There are some days when I don't feel like lessons either. It's especially difficult to get back into the homeschool groove after a long morning of errands and doctor's appointments. But that doesn't mean I want the day to be a complete educational bust. These are the days when I utilize Netflix. Today, our lesson was about the importance of being grateful. Neither of my sons have ever attended a traditional school. KingMan, "the teen," is rarely up before 10 a.m., and my right-brain learner is indulged to keep his learning interesting and engaging. Heck, they can do lessons in their pajamas if they want to! These are not necessarily luxuries of a public school education. Neither have ever experienced burning the midnight oil to prepare for a test. Because I teach to mastery, testing isn't the core of our learning. There is plenty of time for hot breakfast and a hot lunch. There's art, music and if LionHeart wants to take a spin on his bike at 1:30 in the afternoon, he can. Yet, sometimes they can take it all for granted. So today I shared with them a documentary I stumbled upon on Netflix that brought me to tears the first time I watched it. Heroes are what the filmmaker calls the children who are the subject of the documentary. Heroes indeed! I asked my children how long it takes for them to get to school? When they stared at me blankly, I walked into their bedroom and began the journey. It took me less than 6 seconds! I wondered allowed if they would appreciate school more if they had to walk for 4 hours one way! Intrigued, they sat entranced as I cued up the Smart TV and we began our social studies lesson on gratitude through the documentary On The Way To School. In addition to gratitude, I hope my children will be inspired by the strength, courage and determination of the children in the film. Through it all, they had joy!
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
A Lesson in Gratefulness
There are some days when I don't feel like lessons either. It's especially difficult to get back into the homeschool groove after a long morning of errands and doctor's appointments. But that doesn't mean I want the day to be a complete educational bust. These are the days when I utilize Netflix. Today, our lesson was about the importance of being grateful. Neither of my sons have ever attended a traditional school. KingMan, "the teen," is rarely up before 10 a.m., and my right-brain learner is indulged to keep his learning interesting and engaging. Heck, they can do lessons in their pajamas if they want to! These are not necessarily luxuries of a public school education. Neither have ever experienced burning the midnight oil to prepare for a test. Because I teach to mastery, testing isn't the core of our learning. There is plenty of time for hot breakfast and a hot lunch. There's art, music and if LionHeart wants to take a spin on his bike at 1:30 in the afternoon, he can. Yet, sometimes they can take it all for granted. So today I shared with them a documentary I stumbled upon on Netflix that brought me to tears the first time I watched it. Heroes are what the filmmaker calls the children who are the subject of the documentary. Heroes indeed! I asked my children how long it takes for them to get to school? When they stared at me blankly, I walked into their bedroom and began the journey. It took me less than 6 seconds! I wondered allowed if they would appreciate school more if they had to walk for 4 hours one way! Intrigued, they sat entranced as I cued up the Smart TV and we began our social studies lesson on gratitude through the documentary On The Way To School. In addition to gratitude, I hope my children will be inspired by the strength, courage and determination of the children in the film. Through it all, they had joy!
That is awesome. We can watch this tomorrow. I have an appreciation for Netflix - Magic School Bus science has been my go to this year. Some days it's way better than nothing. But nothing is ever nothing in this house! I always wanted to exchange lists of viewed and approved Netflix movies. It's like a global classroom. Our most recent history lesson Came from The Pistol. This was a thought provoking and inspiring movie.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Watched it yesterday, and kids loved it. You give the best recommendations. I follow everything you do with the boys.
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