Homeschooling Through the Unexpected
So what do we do when faced with illness or other surprise interruptions (relative visits, a move, etc) that throw our well-intentioned schedule out of whak? Thankfully, our children can and do learn a great deal even when we can't do school just the way we like. (I'm assuming here that everyone in the family is not ill at the same time. You still have a child or two or three that needs contructive activity while the rest of the house is down.) This is the time to take advantage of all those goodies you never seem to have time to fit in.
Consider all the games, puzzles, videos, science kits, crafts, etc. that you "never get around to". This is the perfect time to bring them out. I was shocked when I inventoried our games and realized how many we've never even gotten around to playing. (I tend to find "treasures" at yard sales and such) I also had several different science activity kits on the shelf. I hadn't let the kids into them because I wanted to use them as part of a more structured lesson. Well, the fact is, I never get around to that. While we were ill, I let my eight year old at them, and he had a ball. I think he even learned a thing or two!
Consider teaching your daughter to knit or crochet. My daughter used a craft book and learned to make friendship bracelets. It may not look educational, but it involved reading comprehension and following instructions. My neighbor friend taught her to knit as well. This is also a great time to practice those "life skills". Those who are feeling relatively well, can be a great help in the kitchen. (In "school" they call that Home Ec)
I found we also have many educational videos we don't always take time to watch. I'd picked up several travel videos that focused on different countries at a thrift store years ago and we'd never watched them. This was the perfect time to lie on the couch and get a feel for the culture of a different country. We also listed to Bible Story CD's, Shakespeare for Children and classical music.
And don't forget letter writing. Have your bored child write to friends and grandparents. Oh, then there are computer programs, good conversations, picture books, books on tape or CD....the list goes on and on. There are just so many fun ways to learn!
Overall, I think our two weeks "off school" were pretty productive. Just take a look at my two boys entertaining themselves while my daughter and I were down. The amusing thing is that they both got fancy Mega Blocks ships for Christmas. Still, here they are creating their own out of cardboard. I was actually amazed at how well they did. You can't tell me they're not learning something there!
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DO Try These At Home!
This is a great time to discuss politics with your children. Consider making a political notebook as you learn about the different branches of government, our election process, the various canditates and more. As you read newspaper reports, file articles and pictures in your notebook. You can find some wonderful, free notebooking pages HERE. You might even want to take advantage of this 12 week study on Presidents and Elections.
Do you have a young, sensory oriented child learning the alphabet? Make your own "touch" alphabet cards by painting a letter in white glue on an index card. While the glue is still wet, sprinkle salt on top. Once dry, your child can trace the sand-like letter with their finger. Add a few drops of food coloring to a baggie of salt to give the letter some color.
The Iditarod begins on March third. This is a fantastic way to learn in action. You'll be amazed at the things you can learn while following this race. Geography, science, history, geography and much more! Homeschool in the Woods has a great FREE Iditarod & Alaska unit study to get you started on the right track. (Be sure and check out our special offer in the sidebar) |
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Great New Goodies!
I LOVE this product! JoAnn Gagnon has created devotionals to go along with her beginning sewing books. Each story corresponds with a project in either Catch the Sewing Bug or Stitches & Pins. For instance, as you learn to sew a drawstring pouch in Catch the Sewing Bug, you would read the corresponding devotional about Zacheus in the devotional. Each reading includes a Bible text, a story focusing on a specific character quality (honesty, in this case), a song suggestion and a memory verse. What a great way to turn sewing into a spiritual lesson. Whenever your daughter looks at her project she'll remember the story behind it! Sewing & Growing with Jesus goes with the projects in Catch the Sewing Bug and Sewing & Growing with God's Word corresponds to Stitches & Pins. Enjoy!
We've also added two more topics to the popular Great Science Adventures series. Click covers to read specifics on our latest additions. 
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