This morning, we got up early and jumped right back into our homeschool routine after taking 2 weeks off for Spring Break. As we were working through the lessons I had planned, it was apparent my plan wasn’t very motivating. It was a slow morning, but we made it. About 11, I send the kids outside to have some “recess”. Inside, I was planning once again. How can I spice up their day and still retain some educational value?
I needed some inspiration and time to clear my head, so I joined the kids outside. My flower beds are turning green and so are the dandelions, so I decided to tidy the beds up a little. As I started digging around and moving rocks and stuff, I noticed the life teeming in the moist hidden places. I called the kids over to take a look.
They were amazed at all the roly-poly’s, the ants, the larvae and worms hidden from their view just moments before. For the next hour, the kids turned over rocks and dug in the mulch, looking for signs of life. They were asking questions and coming up with some of their own hypotheses. I couldn’t have come up with a better science lesson if I had tried. I didn’t rush them or interject too much. I just watched them explore and wonder.
How many times have our plans and schedules gotten in the way of something wonderful? We plan to make our lives good, but I pray that I can be flexible enough to not miss the best.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
that is wonderful! i love homeschooling because we go year round so we can take a week off whenever the family needs or wants to do something else:)
so true. It takes a very special person to stop, and realize this though. Most of us, would just pass on by this opportunity that is just staring us in the face. Great post Marci.
I love that last line Marci, such a good rule to live by. Sounds like you guys had a great day of learning after all!
I love the way you find inspiration in the little things, hope you know what i mean. My daughter has a fascination on worms at the moment. I am really not enjoying this.