Keeping It Simple

(or)  If You Were To Ask Me  Not sure that is the correct way to begin this (it sounds so pretentious!). Let me explain. As my daughter left our house today with her two young boys in tow, I half-heartedly offered her a few educational items that I am getting rid of. I say half-heartedly because I really did not want her to take them. S tuff can be a homeschoolers enemy- stuff is my enemy. To me, the best way to have an effective and enjoyable homeschool is to keep it simple (note the title of my blog). Especially during the younger years. These years are a great time for our "students" to explore. Lots of time can be spent building Legos, painting, climbing, swinging, inventing, exploding , creating, sewing, investigating, digging in the dirt... and most of these things don't require much stuff . The times that learning was at its best in our young family (aside from when my children were free to explore and learn on their own) was when we had ...

Because I trust in that each choice we make is what is best for the moment... I am revamping our school year to include more workbooks! Yes, I love hands-on learning and am thankful for all the opportunities that come our way, but sometimes workbooks are good enough. I also trust that my children have enough curiosity and initiative to make their learning hands-on in their own way. Just to show me that He has got it covered, God has sent me this very dear friend who has come over to do some hands-on type learning with my boys already!! :) I am not all that sure what it was even all about but it had to do with "states of matter" and making Oobleck (and other gooey substances ;)). Today, the same friend took my two youngest boys on an awesome field trip to visit an old cemetery (where graves of Union AND Confederate soldiers were seen) and explore the waters of Santa Cruz (and play a bit). So, I am trusting that God has a plan for this year that is be...