Tino interviewed me for a podcast today, and I was surprised by how nerve-wracking it was to discuss my decision to "homeschool" while doing my best to not offend others. Just like marriage or love or having children or dying your hair, I don't believe there is a hard and fast answer about homeschooling. Ultimately, it is a personal choice made by individual families about what works best for them. I don't think there is any moral high ground to be had in this decision and, if there is, I want no part of it.
Meanwhile, as I fretted over how not to alienate those who choose to send their children to schools, and how to communicate both the feelings and facts behind our choice, the munchkins found ways to play that demonstrated the properties of various physical objects when combined to create structures. Master Structure-Maker Max arranged various obstacle courses and jumping points in the backyard to test his skills.
This was the beginning of a crawl-under tower which toppled when Milla got stuck.
The bumblebee soon joined in Max's play as Milla admired her wings.
Max created a jumping tower for the proud bumblebee, who "can fly and jump".
"Like this! See Mommy... I'm a BEE!"
Put a cooler in a wagon. Add two green plastic chairs. The results cannot be scripted.
Now if I were Maria Montessori, I might have the kids extend their "object lessons" with characterization, sorting, a story, and additional extensions.
But I'm not Maria Montessori. I'm Alina. For now, that seems sufficiently fantastic.
