School: the next thing

by Charla Virkler | Nov 6, 2017

Anyone who’s known me for awhile knows that we change how we do school constantly. I’m always finding something more perfect than we used before, and it’s rare that we get more than one year through any one program.

Part of that has been figuring out the kids’ learning styles. Jasmine is dyslexic. Rebekah is dysgraphic (like dyslexia but more focused on writing). Hudson is likely very mildly dyslexic, probably dysgraphic…and has boundless energy that would tire Tigger.

So when I look back at some of the choices we’ve made, I’m not surprised they didn’t work. It doesn’t deter me from trying something new, though, and I’m thankful that they’re willing to go along with whatever I bring into the house. (probably because they don’t really have a choice).

Our newest choice? Children Around The World, by WinterPromise. I used their Hideaways in History for Jasmine’s first grade year, and though we dropped some aspects of it (like spelling, not knowing at that time why it wasn’t working for her) the basic curriculum gave us a rich year. (if you want to read about some of our experiences, I recorded many of them here.)

We’ve gotten really involved with Compassion International as a church, and it’s re-kindled the fire for the children we sponsor through their organization. Visiting a Compassion Experience opened our eyes to just how much different childhood looks in other parts of the world, and how we can do something to help change someone else’s story.

So with that in mind, this felt like the perfect time to really dive in and learn about all sorts of people and countries. Oh, and food. Every week’s stop involves food of some kind. That makes it perfect for Hudson and I, especially!

The curriculum includes a one-month “Christmas around the world” unit. We’ll be spending a good deal of time at the World Showcase at Disney for those weeks (which means starting that soon, because our passes expire 12/15. I’m not looking forward to having to say goodbye to the parks for a time, but it isn’t forever)

This week we’re visiting the U.K. And yes, it’s made me wish we could actually get on a plane and see it for real. This could be really hard on the part of me that likes to see the world!

(the kids made each other an ‘English Cracker.” They obviously didn’t pop open, and we forgot to include the joke. Oh, or the paper crowns. It was a picture they drew for each other in a toilet paper roll, with paper wrapped around it. The simplest version we could do!)

We’re supposed to plan a proper English Tea. Of course I don’t have any of the fancy dishes or tablecloths, so our imaginations will need to be in full force. But we’ll have a great time anyhow because it revolves around FOOD!