Practical Schooling

I am not an unschooler. We do written book work, as well as normal life things...however, I DO believe that school is everywhere and that making thing relevant for them really enhances learning. :)

This is what a day of "practical life" school looks like.

So by now you've read the 101 and the 102nd reasons to homeschool. (Oh, you didn't...well scroll down and get caught up.)

I'm showcasing this one today-
47. Because we can arrange our school day around doctor appointments and not have to worry about it.


I took the boys to the DR today. At their pediatrician's office they don't usually have to wait. Today, though it was a bit of one. We worked on character the whole time. Listening, obeying, playing QUIETLY so that we didn't disturb the other patients or the staff, not climbing on chairs but sitting on them because we want to think of others and not get dirt on their clothes...things like that. :)

Then Thomas and Gideon had to take tests. They were the tests that the DR uses to see if they are up to their age level...colors, animals, sounds, questions like, "What is a cup?" "what do you do if you are cold?"...so we have categorizing, reading comprehension...oh and seeing if you can jump- physical education.

Then they came back to be weighed and measured. After that Judah and Thomas each had to take an eye test...Since Judah was looking at letters we can call that reading/grammar...since Thomas was looking at shapes we can call that- Math. :)

We had to wait a bit for the DR. The boys found a really cool book about butterflies...Science

Then the DR came in and did some muscle tests, checked their heart, eyes, throat, ears, etc...what does a DR do boys? -Career day. :)

The DR got called out of the room for a phone call. Waiting patiently practice!! - Character

We had to wait a bit for the nurse to come back with the shots.
We selectively immunize and don't allow more than 2 shots per child per visit. :)

While we were waiting we had time to read the butterfly book again. This time Judah read it. - Science review, Reading
and a really great book about dinosaurs- Science.
(since we are currently studying fossils in Science the dino one was super great!!)

Each boy got 2 shots. After that we got into the van to run some errands.

Me- Boys how many shots did we get if we add them all together...let's count by 2s.

Us- 2, 4, 6

Me- GREAT!!

Me- how many did you and Judah get together...2 plus 2 is-

Thomas- FOUR!

Me- Judah how many did you and Gideon get together?

Judah- FOUR!

Me- now add 2+2+2

Judah- 6

Me- GREAT!!

Math!

I got them each a soft pretzel at the coffee shop each one was around 2 dollars- we went through that whole scenario again but this time with pretzels instead of shots. :)- More Math

I also got a doughnut for us to share. A REALLY yummy, french creme filled long doughnut with chocolate frosting, and vanilla frosting on top in a pretty swirl...It was a beautiful thing. :)

Each of us had 3 bites.

As we pulled away I said this...

Me- Each of us had three bites right?

J and T- yes

Me- how many bites did we have all together?...Let's build it...Thomas let's add yours and Gideon's together. What's 3+3?

T- (with some visual help) SIX!

Me- RIGHT!!

Me- Now Judah let's add yours to theirs. What's 6+3?

J- NINE!!

Me- RIGHT!!!

Me- Now add mine to everyone else's. What's 9+3?

Judah- Twelve!!!

Me- Good job!! So there were twelve bites all together. So did each of us have 3/12?

Judah- YES!!!

Math again!

Me- And that boys, is school. :)

Did I count this morning as school?- I absolutely did.
It was relevant to their lives. They learned a lot today!!

Practical schooling is the BEST!!

Blessings!-
Angela :)