Math in Action

 One question asked over and over of unschoolers, is, "How do you unschool math?"  For some reason, it is easy to envision naturally learning to read and write, but not math.  This is a sad testament to how isolated we were taught math skills and concepts. 

Today, I wanted to give you clear illustrations of living math.  At the beginning of our homeschooling journey, I focused on keeping math concepts grounded in the real world.   

 Sewing alone involves measuring, basic adding and subtracting, as well as multiplying and dividing, and fractions.  GM organically encountered and worked through these concepts as she sewed pillowcases for friends, a rag quilt with her Gigi, and American Girl Doll clothes.

Legos provide building blocks for so many math concepts.  (pun intended).  

 Fly tying, baseball, building, and hunting are hobbies Bubba enjoys.  Each contains several math concepts.  With fly tying, he must measure and budget for materials. Baseball centers on scores and stats, mathematically figured.  In building, he must use measurements, fractions, as well addition to figure the amount  materials to purchase.

 Hunting uses a scoring system for trophy bucks. Below is how Bubba scores squirrels.  This involves more measurement and fractions.

Playing putt-putt with these two involves tedious score keeping.  This is more adding and possibly multiplying to achieve final scores.

 A fun way to choose candy at our grocery store's bulk section is to  take a given amount of money and figure how much candy each can get in pounds with set price per pound.  This involves dividing, decimal points, and multiplying with (possible) fractions.

These are just a few easy examples of using everyday activities that building math concepts.  I am sure you can find some more.  More importantly, when GM and Bubba are involved in their activities they are self-motivated to further their skill because it is meaning full to them.  

Questions to ponder:
Would it be better to memorize facts or truly understand the process and how to apply it?

How could you improve your child's understanding in math?

What activities naturally involve math concepts for your family?

Derailed Days

This.  

Some days are just derailed from the beginning.  

Someone is tired from activities the days before.  

Someone is distracted by the snow outside.  

Someone wants nothing to do with the "plan" for the day.  

Someone didn't get enough coffee this morning.  

Someone overslept.  

Someone was up all night.  

Any small occurrence can derail the best day.  Most of the time we can regain focus and continue, but sometimes that isn't happening.  

What do you do on those days?

Around here we go for a hike (literally), play outside, walk the dog, listen to a story, bust out board games, enjoy card games, work on arts and crafts.  For days that everyone is exhausted, curl up watch a documentary, movie, or series.  So much learning can take place, stirring conversation up from events viewed.  Many days this is a short excursion from our activities, but sometimes the whole day's plan is tossed and we do something else.  

Do Unschooling and Co-ops Mix?

Good question, right?!  Well, the answer isn't an easy one.  Lots of factors figure into the answer.  

Are the kids wanting to be part of the co-op?

Does the co-op meet the needs of the family?

Is the work/classes optional?

Will the teachers support the kids in their choices?

Currently, both children attend a homeschool co-op that meets their needs.  They enjoy the classes and choices they have within those classes.  Teachers are great facilitators who defer to parental wishes.  

It seems like a dream come true.  We enjoy the flexible schedule offered of attending 2 times a month (instead of 4) and many optional interest based classes.  These classes include: ballet, art, poetry, chess, knitting, sewing, kung fu, physical fun (workout class), and survival.  As you can see, the selections my kids highlighted were the project and play based ones.  There are other classes that weren't of interest but not required by the co-op.  And definitely not required by me, so this is our place for now.   

It goes without saying that at the beginning of our homeschooling journey, we had a less pleasant experience with a very strict homeschool co-op.  With that past, the kids were reluctant to try another one, but are so glad they did.  

My advice for finding a co-op:
Read their description (often you can read between the lines the flexibility offered)
Ask to visit or a trial day
Discuss class options with your kids to see if they have interest in what is offered.
Speak with like-minded parents who attend the given co-op

Essentials to Homeschooling

The essentials to homeschooling (& unschooling) I found over the years are not material items, but the following:

• Flexibility
• Patience
• Joy
• Love
• Gratefulness

I did not (& you probably won't) start out with an abundance of these qualities.  Homeschooling your children grow these traits in your being. 

Flexibility to change gears in the middle of plans, activities, and day.  Patience to read one more chapter and clean up one more.  Joy in the moment of running through the sunshine or shoveling snow together.  Love for each other and individuality.  Gratefulness to spend each day with your family.   

Growing takes time and dedication so don't give up on the seed you have planted in your heart and in their hearts.  

Week 2 of Fast

Last time, I explained that average Americans spend 3+ hours on social media per day and that I chose to use those extra hours (although probably not as many as 3 in my case) to pursue my passion for knitting and crocheting.

This past week, I didn't put up my needles and hooks completely, but I did spend most my "extra" time reading and writing in my  journal.  

The fast itself is getting easier.  I don't find myself reaching for my phone or thinking of who I need to "share" this moment with on my friend list.  Instead, I am LIVING in that moment, sharing it with real individuals around me, and smiling more!