One of the most enjoyable aspects of homeschooling is learning through living. Instead of sitting in a classroom and reading about things, my kids are on a permanent field trip.
Monday night we went to a living history dinner. A restaurant in our area serves period food, shows you how it was prepared, and has important historical figures and musicians wandering around to chat with you. We enjoyed dinner with Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton.
Jefferson was extremely engaging and talked for a good amount of time with the kids. My husband asked him what he thought young people could do to be involved in politics and take action, and this was his answer (excuse the poor audio quality, we were in a restaurant):
(Please watch the related videos and check out more from Thomas Jefferson – he was really excellent.)
I was surprised at the crowd in the restaurant. It was almost exclusively older adults. A friend of mine (another homeschooling Mom) went on another evening and observed the same demographic. Does this mean that younger people, and even middle-aged people, are less interested in history? I’m puzzled why parents aren’t flocking to take their kids to this sort of event. I suppose most parents have to address sports and homework on a Monday evening.
I think homeschooling parents are much more active than other parents in seeking out these unique activities. We can’t rely on a school for field trips and assemblies – we need to create these opportunities. And we do! My kids, and their friends, are exposed to so much and are able to fully immerse themselves in activities that interest them.
In a couple weeks, we’ll be taking a “Wok ‘n Walk” tour of Chinatown in Philadelphia. Chef Joseph Poon offers three-hour walking tours that include a fortune cookie factory, a temple, a vegetable chopping demo, a full-course Chinese meal, and more. These are the amazing types of things we get to do all the time. And during the week – when there are no crowds!
I love my life.
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