Our Space themed Homeschooling Fun - A beautiful combination of Play based Learning and STEM activities
I'm a big advocate for play based learning, especially for young children.
Once a week, we go to our local Home ed(Home education- the preferred term in the UK) co op, where a few home educating families meet, we get the kids together, and have lots of STEM based and play based learning activities available for the kids to do/play/interact with, if they so choose.
It's one of my absolute favourite home ed activities, because the learning that happens is always really fun. Also because we love seeing the other people who regularly attend, all of us (adult and children) get along well.
It's also interesting to note that in our home ed community, most of the moms used to be teachers. So they tend to be incredibly resourceful, they are very passionate about guiding their children's learning, and they absolutely know how to make it fun.
There is currently a space theme for the last 2 sessions we've attended, I loved the activities so much, I really wanted to share them!
Space playdough! Some of the moms in our community make the best homemade playdough in all colours and scents, I am always in awe of their creations (This recipe is the one they use!)
This space playdough was gorgeous, and had stars in it, although the pictures don't really show it unfortunately.
There was also a rocket fuel test laboratory!
All that was needed were test tubes, droppers, distilled vinegar, and baking soda, liquid hand soap for different colours and scents. And the kids were very happy playing and experimenting for ages!
There was also space food, for the "full astronaut experience"
And these moon rocks one of the moms made!
A painting station to paint your moon phases!
Some interesting bits to read about for the older kids- "The forgotten women who helped with the Space Race"
Space Station control panel!
A beautifully homemade Biological Hazard box with specimens "collected from space"
The box retires after being intensely played by many children :)
After a fun learning session and time with friends, we always try to go to the park for even more playing and exploration.
All pictures were taken by me
Aw that looks amazing, my daughters would absolutely love it!
:)
Now that is the evolution of home-based schooling. Forming communities of like-minded people each with their own styles and ideas, Plus the ability to have a day off with so many others helping each-other.
Thanks so much for sharing this. Life is Good
Thank you! Indeed it is, and for us, it is a much preferred alternative to traditonal schooling, because it allows us to cater the learning to our children's interests and needs :)
traditonal schooling for really old farts was just what you describe coming back in style before the Government came along and destroyed its value. Generally Loving caring women volunteering their time for the betterment of all.
Cheers
I would love to come to such events, if you would let me play :D
Definitely! All ages allowed :D
Oh my gosh. I love this so much! Looks like a lot of fun. Might have to try that space play doh, thanks for sharing the recipe! 😀
Thank you! Me too, which is why I really wanted to post about it :D
I wish I grew up learning like this! So much more fun!
The playdough recipe I included is the base recipe! Just add food colouring and glitter/essential oils/pretty bits to the playdough to make it fancy :D