Staples in our Homeschool

Things we do most days in our home have become staples defining our homeschool are read-alouds, games, and research.

Read alouds have always held a special place in my heart for a time of sharing a literary adventure with both kids.  Pretty much, we always have a book going that we are reading together, usually me aloud.  Although,  as the kids are getting older and busy with outside activities, we have used audio books.  This just means we listen to the same book on our phones and meet to discuss at certain times.  It does mean that sometimes there are spoilers! 

Games!  We love games in our day!  These create a point of connection on full days or even just days when we are tired of the routine.  Having a different game to play each time helps it stay fresh as well.  So our shelves are full of different games, but we can check out games at our library as well.  Games are also an engaging way to learn more about a topic new or old, improve critical thinking and logic concepts, and strengthen executive functioning and interpersonal skills.  

"Let me research that some more," is a phrase repeated over and over by everyone in our home.  From an early age, we have sat next to the kids as they searched for answers to their questions.  This began with finding lego sets or directions and led to ordering high end fishing rods or cake decorating supplies.  They know how to check reviews, consult sizing and durability, and distinguish between marketing to sale an item and truth.  

Looking back over the 9 years that we have homeschooled both kids at this point, these staples were not intentional created but have become crucial in connecting and learning.