Unschooling With Mimi and Bibi: This Weekend Part 1

Unschooling- "The idea of letting children follow their own inclinations in their education has been called this. A true unschooler would allow a child to determine what, when, how and even 'if' the child learns anything. But few people would go to that extreme. What seems closer to reality in most unschooling situations is a much greater consideration for each child's interests and the timing of when they tackle various topics and skills. It is also referred to as 'relaxed homeschooling'."

-Cathy Duffy, 100 Top Picks For Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing the Right Curriculum and Approach for Your Child's Learning Style

This past weekend Joey and I went to True Church Conference in Muscle Shoals. I would love to write everything I am learning right now but it will definitely take some time to process, so look for that blog soon. This blog is about the kiddos. While we were gone to the conference my mom and dad, also known as "Mimi and Bibi-Babysitters/Substitute Teachers Extraordinaire" came to keep the kids. While we were gone they, of course, had a blast. They commenced with homeschooling on Friday since I really needed to get in another day and this is a record of their homeschooling adventures. When I got home Friday evening the following prepared document was awaiting us:

Disclaimer: Every effort was made to adhere to the educational guidelines established by Ms. Thompson. Great care has been implemented into utilization of techniques learned by Ms. Thompson at recent educator's conference ie. "hands on learning" and "making learning fun".

School Summary:

Session 1- History- study of Hyksos Invasion of Egypt

Session 2- Math- focus was given to Alora's need for basic math principles whle reinforcing Andrew's knowledge base

Session 3- Snack immediately followed Math

Session 4- Political Science- focus on current events

Session 5- Intro to Shop-focus on the principles of safety (By the way, that is my dad fixing our garage door that has been broken for a very long time. Thanks, Bibi!)

Session 6- Transportation and Communication Development in Alabama

Session 7-Food and Nutrition-focus on presentation and portion control

Biblical Truths were interjected whenever possible like "Be kind to one another and Love one another"

Session 8- Science Field Trip to Sci Quest- focus on all kinds of science stuff with emphasis on Newton's 3rd Law: For every action there is an equal but opposite reaction. This was reinturpreted to be Mimi's 1st Law: If you want it, you will get it!

What was the real focus in our lessons today? And what did we learn?

1. There is nothing more treasured than time spent together.



2. Nothing more enjoyable than out of contrl laughter.



3. Nothing more fun than to see the look on Alora's face when you sit on "whooshy cushion".



4. Nothing more cherished than time spent with our two grandchildren. Andrew and Alora are so precious to us and we love that we had the opportunity to share with them today.



5. This gift from God: priceless!