Search Results for: blog why learn outside

Why Some Parents are Unschooling Their Kids

Unschooling is a form of homeschooling that involves less structure and more child-centered learning. Parents who are unhappy with the way that learning is presented at schools have been turning to the unschooling movement as their solution for what their child’s education should be like. Unschooling has some similarities with homeschooling. In both cases, a child stays home and receives his or her education there (instead of in a classroom at a school). Each educational style allows parents to be very involved in what their child is taught. Parents can set the speed that information is presented in order to … Continue reading →

Why Regular Exercise is Important for Kids

Many of us realize that it is a good idea to get some exercise. Adults tend to think of exercise as a way to lose weight or tone up muscle. It turns out that getting regular exercise is more beneficial than randomly exercising done every so often. This is true for both adults and children. Are your kids getting the regular exercise? Regular Exercise is Important for Children The Mayo Clinic points out that the health benefits of getting regular exercise and physical activity are “hard to ignore”. Of course, some exercise is better than none at all. However, if … Continue reading →

Adventure to Inspire – Homeschool Blog Review

Over the last month, I’ve had the chance to talk with ToriAnn Perkey, homeschooling mom who runs the blog Adventure to Inspire. As we’ve chatted, we’ve investigated her reasons for choosing homeschool for her family, and today I’d like to talk about the blog itself. I was first introduced to the blog by her husband, Josh. I’m usually a little leery when someone says, “Hey, my wife blogs. Check it out.” But I’ve known and respected Josh for a long time, so I headed on over. What I found was an awesome resource. There are articles sharing thoughts and ideas, … Continue reading →

Why Learn Outside?

In my other life, I’m an outdoor educator at a local nature center. This summer, I’m inviting you on a journey into my world – the world of science and nature education. From activity ideas to crafts to books and curriculum, we’ll explore ideas that will inspire you to engage in real life, hands-on science education outdoors. But before we start, let’s take a look at the reasons why children should learn outside. Nature provides challenges that are different than the challenges children will encounter in other contexts. In a playground, children certainly encounter physical challenges. However, these challenges are … Continue reading →

Reports From a Resident Alien: The Blog of Lisa Daxer

Lisa Daxer is a 27 year old biomedical engineering major at Wright State University in Ohio. She also happens to be a person with autism. Her blog “Reports from a Resident Alien” is, like many people’s blogs, a series of stories about her day to day experiences. She also writes somewhat anthropological observations about how the people around her, who do not have autism, socially interact with each other. She was interviewed on NPR recently, on their “All Things Considered” show. They have been doing a series called “The Human Edge”, which explores how evolution has made the human species … Continue reading →

Learning through Example

Parents are the biggest influence on a child’s life. A parent’s job is to mold and shape a child to function productively in society. While, family values vary from family to family, most want at the core the same things for their children. I have yet to meet a well intentioned parent who did not want a happy, compassionate, well-rounded, and wise child. We may want a doctor or a lawyer in the family but above all we want healthy and happy children. We also want children who show proper discernment and made good decisions in reference to time management. … Continue reading →

Why do I want to homeschool?

According to most reports, we live near a great school. My daughter may eventually attend that school, but I’m hoping to avoid it for a while. This has been a great topic of debate in our family, both immediate and extended. I come from a family of teachers and they value the school system. While many people think of homeschoolers as either hippies or devoutly religious, we do not really fit into either category. Why do I want to homeschool? I like spending time with my daughter and she likes spending time with me. She’s likely going to be my … Continue reading →

What We Can Learn from Jon & Kate

Forget the other issues of our time. The world is buzzing about the big announcement made last night by Jon and Kate Gosselin, of Jon & Kate Plus Eight. The couple is officially separating from each other and ending their marriage, all of this in front of millions of viewers. But what can we learn about our own marriages from the semi-intimate knowledge of the Gosselin marriage? Communicate I always thought that the interview couch was the most interesting aspect of the show. As each spouse talked about the events of the episode and answered questions, they almost seemed surprised … Continue reading →

Learning about Coping Gracefully from My Pets

Over in Marriage I wrote about how this year has been one blow after the other and I feel like I’m living under a black cloud. A string of them to be exact. No sooner does one pass than another one moves in and pours on me some more. I don’t even get a chance to fully dry off. I’ve been trying to cope as well as I can, but I have to be honest. My defenses are wearing down. Yesterday I got another blow. My dad’s girlfriend called to say she was at St. Anthony’s with my dad. He … Continue reading →

Home Blog Month in Review: October

As I sit here looking out my window at the backyard, the birds are hovering in the pine tree against a strong wind and steady rain. The temperature is chilly today, and the calendar reminds me that we have left October behind. October 1st Buy a Home for $1.75 It seems that the housing crisis has made some interesting news lately. Home Month in Review: September 2008 Has the weather turned cooler now that September has passed? Pretty soon, it will be time to get that heat turned back on! Meanwhile, check out all of the articles that were posted … Continue reading →