I know it’s not usually the assumption that CC can be restful, but as I like to remind my fellow homeschoolers, any approach is just a tool. When you learn to treat it as a servant rather than as a master, you find yourself in a place where that elusive and needed scholé atmosphere comes.
Our CC community has a very relaxed 4 weeks on, two weeks off schedule. This helps my more laid-back approach to the Guide exponentially. So, too, does my determination that this is our homeschool, not the property of CC corporate. We teach what we feel led to teach. And, largely, my children pursue what they desire to pursue. It’s a lifestyle of learning that we have cultivated on purpose, and one which we choose not to surrender to any outside entity… even the one that we have invited into our home.
Our next break begins Friday, and I have to say, I’m ready for it. The draw to be outside, to make leaf rubbings and hunt for walnut shells and sketch the changing colors on the trees, has been strong. So strong. While we continue on with math and whatever other structured learning we have planned over these breaks, these weeks are also when we meander a bit more. I mentioned in an earlier post re-reading Farmer Boy (affiliate link). This is where these long drinks of beautiful come in. I’m eager to embrace it.
There is a new fence line that needs to be installed, and I suspect it may happen over our break. It’s not a terribly restful endeavor, but one that sadly, must be done.
The kids will spend more time playing their instruments over these breaks than is usual. Without Essentials papers due, or presentations to prepare for, the minutes add up, and are often shifted into the music column. Simon is learning to play the Davy Crockett theme, and I have a feeling it will be echoing around the house often. Birdie will flit between the piano and her violin, usually visiting with both multiple times a day. And John Mark will probably spend more time with the piano than his cello, because that’s where he seems to be right now.
We’re hoping to sneak in a day trip to to the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, or the Sequoyah Birthplace and Museum over the break. Both coincide with our American history focus this year, both are close, and both are budget-friendly for those of us whose family vacations tend to be local sights within a couple hours’ drive rather than weeks away at theme parks or in Europe. We’ve also planned a visit to the Ark Encounter. In case you didn’t know, the Ark has free admission for kids under 10 through the end of the year. Another frugal getaway that will make this break particularly special for us as a family.
Our only other plans are to read a lot of books, make a lot of crafts, bake as often as possible, enjoy as many fire pits, and laugh as often as we can… while learning and growing.
Also, wanted to share this shot of Phineas with you! He begrudgingly allowed me to photograph him near his pioneer lean-to. As you can see, he is armed with a whiffle ball bat and also has a bag of simples to keep him going across the prairie. He wasn’t thrilled with my poking around with a camera, but he was proud of his build and fine with posing in front of it for posterity’s sake.
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