#at3n

Homeschooling : Project Based Learning (PBL)

What is project-based homeschooling? It’s the same educational values applied to learning at home. It’s about combining personal interests with long-term, deep, complex learning. It is a way of learning centred on making, doing, sharing, collaborating, and acquiring real skills. - Lori Pickert, Project-Based Homeschooling

Our homeschool Journey has been adventurous. We have tried just about every interesting version out there! Yet, we seem to always come back to PBL. It has been a natural way for my children to focus and learn through integrating what they are doing for fun and to take control of their interests.  The fact that it encourages kids to follow their interests and teaches you to support that, really has inspired us all.

Lori Pickert ‘s book is a great way to get on your feet. Gain the confidence to guide their learning with projects of interest.

My Son (11) is manic for Lego - this has ENDLESS possibilities. 

My Daughter (9) is a designer, fashion, toy, game and interior. ENDLESS projects here. 

My Youngest son (6), is going to be a Cryptozoologist. We have read countless book, created fantastical maps, made Books, and studied folklore and history.

We don’t use PBL exclusively, but just as her book suggests, it has helped my children become self-directed learners, and they can lead their own Projects, which has been a wonderful way to glide into more of a “un-schooling” lifestyle. 

We made AT3N, our homeschooling App to help me record and track this eclectic way of learning we have forged for our family. 

How do I use it? As they work on their projects, I track the “Course” it may be classified under (sometimes several) and then make notes and take photos of the progress made during that session, along with the time they spent working on it. THIS really shows the children how far they have come, what they have accomplished, and I feel great that they are “ticking” the boxes required. 

How will you use it?

AT3N Homeschooling Schedule

One of the most asked questions I get is - How do I fit it all in?

Over the last 10 years of home educating, and sending them to school or activities, I have always been concerned that they NEVER feel overwhelmed. If I feel overwhelmed - then they certainly will. 

The attached,”YuuMii Clock” was our saving grace when they were all under 6. We homeschooled and wanted to make the most of the day. Since they did not really grasp the 24 hour clock, I made this chart so that they could, of their own accord, see what to do next. This gave them the feeling of independence and I could point them to it when they asked what time it was.

This has grown into a valuable tool. Which they eventually grew out of, so I created a weekly schedule, attached.  They are all over 6 years old, and can be self starters and move through their day without any stress. They know this is not a “MUST DO” schedule, but it gives them a plan. They love a plan!With this - I now can focus on the children, guide them, record on AT3N and not think about what’s next!