Monday, July 7, 2008

Captive Audience for Summer School

Home education is a constant thing; wherever we go, whatever we do, it includes learning. But it is nice to get to summer and relax a little bit - school without the text books. This summer I have set up a special board for short unit studies that cannot be ignored by my lovable student, the Duck. The study board is strategically placed in front view when you sit on the toilet at our house. Yes, you read that right.

There is a map of Canada that has been there for awhile now to encourage the Duck to recognize different parts of her country, politically and geographically. And, of course, right now the unit study is on the whole of Canada because of July 1st.
I post up little stories about Canada's history, resources, the anthem, etc. for the Duck to read while she is *ahem* sitting. It is unbelievable the amount of conversation this triggers for parent and child, not to mention any visitor that uses our facilities.

This is not just a passive, easy read - anyone who has taught for awhile knows there isn't a whole lot of retention with that kind of schooling. There are questions to answer, a dry erase marker to find things on the map, and memory work set up there, too. All good stuff!

Other unit studies I have planned include topics such as: individual provinces, weather, specific animals, Anne of Green Gables, and so on. Really any topic can be made into a unit study for this board (I also post songs we are learning). For the most part, the Duck doesn't even recognize that she is doing school!

There is one problem to the whole process...my husband, is complaining that he has to go to summer school, too. It's hard to avoid it in a one bathroom home ! ;o)

1 comment:

Jacqueline said...

That is hilarious! But what a great idea! Love it!