This week Chase’s subjects have all conveniently intertwined. In Social Studies he is studying communication- in Science he is learning about Hearing and Sound (and communication). I have found so many great resources through books and the internet- it is making my job very easy and making Chase’s experience in homeschooling very hands on (which is the goal).
His reading skills are getting stronger everyday. He is reading a majority of the material we cover (he does all of the reading from his textbooks). I am trying to incorporate as many of his interests into our day as I can- but the fact is, I cannot base an education on Captain Underpants and Zombies. He spends a lot of his free time making comic books and stories- as long as he is putting time and thought into this process, I am happy to let that be a portion of his writing assignments. But, if he hands me crap- he does it my way. I did make him an activity packet for Language Arts (it is more for fun, free time), it has word games, puzzles and such in it- and Chase thinks I am awesome for making it!! YAY!!!
In one of our lessons, we were learning how blind people use their sense of hearing to see the world and make their way through it. We watched some videos online (YouTube). The first video was of a blind man, who has been blind all his life, he was explaining what colors are to him. Very interesting (I have to admit, I am loving that I get to learn all of this stuff too)! The second video was about a little girl who is 6 years old (Chase’s age). The video took us through a day in her life and showed us the different ways that she learns to read and write. It also showed the activities she participates in- gymnastics, swimming, art, running around outside. Chase loved seeing that. He thought it was really cool that she did gymnastics. We also looked up info on Helen Keller, viewed clips from documentaries and watched her give a speech at a school. Chase was looking at a picture of her and said, “I’d like to see it color now”. (Which got my mind going on future lessons- I really have to organize all of these thoughts flying through my head.)
After all of this, one thing lead to another and Chase spent half an hour with a blindfold on- seeing if he could find things in cupboards, or find me by following my voice. We also made some worksheets with beans to give a sense of what Braille is. I want to find a real book in braille, it would be neat for him to see one- but, I don’t know that this will happen.
I started my first introduction class today at our new “alternative lifestyle” school. Another great resource at our disposal. A wide range of classes (huge selection in the arts and foreign language- Yay!) for Chase to be involved in. There is a great sense of community there. Everyone is doing something different, but with a common goal. It is a great opportunity for Chase and it will be helpful in keeping me on track with our academics.