Goals...

Since we're not really doing lessons at the moment, I don't have a weekly report of that sort. Instead...

I was talking with my husband about various homeschooling matters, when it occured to me that we haven't actually set any goals for homeschooling, other than to provide what we hope will be a better education than the public schools are offering. And since we mix approaches, I can't just take the goals of any one of those and say "this is it - these are our goals." So I thought I'd come up with something...

Goals for OakLeaf School:

Reading & writing: I would love my kids to be comfortable with and to enjoy reading and writing. I would like them to appreciate a wide range of books, have exposure to great writers and classics, and to understand social references to such writers and their works. I would like them to feel comfortable writing as well - everything from a business letter to a creative piece. I want them to be able to express themselves in writing, easily and fluently.

Math: I want them to understand the why's and how's, not just use rote memorization. I'd like them to see the connections between the lessons they do and the real world. While we are very happy with our choice of math curricula, I am opening up more and more to adding in activities, like math games, real life math situations, and so forth, to help foster those connections.

Science: I love science, and I want them to love it too. I want them to have a solid foundation on which they can build in future years. I also want them to have fun with science, to explore and expand, which after all, is much of what science is all about. I want too for them to be familiar with the natural world around them, to know the birds, trees, animals and plants that live in our corner of the world.

History: I'd like them to have a good understanding/familiarity with both the history of our own country and the world. While we aren't following a strict chronological flow at this point, I think over the years, they will build a sense of the tapestry of time. I want them to have some knowledge of great people and the events that shaped the world we live in. I want them to understand social references as I mentioned in Reading & Writing.

Art & Music: I want my children to be familiar with the works of great artists, musical and otherwise. Both my children are budding artists and both adore music, so this has never been a challenge for me. I want to help them build a sense of appreciation various approaches in art and music.

Other: I want above all to raise happy, inquisitive, curious and thinking children. I try to support them in their interests while exposing them to the topics above. I also think that the home arts are important - everything from sewing and cooking to changing a tire, planting a garden, pruning a tree, and more. Practical knowledge to balance out all the in-the-head work we cover. I want to raise lifelong learners, who seek new challenges and feel motivated to explore their interests.