Sow the seeds of learning... Why is it that I spend every January dreaming of summer and every August longing for fall? Each winter, I receive a colorful Burpee Seed catalog in my mailbox. I spend days poring over the pages of that catalog, fantasizing about the perfect garden that will flourish in my yard later that year. In August, while I’m hiding from the heat in front of my loud portable air conditioner, my imagination starts to wander towards that first day of homeschooling fast approaching. Just like my dreams of sprouting seeds, I fantasize about what my daughter and I will learn in our home classroom this year. I look forward to our first day of school together like I did when I was a kid. Crisp fall days, school supplies perfectly lined up and ready, new books with uncracked spines, and the possibilities of learning something truly wonderful. The big question that parents ask is: how do I plan my homeschool curriculum? Well, there is no easy answer. I believe each child is an individual who deserves an educational plan designed just for them. No out-of-the-box solution is good enough. The plan for a child’s school year should start with that child. Over the years, I’ve built trust with my daughter by learning from my mistakes. I’ve planned elaborate projects and lessons that were duds in her opinion. So, I listened and adjusted. When she shows interest in a topic, I expand on it or take notes to remind me to pick it up the next year. I struggle with the reflex to follow what a “typical” school curriculum would be, but luckily my daughter usually whips me into shape by reminding me that this is her school and she’s anything but typical! Last month, she made a firm request to study mushrooms and fungi. So, for science this year, we will be diving into the world of Mycology. Last year, we decided to spend one afternoon a week focused on children’s book art. While attempting to paint the charming animals of Beatrix Potter, we found out that she was an under-appreciated Mycologist and had created an entire body of scientific illustrations. When I heard “mushrooms,” I immediately knew that Beatrix Potter and her art would serve as our guide. Imagine all the great mushrooms Oregon fall will provide. Can you see why I’m getting excited? Instead of dreading the first day of school, my daughter is asking when we can start. The seeds have been planted, and they are already starting to sprout. P.S. for more homeschooling ideas, go to Blossom Learning.
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