Embarking on a Homeschooling Adventure with a Touch of Art and Motherhood
Ever stumbled upon a realm so captivating and so full of life that you couldn’t help but want to share it with the world? Well, grab your favorite cup of tea (or coffee, no judgement here!) and settle in as we join Katherine Prince, supreme ruler of the kingdom of raisingprinces.com. This isn’t just another homeschooling mom blog. It’s an odyssey of motherhood blogging, homeschool shenanigans, and a colossal love affair with art!
The Clouds that Sparked a Revolution in Education
Imagine a lazy South Dakota afternoon. Katherine’s there, gazing at clouds that are parading by like the fluffiest, most majestic buffalo you’ve ever seen. That one there could almost be a dragon, don’t you think? Ah, the Midwest, where the topography is as flat as a pancake, but the sky? The sky’s a canvas of infinite possibility.
Falling Head Over Heels for Charlotte Mason
Fast forward through time, and Katherine’s a new devotee of the one and only Charlotte Mason, an education pioneer who famously declared, “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” Charlotte Mason education? It’s about brewing a strong cup of lifelong learning, sipping it slow, and sharing it with your kids.
Observation: Not Just for Spies Anymore
Behold the Habit of Observation—Mason’s secret sauce. It’s about slowing your roll and taking notice. Take that painfully shy bloke hiding by the punch bowl at a party, or our heroine in the parking lot juggling groceries like a circus act—seeing them, really seeing them, that’s the habit of observation at work. Plus, it’s a fun party trick.
Cultivating Curiosity with Homeschool Activities
What’s a mom to do with this ancient wisdom in an age where fidget spinners are king? Cultivate it, my friends. Cultivate it like the modern-day renaissance family you are with vibrant homeschool activities that will have your kids observing like Sherlock Holmes on a good day.
Playful Practices for the Keen Observer
Sure, the Prince family hasn’t perfected it (perfection’s overrated anyway), but boy, do they have some tricks up their sleeves. From artful escapades to silent symphonies, here’s a sneak peek into the wonder-filled world of observation they’ve concocted.
The Quietest Symphony
Kids sprawled on the floor, eyes closed, ears tuned to the sound of, well, nearly nothing. It’s a challenge: Find the quietest sound. Turn off those beeping devices and let the concert commence. This is not just about peace and quiet; it’s about fine-tuning the senses.
Colorful Quests in Nature
Rainbow hunts in the wild, anyone? Nature’s palette is vast and vivid: from the red swagger of a stop sign to the tranquil blue of a jay’s feather. Alas, no pot of gold guaranteed, but the real treasure? It’s the journey, not the destination.
Spot the Difference
Ever played “what’s different?” with your little explorers? It’s like a “Where’s Waldo?” book come to life, but you’re the author. Jot down the new, the changed, the extraordinary! Sometimes it’s the little differences that make the biggest splash.
Lost in Silent Film (or French Cinema)
Now, imagine a cartoon in French. For the non-francophones among us, it might as well be silent. Yet, it’s precisely in this silence (or language barrier) that the body talks and the plot thickens. Katherine’s kids? Dubbed and subtitled their way through the storyline like champs.
Portrait of an Art Detective
And then there’s art—glorious, mysterious art. Like private investigators of the canvas, Katherine challenges her budding detectives to dive into the world of Mary Cassatt. Who exactly is whispering secrets to whom amidst these painted scenes? The answer lies in the details.
Igniting Art Appreciation
Finally, the pièce de résistance: art appreciation. More than just a passing glance at a framed work on a museum wall, it’s about immersing oneself in the strokes, the shades, and often, the sheer simplicity. And with that, dear friends, we’ve reached the point where museums transform from silent, stuffy mausoleums into raucous arenas of discovery!
So, to all you homeschooling heroes and aficionados of everyday art, Katherine Prince extends a glitter-covered invitation: Join the journey, share the love, and may your homeschooling adventures be ever bountiful, insightful, and—above all—observed with the keenest of eyes. Cheers to the quest for knowledge, and to occasionally watching the clouds go by—just for the fun of it.
I absolutely loved this article on art-infused learning and observation. As a homeschooling mom, I appreciate the valuable insights and tips for incorporating art into education.