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Schoolkins // The First Thanksgiving

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I first purchased this book, The First Thanksgiving, when my oldest children were quite young, and it is still a favorite we read again together each year. Although beautifully and simply told, it is not a sugar-coated version of this pilgrimage. Jean Craighead George, the author of two more favorite children’s books Julie of the Wolves and My Side of the Mountain, gives an honest and artful voice to the hardships endured both by the pilgrims and the Native American tribes in this read. Gently, she introduces more complex topics into the story of this feast, such as the freedom of religion, the freedom of a person (European slave trade), the Plague, life aboard a transatlantic ship, establishing agricultural life, and of course Squanto’s peaceful help in these settlements–giving more context to this intermingled, multi-day feast we now call Thanksgiving.

The First Thanksgiving is a broad picture of this bit of history more than anything, an introduction to early colonial America, a springboard for other reading and learning and conversation. As it is a picture book, the illustrations carry their own part of the story as well–gorgeous, emotional paintings of dark stormy seas, lonely Squanto in the colorful woods, the Mayflower, and the golden harvest and feast to name a few.  They are excellent fodder for budding artists to copy.

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Naturally, we cannot discuss every topic thoroughly each year. This is the joy of returning to this window in American history again annually. When my children were quite young, I may have simply read the story aloud while they played on the floor around me. Some years we have added a project, and other years, we may have simply discussed it. As my children and their context for history grow, our discussions do, too. This is one of my favorite parts of parenting.

This year, as we are re-reading this story together, each is doing their own project with it. One of my children created simple models of the pilgrim ships using clay, small craft sticks, and paper. While the other three illustrated from the book or from their own imagination with pencil or watercolors.

I am adding more writing this year, too. The older boys will write a summary paper, possibly including a bit from other history readings since we’ve been studying some early American history this fall. My oldest daughter, who is still learning about paragraphing and summarizing, will narrate the story to me, which I will write down, and she will copy on her own. My youngest, who is still an early writer, will copy one to two sentences from the story itself. Although the specifics may vary year to year, sharing the origin of Thanksgiving with my children during this season helps deepen both our understanding and gratitude.

Schoolkins // Studying Nature

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Schoolkins // Studying NatureSschoolkins // Studying Nature by Bethany Douglass

Although I spent much time outdoors playing and camping as a child, I never would have termed myself a naturalist. My family and I loved nature, but in all of our time there, I never recall formally studying nature together. Of course, I learned about the natural cycles in elementary school, and in my older school years, I studied animals and plant parts with more detail, but somehow in my young mind, the two worlds remained entirely separate: one part formal academic study and another part an environment for our family life. Years later, when I first began homeschooling, I always wanted to find a way to incorporate more connection between our love of the outdoors and natural learning. Can children and adults enjoy nature without formal study of it? Of course! But what a gift to connect both a love and knowledge of the world around us.

But let’s be honest. Nature studies can feel intimidating. If you’ve browsed social media or the internet, you’ve already discovered beautiful nature projects parents and children are creating together, and it can feel paralyzing if it’s not your own strength. I’m letting you know nature studies do not have to be intimidating or paralyzing. During our many years in homeschooling, we’ve studied and enjoyed the natural world in a variety of beautiful, yet casual manners. The most important part is including it in your routine in a manner which fits your own style and home rhythm. Here’s a few ways we’ve included our love of nature in our own days.

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Walk.

Whether you live in a city neighborhood or a rural countryside, walking is the best way to slowly discover. You may simply notice the types of flowers that are blooming or discuss why the leaves fall. Why are leaves different in shape? What is their purpose? Is the grass in the field the same as the grass in your own yard? Do all the bird songs sound the same? Is one louder than the others? These type of questions can be conversational, and most importantly teach you and your children to pause and notice.

Collect.

Grammar and preschool-aged children might enjoy collecting various leaves or bugs to touch and observe more closely. Use the internet or your own books to help identify them. We often do this in our garden to identify bugs as friend or foe.

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Read.

Each library trip, we pick up a few new books on science and nature. In early years, they went through their own interests thoroughly and might not move on until they had read/looked at every book our library had on the subject, be it sharks or turtles or penguins or whales. As they have grown older, I’ve noticed my children are more interested in the processes. For instance, how does a tree grow or a bird lay an egg? Some of our favorite books are: anything by Steve Jenkins, Animalium, Nature Anatomy, and Farm Anatomy and vintage nature books we discover in used book stores. 

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Draw | Paint | Write

We have not consistently kept nature journals in our home. Like most children, my own love art, so they often draw or paint what inspires them in nature, but we have not organized this in a very tidy way. I’m trying to change that this year, as they’re all getting a little older and are able to keep their own work organized. Our family rarely carries notebooks around with us on our walks or hikes. Instead, we take photographs or collect plants or small insents in paper bags or jars to bring home with us. Sometimes we simply observe and then look at images in books or online afterward. Do whatever style works for you.

As for supplies, if you'd like to bring your notebooks along, make sure to find a bound notebook. Strathmore makes lovely ones in various sizes. We use individual cardstock found at an office supply store and collect paintings and drawings together in one binder (per child). We use Lyra colored pencils–the Ferby tri-grip for little hands and the Rembrandt for the older children–and Stockmar watercolors for our paintings. The children label what they illustrate and often write a sentence of something interesting or even silly they learned about their creature or plant. When it dries, they slide it into a sheet protetcor in their binder. 

Form a nature group.

When my children were younger, I met with a local nature group weekly to have a walk with our children and then have lunch together in the park. We met in different parts of our town, and when possible, had someone specific share about the habitat. This was perfect for that part of our life.  We don't formally meet with a group in our community now, but we've learned to enjoy one another in this way. As my children have grown older, I realize they want to grow in their own relationships with nature. I'm grateful for our time of study that helps foster it. 

 

Schoolkins // Helpful Homeschool Reads by Bethany Douglass

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Babiekins Magazine / Schoolkins - Helpful Books

Babiekins Magazine / Schoolkins - Helpful Books

For parents who are interested in homeschooling or are even already on the journey, the amount of resources surrounding education can feel large and overwhelming. Each style and method has its own roots and research. Depending on the parent’s learning background, one might find it difficult to begin at all. Of course, friends and local groups are the best resource for this, as you can interact, ask questions, and observe. Beyond your local resources, reading and researching online is the next resort. This is where the parent begins modeling (even for the youngest children), we never stop learning. Even as adults, we forge our own paths and research in decision-making. Although this is not a finite list, here are a few of the reads that have impacted me the most during our seven years of homeschooling.

The Homeschooling Option by Lisa Rivero

When people tell me they are considering homeschooling, I always suggest this book first. Rivero, a homeschooling mother and engineering professor, offers a broad look at homeschooling, from styles and methods to specific resources and common questions. Her writing is engaging and easy to follow and the layout is equally simple and neatly divided for reference or quick browsing. She offers a variety of content, covering more common concerns of socialization, sports, and prom to quieter conversations on homeschooling children with special needs or knowing your state’s laws. At the back, she includes a list of advocacy groups and websites divided by state.

The Well-Trained Mindby Susan Wise Bauer (co-authored with Jessie Wise)

Susan Wise Bauer is a strong voice in the classical niche of homeschooling. She is a mother/homeschooler of four, writer of several books and curriculum, and also a professor at the College of William and Mary. For parents looking for an academically rigorous education for their children, this book is for you. In it, Wise gives a background to classical education and then offers a guided outline to follow pre-K through 12th grade. She has divided the book into loose age groups based on classical learning–grammar, logic, and rhetoric–and offers several of her favorite curriculum choices with descriptions all along the way. Parents who prefer more structure and want educational thoroughness will adore this guide.

How Children Fail and/or How Children Learn by John Holt

John Holt is often considered a forerunner in the “unschooling” movement. Written in the 1960s, these complimentary books are separate and distinct in content. The titles are almost self-explanatory–one focused more on his observation of childhood learning, the other more focused on the situations that caused failure (think of failure more as disengagement, not grades). Although they are both slow at points, Holt’s writing is more intrinsic than practical HOW-TOs. I read these books at the very beginning of our homeschooling journey, and although I would not consider myself an unschooler, they have shaped how I observe my children and how we learn together.

Weapons of Mass-Instructionby John Taylor Gatto

Gatto is a former New York public school teacher, who resigned 30 years of teaching (the same year he received Teacher of the Year for the state) in the op-ed section of the Wall Street Journal. He currently travels and speaks, advocating for school reform. As one might guess from the title, his writing is witty and zealous. He writes from experience and research, detailing the history and purpose of public ed or “compulsory schooling”–a shocking revelation for me. His writing is at times a bit eccentric and rife with controversy, but you will never be bored with this read. It will stir you to think of education in a new manner, and most importantly, you’ll feel empowered as a parent, regardless of your educational choice.

Teaching Montessori in the Home: Preschool Years by Elizabeth Hainstock

While we have never solely followed the Montessori approach, I appreciate the use of manipulatives and the emphasis on independence, ingenuity, and connection to environment of her theses. Hainstock, certified in Montessori pedagogy, offers practical and accessible activities for little ones in this book. I used it often in my children’s early years, applying the activities to all areas of our learning. I also adapted what Montessori refers to as the “prepared environment” in our home: open shelves and containers and specific age-appropriate pots that were more accessible for independent learning. For families of older children, consider the book Montessori Today by Paula Polk Lillard.

Understanding Waldorf Education by Jack Petrash

I am currently reading this book, a telling sign that a homeschooling parent never stops learning and recreating their homeschool. I’ve always gravitated toward reading and writing in our curriculum, but over the years have noticed the gap of incorporating art and hand-work into the same subjects. I love the way Waldorf holistically approaches this, and this read is a simple and easy-to-follow introduction to this style of learning. I can already tell it will certainly impact our homeschool.