Classical Homeschooling - The Benefits of Rote Memorization

When I first heard about classical homeschooling and it's emphasis on rote memorization, I assumed it wouldn't be for us. I've made it through life just fine not having memorized the names of the U.S. Presidents, so why should I force my children to memorize them. After all, rote memorization is boring and learning should be fun.

Last year, a friend introduced me to a program called Classical Conversations. I took my oldest to an open house, and I was really impressed with the public speaking portion of the program. My son said he wanted to learn the information that the children in the class were learning, and I thought the public speaking practice would help him build confidence, so we decided to give it a try.

Far from being boring, practicing memory work is my children's favorite part of the day. Here's some of what they're learning.



Based on our experiences, here are some of the benefits of rote memorization:

1. My kids are learning how to memorize large volumes of information, and it gets easier for them as the weeks go by. Classical Conversations uses songs, hand movements and games to make memorization fun. My son is a visual learner, and has found that it is helpful to write out some of the information he is trying to memorize. He's learning techniques he can use when he's older.



2. Memorization is much easier for my kids than it is for me and my husband. From birth to age 10 or 12, children are in what's known as the grammar stage of the trivium. This phase of classical homeschooling takes advantage of a child's natural ability to memorize.



3. My children are storing factual information they can use in the future. They do not fully understand everything they are learning, but the facts will be available for recall when they need them. We sing the alphabet song to our babies years before they understand what the letters mean. As my kids sing about the parts of the cell, they are tucking the information away for the days when they'll study biology.



4. As we memorize information together, we grow stronger as a family. If you watch the video closely, you'll notice that my 2-year-old often sings along with his older siblings. He is usually with us when we practice, soaking up information like a sponge. This is one of the benefits of learning in a multi-age environment.
   



5. Learning is fun, and the ability to recall information on demand is a huge confidence builder. I am learning facts that I didn't learn as a child. And my husband, who was a bit skeptical about the need for an extensive memorization program, has asked me to get him a copy of our memory work audio CD.

We are mostly relaxed homeschoolers, so we don't strictly adhere to the classical model of education, but I can definitely see it's benefits. Follow this link to learn more about classical homeschooling and the 3 stages of the trivium.

Enjoy the journey,

Public School Sports - Can Homeschoolers Have Their Cake and Eat It, Too?

Youth basketball season is here, and we're all looking forward to Andrew's first practice. We're a sports family. We love watching our son practice and play in games, and we love getting to know his teammates and their families.

My husband's fondest childhood memories involve sports, and one of his main concerns about homeschooling was that our children would not be able to play sports on a competitive level. So when I read this article about homeschoolers who want to play sports on public school teams, I was sympathetic to their concerns.

Home school sports leagues have not been in operation as long as public school programs, and may not provide the same level of competitiveness or exposure. In addition, homeschoolers pay school taxes that support public school sports programs and may feel entitled to play on athletic teams and participate in other school activities.

However, despite the obvious benefits, my concerns about participation in public school programs mirror my concerns about use of virtual schools. When homeschoolers begin demanding services from the government, what will the government begin demanding of us? By participating in public school activities, are we inviting government intervention into our homes?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you think widespread participation in public school programs could jeopardize our autonomy? Can we as homeschoolers can have our cake and eat it, too?

Homeschool Sports

One of my husbands initial concerns about homeschooling was the availability of homeschool sports. Sports were an important part of his childhood, and he didn't want his children to miss out on the many fun, character-developing experiences sports provide.

As evidenced by 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, homeschooling does not have to serve as a hindrance to even the most talented and competitive athletes. Homeschoolers can participate in sports via community organizations, city recreation leagues, competitive travel teams and, in some cases, through their local school districts. Here is an explanation of the many avenues available for homeschooling and sports.

In our home, we treat sports as a family affair. Our children take turns participating in sports and may only play one sport at a time. We attend practices and games as a family so we can cheer each other on. We limit our children to teams that focus on skill development over winning, and only require one game and one practice per week. My husband also helps coach my children's teams.

My oldest son has been playing sports for several years, and during that time I've seen him develop both physically and mentally. Andrew has learned to work with different (and sometimes difficult) personalities, how to persevere in challenging situations, and how to win and lose graciously. Sports have also given him something to look forward to and enjoy.

If you decide to enroll your child in a homeschool sports program, take a few simple steps to make the transition easier. Tell your child the rules of the game, how it is played and what is required of participants. Have your child commit to being respectful of coaches and teammates, attending all practices, and completing a full season before deciding not to continue.

Sports can be great family-building, character development activities if you choose programs that fit your family's needs and focus on having fun!

Our Week in Review - Pirates

Last week, to commemorate International Talk Like a Pirate Day, we studied Pirates! We read Usborne's The Story of Ships, which taught us the history of sea travel, and The Usborne Official Pirate's Handbook, which taught us all the tricks of the trade.



Andrew took a fencing lesson at our local recreation center, and this weekend, I sent my little pirates on a treasure hunt. I used clip art to make picture clues for Jasmine, and I made riddles for Andrew based on this list from Scavenger Hunt Fun.




You can find pirate booty for sea lovers of all ages at Usborne Children's Books. Or create a lapbook using this free template from Homeschool Share.






To keep your youngest pirates busy, let them dig for treasure. My husband filled our sandbox a few weeks ago, and it has been a great babysitter educational activity for my children.



Grandma bought this plastic turtle sandbox for our children at a garage sale 5 years ago. If you don't have a sandbox, place sand in an empty plastic swimming pool, infant tub or Tupperware container.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day may be over, but the pirate fun has just begun. Aaaargh!

Chess, anyone?

Are you looking for homeschooling activities? This morning I read an article about a homeschool mom who started a chess club for her children at the local library. You can find it here:

Learning chess is no "checkmate" at library

Homeschool Physical Education

Friday, I took the kids to open playtime at a local gymnastics facility. They balanced, bounced and swung from bars and ropes for almost two hours. I was exhausted just watching them.

In traditional schools, P.E. classes can be sources of frustration and embarrassment, especially for students who are not naturally athletic. As homeschoolers, we can teach P.E. without subjecting our children to humiliating experiences.

Here are 10 Ways to Get Your Kids Up and Moving:

1. Put balls, jump ropes, Frisbees and hula hoops in your backyard, and send your kids outside for a set amount of time every day. On days when your schedule allows it, spend the afternoon at the park.


2. Take walks in the neighborhood, to the store, or around a local lake or nature trail. When the weather isn't cooperative, window shop at a nearby mall. Walking doesn't require any equipment and it can be done anywhere.


3. Roller blading, roller skating, ice skating, and skate boarding are fun, invigorating activities. Many skating facilities have designated days where homeschoolers can skate for a reduced price of admission.


4. Bike riding is an activity family members of all ages can enjoy. Make sure to use safety equipment and discuss safety rules when taking family bike rides.


5. Swimming is a great full body exercise. During cooler months when your neighborhood pool is closed, use the indoor facilities at a local gym.


6. Private lessons in dance, gymnastics and karate allow your children to develop in areas that are outside your realm of expertise. To reduce the cost of these activities, take lessons designed for homeschoolers or barter with another homeschool family. Here are some additional ways to lower your homeschooling cost.


7. The gym at your local recreation center is a great place to exercise when it's too cold to go outside. Run laps, do calisthenics, shoot hoops, play basketball or volleyball, or join the kids in a game of tag.


8. Sports help children develop confidence, team work and discipline. You can play pick up games in your neighborhood or play on an organized team. Here is some additional information about homeschooling and sports.


9. Many YMCAs, private gyms and homeschool co-ops offer P.E. classes for homeschoolers. These classes allow your children to participate in group activities and expose them to the fun activities you remember from your school years.
   


10. The Ultimate Homeschool Physical Education Game Book by Guy Bailey contains activities that are inexpensive and designed for groups of 2-4 children. You can purchase this book from any major bookseller or look for it at your local library.
    

Most experts recommend at least 1 hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day for school age children. At our house, we aim for double that amount. We usually do structured activities like nature walks or bike rides in the morning, and have outdoor time in the evenings.

Physical activity helps children develop strong muscles and bones, and reduces the risk of obesity. Your homeschool physical education program should include simple, inexpensive activities that promote strength, endurance and flexibility. Most importantly, it should be fun!

Homeschool Activities

This Monday was the first day of school for our local public school district. To kick off the new school year, my children and I met a few homeschoolers for lunch at Chuck E. Cheese. Later that night, we went to our support group meeting to pick up this year's homeschool activities newsletter.

I love living in an area where there are so many activities to choose from.

I also hate living in an area where there are so many activities to choose from.

Over the years, I've learned the hard way not to pack our schedule too full. Activities are not fun if mom is screaming, "Hurry up and get your shoes on so we can go!" We also need to set aside time for actual HOMEschooling.

I narrow down our choices by ruling out activities that require a large time commitment. In other words, all I want to do is get dressed and show up. I also eliminate activities that will be a better fit for my children when they're older.

My husband likes to join us on field trips, so I sometimes use ideas from our homeschool group's activity newsletter to arrange outings for our family. The following activities are on our calendar so far:

• Fencing - one lesson for Andrew at our local rec center
  
• Roller Skating - once per month on homeschool day
  
• Open Gym - once per month on homeschool day
  
• Dallas Children's Theater - 4 plays as a family
  
• Dallas Museum of Art - view King Tut exhibit with homeschool group
  
• Sports - flag football for Andrew now through Oct, basketball beginning in Jan
  
• Sports - p'nut basketball for Jasmine for the month of Nov, soccer next spring
  
• Church - children's choir and praise dance

Sadly, ice skating, chess club, robotics club, gymnastics, ballet, and science co-op will have to wait for another year. Poor, unsocialized homeschoolers...

Here are some tips for finding homeschooling activities your family will enjoy!

Homeschool Games

It seems watching the Olympics has awakened our family's competitive spirit. This week, Andrew and his dad pulled out the chess board again.

We bought this chess board, along with over sized playing pieces, from a company called Championship Chess that we saw at our local home school curriculum fair. I wanted the cutesy red one, but I was overruled.




We also purchased a carrying case, a Chess Basics book and a chess timer that has really come in handy for keeping my husband from wearing me down during a game of Scrabble by taking 30-45 minutes to lay down a single word.




We used the clock a few times and I beat him senseless. He surprisingly won't play anymore.

Chess not only boosts critical thinking and math skills, it is a great tool for character development.

"No, it's not okay to pout because daddy is beating you."

"Yes, you do need to teach as you play and not just show Andrew that you're smarter than he is and you can win."

In spite of any character flaws we may have, our family loves playing games. Card games, board games, puzzles, word games and games of trivia are great ways to reinforce concepts your children are learning, while adding laughter and fun to your home.

Here are some tips for choosing homeschool games for your family. In the September issue of Successful Homeschooling, I'll share ideas for making game nights a regular part of your family's schedule. Follow this link to sign up for my homeschool newsletter.

Libraries and Homeschoolers

I recently posted about using your local library as a source of affordable homeschooling activities.

Here's a recent article from the School Library Journal entitled A Home Away from Home: Libraries and Homeschoolers. It provides suggestions to help libraries better serve the homeschool community.

Consider sharing this article with your local librarian.