When Plan "A" Doesn't Work [Changing up what we learn]

As the holidays were nearing us here at our quaint, country home here in Texas, I felt the need for change in our daily routine.  It seems as though when we get half way or so through a "boxed" curriculum, we are ready to do something new and exciting.  Nothing against boxed curriculum, but I think after 3 plus years of homeschooling, I've learned it's just not a fit for us.

Last week we started back to school.  Well, Evan didn't know we did!


At dinner earlier this week, Daddy asked Evan what he did today, and how was school time.  Evan's response:  We didn't do any school today!


I whispered in my husband's ear that we indeed did do school, but in a different way.


I've been intrigued by Delight Directed Learning for quite some time.  Basically, whatever interests your child, you build their learning sort of around that topic/interest.  At least, that's how I've been doing it.


For example, Evan adores Botany and plants/trees/flowers/gardening, etc.  For our reading, he did a plant journal.  We hopped onto Youtube and watched a new video each day about one plant he received for Christmas.  The first day was his Pony Tail Palm he received.  I had him record the date, name of plant, watering amount, temperature to keep plant at, light (indoor/outdoor, etc.) amount, etc.


I had zero whines out of Evan, and accomplished reading, writing, and science all in one lesson!


This week, we added in All Nature Sings from Queens Homeschool Supplies (which, by the way, I LOVE!!!), Learning to Spell Through Copywork from Queens Homeschool Supplies, and McGuffey Eclectic Primer reader.  He is enjoying all of this, and each particular lesson in each book is gentle and easy!


How is your school year?  Don't be afraid to sell or give away what's not working for you and your children.

Be blessed,