Wanna Be a Steader!

LESSON PLANNER: Teaching Life Skills in Our 'Real World' Homeschools ~ Part 1

The Spring '07 issue of The Old Schoolhouse magazine introduced a new column of mine:  The Lesson Planner; in which I compare/contrast similar curriculums and learning resources.  From this post on, as the new issue hits the market, I will post the previous issue's Lesson Planner column.  I hope you enjoy.  And...as always...if you would like to see any curriculums &/or learning resources in The Lesson Planner, please let me know!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

      Welcome to the inaugural installment of the The Lesson Planner!  We know that everyone enjoys the great product reviews in the back of each TOS magazine, but sometimes there are products that you wish you could have a little more -- or even a lot more -- information about.  One of the hardest parts of choosing curriculum and other resources is that most items have to be chosen sight unseen.  We can't always count on finding a fellow homeschool family nearby who has a certain product in their possession so that we can take the time to see if it is something that will be right for our family.  What to do?

     Here's where I hope I can help you!  In this and future issues, I will be thoroughly comparing and contrasting curricula and learning aids on similar subjects.  our hope is that a more thorough review will help you make better decisions regarding what will and will not work for your family.

     And...on with the show!

     I'll start this first installment of The Lesson Planner with something that hit home in our house.

     One of my pet peeves -- and I'm sure yours, too -- is when someone makes the comment that homeschoolers do not live in the "real world."  If  those people only knew how silly that remark made them look to homeschoolers, I'm sure they would think twice about saying it.  However, as I have been a county coordinator here in Ohio for many years I have noticed something.  In years past, homeschoolers have been so eager to prove naysayers wrong that some of us have concentrated a little too hard on academics.  Now, don't get me wrong; homeschoolers must and DO receive a top-notch education academically.  But I have also seen a few homeschool grads who made all the grades but couldn't even boil an egg!  How would they function in society or benefit their future families?  We didn't want that for our children.

     We are very eclectic homeschoolers, but I have say that one of our favorite educational methods is the unit study.  We've even written several of our own.  But I needed some serious help in gathering information and research for many of the everyday things that come across our lives -- things that come up that you never think of relating to our children.  For example, eveyone has been to a funeral, right?  But how many people have actually had to plan one?  You would be surprised at how few.  Unfortunately, my husband and I were forced into this reality one sad day when our oldest child died of SIDS when she was three months old.  We were faced with all the hard, must-be-quckly-decided-upon, costly decisions that are involved in funeral arrangements.  We were just kids ourselves.  Life -- and death -- had hit us full-force in our faces, and we didn't want our children to as blind-sided as we were.  Life's decisions aren't always fun and easy, and even though certain life experiences must be lived out to be fully understood, the mystery and scariness can be somewhat abated by knowing a little about what to expect.

     Now, we wanted to know, where can we find resources that truly teach about real life?  Let me show you what we found.

     Most unit studies are made to be used for a week, a month, or maybe even a year.  And they are great!  But I have found two amazing life skills unit studies that can take our children through anywhere from four to seven years!  Of course, as with any other homeschool materials, we are not bound by the books and we also may pick and choose what we will use and when we will use it.

     These unit studies have greatly helped me to "wrangle" the teaching and introduction of life skills and needed life knowledge.  Having all girls, I will be telling you about two studies made specifically for girls, but PLEASE NOTE that there ARE counterparts for boys!

     Enter Far Above Rubies (FAR), created by Lauren and Lynda Coats.  (The boy's version is Blessed is the Man, which can be used simultaneously with FAR.)  This brave endeavor was created to be all you need for four years -- all the way through high school!  Granted, if you want to dive deeper into upper math or sciences you will need other texts -- remember, this unit is sbout life; everyday living, not everyone uses calculus in everyday living.  :-)    Suggestions for higher learning can be found in the FAR Appendix.

     If you specifically follow the guide, you will travel through 20 units that each cover lessons under the subjects of Bible and Christian Character, Cultural Studies, Reading and Literature, Composition, Math and Personal Finance, Science, Health and Physical Fitness, Practical Arts (skills needed to operate as an independent adult in society), and Decorative and Performing Arts -- all based upon Prov. 31:10-31 -- specifically:  "A virtuous wife, who can find?  Her value is far above rubies."

     The authors have written very detailed and descriptive guidelines, beginning with their reasons for writing such a tome and the bios of the authors.  They also explain the philosophies behind FAR, a few being:  that god created each of us a individuals, that salvation is in the blood of Jesus Christ and in no other, that God gave each child to specific parents for a reason, that ALL education is religious, that teaching should be done in a natural way,and that the purpose of teaching and parenting is to work ourselves out of a job (I like that one!).

     FAR also covers the four different learning styles and gives us questions to ponder so that we can better serve our children.  They also explain their "Six Rs of Education" -- reading, writing, arithmetic, research, responsibility, and righteousness.  Be sure to read their suggested instructions for using FAR, as there are codes to follow and understand.  But, again, these are guidelines and suggestions -- I do not advocate becoming a slave to the order of any book, text, or curriculum.  This is YOUR school!

       You will find suggestions on record keeping, preparing transcripts and other final records, and using credits for graduation, which will come in handy and may give you great peace of mind in keeping orderly accounts of what has been studied in the high school years.  Also included are planner pages, a goal planning checklist, a high school cumulative record, and even a report card page -- all ready to be copied at your convenience.  You will also find a beneficial list of materials and suggested items.  Most can be found in a local library if you don't have them in your home library.

     Other learning tools the authors suggest include timelines and "mindmapping" (brainstorming).  Learning to use these aids helps students keep their thoughts contained on paper or a chart.

     Now, let's get into some meat, shall we?

     Each of the 20 units is not only based on a segment of Prov. 31:10-31 but is also divided into "Mini-Units."  Here's what I mean:

UNIT 15 

Strength and honor are her clothing; 

She shall rejoice in time to come.

Prov. 31:25

     A quick glance at the unit overview will lead you to the titles of the mini-units with a brief description.  For instance, Unit 15's mini-units will deal with 

     ~A.  Dignity and Strength in All Circumstances

     ~B.  The Family Cares for Its Own

     ~C.  Prophecies of the Future

     A slice of each of the above mentioned mini-units is covered under the earlier mentioned subjects (Bible and Charitisn Character, Cultural Studies, etc.).  And you will not lack for anything to cover!  If you decided to try to do all activies suggested, you might even be using this volume for MORE than seven years!

{see Part 2}