As we learned last week, the unit-based study method improves attitude, academic achievement and retention in our children. Now while the thought of creating or implementing a unit-based study is appealing and the benefits do far outweigh any negatives...there is one thing that can scare the faint of heart away from accomplishing a unit study.... the mess. As homeschool parents, we are not immune to the fact that our homes will be messy because of the constant stream of activity going on each day, although for some of us the thought of sticky glue, gallons of glitter, paper bits and globs of wet paint almost make us cover our heads and cry. Is one more mess, days of glitter on the floors (even after the tenth time sweeping) and wiping down the tables and walls cleaning stray paint really worth the effort? In the end, yes but there is some good news! You don't have to plan the study all by yourself or clean up the mess when you enroll at Cedar Hill Academy! Your children will get the opportunity to be immersed in creative learning and the mess stays out of your home! Albert Einstein has many inspiring quotes, but this is a favorite of ours, "Creativity is intelligence having fun." Learning should be fun if you are striving to create a lifelong learner. Why would you want to create a lifelong learner?
There are many compelling reasons but here are 10 to ponder:
1. Students become self-starters
2. They are highly motivated to learn
3. Expands their worldview and strengthens personal beliefs
4. Life will always be fascinating and full of adventures
5. Helps develop an entrepreneurial spirit filled with hours of relentless tinkering, exploration, creativity and innovation (think Ben Franklin, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford)
6. It keeps their minds active even when they are old
Henry Ford once said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”
7. Creates great conversationalists that can engage many types of people and backgrounds
8. Helps learn practical life skills
9. They have higher self confidence with each new skill learned
10. Naturally become a well-rounded person
Learning through experiences, like hands-on studies, is a wonderful skill you can give your children to help create lifelong learners. Let's work together to help instill the love of learning in your children so they can grow and develop to be well rounded students and people that enjoy learning new things for a lifetime!
