Change for the better

Its three weeks since we embarked on our block learning experiment. Its been an interesting three weeks, mainly because we realized in the process just how burned out we were with trying to keep all the plates spinning of our classical education. It simply wasn't working. The consensus is that combined history and toolbox studies is a keeper.

Certainly our language arts is a lot more fun that it was. If nothing else we are happy to play and learn rather than to stress and struggle with an overloaded curriculum. Its only as we've dumped the formal routine of classical writing that we have been able to enjoy the components. Interestingly in a discussion situation its much more fun, easier to understand and a lot less scary. Do you get the feeling I have a real love hate relationship with this curriculum.

For the last two weeks we've played with Theon's six. I think we have analyzed over 8 stories or passages, discussed the authors emphasis, and looked at whether we wanted to try a different emphasis to achieve the same point as the story or whether we need to keep the same emphasis. In the last week we imitated 4 Aesop fables, I've never seen the kids have so much fun writing. Lots of practice, some editing - but mainly as they read thier stories out loud lots of fun.

Our Art unit was much the same, fun energy and practice. this could be a solution for a travel worn classical home-school mum who isn't quite ready to give up the ideal, but knows that the treadmill of school at home really really isn't working.



I don't know if its the mists of grammar or homeschooling that makes me feel like this picture is appropriate here - or maybe I just like the mists.