Our Homeschooling Room

We are moving house and saying goodbye to our faithful homeschool room! Our new place doesn't have a designated space...yet... so we are going to miss this room!

I obviously took this photo before the wall was filled with artwork and posters and the computer desk is missing the laptop! 

 My love.......Ikea storage tubs!

I'm excited about the opportunity to design our new homeschool room so it's goodbye to our old room and looking ahead to something new!

Are We Doing Enough? Our Experiment!

I think most homeschoolers ask themselves this question from time to time. Are we doing enough? It's hard to measure everything we do as so much of our days are just regular life such as a trip to the shops, bike rides, walks on the beach collecting shells.....and how can we measure the value of conversations with our children or the sibling relationships that grow and develop each day? We can't. Some learning, the important stuff, can't be measured on a standardised test. And isn't the avoidance of these measures at least partly what drew us to homeschool in the first place?

When it comes to 'how much is enough?' we sometimes have to wrestle with our own beliefs about education when we imagine the 6hr classroom day compared to our own days at home.

We returned from a week on the Gold Coast over the weekend so decided to take this week pretty easy as I'm also in the process of re-evaluating how we homeschool. I constantly fall into the 'are we doing enough?' thinking. So I embarked on an experiment and documented everything that happened on both our unstructured, unplanned days as well as the more typical homeschool days.

MONDAY

Morning 
- Playing with Lego building villages
- 2 older boys took turns doing 30 minutes of maths games on Ipad
- Trip to the shops to print photos from our holiday
- Put together photo albums, made scrapbooks with stories from our trip, brochures, photos and pictures.

Afternoon
- I went to work for 2hrs and grandma came over
- Read stories with grandma / drawing / lego
- Played superheros outside with costumes

- Went to local library for kids club - craft activity (2hrs)
- Borrowed library books / quiet reading once home

Evening
- Watched Deadly 60 animal documentary on TV with dad
- Independent bedtime reading (30 minutes)

TUESDAY

Morning
- Football cards - sorting and numbering
- 30 minutes maths games on Ipad
- Piano practice 30 minutes DS5 (he does this spontaneously!)
- Studyladder online (1hr each while I was at work)

Afternoon
- Watched funny videos on youtube
- Went to the local playground
- Went grocery shopping
- Read stories together on the couch

Evening
- Nanny came to visit and told her about our holiday

WEDNESDAY

Morning
- Regular homeschool routine which includes morning chores, devotions, character study, maths, literacy etc. and other homeschool curriculum.

Afternoon
- Swimming lessons
- Me teaching from home = kids around,  so play time with friends

Evening
- Read stories with dad

THURSDAY

Morning
- Independent / quiet reading
- Puzzles / games / toys

- Took DS7 to a homeschool group introduction to film making for kids which he loved and wants to learn more so we are considering regular film making classes

Afternoon
- Visited Christian book store / play in the indoor playground
- Selected and purchased some books
- At home DS7 sat and did some story writing for an hour while DS5 and DS3 and DD had a nap...I seized my moment and joined them!
- Piano practice for 2 older boys
- Music practice - kids got out the percussion instruments and drums and 'wrote songs' together for over an hour making videos of themselves on the Ipad
- Outside play

FRIDAY

Morning
-  Regular homeschool routine which includes morning chores, devotions, character study, maths, literacy etc. and other homeschool curriculm
- Studyladder online and skwirk

Afternoon
- Watched a movie
- Watered and looked at vege & herb garden / picked veges and herbs for dinner
- DS7 Basketball training 1hr
- DS5 & 3 Auskick football 1hr

 

This is very  different to our usual weeks which are busier and more structured but I found this experiment to be very encouraging. If I wanted to put my teacher hat on I could re-word everything with an educational focus and it would probably sound impressive. e.g the boys playing with football cards would be sorting and classifying, time in the vegie garden would fall under science etc. It reminds of when I announced on facebook that we were homeschooling and my page filled with jokes such as 'animal studies = look over the fence at the neighbours dog' and 'cultural studies - lunch at a Chinese resteraunt'. It's not about being sneaky as this is exactly what teachers do. Don't be fooled by the language or edu-speak in the Australian curriculum - viewing, presenting and evaluation is just watching a movie..but it sounds impressive doesn't it? 

What did I learn from my note taking? My kids do a lot of things that I no longer notice because it's so 'normal' such as independent, quiet reading, story writing, music practice, lego and puzzles etc...all of this is learning, natural learning, self-directed learning. It is ALL good.

My encouragement is when in times of doubt, observe and write everything down. You may find yourself amazed at what your kids have achieved in that day or week!

In Defence Of Unschooling.....

We don't watch TV much these days but we did happen to see this segment on unschooling on the project where it was described as "stupid" and "irresponsible" by panel members.

I don't identify as an unschooler but I respect the diversity that exists in the homeschooling community and embrace many natural learning approaches in the way we home educate. I've seen the merits of unschooling in my own boys through what they create in their 'free' time. I see their passion and enthusiasm when they pursue something that interests them rather than something I've told them to learn and it takes learning to a whole new level - a much higher level.

In defence of unschooling is "stupid"..........

To be fair, an unschooler saying they let their children do what ever they want does at first, sound crazy. However, what others imagine this to look like is usually incorrect. Unschooling doesn't mean letting kids do whatever they want whenever they want with no rules, structure or discipline - it means trusting that children learn quite naturally and organically at certain stages of development and are capable of directing their learning much in the same way as educational philosophies like Montessori and Reggio Emilio (that many wealthy private schools use in early learning) do.

Although homeschooling is still taboo, the figures show that more parents are considering alternatives to mainstream education through schools such as Montessori. These schools often take a more child-directed approach to learning which appeals to parents. This is exactly what many homeschoolers and unschoolers are doing.

In defence of unschooling is "irresponsible"........

In order to see alternative education as irresponsible we must believe that a mainstream education is the only way to learn and that without it children will fail.

Unschooling doesn't provide a child with a perfect education - but neither does mainstream school or any school option for that matter. Unschooling (with perhaps the exception of radical unschooling) simply take a different approach to learning that supports a childs innate desire to learn about the world around them. Unschooled children are not being ignored or left to play video games all day - they have committed parents who are strongly connected with them and their learning needs. If they want to learn an instrument then a parent will faciliate that by finding a teacher, if they have a question about crocodiles then the parent is there to answer it, if they want to play basketball then the parent finds them a team. Unschooling is only irresponsible if the parent is completely disconnected or absent from the child.


In defence of "Parents should be parents not educators.."

It seems a commonly held belief that parents are useless once the child turns 5 when they go to school to be educated by experts.

Well, guess what? I'm the expert on my child. I'm not the expert on year 12 physics but right now, I don't have to be. I know that one of my children is beautifully creative and that he is easily discouraged. I know he likes to 'think' in peace and quiet and that he absolutely loves numbers. He is strong-willed and fiercely independent. I know my other child has an amazing ability to memorize facts. In fact, he likes memorizing things!  Just this week he told me he knew the name of every current player in the AFL (football) and guess what, he does! Now...just to channel that brain power in to something more useful... :)

As parents we shouldn't doubt the call on our lives to teach our children as they are ours for a reason. We are the ones chosen to impart love, wisdom and guidance to these precious little people. This is not a responsibility we should be coerced into delegating to complete strangers under the guise they are better of with the 'experts'. We need to regain confidence in our ability as parents to create a valuable, stimulating learning experience at home for our children.

Unschooling, like homeschooling, will always be a subject of division as we battle our often pig-headed opinions toward what learning and education should look like.

Managing Screen Time When You Homeschool

I'll be honest. Screens including the TV, computer and gadgets have often been my babysitter and sanity saver. I could defend why I use them until the cow's come home but the truth is, at times, I'm just lazy. I've become dependent on screens to give me a break, provide distraction for the kids and keep them engaged while I complete important (or not so important) tasks. The problem? I've become increasingly uncomfortable with what my kids watch on TV and the addictive nature of gadgets like ipads. I've learnt to recognise that when I begin to feel uncomfortable or uneasy about something it is often the still, small voice of God trying to get my attention.

So when I heard about the screen free week challenge it seemed the answer I was looking for. It would offer us a chance to disconnect from technology and give us time to re-connect with each other. I felt it would also be an opportunity to re-assess our use of screens and to seek God for help in what changes we could make to how we use screens in our family and homeschool.

I talked about the ways that we swapped TV for other activities at MUMmedia which included swapping morning TV for activity boxes and afternoon TV for music.

Why consider the use of screens when you homeschool?

 

1. Screens limit creativity

One thing I have loved about homeschooling is seeing how amazingly creative my children are when they are given the time and space to explore their own thoughts. This creativity is hampered when the TV is on. The two cannot work together.

And although many things we do on the computer are educational, playing a maths game with one dimensional images does not stimulate little brains in the same way that sitting down looking at concrete examples and manipulatives does. Computer learning such as skwirk or studyladder are great as long as they compliment other homeschool methods.

2. Screens are addictive

Most of us know that the TV is addictive but it is nowhere near as addictive as gadgets and computer games. My kids would often watch TV but drift off and do something else. However, with gadgets they are transfixed and immovable and when it's time to get off - tantrums erupt!

3. What we see on screens often opposes our values

This is the biggest one for us. I have always been careful with what the kids watch but as they've gotten older and outgrown the mostly harmless shows on ABC2 I've had difficult finding shows that I think are appropriate. I've observed shows that I don't want the kids watching but felt stuck. It was either tell them to watch preschool shows, pop a DVD on or just turn it off and listen to the whining and nagging.

What we learnt from going screen free...

•  We are better without TV

It warmed my heart getting up in the morning to see my early risers lounging on the couch reading a book instead of blobbing in front of the the TV. As a homeschooler, our whole day is about opportunities for learning and too much TV time opposes what I'm trying to create at home for my kids.

It also minimised noise! Our afternoons seemed much calmer without the added stimulation of the TV blaring!

• Screens have become too important to us

Although I loved a week away from the computer for myself it made me realise that I waste a lot of time stuck in computer land. I often have up to 10 windows open at a time and I can be writing a blog, preparing a report for work, checking facebook, doing online banking, getting homeschool ideas on pinterest and shopping on ebay....all at the same time. When the kids would come and ask me to do something I would become stressed with all the things I had to do before I could get off the computer. During my computer free week I found that I could do my online banking quickly on my phone if I needed to and could do without the distraction of multiple windows open. I turned off alerts on my phone though so I don't feel tempted to check it a hundred times a day when it beeps at me!

Time with my kids is the most important thing in the world and I needed a wake up call that I don't NEED the computer and online world as much as I think I do.

•  It's time to make changes

We had a 'family meeting' where we discussed how our screen free week was going. I told my kids I thought they watched too much TV and they told me I spent too much time on the computer so we decided I wouldn't use the computer (except for work or briefly) during the day and our home would become TV free during the week. In the mornings I put out a box of toys or activity for them and in the afternoon we either go to the park or play some music and I've been surprised at how quickly we got used to this new way of life. I honestly thought I wouldn't be able to survive....but we are not just surviving we are thriving with our new limited screen time!

I have a feeling God has more to say to me on this subject after I read this article the other day but for now, we are making small changes to screen time for the benefit of our family and homeschool!

Against The Flow - Christian Homeschooling

Part of the reason we chose to homeschool after spending time in a local state school was because we wanted to teach our kids Christian values. We had the opportunity to experience education and socialisation in a secular environment which helped us realise how important it is that not only our home life be centered about the person of Jesus but also our children's education.

I have mentioned numerous times about homeschooling being a socially unpopular choice. It is also a counter-cultural choice. But what many people don't realise is that we often face opposition from other Christians and Christian leaders. Homeschoolers really are going against the flow!

Even in church communities we are taught that it's best to go with the flow - just follow the majority and we should be right. The problem? We end up using imperfect people to guide our decisions rather than look to the word of God. We stop following God and start following church culture and church leaders instead. Sadly, often times church culture is not so different to the culture of the world and we find ourselves going with the flow rather than listening to what God might be saying to us.

"Do not conform to the patterns of the world but instead be transformed in the renewing of your mind. For then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Romans 12:2

Understanding why Christians feel so convicted about homeschooling really requires a change of thinking - a renewing of the mind. We have all been raised to think a certain way about education. If we grew up in a home that believed state education was the way to go then we probably believe this to be right or true. If we went to an elite private school then we may believe this education to be superior to other options. To understand the value and mission of Christian homeschoolers we have to address WHY we think a certain method of education is best. This then explains why we may (incorrectly) believe that the alternatives to our own beliefs surrounding education must be inferior, or even wrong.

God did not create us to all be the SAME - We are unique, one of a kind!

I know that after attending a rather elitist private school I had to wrestle with my own prejudice against non-University educated people. Yes, really. I was immersed in a school culture that believed high achievement was the key to success and a University education made me superior. It was a slow process as God changed my thinking. God does not value achievement, vocation or a worldly definition of success - he values our heart, our character and our obedience.

We are wise to find our true worth and value in HIM and not in the values of the world.

For this reason, homeschooling can be an isolating experience. My lifestyle and values are just so vastly different to those around me. It's hard when you know that whenever you mention homeschooling that people are making judgements and assumptions about your family. It can even be people you love and trust the most who hold on to their strong opinions and prejudices. 

It's lucky that we are not here on earth to gain everyone's approval! We are only called to be obedient to our heavenly father and he is the ONLY person that we need to give account to. e.g I'm not answerable to the lady down the road who looks at me disapprovingly when I take my kids for a bike ride when they "should be at school". 

The longer I homeschool the more I feel convicted that homeschooling is right for our family. As I seek God and his word, I'm also beginning to learn more about God's design for families and raising children. I'm amazed at how God is continually 'renewing my mind' to see things differently and changing my own attitudes, prejudices and wrong thinking.

Sometimes I get discouraged when I look at our churches and how far removed our lifestyle and cultures are from the word of God. It's just so easy to be worldly and to forget that God has set us apart and called us to be different. We are not called to be the same but we are called to go against the flow and even though sometimes it's hard to step out, God will always honour our obedience with blessing. 

Using Skwirk Online In Your Homeschool

In our homeschool we use online learning to compliment what we are doing across most of our subjects. I'm always on the look out for something new so appreciated the opportunity to try out Skwirk interactive schooling!

What's so good about Skwirk?

I like having some insight in to what my homeschooled kids school aged peers are learning. All subjects and topics on Skwirk are taken from the Australian curriculum or state equivalent so you get an idea of what other kids are doing.We have used this benefit to look at the topics and if it strikes an interest then we explore it furthur. It has been a fantastic resource and supplement to what we do in our homeschool.

Skwirk doesn't just contain drills and exercises it contains bright, engaging videos and images as well as interactive games. The graphics are great quality especially for children in years K-2.  

We are using K-2 levels for DS5 and some year 3 stuff for DS7 and both really like the animated videos. I believe it is the quality of the videos which separates Skwirk from other interactive online learning programs.

What's not so good about Skwirk?

One of the benefits of skwirk is that parents can be involved. This isn't ideal if you prefer your child to work independently during computer time as it requires some assistance in navigating - especially if your child isn't a proficient reader just yet. My 7yo was fine although did at times get a little 'lost' and my 5yo needed me to help him through the topics and subject areas as he had difficult reading some of the long titles.

Also, my kids are all over the place when it comes to what 'year level' they are doing. My 5yo doesn't even know what year level he's in as I discovered when someone asked him the other day and he said, "Um, homeschool?". He does the same level his 7yo brother does in maths who himself is a few grades ahead but then is only slightly ahead of his age with literacy and reading. Skwirk doesn't quite cater for jumping all over the place when kids are on different grade levels for different subjects which we found a little challenging. However, we acknowledge our situation is somewhat unique.

The verdict? We love it! 

Despite it's imperfections (is any online learning program perfect?) we are really enjoying using Skwirk. My 3yo loves the online videos and loves to sit with his brothers while they do 'school'. I also enjoy sitting with them and working through the different learning areas. It is a fantastic online resource to supplement any homeschool learning program and I recommend giving it a go for those who haven't tried it.

Skwirk is very kindly offering a 25% discount to modern homeschool today Australia readers which means that a yearly membership is only $75 with CODE:   skwirker   Click here

A Day Out In The Adelaide Hills - Gumeracha

Last week we went for a scenic drive in the Adelaide hills to a little town called Gumeracha.

This is one of my favourite drives as the scenery is just so beautiful - but if you're driving try not to take too much notice as the roads are very windy.

We visited the big rocking horse which you can enter and climb to the top. Hubby took the three boys who all climbed right to the top - even my three year old had a go! 

There is also a small wildlife sanctuary that you can enter for FREE! You have the option to buy some 'feed' for the animals. We spent just under an hour in there meeting the kangaroos, peacocks, chickens, alpacas, goats, sheeps, ducks and talking cockatoos!

The boys loved it!

Although DS7 wasn't too sure about the alpaca!

We then had a look around the toy shop and the boys loved 'peeking in' and seeing the carpenters making the toys out of wood. Most of the toys stocked at this toy shop are made on site and they also stock other local produce like honey and jam! There is also a cafe' there to stop for a snack or some lunch.

 

Not only is this a fantastic day out for a homeschooling (or any!) family it is also super cheap. It's only a gold coin donation to climb the rocking house and the animal sanctuary is free and the food to feed the animals is $3.50 per bag. My boys shared a bag so it didn't cost us much at all.

A trip to the big rocking horse at Gumeracha can be a great frugal day out if you can resist buying from the toy shop and cafe' that is! :)