Learning Outside The Box

The girls and I watched this video the other day. Rachel exclaimed, "Hey, that's that one place.". Megan chimed in with, "Ya, where they have the presidents.". We continued the conversation. We talked about how it was a cool place and they would love to go there. We talked about where it was and how far away it was from our house. As we spoke, it was clear to me that they know about Mount Rushmore. (I linked it just in case you'd like to learn more too.)
It's interesting to me that there are people who think homeschool kids don't learn much or don't really know anything because they're not in a classroom. There are so many other ways to learn. Something as simple as a song can lead to conversations about national monuments, geography, US Presidents, and history.
Not too long ago our sons were talking with some of their friends about homeschool. One of the kids (teenagers) asked if Jacob knew about Einstein. I'm guessing he had a confused look on his face - not because he didn't know who he was - but, because he couldn't figure out why a teen in a first world country wouldn't be familiar with the man and at least some of his work. I told him that he should have asked his friend about Tesla. It may or may not have stumped the kid.
I'm so thankful we live in a country where we're able to be a homeschool family. There is so much to be grateful for - freedoms that I don't ever want to take for granted. I started this post trying to share a patriotic song for the 4th of July and then went to a different topic. I guess things in my head connect - just not always immediately. I truly am grateful for a season we've had to learn together. What a great country we live to have the opportunity to experience life together.