Some of the ‘school books’ we took with us.
It’s hard to believe, but in just over a week, most children in Cupertino will be heading back to school! I’ve decided not to put my girls in for the 2 weeks before our trip. It’s strange not buying their school supplies this year.
When we tell people about the trip, a common question is what we’re going to do about the girls education. We believe the trip and time spent with family will provide more education then their school could, so we’re not too concerned about it.
Doing homework the day before the trip.
We value education highly, but believe you learn in many different ways and in many different settings. That being said, I’ve decided to start home-schooling the girls on their summer break, so they won’t have to do as much ‘school work’ on the trip, and so they don’t lose what they just learned over the past year.
The math books we took on our trip. The girls finished the books on the last week of our trip!
I tried to get the Grade 3 curriculum from the school, to no avail, but I did find the Grade 3 State Standards on-line. I’m broadly trying to follow it with an emphasis on the basics. So the girls have been doing math, through a program I found from another ‘road schooling’ family (RightStart Math); have learned printing and cursive writing through the ‘Handwriting Without Tears‘ series; and have kept up with reading and reading comprehension through RazKids (mobile app).
Learning about the Maori: the natives of New Zealand
Science and culture they will get first hand on the trip, though since Grade 3 students in California learn about the Ohlone natives, I have taken out some books on them and will have my daughter learn about the natives in the countries we are visiting so she can write a ‘compare and contrast’ piece. We’ve also read books on each country we are visiting, to help prepare them for the trip. As for PE, does swimming in the Indian Ocean count? 🙂
Only time will tell how they will fare upon re-entering school; however, I for one have the feeling they’ll do just fine.
Hey, Sabrina. Sounds like an amazing trip! Mom just showed me your blog. Her and Forest are following you all on a map. I have 2 suggestions. First check out Monty Don’s Italian Gardens, this British host gives an interesting and infomative tour of various public gardens in Italy. They are the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen. Second, Abel Tasman National Park. One of the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to. Check it out at http://www.newzealand.com/ca/national-parks/.
Cheers,
Sara
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