HomeSchool in Australia

ABOVE: Robert's rendition of an atom and it's basic parts-Chemistry is a favorite subject around here..

After much deliberation and research we have decided to homeschool the kids while we are here in Australia. Robert will simply opt out of kindergarten since it is optional in California. For Pixel, I plan to springboard from the California 5th grade requirments as well as follow her lead.

Thus far, school is going great. Don't get me wrong, there is a fair she of protesting and rolling of the eyes- once she is done with her display of complaint she gets down to it.

The days unfold in a pretty routine manner. We have assignments and projects we do Monday through Friday in the mornings. We finish up by 10 A.M. some days....by 12 some days. Some days Pixel will spend two hours writing an essay to meet a requirement for the state standard and some days she veers off standard course and does her own thing. For example, last week she found some odd shaped jellyfish looking creatures on the beach. She proceeded to collect them and bring them home in a jar. I noticed she was intrigued so I suggested she research and photograph her specimens then put together a 10 slide power point presentation on her findings.

We all enjoyed her presentation and learned a little bit about the local sea life. Learning together is a great experience to share.

After school, the kids have chores and then they are free to play outside.  On Monday afternoons, the older kids have a Circus Arts class in town. The class offers them training in juggling, trapeze, tight rope walking..... as well as an opportunity to make friends which they have done. 

I absolutely love the following post about learning by Leo Babauta over at Zen Habits 'What I've Learned About Learning'. 

Pixel whittling in her outdoor classroom....

...because every young lady needs a bow and arrow.

Math arrives in the shape of required worksheets as well as the programming of a video game.

So far.

Comments

[Desi]

You changed ;) I want to know what Pixel is learning. It's so fun to learn new things and remember old lessons.

For instance I have forgotten almost all the California History I learned. I least I think I was required to learn it. Maybe between schools I skipped it. Anyway, I wish I had more of a grasp of that history. I was thinking of picking up a book about it.

Josh and I were both huge whittlers. One Summer I tried my hand at bent wood furniture too. Soaking the wood really exercised my patience.

[Shelly]

Hello lovely Miss Desi. Yes we are shaking things up around here! I will keep you posted about what Pixel is required to learn and what she migrates toward on her own as well (which is, as you know, worth noting). Do you have any of your whittling or wood projects still? Shaping things with the hands is so gratifying isn't it?

[Desi]

I don't have any of my wood projects. I'm sure my mom does. I'm not very sentimental.

Yes, making things with your hands is very satisfying. I love projects. Maybe a little too much.

[Child Care Cranborne]

Excellent post… was just what I was looking for! Thanks again.