On the homeschool front

This school year has brought many changes to our homeschooling lives. Where last year, there were workbooks and books we didn't enjoy...this year, I've discovered Waldorf education as well as delved deeper into learning about the unschooling philosophy. If I were to label our schooling, I would say we are Waldorf-inspired unit-study unschoolers, which is to say, I love most things Waldorf, including playing with old fashioned styled toys made of natural materials, LOVE all the fairy tales and beautiful stories, finding a rhythm to our days, respecting nature and most of all, keeping children...children. To soon, today's children are turning into mini-adults. I know 9 yr olds with cell phones, 12 yr olds wearing makeup and preschoolers having homework.

I have all but abandoned the workbooks. We look, occassionally, at her math book but we will learn grammar, spelling and vocabulary by reading quality literature. We will learn history by reading one of her favorite series of books, Dear America, as well as lots of field trips to historical sites. Math is done by cooking, baking and playing some awesome games I found at the thrift store. Science is also done in the kitchen and outside. Oh, the possibilities! I have so many ideas in my head that makes learning fun we just won't have time for workbooks!!

Unit studies work great for Audrey. Studying something in depth makes for real understanding. This year she chose to study holidays, traditions and celebrations from a variety of cultures. We will make a Waldorf style book with drawings and writings about what we read. We'll do the same for famous women in history. We started with Helen Keller.

Another ambitious project we have is to make tree house out of popsicle sticks as well as other artsy-craftsy things to sell at my etsy shop

So that is where we are as far as homeschooling. I'll post our progress as we venture through this year finding wonder all around us :)