Helpful Homeschooling Ideas
I have been so blessed today listening to Cindy Rushton, a homeschooling mom on her Mom to Mom radio show. She has many recorded talks that you can listen to for free on her website. (www.momtomomradioshow.com) The show that I listened to is about notebooking. What a great idea for adding some individuality and some zing to your homeschool. This method can be used even if you are using a primary curriculum. I heartily encourage you to listen to her message. How about listening as you go about some chores?
What I love about notebooking is that your child picks a theme of interest and compiles interesting facts, quotes, and pictures on that topic. Your child will love researching things that he finds fascinating. I was amazed to hear that I can start a notebook for Lily even at her young age. I want to save the precious things that she works on.
To view an amazing sample of a lapbook, please see this link: www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/HTTA/TimelineHelps/LapbookPage.htm .
This sample is so beautifully done and demonstrates the creativity involved in notebooking and lapbooking. It shows the 10 commandments, maps, Days of Creation, major and minor prophets, and many other neat details. I know that when I learn this way and have such a resource to reuse, I best retain the information. You can use your computer, books, and even natural resources as your tools.
Letting your children chose what to use as a theme in their lapbook is wise. When they are naturally inclined towards a topic, they will want to learn as much on it as they can. For example, Cindy Rushton's son studies the Civil War in depth in his notebook. (Even though he is a high school graduate, he still enjoys notebooking.) Imagine all the different facets you could explore on this subject! One can study dress, generals, battle locations, weapons, literature, and a whole myriad of items pertaining to just that topic. This is very helpful for cultivating children who are researchers, thinkers, and writers. Perhaps it may lead them into an in depth study on something that may lead to a vocation or a life-long hobby. Make your homeschooling experience a delight!