I have a New Year's Resolution: To have an answer ready when people ask about what we are studying in our homeschool. As often as I get asked that, I still stumble over my answer.
Some people just want to know that my kids are learning something. Other people are just being kind and making pleasant conversation. And still others are really curious about homeschool for themselves and would like to know that it is not as difficult as they imagine.
Usually, I really do know which is which. I know when telling someone that we just "wing-it" at my house, would set off every internal alarm they have, rending them a tad bit argumentative. And I can usually tell when someone is just being nice, and doesn't really want my treatise on the state of the failed public education system.
And there are the occasionally truly curious people who really want the full answer. But, alas, they are few and far between.
And I have been treating them all the same. Ask me a dixie cup sized question, and I will douse you with a whole pitcher full of answer. Hmmm. Why is it that I work so hard to let my children be delight-led in their learning, but with everyone else, I bring out the sledge hammer?
So here's my new answer: Jor Man is studying Ancient Greece. Sher Bear is fascinated by Ancient Egypt. Campster is concentrating on her reading skills. Huntz is reinforcing his times tables, and doing science experiments. And we are all working on kindness. That seems to be the theme of the new year.
It's still not a short answer, but I like how I didn't have to explain how we got there. If someone wanted to know more, I could explain that the kids are all starting skiing lessons today, and the boys are beginning their electric guitar and drum lessons tonight. Oh, and next week, we will begin our study of Jewish holidays.
That feels much better to me. People don't always want to know my whole educational theory. That's okay. I don't have to explain myself to everyone. (Just you readers!)
What's your "short-ish" answer for what your homeschool is studying right now?
Wish you were here!
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2 comments:
I'm not sure that we've been asked the "what" are you studying question. Maybe because our learning passions are at the tips our our conversations - and most people would like us to take a break from sharing. . . . I have been working on not stumbling over "what grade are the boys in", or having a 20 minute conversation about what level they are at. Always sounds like an IAEP meeting around here (individual a? educational plan). From one wordy blogger to another - I can't even answer your quick question quickly.
What are you studying:
Jor Man: Ancient Greek customs and history. Also English literature as he attempts to gain an insight into the Greek world.
Sher Bear is studying Egyptian art and history and also English literature.
Campster is mastering reading English.
All children are learning Applied Maths.
I could go on but I think you get the drift.
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