Seeing the Bigger Picture: Use Creative Summaries!

Previously posted on August 25, 2016 @Homescool.ph

Oh, homeschooling can get so detailed. We can bogged down with the most minute thing. Rightly so, for Pete’s sake, we teach Spelling and Math Calculations and for those tasks, it is really all in the details.

However, we do need to periodically see the bigger picture in all this. For those who are into homeschooling for the longer haul, a “bigger picture” mindset is easier to achieve on a daily basis. Oh, it’s so ok if my student can’t get the lesson now, or isn’t as motivated in a particular subject area, we can always try again next time. But then, how do you remind yourself that this specific lesson needs to be revisited or presented again somehow?

Well, let me suggest, taking time to just jot down notes as you go along your day. Let me share with you what I have done the past weeks. You see, I love Arts and Crafts, and it has been some time now that I have been trying my hand (ha, ha literally that is) at the art of beautiful lettering (brush, brush pen, pen, markers, calligraphy with Nib and pen holder). I really don’t have the time to attend workshops and do formal training, so I just try to learn as time and opportunities allow.  YouTube overflows with lettering tutorials, it’s crazy!

So, why not hit many birds with one stone. Summarize your lessons via a written “brain map” of sorts and practice your lettering. You may also allow your children/students to share in the doodling and jotting. Use this summary as a creative way to journal your learning homeschooling journey. Use it to get a bigger picture. Use it to encourage more ideas and application points as you tie up lessons and see amazing connections. Use it as well to filter out and weave in “activities, invitations, materials”! You may also review this before beginning the new homeschooling session the next day

Seeing the main points of your homeschooling day/ sessions help in being convinced (if you continue to doubt) that a great amount of learning is indeed happening!

So, what goes into your CREATIVE SUMMARY? *** Here are a few suggestions:

1. Write down the main CHARACTER/SPIRITUAL/ TIMELESS truth lesson of the day. It could be a verse, a quotation or simple just ONE word that may say it all.

2. Write down vocabulary words in the main languages being learned (English, Tagalog, Mother tongue or even foreign language).

3. Jot down the main lessons (in phrases or simple sentences) on various subjects and see connections across all subjects.

4. Record any funny or memorable line/ event/ comment.

5. Drawings are allowed!

Depending on the age of your students, try to do this as a joint activity:) Children in Middle School or High School, can do this on their own!)

So go ahead, try it! (And use unused pages of old notebooks!)

“And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple. 28Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? 29 Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him.”

Luke 14: 27-29