How we develop a plan that works for your child...
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Blossom Learning uses a holistic, integrated or interdisciplinary approach to learning so we can target your child's specific needs, interests, and learning style.
So, you may ask "what does interdisciplinary mean?" "Interdisciplinary learning is a "whole" or "comprehensive" method that covers an idea, topic, or text by integrating multiple knowledge domains. It is a very powerful method of teaching that crosses the boundaries of a discipline or curriculum in order to enhance the scope and depth of learning." I know this must sound terribly academic and intimidating, but let me show you what it really looks like in daily practice. One of the parents I work with came to me when her daughter was technically in 5th grade. She had struggled with school anxiety beginning in 1st grade and had missed so much school because of it; her Mom wasn't sure what she had retained from her education, if anything. |
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Mom was ready to give homeschooling a try; she just didn't know how to begin. After a few conversations we determined her daughter was behind in Math, Science, and Writing but loved to read, sew, and cook. She was obsessed with the American Girl books and tended to tune out when anything too academic was discussed.
It was clear this child needed to de-stress and simplify but Mom really wanted to maintain structure while achieving some academic gains. So, a relaxed routine was in order.
We came up with a plan to use the American Girl books as the spine for history lessons with period-inspired cooking and sewing projects to bring it all to life. I helped Mom with language arts lessons (writing prompts, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar) that are developed from the content in the American Girl books and really peaked the interests of her daughter. They even decided to take a trip to Colonial Williamsburg while studying the American Revolution and reading the "Felicity" book.
For Science, we determined the topics that were grade appropriate, and then came up with a plan for the year that integrated the seasons and fun hands-on projects. This included activities such as: a nightly stargazing journal, making wet-felted planets and star constellation nightlights for Astronomy, and a field trip to a geode museum and rock collecting spot at a nearby river for Geology. We also wanted to integrate knowledge of women's contributions to Science. So, I found a great book for them to read together: Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky.
Mom communicated that she was not comfortable teaching Math so we devised a plan to hire a tutor for this subject. I helped her tap into her resources to find possible candidates and come up with interview questions to find just the right fit for her daughter.
I put together a plan that is their touchstone for the year that covers all the goals they want to reach. I taught them how to record-keep and create complete transcripts for later use. Then I came up with a template for their weekly overview and their daily schedule. We added in plenty of downtime for creative projects, daily walks with their dogs, and social activities; and strategized ideas around how to balance Mom's time with work and homeschooling.
We touch base monthly and adjust as changes arise. Two years later, mother and daughter are thriving. I was told their relationship really turned around as soon as Mom was not the enforcer who "made" her daughter fight through her anxiety to go to school every day. Their constant battles ceased and their bond grew as some much-needed trust was established between them... even during these rocky teen years.
I'm excited to hear your story; to learn all about your family and understand your homeschooler's needs.
It was clear this child needed to de-stress and simplify but Mom really wanted to maintain structure while achieving some academic gains. So, a relaxed routine was in order.
We came up with a plan to use the American Girl books as the spine for history lessons with period-inspired cooking and sewing projects to bring it all to life. I helped Mom with language arts lessons (writing prompts, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar) that are developed from the content in the American Girl books and really peaked the interests of her daughter. They even decided to take a trip to Colonial Williamsburg while studying the American Revolution and reading the "Felicity" book.
For Science, we determined the topics that were grade appropriate, and then came up with a plan for the year that integrated the seasons and fun hands-on projects. This included activities such as: a nightly stargazing journal, making wet-felted planets and star constellation nightlights for Astronomy, and a field trip to a geode museum and rock collecting spot at a nearby river for Geology. We also wanted to integrate knowledge of women's contributions to Science. So, I found a great book for them to read together: Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky.
Mom communicated that she was not comfortable teaching Math so we devised a plan to hire a tutor for this subject. I helped her tap into her resources to find possible candidates and come up with interview questions to find just the right fit for her daughter.
I put together a plan that is their touchstone for the year that covers all the goals they want to reach. I taught them how to record-keep and create complete transcripts for later use. Then I came up with a template for their weekly overview and their daily schedule. We added in plenty of downtime for creative projects, daily walks with their dogs, and social activities; and strategized ideas around how to balance Mom's time with work and homeschooling.
We touch base monthly and adjust as changes arise. Two years later, mother and daughter are thriving. I was told their relationship really turned around as soon as Mom was not the enforcer who "made" her daughter fight through her anxiety to go to school every day. Their constant battles ceased and their bond grew as some much-needed trust was established between them... even during these rocky teen years.
I'm excited to hear your story; to learn all about your family and understand your homeschooler's needs.