Who are my homeschoolers? This class model is for you.
As an education major, I learned of open classrooms, multi-age groups, thematic learning, and child-based learning. It was only once I entered the classroom that the rules started to change. Suddenly, there were no more thematic classrooms or open, multi-age models.
Instead we moved to standards, testing, and sucking the joy out of learning and classes all together. Now that I am older, however, I know that it doesn’t have to be that way.
And that is how our homeschool enrichment classes were formed. I wanted to create classes that were what I dreamed of as a young teacher, the kind that allow students to explore themes (thematic) through a number of modalities. Thematic classes teach art, history, literature, comprehension, math, science, music…you name it, by focusing on one particular theme and integrating plenty of hands-on learning.
Thematic classes, or units, allow students to see the interconnectedness of our world in a way separate subjects do not. The study of Fall/Autumn, for instance, cannot simply be studied in a bubble. We read books on fall, make fall-inspired creations, study the science of the changing leaves, admire the richness of the colors, learn of historical events that took place in Fall, or sing songs about fall. How about discussing how a beat can drop, like the leaves of a tree, in a piece of music? Or, discussing Johnny Appleseed and his contributions to our society? Perhaps we study the harvest or rituals surrounding harvest time?
Just one idea creates a web of learning that stretches beyond the basic concept of why we have the season of fall. Thematic learning enriches academics in a way that fits with life in general. We do not live in a buble after all, but are connected to our world in a myriad of ways! Learning, in my opinion, should be no different.
So, if you are a homeschooler, looking for a place where your child can explore concepts with other students, in a hands-on, thematic way, we hope you will consider joining us.
Homeschool Enrichment classes are created with Kindergarten to Fifth Grade in mind. Schedules and class times can be found on our event calendar. I look forward to seeing you all there!
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