LEARNING ABOUT LIFE IN THE WOODS

Given a few parameters and some connections to the topic, creativity abounds within our students as they construct benchmark projects that show what they have learned throughout the semester.

While reading Sign of the Beaver, by Elizabeth George Speare, Silas ( TWJ Student) was intrigued by a 13 year old Matt who was left alone in the woods of Maine to survive and protect the cabin he and his Dad had just completed. Like Matt, Silas is an outdoor enthusiast, and he loves adventures of any kind. Therefore, Silas decided to build a cabin made from pretzel rods, ice cream cones and fondant. He did all the notching of the pretzel rods by himself with a Dremel tool. He also set up the garden behind the house using the detail of the corn, which Matt had to tend to daily in our story. Surprisingly, Silas recreated corn stalks using yellow Twizzlers! I found the most impressive aspect of this project to be Silas’s confidence in using the Dremel. In his video, Silas switches hands while using it and still makes the cut skillfully.

By creating and completing this project, Silas creatively practiced several skills:

1. He had to think about the details given in the book regarding the cabin: What did it look

   like; how was it constructed; and what did the surrounding area include? With that

   knowledge, he then had to decide how it would work in real life.

2. Problem solving several issues, which he described to us during his in class presentation,

   Silas revealed use of critical thinking skills. Not only did this project engage Silas with

   the literature, it also helped him develop real life skills.

This project helped Silas engage with the novel in ways we can not facilitate in class.

Creating connections from the text to real life, students learn new skills . . . just like Silas learned how to use a Dremel, and practice video creation to share his project with others. Enrichment Projects create fun ways for students to demonstrate what they have learned, providing opportunities for them to develop critical thinking, problem solving skills, and life experiences.

Click below to view Silas’ YouTube video showing his project: an entirely edible diorama of the setting of the story. Be sure to turn the volume up at the 2:38 timestamp to hear Silas talk about how he created the scene inspired by Sign of the Beaver written by Newberry medalist Elizabeth George Speare.

Academics for very young children

Parents of littles! When my four children were young and I was homeschooling, there were many articles that piqued my interest. My best intentions to read them were often sidetracked by more pressing matters. With that in mind, I have summarized and identified some findings from the article Early Academic Training Produces Long-Term Harm by Petr Gray, Ph.D..

Several studies in this article support the idea that academic, rather than play- based preschools/kindergartens actually have an adverse effect on young children. Initially, there appears to be academic gains but by 4th grade the students often perform worse than peers who were in a play-based school. These studies did not include any social/emotional studies, only academics.

Interestly, the next study mentioned included a longitudinal study on a group of children in a high poverty demographic. Although this is not my demographic, many of the outcomes make sense to me as both a mom and educator. This study began the same way as the others, however, they did a follow-up with the children at the ages of 15 and 23. The students who participated in the play-based school performed similarly academically to the academic kindergarten, the difference was in social/emotional growth. I’ll end with a direct quote from Dr. Gray:

”Those in classrooms where they learned to plan their own activities, to play with others, and to negotiate differences may have developed lifelong patterns of personal responsibility and pro-social behavior that served them well throughout their childhood and early adulthood.”

Of course you will draw your own conclusions based on this type of research, but my encouragement to you is simple: Relax and enjoy your littles. Play, explore, and encourage their innate curiosity!

Ms. Gina

To read the full article click below

LET'S GET CREATIVE WITH OUR LITERARY OPTIONS

As the semester enters its final weeks, students, parents, and teachers alike find themselves longing for different options to complete the standard tasks. We often try to make lessons more enjoyable and engaging. I have compiled a few ideas to spark interests in homes and classes. Feel free to share any new adventures you plan to explore!

1. Read some Poetry. Poetry does not necessarily require advanced reading or writing skills. However, like well written song lyrics, poetry speaks to the soul. I often pick up a classic compilation of Great American poetry just to find a sonnet that echoes my mood. Try reading some poetry while enjoying a picnic at the park! The change of scenery lends to the atmosphere.

2. Keep a Journal- And perhaps Read Another’s. History is full of personal historical accounts of individuals who kept a record of their daily life in a journal. A quick search and visit to the library may yield a perfect option!

3. Read a Short Story- These brief pieces of literature offer a shorter time investment for great returns! Whether checking out classic American short stories, or even short stories written by new or unknown authors, these literary works allow for great discussions. Students may even feel inspired to write their own!

4. Read magazine articles. Fewer families subscribe to magazines in homes today, but did you know that a local library often carries multiple subscriptions? Articles related to specific topics can bring even more creativity into your lives. There are MANY topics to explore, such as arts and crafts, hobbies, sports, travel, decor, style, family life, recipes, and gardening. Try swapping magazines with friends, or reach out to family members to see what types of magazines they would be willing to lend.

5. Tour a Historical Area, and Read the Pamphlets- When touring a historical setting, such as a capital city, national park, or nature preserve, many written resources are available for the public. While some materials may require purchasing, others are often completely free. Try a new location, and see what types of pamphlets, booklets, and website information is available for guests to learn more.

As we always invite our community to share, feel free to tell other TWJ friends and family about your experiences. We have social media platforms, or you may email us at any time. If children would like to send hand-written letters to our office, we would LOVE to receive them and start a collection of pen pal notes!

Our office address is: The Write Journey, 4303 Perth Road, Fort Mill, SC 29707.

ONE WAY TO GET RID OF "BORING" WHEN TEACHING

When you picture a “teacher” do you see yourself? Perhaps you do; perhaps you don’t. If a teacher is simply someone who teaches, then welcome to the club. Whoever you are, welcome.

As we take a glimpse at creativity, let’s consider creativity in the context of teaching. You may think, “Fine, as long as you give me a teacher’s manual.” While teacher’s manuals are often great resources, you don’t need a teacher’s manual to be a great teacher. May I suggest that your students may benefit more from some creativity than from one more teacher’s manual. Scrap the manual and think outside the box just a little. Here we go!

•  Instead of using a grammar book, grab a real book and circle all the strong action verbs you can find in an entire chapter (or at least one whole page!). Then add your favorite strong action verbs to your personal list so you can use them again in the future . . . in your own writing.

• Spend 15 minutes outside observing nature. Write down as many nouns (things) as you can find while outside. Now everyone compare your lists and cross off anything that someone else has on their list. The person with the most items left wins. (Be sure to think of a creative prize for the winner!)

• Read a child’s book - or a single chapter of a chapter book - and write down every character that was mentioned. Who remembers the most characters?

• After watching an excellent movie, in writing, describe your favorite scene. Be sure to use amazing adjectives and adverbs to help the reader visualize the scene.

  These are just a few ideas to get your mind exploring the possibilities. Whether you teach in your own home with your own children, in a co-op with other homeschool students, in a traditional school with children of all ages, you get to be whatever kind of teacher you choose to be. Among other things, I challenge you to embrace creativity - in yourself and in your students. Sometimes, think outside the box. Learning will be fun when you do.

CAPITALIZE ON FUN!

As the weather settles into nicer days with ample sunshine and warmer temps, we encourage you to take some time to get outdoors. Do you know that whatever you do, you can find a learning opportunity? As adults, we get to explore new ways of experiencing education . . . we get to look through the lens of learning as we venture out beyond the walls of our school room or even our home. We encourage you to embrace the freedom that’s yours.

Connect with some friends or family while enjoying the beautiful weather. As we enter the last stretch of the school year, schedules may allow plentiful time to take a field trip or visit the local parks where learning opportunities abound. Here are a few ideas to consider:

•  Visit your local downtown area

•  Pack a picnic, and meet with another homeschool family at a park

•  Find a trail that you can walk or hike

•  Go out and find as many different types of flowering trees or wild flowers as

  possible

•  Take a field trip to a nearby location, such as these excellent choices:

  • Science centers,

  •  nature preserves

  •  historic sites 

  • museums

•  Set aside time to make something artistic. Invite friends to join you for added fun!

•  Have a coffee date, and ask each other good questions. Pinterest has great

  conversation starter ideas.

•  Have a cookout with another friend at a park, or invite someone over to your home. Grills work for lunchtime as well!

•  While sitting in the sunshine, write a note to a family member or friend. You might even send a note to your teachers!

•  Share your adventures to our social media pages, and show everyone what your family and groups do to spend quality time together learning.