I love the structure of school.
I mean, really love! My memories of school in a classroom were all positive ones. I learned to love having a neat desk. It was fun, for me, to take out my notebook and write neatly. Math was enjoyable as a younger child. As soon as I caught on to long multiplication and division, yes, I loved it. After homeschooling my six children, I have come to understand the importance of imagination. Yes, even in school, having an imagination doesn’t take away from book learning.
Yesterday, we were “plowing through” math and next thing I know, we had a visitor. I’d tell you her name, but I can’t keep their dolls straight. Anyway, we had fun with her and she “helped” us answer the math problems. Mellie remained attentive and we managed to get much accomplished.
So while I still have lesson plans for the year and weekly assignments, I am seeing more and more that school isn’t just about sitting at a desk memorizing facts.
Mellie has her time at the desk and we do the normal subjects. But, she also has her time for music and outdoor play as well as her chores.
This week she has been practicing the piano every opportunity she has. We haven’t enrolled her in lessons yet. We could teach her but we keep putting that off (I know we need to do better). But, on her own with her background in music theory, she is learning. Anytime she wants to sit down at her father’s concert grand, I am here to say, “go for it.”
Fostering an active imagination can help a child with not only critical thinking skills but it encourages them to be active in many areas of life. This will help them determine their talents, I believe.
Today, take some time to use your imagination. Encourage your child to look at the world beyond the screen and use theirs!