Natural Learning, Intentionally - Part II

Intentional. It is my mantra, whether teaching my littles (and bigs) or embracing life. Intentionality has served me (and my family) well. 

How can I be intentional this minute to make a difference in the minutes yet to come?

The word intentional means (back to definitions):

From the 1957 Webster's New 20th Century dictionary, intentional was defined as

• Having to do with intention or purpose
• Intended; designed; done with design or purpose; not accidental

According to Dictionary.com, intentional is defined as

• done with intention or on purpose
• of or relating to intention or purpose

What proceeded the afternoon (minutes, hours or years before) contributing to the fruit of the day featured in Part I?

These were all lessons in and of themselves.

• Art supplies were purchased, then organized and stored in a manner accessible to the children with the developmental ability to determine appropriate use for said items (don't want acrylics on my walls, unless it is first on a canvas).

• Prior expectations and boundaries were set as to where the acrylics could be used (easel, kitchen table).
• Prior instruction was given as to how the brushes and tools were to be cared for, cleaned, and stored (otherwise brush hairs would be haywire and my house would become a paint palette). 
• Painting was an intrinsic interest I observed and fostered, something that mattered to them with the ultimate goal of spending time with my Dad (who loves to paint with them) and entering arts and handcrafts into the local county fair. 
• A library visit was scheduled and carried out where children checked out books of interest.

• Prior to that visit, children were given a tour as to where their books of interest would be shelved. For one child instruction was "this is where you will find animal books". For another, "this is the biography section". 
• Years ago, we discussed choosing appropriate materials, library etiquette, and check-out procedures.

The end result of many intentional decisions: I scheduled appointments, two learners finished fair projects, and two learners created three entrees in their writing notebooks. 

So, though natural learning occurred last week, there was intentional thought and instruction that proceeded the fruitful afternoon.

Natural Learning, Intentionally Part III coming soon!

From Interest to Credit

Course development and content varies from high school to high school. The same is true from home school to home school. When developing a high school course for a student, a parent educator can access many resources as guides for content.

This year, due to the talent and interest of one our children, we will be developing a high school drawing and painting class. Drawing and painting? What would a drawing and painting class entail? My mind takes off, thinking of the possibilities.

My first quest, find out what a typical high school drawing and painting class might include. Visiting the DOE site I found Drawing and Painting I, a one-credit course. According the Florida DOE site, the purpose of this course is to "enable students to develop basic perceptual, observational, and compositional skills necessary to communicate a range of subject matter, symbols, ideas, and concepts using knowledge of drawing and painting media, processes, and techniques.The content should include, but not be limited to, the use of tools and materials, art vocabulary, elements of art and principles of design, critical thinking and analysis, historical and cultural perspectives, connections between visual arts and other subject areas, personal and social benefits, collaborative skills, and career opportunities."

I looked at the stated objectives for the course and immediately realized putting together an art class was possible. My daughter and I sat and brainstormed. What specific areas of art are of interest? What media and techniques would she want to experience? Where could we find information and instruction to create a high school level (or above) class? Who might be able to provide mentoring or instruction in this area of interest? What galleries might we be able to visit? How could we incorporate art appreciation and art history into her study?Where might she be able to display art pieces she creates? How is art, or one's knowledge of art, incorporated into various careers?

After our discussion, my daughter's interest turned to self-motivation. She began to dig and discover for herself. What resources we found! I realized her intrinsic interest in drawing and painting could be fostered at home as well as in the community. Real life. Real people. Real art media. Real learning. And, the best part, she had already begun her study...while I was busy finding ways and ideas to support her interest. 

*The information in this blog post is not intended as legal or educational advice. It is simply a journal of what worked for us. Parents are responsible to oversee their child's home education.

"Mom, I Want to Build Something!"

The most recent statement from our child who recently announced, 

"I want to be an engineer." 

How did that child come to that conclusion? Not certain we had ever done an "engineer" study. Must know an engineer? Did the child overhear conversation with an engineer? Hmmm. Where did the revelation come from? 

A child has a longing, a desire. Louis Pasteur asked questions and searched for answers. He got answers, and saved lives. The Wright Brothers wanted to fly. They experimented and they did. A child inspired. Where will that inspiration lead? Pondering how to fan the flames, like Jeanne Roqui, Susan Wright, and many other moms.

Another day another idea.

Finding some PVC pipes, elbow and connectors, a tent frame erected in the front yard. Same child.

Now, convinced this is more than a passing thought, I notice the common thread. Building is part of the unique design.

Almost immediately I remembered an older sibling designing with an extensive set of KNEX, 13 years ago. Dug out of the back of a closet, the set was reopened, rediscovered, pieces rumbling. Something was happening, like a mind-quake.

What is being built? The curiosity bubbled inside me. I couldn't wait to see the results of a imaginative mind, a curiosity.

Before long..

"Look what I built!"

Complete with a rotary dial, which was added after consultation with an older sibling.

"Mom, I want to build something!"  

What an ingenious builder you are!

How can I help you be the best builder you can be?

Pondering...