We are cruising through the alphabet (related to homeschooling) with Dawn over at 5 Kids and a Dog, and this week’s letter is “S”.
As I was thinking about the “S” words related to our homeschool…
- Change of scenery
- Keeping our sanity
- Schoolwork
- Science
I realized that I was really thinking about something more specific to our kids’ learning. What really pertains to our school is “Seeing it the way the kids see it”. This may sound a little different, but not every child learns the same way. That is why we like homeschooling so much! If a learning technique doesn’t work, we can toss it out and try a new one.
Sometimes, our children see things the way we do…
right side up. Sometimes, they seem to see things a little differently…
upside down. In times like these, we have to change our strategy and look for things that will interest them, so that they will be more open to thinking outside of what they see.
Obviously, both kids love Disney, so we often look for ways to integrate that into our learning. It is amazing how much more DD11 enjoys her math if we are trying to figure out how much we should budget for food on vacation instead of doing word problems out of her math book. Also, I try to make both kids an age/grade appropriate notebook full of activities for traveling.
We are working with DS8 to improve his writing and how he forms his letters. I was so happy to find a dry erase board that showed how to form the letters using not only arrows but also colors. Step one is red, step two is green, and so on. This board makes it easier for DS8 to see which step comes next. I have found worksheets for lettering that are Disney-themed, and using the same color scheme as the dry erase board, I trace the first letter so that he has a consistent example from board to paper. He seems to be able to see the steps better when color is used.
We hope that you have enjoyed our “S” words. Please click over to Dawn’s site through the link above to read the “S” posts from other homeschoolers.
Kids teach us as much as we teach them.
You know, somedays, I think I learn more from them than they learn from me.
Oh yes I love your post, good S one.
Thanks, Joelle!
Love how you incorporate Disney into your homeschooling. I need to do more of that, we are Disney lovers here as well.
It really seems to make a difference in how my children learn, especially, my daughter. It’s almost as if she listens more.
Color is a VERY effective tool to use with kids who struggle with organizing sequences and also kids with ADD! We teach multiple digit math to my son using colored dry erase markers, so he can see the place value of the columns. And Disney themed schoolwork? That’s great! The beauty of homeschooling is working with our kids where they are. I love that.
I hadn’t thought about using colors for place value… Of course, we are not there, yet, with DS8, but I’m sure that would help him immensely.
I have enjoyed reading your entries in this ABC link up. I found out about it too late to join in, but have gleaned lost of great ideas. I am now following you on GFC (your first follower o.O ) Hopping along with the TOS Crew. 😀
Thank you! You could have jumped in where we were. Thank you, too, for starting off my GFC!