Homeschooling Diaries: Why Observation is Important

I don’t have a special story here nor deep revelation, just some exploration with my kid and observation.
If you remember in my previous article titled, Homeschool Tot School vs Nursery School, I mentioned that one of the pros to homeschooling is being able to take advantage of your child’s interests and using it as a learning tool.
For the majority of September, I haven’t been married to a particular type of curriculum for my son. I decided it was best to do random activities and observe my son some more. We have been going with the flow. Meanwhile, I have observed what methods worked best for him: what keeps his attention for longer periods than others, what frustrates him and why, what teaching methods he is most receptive to and so on.
So, I also like that there is no pressure for achievement levels and that I can take the time to play scientist and “observe my subject” so to speak. Why? Because this experience will also help me to understand what types of schools I need to search for next year.
If you have decided to homeschool, I wouldn’t suggest running out and buying the curriculum that is marketed as the best. See what works for your child first. My son is very hands on, but not a fan of arts & crafts. Yet he can sure slap around some paint. He can also spend forever in front of a sensory bin.
Guess who will be making a bunch of sensory bins?…..this gal right here.
When you understand how your child receives/abosorbs information, you will become less frustrated with his/or process of learning. Don’t be afraid to try different things.
Here are some of the things we tried:
Pipe cleaners in a strainer - fine motor skills This one didn’t keep his attention too long.

Pipe cleaners in a strainer – fine motor skills
This one didn’t keep his attention too long.

 

Sensory Bin with beans, rice & cream of wheat – fine motor skills, language, play, exploration. I think this one makes him feel like he’s at the beach.

Creating Patterns – fine motor skills, pattern recognition, strength training

I’ve also tried other activities like coloring letter sheets, creating pictures and tracing activities, but they didn’t keep his attention long. It may or may not be a maturity thing. However, I found he was open to other alternatives.
Remember when I said I no deep revelation share? Well I lied. Not really lied, but you know what I mean. As I continued to share my experiences with you, God showed me something:
We already know that we are his vessels/vehicles on this earth to fulfill a purpose of being an example of his love, purpose and righteousness on this earth. In so much, as parents that purpose does not change.
Our children our called to do specific things on this earth. We are His vehicles for a long season to help ensure that they get there. We lay the ground work. So ultimately it is our calling and purpose as those vehicles be prepared for the task and to get to know our children, to observe them, watch over them, to protect them as humanly possible, to pray for them, to guide them and direct them.
By knowing our children’s likes, dislikes, talents, weaknesses and vulnerabilities, we become fueled with information that helps us to help them grow and develop.
That said, in about two weeks, I’m going to give away a free resource list of activities and the sources as well as organize them into the learning categories named standard for children this age. I will compiled this list based on my decision to mix montessori with traditional styles of teaching. If you are going the hybrid route, this list will be beneficial to you.
How you organize them into your day will be entirely up to you.
You may even get inspired to create new kinds of activities.
Happy Trails!

 

Wife to an amazing husband, mother to an exploring toddler and an MPA graduate aspiring to impact the world with encouragement in mothering and in social entrepreneurship.

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