Learning Outside the Lines

This episode shares some changes in our family and what that means for our homeschool lifestyle.

Of my 4 children, 3 have always homeschooled and 1 has been in school. However, my child that has been in school has decided to come home this fall to homeschool. He's older now

(13 yrs) and can have a say in the decision and we considered many issues in the decision.

I share how excited I am not to have to deal with the school structure and schedule and we can really work on our own terms now. I discuss some of things that will change, how I'll meet his learning needs for a bit more structure, and what it means for our family.

Send me comments or questions to [email protected]

or find me on FB at

https://www.facebook.com/learningoutsidethelinespodcast/

or www.learningoutsidethelines.com

Thanks for listening!

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Resources for making connections and finding your tribe:

-www.city-data.com is an active nationwide forum organized by state/city

-look for local park days/gatherings/meet ups by asking neighbors, FB groups, co-workers, etc

-check for state homeschool organizations-many have local liaisons that can connect you, events, and conferences. Most states have Christian and secular groups, but many have other niche groups such as Muslim, Latino, or single parent groups as well.

-check with your librarian-she’s often a resource for homeschoolers so may know who to contact or what days they come to the library

-check with the local park and rec-some have classes specifically for homeschoolers or other specific sports

-contact Boy Scouts (Explorer Scouts for teens), Girl Scouts, 4H, Indian maidens, or whatever groups you may be in and see if there are specific homeschool groups, local groups, or start your own group

-is your child interested in comics and the associated games or fandom stuff? Check your local comic shop for game nights or gatherings.

-church-many churches often have an active homeschool community or youth groups

-while sports are often organized thru schools, many areas also have rec leagues or sports like dance, gymnastics, and martial arts that are more individual and not school related

-FB groups-some may be “secret” so you won’t find them in searches, but there are many out there for specific styles of homeschooling, ages, and cultural or religious focus. Because activities are posted with kids, some keep them secret for security reasons. Chatting with local resources will usually hook you into these active groups.

Moving can be challenging but don't give up. You need to be proactive and persistent and you will find like minded people. It might happen quickly or it might take a year, but hang in there.

Send me comments or questions to [email protected]

or find me on FB at

https://www.facebook.com/learningoutsidethelinespodcast/

or www.learningoutsidethelines.com

Thanks for listening!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer is a time for fun, creativity, imagination, and experimentation!

But caution!! Kids are looking for a break from formal studies and a chance to be curious, adventurous, and in many cases, lazy. And that’s not a bad thing!

Parents often feel a need to fill their kid’s time with activities, camps, and new experiences, which can be wonderful and fun. But they can also be tiring and overwhelming when they’ve just spent the last 9 mos with their time filled from morning til night. Be cautious about filling their schedule non stop. Let them have downtime!

Summer is a great opportunity to let kids explore their interests in a low key way and follow their lead to see where it goes. Offer them some ideas but let them decide what they want to pursue. Let them be bored! Boredom is the beginning of imagination!

Screen time: video games can be like interactive books, look at learning possibilities of games, limit if necessary for your family

Libraries: let them choose books, don't forget audio books, check to see if they have kits to check out such as games, legos, etc.

It can be overwhelming to stock up on a ton of activity kits of the summer but I have some favorite tried and true options as a place to start:

(We have used all the items listed and recommend them)

*Science experiment kits:

-Snap Circuits are a fun electronics discovery kit and can be reused in different configurations. Many different sizes of kits. Here’s a basic set: https://amzn.to/2tnZuQW

-Volcano Science kit (though you can make your own with cardboard, paper mache, plastic tube/cup, baking soda, vinegar, and red food coloring) https://amzn.to/2M7EshA

-National Geographic Dig kits (gemstones, fossils, or shark teeth)https://amzn.to/2lkkTHe

-Clifford the Big Red Dog Young Science kits-bubbles-https://amzn.to/2M52pFZ

-Sun Print paper-use various items to make designs-leaves, cookie cutters, use pipe cleaners to shape, fun foam shapes, etc. https://amzn.to/2lPHrzY

*Science Tools:

-Carson MicroBrite Plus 60x-120x Power LED Lighted Pocket Microscope (MM-300)

We love this one! https://amzn.to/2M1Ek31

-Bug catchers (homemade or dollar store)

-Binoculars

-Tweezers/tongs (dollar store)

-Cheap tools (dollar store)

*Unique Art Supplies:

-Melissa and Doug Scratch Art paper https://amzn.to/2MEUQqL

-Water color crayons (color than paint with water to see it transform)https://amzn.to/2liw0jS

-Wikki Stix (like pipe cleaners but waxy)https://amzn.to/2I4Atj6

I’ve found the “strewing method” to be quite successful. Choose a few of the resources, kits, books, etc that you have gathered and leave them strategically around the house. Maybe a few different books are left on the bed, on the couch, on coffee tables, in the car. Leave some of the supplies in a basket or tin on the table or counter.

You are basically leaving things out for the kids to discover on their own so they WANT to engage in the activity. Some things may get no interest now but will in a few weeks so don’t worry if they don’t draw any attention yet. Just put them away and try again in a week or 2.

(Full disclosure: Amazon links are affiliate links which means I get a small commission if you order through the link, however, the price to you is the same regardless. Thank you!)

Send me comments or questions to [email protected]

or find me on FB at

https://www.facebook.com/learningoutsidethelinespodcast/

Thanks for listening!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beginner series on Homeschooling

An Overview of homeschool models and philosophies

-School at Home: formal lessons, structure, and texts that are done at home similar to what is done at traditional school. Common for people to start out with this model then they evolve to find what works best for them.

-Unschooling is the other end of the spectrum. Unschooling doesn't mean kids aren't learning, but they aren't using a formal curriculum or structured methods to learn. They often use life lessons to learn and specific interests to guide learning. Unschooling looks different for different people.

In between these two ends of the spectrums are lots of other options. The two models that I loosely feel are very popular are the "relaxed" or "eclectic" models.

In the middle are a lots of philosophies that people follow to teach their children:

Classical Style: based on the trivium and more academic/rigorous. The Well Trained Mind is an excellent resource to check out but don't be intimidated by it. https://amzn.to/2z0ZLQ0

Waldorf: focuses on more natural minded learning and developmental stages

Charlotte Mason: child centered, shorter lessons, nature study (sometimes combined with Classical style)

Montessori: independent work, can transfer to home environment

Project Based Learning: using a specific theme to learn all subjects. Good for kids who want to dive deep into a topic.

You can google any of these philosophies or look for FB groups to learn more about them.

**These models give parents a framework to use but NOT required to use any of them! They are just a tool to use. Don't feel forced to "label" yourself anything!

SEA Homeschoolers is an excellent and active FB group for secular homeschooling that discusses all these styles and philosophies. I highly recommend this page and participate often. https://www.facebook.com/groups/seahomeschoolers/

Thank you for listening!

Announcements and resources can be found on the FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/learningoutsidethelinespodcast/

Or learningoutsidethelines.com

Please send questions, suggestions, and comments:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beginner Series

Learning and education goes on all the time in the community and in our daily lives.

Talking to people within the community can lead to great conversations to learn about jobs and training needed for those jobs.

*Parks are great for play but also for weekly gatherings with peers to meet and hold special events for holidays or birthdays.

*Libraries are a great resource for many reasons. Research, special events, older kids helping younger kids, and story kids for older kids, as well. Develop a relationship with librarians since they order books.

*Park and rec dept for homeschool classes. Daytime lessons are usually easy to set up with enough students since day time is usually available.

*Commmunity business such as music, art, dance lessons may be interested in holding day time classes for homeschoolers with enough interest. Just need to ask!

*Museums/aquariums/zoos are not as busy during the day and you can have a better experience. They are also interested in holding classes for homeschoolers.

*Vacations in the off season is a favorite benefit of homeschoolers because it's not as crowded, cheaper, and better over all experience.

Learning goes on all the time. Learning doesn't just happen in books at a desk. Communication skills, practical life skills, problem solving, critical thinking are all things that NEED to be learned and are learned in daily life.

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Beginner Series

Homeschooling is legal in all states in some fashion....some states, such as California, don't identify homeschooling as legal but parents can have their own private school which is the homeschool option.

Unfortunately, homeschooling is not legal in all countries.

Check your local state or country's laws and rules.

Check your local state groups for state laws and rules and more information. Google or check local FB groups for more information.

Don't be intimidated by language of laws, often very complex verbiage but can be boiled down to simple rules.

Summary of the primary categories for homeschool in states: (this is a basic summary but there will likely be more details and specifics in each state)

1. Independent homeschooler with no rules or state oversight
2. Working with an independent study charter school
3. Local School District program
4. State oversight but no local support or minimal requirements
5. Independent Study through your local school

After finding out what the local laws are, you have to decide if these requirements will work for you and your child.

Don't be intimidated by the language or the rules! You can do it!

Thank you for listening!

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Beginner Series

You do not have to be a teacher by trade or education to teach your child.

Parents can homeschool in any state. Some may have special requirements, but parents can homeschool without being a "teacher".

I remind parents that they are their child's first teacher which is important to remember.

Teaching our kids life skills are just as important as academic skills in many cases.

Teachers may learn classroom management, diversity, or lesson planning in college but they are learning on the job, just like parents can learn working with their child.

Parents have access to many of the same resources teachers use, including teacher's manuals if a parent needs more help with a subject. There's a wide variety of resources available.

Teachers can't teach to every student's learning style. This is how kids fall thru the cracks. However, at home, a parent can teach to your child's specific style.

I’m certainly not belittling what teachers do because they have a difficult job! I’m just pointing out that parents can teach their child without being a teacher because there are so many resources available to help them.

No one is more invested in their child's success than the parent, so who better to teach them with their unique needs in mind.

Thanks for listening!

Announcements and resources can be found on the FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/learningoutsidethelinespodcast/

Questions, suggestions, and comments:

[email protected]

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Beginner Series

Why Homeschool? Part 2 continues with more reasons why people look at homeschooling or alternatives to school. This episode focuses on reasons related to unique situations and more interest/talent based situations.

Highlighted reasons:

*RV living/traveling-long term or short term

*Living off the grid or no school is accessible due to location

*Sports/acting/modeling requires a lot of hours of practice and work and often takes a child on a lot of travel.

*Special interest/talents: writing, music, art, etc which essentially becomes the focus of education

*Gifted students that are truly beyond what traditional school can offer them

"What about socialization?" It's honestly not really an issue. Kids not in school are still interacting within the community, with friends, and multi age groups and benefiting from a variety of social interactions, possibly better than a same age peer group in a classroom.

*Some students don't have learning disabilities or behavior problems but they are just bored in school and/or don't fit in with the school model. Their mind works differently and this is not a bad thing! They just need an alternative model to work in.

Thanks for listening!

Announcements and resources can be found on the FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/learningoutsidethelinespodcast/

Questions, suggestions, and comments:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beginner Series

A brief overview of reasons why people homeschool or look for alternatives to traditional school.

Early childhood readiness/development issues

Health of student or parent

Safety issues

Vaccination issues (specifically California)

Learning disability or challenges

Religious reasons

Disagree with Institutional education model

Book recommendation:

Dumbing Us Down The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Education by John Taylor Gatto

https://amzn.to/2JurHfO

Thanks for listening!

Announcements and resources can be found on the FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/learningoutsidethelinespodcast/

Questions, suggestions, and comments:

[email protected]

(Full disclosure: an affiliate link means I get a small commission if you purchase the book through this link but the price is the same regardless!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A quick overview of the podcast and brief introduction of the host, Ann Ryan, so listeners can understand her experience and background in alternative education, as well as, the traditional school setting.

Thanks for taking the time to listen!

Announcements and resources can be found on the FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/learningoutsidethelinespodcast/

Questions, suggestions, and comments can be sent to:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.