Are you one of those people, like me, who loves to read about how other people homeschool? Maybe you’re someone who loves to talk about your approach to homeschooling, also like me. Today I’m writing about our approach to our latest journey, unschooling.
As I’m sure you know, every day is different, and, especially since we’ve just transitioned from eclectic homeschooling to self-directed learning, we’re still trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Our Typical Unschooled Day
8:00- Breakfast- usually something simple; I’ll be the first to admit that our meals are more about convenience. I honestly don’t have the time or energy to cook something from scratch everyday for twelve people.
9:00- Chores- Since we do these a few times a day, it only takes about 20 minutes to get things done.
9:20- From this point on until lunchtime, the children are free to do what they want. Like my husband, my children are all technology fanatics, so our morning looks something like this-
At first this really bothered me, but after I stopped stressing about it and actually paid attention to what they were doing, I realized that they’re learning far more than I ever imagined.
– Minecraft- geometry, logic, learning step-by-step how such things as glass and steel are made
– Ruzzle- spelling, vocabulary
– Scribblenaut- spelling, vocabulary, science, history
-Leap Pad Learning Tablets- well, that’s kind of obvious
They will sometimes do other activities during this time, such as their math. I know many unschoolers don’t formally teach math, but living within PA homeschool laws makes me too nervous to skip it. My younger kids- 8 yrs. old on down have a choice about whether or not they’ll do it. Sometimes they do; sometimes they don’t. At this age, it’s very easy to incorporate math into everyday learning.
My 9, 12, &, 13 year-olds are all required to do their math everyday at their own pace. Incidentally, besides my 14 year-old, these are the children who must be evaluated every year, so the documentation is so important.
12:00- Lunch- again, usually something simple
1:00- Family reading
Starting at 1:00, we have what I call ”Media Blackout”. Until 4:00, no electronics are permitted, unless they’re researching something or watching tutorials. While they do learn through media, I think it’s so important to do hands-on activities. During this time is when you’ll see what I consider the good stuff.
3:00- Chores
4:00- Supper
6:30- Bathtimes
8:00- Bedtime and Bible story for the kids 6 & under
– Bible reading with the older children followed by silent reading
9:00- 8 & 9 year olds go to bed; my three oldest go to bed whenever they want, as long as they’re quiet.
You may have noticed I didn’t address my 14 yr. old much. This is because her approach is different, again, because of compliance with homeschool laws, and, honestly, by her own choice. I’ll address this in a later post.
What’s your day like?
Linking up with
http://ourbusyhomeschool.com/in-my-homeschool-sharing-what-works-linky-week-7/#comment-9403
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