We plan to homeschool the boys (7 and 11, 2nd and 5th grade) while on our sailing adventure. The prospect is a bit daunting. Over the last year I spent quite a bit of time researching how best to handle this big job. I bought books, bookmarked many websites, and girded myself for the coming educational battle. Just before we left, I went to talk to the boys' teachers (both of whom are gifted educators). Here's what they told me: Just have them read. Lots. Have them write. Keep a journal. And don't worry too much about the rest of it; it'll come along the way. They'll be fine.
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| Today Jamie decided to make a boat of cardboard and duct tape. |
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| When it was done we went down the the water's edge and launched his creation. |
We are closing in on our first week of our new adventure, and other than having the boys write in their journal every evening we haven't officially started homeschooling yet (or "boat school" as we find ourselves calling it). And so, today I made no effort at schooling of any sort. But I found that Ms. Calvert and Ms. Long were right on the money - it'll come along the way. Here's Jamie's journal entry this evening:
My Cardboard and Duct Tape Boat
Today I woke up and started to make a cardboard and duct tape boat. First I made a cardboard frame of the boat, then I covered the boat completely with duct tape in the inside and the outside. Then I made a rudder completely out of duct tape. NO CARDBOARD. Next I found some chopsticks, and a rag and I used that for a mast and a sail. Then I taped the end of the sail to the bow. Then I was done. Then I took it out in the water and I put it in the water and then it floated. I sailed the boat for about 20 minutes. Then I went back to my boat Points Beyond. I felt proud.
By Jamie, age 7
