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A little taste of homeschooling

I have always believed that parents are their child’s first teachers. Although I think organized (and possibly unorganized) homeschooling can be really great for some families, I’m not sure I am capable of trying We feel so fortunate that Emma Kate is at such a wonderful school (and Jack will all too soon join her). But, I do try to take advantage, when possible, of opportunities to teach my children and to learn with them. With Jack, I have recently enjoyed some child-led activities. For example, today he grabbed glue and glitter- so we wrote his name in glue, and then sprinkled it with gliter. (And then he went on to make “cinnamon toast” and “pancakes” out of glue and glitter). Earlier in the week, Jack asked about fishing. After giving him my vegetarian take on fishing (fish are friends- a line borrowed from Finding Nemo), we decided to “fish” for letters and words (see attached photos). This was a great way to assess his recognition of letters and to reinforce letter sounds and letter sound combinations.

Wednesday was homeschool day at Latta Plantation; we joined Joanna and Fletcher after school. The kids always enjoy going to Latta Plantation, and it’s particularly fun to experience the site when the staff dresses in period clothing and are available to provide explanations of plantation life. While there, we learned about cows, horses, mules, and spinning wool into thread. We also toured the historic house, and observed the farm animals.