Unit Study for All Ages - My Recommendation

 It's been a hot minute since I last posted. My two ''boys'' have grown up into amazing men and are almost 30 at this point. lol! So needless to say, I am a homeschool veteran. We homeschooled alllllll the way though. 😂

I was thinking about a unit study we used to do and thought I'd throw it out there again. It's called Learning Adventures.

Here's a little about it:

Learning Adventures, a free, literature-based unit study program that turns learning into an exciting journey around the world. Rather than teaching subjects separately, the curriculum weaves together history, geography, science, language arts, art, and hands-on projects around a central theme or destination. 

It encouraged curiosity, creativity, and meaningful learning by allowing children to explore topics in a connected and engaging way. The program was designed with flexibility in mind, making it easy for families to adapt activities to different ages and learning styles.

What we appreciated most was how naturally it sparked a love of learning. Instead of feeling like traditional schoolwork, each unit felt like an adventure filled with books, projects, recipes, crafts, and discoveries. It provided a wonderful balance between structure and freedom, giving us plenty of opportunities to follow rabbit trails and dive deeper into topics that captured our interest. 

For families looking to keep learning alive during the summer months while creating lasting memories together, Learning Adventures offered a fun and refreshing approach to education.

How is your summer going?

I am wondering how your summer is going as a homeschooling family.  Is there any learning going on? Sometimes we head into summer with great aspirations to continue "school" and "do school" through the summer.

I have found that if I help to create and encourage the boys to have a lifestyle of learning, they will do exactly that and we don't have to "do school." When they were younger, it was important to make sure they kept up on their times tables, reading and things like that.  Now that they are in high school, that is all changing!

Over the last couple of years, I have let go of the strict school schedule and have tried to instill a love for learning.  I don't necessarily want the boys to have a love for studying a textbook and taking a test.  In my experience, that goes into some sort of temporary bank in the brain and in the not so distant future, is let out.

Instead, I want the boys to love learning.  When you love to learn, you explore.  In order to explore, you have to open your mind to other possibilities and outcomes.  When you do that, the unexpected often happens and then... you learn!  In that process, you apply yourself and when you experience something, it seems to stick and you remember it.

Being a lifelong learner is so beautiful!  I know a few very intelligent men who continue to learn in their "old age."  (At least, that is what the world would say of them.) I personally think they are young.  Their minds are beautiful and young.  How can a mind stay young and be "old" at the same time?

These guys don't get stuck in their ways.  They are open to other ideas.  Even in their "old age" they continue to WORK and to learn.  That's right! Neither one wants to retire and they both love for others to "use" and benefit from their intellect.  They are always willing to look  into a problem and help.  These gentlemen not only help, but they teach you as they help you so that you can learn from the experience as well.

That's the way problems and situations become learning tools.

I think that is beautiful!  That is what I desire for my children, and myself quite frankly.  I want them to love to explore!  I want them to love to learn something new.  I want them to learn and for others to benefit from their experience and intellect.  I want them to teach as they sort through issues.

That being said, our big aspirations to "do school" in summer usually get flushed.  Nice talks, genuine learning opportunities, and exploration step in and do the job that no textbook or test can do.

My advise it to trust God and step aside!  Let the Holy Spirit lead your child into a life of learning and exploring.  ...and while you're at it, let Him lead you there too!

Let them learn!... about ice cream!

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If you or members of your homeschool group are looking for some summer fun or less structured learning, turn to the June issue of The Old Schoolhouse(R) Magazine. Click here for a fun unit study about ice cream! Remember our digital, interactive magazine is free to read on your laptop or computer at www.TOSMagazine.com or on the go by downloading an app fromwww.TOSApps.com.