This is probably the number one question I get when I talk to people about living on a boat. Our girls are 3 1/2 and 4 (almost 5) years old right now so technically they are not “school age”. However, they are learning and absorbing the world around them like a sponge right now. Our lack of plans do not really dictate where or what we will be doing next year when Avery will be starting kindergarten, so we may be “officially” homeschooling next year. At this young age, I am not concerned about either child’s education since I feel confident in both mine and Bryan’s ability to educate them…..we are thankful for our education backgrounds. Also at this age, everyday experiences and exposure to different places, people and things are constant learning opportunities. And many times it turns into learning experiences for both Bryan and me as well!
I have had many successes and some disasters teaching my kids over the past 6 months. I have put together a perfect “lesson” with many hands-on approaches and it has been met with opposition, whining, and fighting between the girls…..my head is spinning as to what I have done wrong!! What I have learned is that timing is EVERYTHING with my children. They must have completely full bellies (they are nonstop eaters!!) and not be tired. Of course these are two things that seem rather obvious but they are mistakes that I have made nonetheless. Some of my successes have come at the most unplanned and informal times….like this afternoon while eating the “letter” cheez-its and we started spelling words before we could eat them. At this age, I work mainly on developmental skills in the areas of cognitive, social-emotional, language, adaptive, and physical. With Avery we are starting some more academic skills in reading and math. It is very easy to incorporate all of these skills into everyday living on a boat. Below are a short list of different examples of things that we have done over the past 6 months.
So that is a little glimpse into our “boat school”…..I also throw in some traditional workbooks from time to time. As we continue this journey and our children grow and develop, I’m sure my approaches to their learning will also change. I never thought homeschooling would be in our future (especially since my mom was a public school teacher and I worked as a School Psychologist in the public school system for 10 years) but it is becoming more appealing, especially in these younger years. What are some other ideas for teaching and learning on a boat? Please share in the comments below.
What an awesome experience and wonderful parents! I look forward to reading more about your journey!
Love love love! I use a great Facebook children’s book club. I’m going to try to get it to you. Also, anyone can purchase an ASTC membership through our center at http://www.portdiscover.org and we can mail the card out.
Awesome!!! You actually gave me some resources to use as well!!!
Your “boat school” sounds like exactly what Riverview does with my child.
So keep up the great work!!
How do you get supplies?
I’m happy to send things to you if you need them.
[…] restrooms, dropping off treats to the policeman and bags of goodies for the homeless. As I have mentioned before, teaching the girls the importance of character is one of our biggest tasks as parents. I […]
Thanks a lot Laura! Many wonderful ideas! Inspiring and encouraging for a family who is just getting settled.
The ASTC does not seem to exist in our country, (Sweden) and not where we currently sail (Spain). Have you used it outside the US, such as Caribbean or Central
America?
Many greetings, Anna and fam sailing on Pachamama