I could have a do-over in my homeschool. I wish we had done MORE nature study.
But you, dear reader, can have my do-over, ok? Take my word for it: on the days when we incorporated nature study all of us were happier, more productive, and I truly believe more in touch with our Creator. In my post - The 3 Rs of Nature Study, I point you to a few easy resources.
Improve Vocabulary - and it’s SO Simple!
My children use this simple way to improve their vocabulary and I do, too. Most recently I used it while reading Jane Eyre. Wow - I expanded my vocabulary a lot through reading that book! I highlight and look up all the words that are unfamiliar to me. I also write in the margins and truly make the book my own with colored pens, highlighting, etc…. As I look back on my copy of Jane Eyre it means so much more to me because it is personalized!
I hope these 5 tried and true things will bring you rest - and some fun ideas for the coming weeks in your homeschool.
I’m cheering for you!
