We've done this same thing with learning how gold is mined, fired and made into jewelry chains! That was an interesting evening.
We usually spend our time watching that sort of lesson while we are finishing dinner. Daddy scopes it first for any bad content and we stand a book in front of inappropriate adds or related videos.
Right now we are watching Dr. Robinson explain the Robinson Method from his website. Did we tell you that we found a flute website that is teaching our daughter to play flute! She has hopes of joining the local concerts next year. She is doing very well at cyberflute.com
I file it based on the subject of the question...in your example, I would file it under "T" for turtle.
By the way...the cartoon that we got the idea from was called "Stanley"...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_(2001_TV_series)
It's not on anymore...but it was really a cute cartoon. If you can find an episode online somewhere, it would be worth watching.
Mar 05, 2010 Rating
THANK YOU BOTH! by: Judy
Nancy,
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your idea! When you say you alphabetize in your binder according to topic, does this mean that when someone asks a question it either becomes a NEW category which is alphabetized, or simply fit in to the categories already there? So, if someone asks about "a turtle's shell" for instance, that would begin a BIOLOGY category that starts with "B"....or do you simply file the page under "T" for turtle?
This is such a fantastic idea, I just know so many people who read this will want to try it! And thank you especially....I was hoping that families who do not home school would offer some ideas and I'm so glad YOU DID!!!!!!!!
And Haley, I'm so happy you saw the post! You will notice I said that the RSJ idea was given to me by a friend...I was hesitant to post your name without permission! However, for all of those who come to read this now that you have commented...HALEY IS THE PERSON WHO GAVE MY FAMILY THE WONDERFUL IDEA OF THE RANDOM SUBJECT JAR!!!!
Thank you both SO MUCH for you participation in our forums! Come back soon!
XO
Judy
Mar 04, 2010 Rating
Great Big Book of Everything by: Nancy
Judy...we do something very similar to your jar....Nathan went through a phase when he was asking questions about EVERYTHING! Sometimes I knew the answers..and sometimes I didn't. One day, I decided to make a "Great Big Book of Everything" (this idea came from a kids cartoon). Anyway, when he had questions about things (usually while we were driving somewhere), we would take a few minutes when we got home and researched the answer on the internet. I'd print out the pages and we'd put it in a binder. We have it in alphabetical order by subject. We have filled one of those 3 inch binders.
I must say...in the craziness of the last year or two..we have gotten out of the habit.
Thanks for reminding me that I need to get going on that again.
Mar 04, 2010 Rating
Great Article by: Haley
Judy I am so glad that you all are using the Random Subject Jar it truly has been a much loved even in our school. I also love that we can constantly add to it. This was a great article. I really enjoyed reading it. ;)
