Homeschooling Highschool

One week of highschool under our belt. Having survived Asherel's first week of 9th grade in my rusty homeschool, we leave now for a week at the beach. I think this is a schedule every highschool should adopt- a week of traditional work, a week at the beach for field work. I guarantee that more kids would graduate under this plan.

If I am creative, I might even be able to justify some high school credit out of the beach week. I don't think anyone could argue that skim boarding, body surfing, and beach bicycling should go towards her PE credit.  The huge sand sculpture we always construct will surely span several academic fields, including earth science, engineering, and fine art. And of course, there is the obvious pursuit of biology in examining jelly fish, starfish, and dolphins.Astronomy: as we look at the millions of stars that you can't see from a suburb of a large city. Geometry: spatial orientation and angles calculated in order to fit all the necessary items in the car, leaving enough space for us to sit down.  Botany: the diversity of plant life and its difference from region to region. Specific study question-  at what latitude do palm trees first appear, and why? Geography: the topography, states, cities, and major rivers in the Atlantic southeast. History: the Native American tribes that once populated the area, as evidenced by the names such as Cootiewootchie river (Or something like that.... I am a little fuzzy on my highschool subjects, which is why I need a trip to the beach.) Public Speaking and Debate: "Why can't I have the triple scoop covered with gummy worms? Let us analyze the pros and cons together." Comparative Literature: Arby's sign, McDonalds sign. Government and Law: Do not feed the alligators. Penal code URN4it.  Economics: Horseback riding on the beach- $45 per person. Bike ridinig on the beach- free. Discern the most appropriate economic decision for a family with no current income.

So, in the end, I don't think I will even need to list this week as a vacation. I suspect it will be the most educational week of our school year. Which reminds me, once again, why I love home school. The world really is our classroom. I just hope we remember to have fun with all the subjects we need to cover this week.

Colossians 4:5
⁵ Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.