Video school
Today the kids are having a “hands-on” school day. They finished their Bible and chores with very little prodding this morning. As they worked, they were excitedly discussing plots, characters, costumes, etc. As soon as they had the go-ahead from me everyone down to the 2yo dashed out the door, dressed in their version of Old West costumes, heavily armed, with a video camera in hand. I don’t expect to see them again soon, unless the young hero of the film needs his diaper changed.
But while they’re out there, I do expect them to be learning new things. A film communicates a worldview, and they know this, even if they don’t have much experience yet in using that knowledge. They’ll be planning, sequencing, visualizing, verbalizing, and cooperating. Yes, that’s a big one. If you thought our house was full of nothing but soft fuzzy loving thoughts and happy words, think again. There were tears before they ever left the house because somebody didn’t have a good costume or enough weapons and didn’t even know what role she would be playing; another was speaking sharply to a stubborn sister whose costume choices weren’t approved; another was impatient of chores which threatened to slow the production process.
Yes, we’re all sorely in need of sanctification around here, and these projects are part of that process. At least, I hope they are.
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Filed under: Everyday life, big family, homeschooling
Oh goody! Another Controlfreaks production I presume? I can’t wait for the completely child created, rated G film- much more entertaining than MOST of what is displayed on television now. I used to think of our family as your tyical American household, but we become less and less common with age and wisdom. We recently dropped cable and I don’t ever want it back! I don’t want my children exposed to the distasteful, shallow, God-dishonoring filth that is Cable TV. There are almost NO movies we can feel good about seeing in the theater. We always check http://www.pluggedin.com to find out what is really in the most recent kid flick.
I know this is so pathetic, but what does everyone else find to do in the evening (instead of sitting in a dazed stupor in front of the TV) after children are in bed and you are tired? I hate feeling drawn to the TV set as if there wasn’t another thing in the world to do passed 8pm.
Sorry, I was on a tangent. I think this educational opportunity disguised as a film project is genius, Kim! This has “fun mom” written all over it. Awaiting the final product…
I think this video sounds awesome also! Sounds like fun.
I live in New Zealand and one of the best things here is ShineTV. It’s an extremely well done christian television station that even has 6oclock news from a christian worldview. It also has wonderful music and interviews and many different type of television that is all from a Christian Worldview. I don’t know if there is anything like that near you but it is an excellent option of watching television.
Activities to do other than television: I’m in a bit of different situation, no kids and all so I tend to do things outside of the house at night so don’t even miss television. But some of the things friends and I do that could work for you are things like spoons competition and other ongoing activities (my friends and i like competition) and especially all the games from cranium. We tend to play a lot of games for the competition and cranium games spark a lot of conversations. Same with pictionary, and other interactive games. You can also create your own versions (we just tend to skip the dodgy ones). In summer we tend to be outside a lot and LOVE hikes in the dark. Not something you could do every night because kids in bed but they would probably also love it as a treat. I hope these help, these ideas are more just things my friends and I do instead of partying like others our age.
KIm,
I was wondering if you could tell me a bit more about when you begin to formally homeschool? I want to homeschool my children and the oldest turns 3 next month. Someone asked me when I was going to start homeschooling and I realized I didn’t know:)
I have read alot of homeschoolers articles that say 3-4 years old is too early and that just reading, playing, singing, doing crafts etc is enough at this point. Would you agree?