We just got in from our trip and after all the kids were unloaded and tucked in bed I had a chance to catch up on everyone's blogs. So in the spirit in back to school posts I thought I'd share this picture along with a few thoughts.
Here are my boys on the day that should have been their first day of school. Instead of fresh socks and white sneakers, they are barefoot and unbathed, sporting their grubby summer clothes exploring tidepools on a near deserted beach. They found a few starfish, sea anome, dead crabs, clams, and sand dollars. William was breathless with excitement as he hopped around the rocks, he said it was the coolest beach ever and even better than the aquarium. He later wrote about it in his daily log and drew pictures of some of the things he saw.
James was also impressed with the ocean life but what excited him most was the road atlas and frequently requested that I pass it back to him. He was so excited about geography that on the Cape Flattery Trail he was a bit pushy in hopes of being the Northwestern most member of our family.
We also unknowingly followed quite a bit of the Lewis and Clark trail but it wasn't until towards the end of our trip that the kids asked, "Who was Lewis and Clark anyways"? Paul gave me a very funny look as I fumbled and then admitted that I needed to review those details of history. Thank goodness for information plaques though. We pulled over in Salmon Idaho after passing a historical marker that read "Birth place of Sacagawea" and it was there that we had a short American History lesson. On our way back to the car James told me he was really interested in geography and asked if that's what I could teach him this year. I then explained that he could learn whatever he wanted to not because I was a good teacher but because he was a good learner. I simply supply the tools and opportunity. James insightfully said, "so that's why you think homeschool is a good idea". The rest of the trip we could barely get the atlas back from him and he continued to surprise us with all sorts of information like which cities we passed through that were county seats. I asked him "what is a county seat anyways"? and it was my turn to learn.
You continue to inspire me...what a wonderful first week of school. History, geography, and time together. Sounds like a great mix.
ReplyDeleteCaryn
We might as well have followed you on your vacation. Jerome was not yet born when Scott and I did our Lewis and Clark trip, so we are planning to do that again some time.
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted with James's geography study. I am sure he will have a great year!
Caryn- I'm glad you found the post inspiring because I think it really scares our parents. I just wish every week of homeschool could be so great and hands on.
ReplyDeleteMarie'- I'm so jealous of WA! You really have beautiful produce, and great places to explore. Pullman is great too especially now that you can pretty much buy everything you need online.
I like those information plaques too b/c I seem to have forgotten everything I learned. I think David wonders sometimes when he asks me a question and I always say..."Let's look it up."
ReplyDeleteLittle trivia- have you ever read the "Marysville" plaque somewhere in Utah?