Homeschooling: Working, learning and bonding with family members

There are so many things I love about homeschooling. Too many, that I could probably keep on gushing about it.

This day provided us with yet a new experience and something new to love about decision to do preschool homeschooling. Very simply, it's the fact that we get to enjoy (and learn) at home during these precious early years and spend time with people truly dear to us - our family! :)

During this homeschooling activity, we decided to work on a few challenges with our Wedgits blocks. These are not your ordinary blocks as you can see from the pictures. It gives the opportunity for the child to look at patterns and possible designs in a totally different way. What a great way to introduce STEM concepts, as well as develop interest & capabilities in this discipline!

"Nest! Stack! Wedge! This educational building toy encourages creativity, stimulates spatial thinking and teaches geometric patterning. Five different sizes of building shapes and expansion bridges fit together to build almost anything or use the design guide to create 3-D sculptures, futuristic space craft and towering structures. Tips and techniques are also included in the design guide to get started. Winner of many prestigious awards, including the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. Includes 35 building pieces and 1 design guide. Ages 3+"

And challenging, indeed it was! We picked a card which we were not sure how to "solve" the top-most part. We had to "call a friend" by means of asking help from grandpa (an engineer) and Daddy A (an architect). 

I think they too were a bit stumped! Hahaha :) 

For me the "magic" here unfolded in many ways. 

First, we learn that we don't have the answers all the time. So we have to be humble to accept our limitations and at the same time, still try our best to work out a solution. 

Second is we cannot always get everything right the first time. This calls for perseverance in that we should stick to the work at hand and also calls for creativity - Can we do trial and error? Can we look at all the different angles, literally and figuratively? 

Third, I hope my child learned the value of collaboration. In life we definitely need to be able to work harmoniously with others from different backgrounds or disciplines. I guess this is what more "senior" homeschoolers try to explain about socialization. It's a common argument by folks in the traditional setting who worry about homeschooled children lacking socialization with peers their age. In reality, they are actually given the opportunity for "vertical socialization". They get to interact with (and learn from) people of different ages. This day demonstrated just how wonderful it was to collaborate with family members with quite different orientations, who also belong to different generations.

This Wedgits "problem" threw off our homeschooling groove for the day. But you know what? It compensated with so many teachable moments that we really wouldn't have it any other way :)

 

**In the spirit of full disclosure, there are affiliate links on this post, which means that I may get a commission if you decide to purchase anything from Amazon. I only recommend products & systems that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands :) **