above: The current “schoolhouse”.
When we were planning our trip, the biggest concern of our friends and family was over our kid’s education. The concern ranged from curious as to how we would manage it to an almost panic over them missing a year of school. Never having home schooled our kids, I, quite frankly, had no idea how it would evolve but I was willing to ride the wave to see where it would go and what a ride it has been.
above and right: Granny helps the Lil’ Dude with his math facts.
I originally planned on using an online program approved by the State of South Carolina but trashed the whole idea two weeks before our departure due to scheduling and other restrictions that would not work with our travels. I then bought $20.00 curriculum guides to use as a foundation for their studies and joined a homeschooling association (Palmetto Independent Educators “PIE”) as required by the state so the Dudes would not be considered “truant”. The rest we would just figure out and off we went.
below: Sometimes homeschooling looks like this.
Last month I submitted mid term reports of the Dude’s progress to PIE which gave me a chance to look back and review everything they have accomplished since the start of the trip. I was shocked to discover it took three pages each (in outline form) to cover their educational experiences.
………sometimes it looks like this.
Museums are a big part of our trip and almost all museums have a teacher/educational section on their websites which offer everything from simple worksheets to complete curriculum. The Hippygeek and I have used these resources to devise assignments for the Dudes to complete during their visits. To date, we have visited 21 museums across the nation.
……..and sometimes like this
National Parks have also been a big part of out trip. They offer a look at natural wonders, flora and fauna, geology, history and an opportunity to become a Jr. Ranger. To become a Jr. Ranger, the Dudes are required to view an introductory film, attend a Ranger lecture, visit at least one area of the park and complete a workbook. To date, we have visited 22 National Parks in the U.S. and Canada.
below: There are always an assortment of “teachers” available to help.
In addition to National Parks and Museums, the Dudes have had the opportunity to attend many local art and music festivals, zoos, lectures, classes and have been able to tour several of the larger cities across the country.
below: There is more to learnin’ than just readin’ and writin’.
When I reviewed the Big Dude’s curriculum guide, he had completed 3/4 of the material required for 6th grade in addition to reading 18 books. The Lil’ Dude, who is officially in 1st grade this year had completed 1st grade material last year so we started on a 2nd grade workbook which he completed in a few months and are now 3/4 of the way through the material in the 2nd grade curriculum guide.
below: Games can teach everything from sportsmanship to money management.
We have also discovered two online resources (there are a million of them) that we are using to supplement their education. The Khan Academy is a free (free, free, free!), well designed program that one can practically work through a college degree with. The Big Dude loves working online and at his own pace and has discovered the thrill of learning almost anything you want, anytime you want – right at your fingertips. BrainPop is the other online program (not free) that the Dudes, especially the Lil’ Dude (they have lessons for the younger ages) are really enjoying. So much, that if they have a few minutes of “downtime”, they pull out the laptop and do some lessons. The online programs also fill their need to have their hands on an electronic device and I secretly think that they enjoy it as much as their mind numbing games.
below: Sometimes there are distractions.
Of course, the look of homeschooling is very different than traditional schooling and sometimes it doesn’t look like schooling at all. We have no schedule, it can take place anywhere, we figure it out day to day and there are many different teachers involved.
left and below: Homeschooling provides independent learning as well as one on one learning.
It has been quite a ride but, as I review what they have accomplished and see the smiles on their faces, I think they are doing just fine.
We learn, not for school, but for life – Seneca, Epistulae
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