I've been studying a lot about educating my children. I've specifically been reading this book...
The first factor that was discussed in the book was that formal education is much different than what it used to be, Kindergarten now has the same curriculum that 1st grade once had Much more is required of young children. Kindergarten used to be a time to learn from play and exploration. Now it is requiring Kindergartners to read and write. Also, competition has been removed from schools (a huge reason boys had cared about succeeding) The #1 school system in the World is in Finland and they don't start any formal education until age 7. At the age of 5 boys' brains are not ready to learn to read in the same way that girls' brains are. Boys also have a much harder time sitting still. Another big difference in schools today is there is less experiential learning (in and out of school) and more hands-off learning. Anyway, there are a ton of facts and studies that I found fascinating but all of it just verified my beliefs that my boys need to play and explore to learn...and so we went to the forest for the first of 2 times this week.
On Tuesday, my boys were grumps, which made me not-so-happy. I was worried they were going to injure each other. I decided we needed to get out of the house and the forest has been my go-to place. It's close and free and the boys can run their little hearts out. (I'm sure I've said that before on one of my millions of forest posts) (Also, my forest pictures might look all the same to you readers. haha but I continue to take more and more)
My boys are so happy here! Charlie tried to go a little of the beaten path.
They were so much nicer to each other in the forest!
Miles got a little upset when Charlie pulled him down (I think it was an accident) I didn't think it was that bad but he still has bruises on his face from this fall.
So one of my favorite parts of this trip was Charlie teaching his brother about roots. Here he is pointing and showing Miles the roots.
And some good climbs.
Then both boys worked on a "House for the ants"
And I don't know how we missed this tree slide before, it's on our usual loop.
So much happier in the forest.
Until Miles pushed Charlie off of the log.
He said he wasn't going to Smile for me, but he always smiles for me!
This is the helicopter that Miles and Charlie co-piloted. they flew to California to visit Charlie's friends Madeleine.
Anyway, another educating day for my boys. It makes me happy that I can be home with them and allow them to explore in this way. I'm still not sure if putting Charlie in a pre-school will be beneficial for him next year to help him ease into kindergarten the following year (Oregon now has only full day Kindergarten...boo) We'll figure that out as we get closer, as of now he is all about running and creating and being outside. Anyway, these are just some things I found interesting and have helped me figure out what is best for my kids.
Thank you SOOOOO much for sharing. I love your forest pictures. I want to come spend a day with you and play in the forest. Last Friday we had a grumpy day but as soon as we went for a walk everyone cheered up. I'm going to try and find the book you recommended. I really want to read it. I struggle with home schooling Gwenevere because some days I'm not sure she's getting enough but then there are days I know with all my heart homeschooling her at this age is the right thing to do. Learning doesn't have to be complicated it just has to be present. I'm always amazed at how much you can learn unschooled style. Roots and ant homes are very important things to discover. I watch my friend home school her kids, she was also home schooled and her way of thinking is amazing; she thinks independently. For example I had the idea I should make a cape. So I got online and find 500 different tutorials, I picked my favorite one watched the video very carefully to make sure I knew what to do and then invited Sarah over to make capes with me. Before I could explain the process, Sarah opened the fabric, laid it out to look at it's size and shape then folded it a few times and said I think we can make the capes like this.... Her way was simpler than the video I had spend and hour researching. That's when i said to myself I want my kids to learn how to do that. Whenever I think of ideas I lean on someone else's ideas. I know how to follow instructions that is what my schooling taught me. now I'm teaching myself how to discover and think for myself. It's not easy for me but i'm trying. oooops sorry for the tangent.
ReplyDeletei love this! I wonder if they have a book for girls. Although I am definitely not going to try and home school because I would be the worst teacher I still like to incorporate learning at home, of course! Preschool has been really perfect for June so far, I like the place we found. It's in someone's home and I really like that. That sucks that kindergarten is all day in Oregon!
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