Road Schooling
And we’re off!
This is the part we’ve all been waiting for!
The hope is that this cross country roadtrip makes the mundane parts of homeschooling so worth it.
One of the many reasons Justin and I felt led to pull our kids from school was because we saw how much we loved exploring America and seeing God’s beautiful handiwork with them.
So here we are…in the middle of Missouri with our kids behind us hopefully doing some math.
We’ve spent the past couple of weeks watching documentaries and reading books on the places we’re going to see.
We’ve been learning about geography, geology, history, biology, etc.
Are we going deep and super scientific-y (yeah, I’m using it)? Nope.
Do I still think the kids will get the idea? You bet.
And do I think it will be ingrained more from seeing it in person than reading it in a textbook? 100%
In truth, Aubyn and I both like textbooks and knowing where to start and end, so this is all grey and full of unknowns for us. It’s a little uncomfortable, but I’m hoping I can set the example by saying it’s okay to toss the textbook and just explore.
I just have to remind myself first that it’s okay.
I want workbooks and worksheets and hands-on projects, and I have some of them, but I also know those can suck the joy out of learning and I don’t want anything to take away from the majestic sites we are about to see.
So I am learning how to navigate it and maybe by the end of this trip I’ll have a better feel for how to do it.
What I do know is that we are focusing on our hearts, each and every one of us. We are learning to be kinder with our words and in our tones. We are learning to slow down and spend quality time together. We are learning how to hear one another better, not just the words being said but what’s behind them. We are learning to appreciate the slow times so that we can be prepared for the fun adventures.
Ultimately, we’re learning how to love one another better.
And while doing that, we’re learning some math along the way and reading and writing all from the comfort of our RV.
Which, remember a few months ago when I had the epiphany that what happens inside the camper is more important than what we see outside the camper? I’m holding on tight to that this trip! Amen?
So be thinking of us as we try taking this learning thing on the road. I know we are going to learn more than I expect and in ways I can’t even imagine, but I do wonder how.
So where are we going?
Places neither Justin nor I have been!
Across the country to Grand Teton-Yellowstone-Bandlands-Black Hills-Mount Rushmore!
Who knows what’s between each of these places, but I know my family is up for many unexpected stops along the way!
A little night swimming in rural Missouri after 9 hours driving
