Relatable Makes It Real
Welcome back to Making Everyday Magic! I’m Shanna, and if you’re new here, we’re a homeschooling family entering our seventh year of homeschooling. Today, I want to talk to you about a powerful educational strategy I’ve come to realize: making something relatable makes it real.
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The “Obnoxious” Friend Who Shares Knowledge
I’ve noticed something about myself, especially when teaching history. I’m that friend who gets overly excited about sharing what I know. I can’t help it; I genuinely want to share my knowledge and make connections. While I hope I don’t come across as obnoxious, I do believe that articulating this approach could be incredibly helpful for other homeschooling parents.
Why Making It Relatable Matters
This tendency to make things relatable applies, most notably, to history. History can be a tough subject for students, and even for us adults, to grasp fully. It’s often abstract, spanning long periods, and filled with events and figures that seem distant. But making history relatable can bridge the gap between the abstract and the real.
Touchpoints that Matter
For example, my kids and I have had the privilege of visiting historical landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, and the Lincoln Memorial. When we learn about these iconic symbols in history, I can say to my kids, “You’ve been there; you’ve seen that.” It makes history more tangible for them.
Even if you haven’t had the chance to travel extensively, there are still ways to make history relatable:
1. **Personal Stories**: Talk to family members about their experiences during significant historical events like Kennedy’s assassination or the moon landing. Hearing personal stories can make history feel more real.
2. **Contemporary Figures**: Connect historical figures to contemporary ones. For instance, mention that Samuel L. Jackson was one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s pallbearers. Even if your kids don’t know who Samuel L. Jackson is, they might recognize him as Nick Fury from the Marvel movies.
3. **Local History**: Explore local history and landmarks. Learning about events or places in your region can make history more relatable.
4. **Family History**: Share your family’s history and experiences. For instance, if your grandparents lived through segregation, explain how recent that history is.
The Gift of Relatability
Making history relatable is a gift you can give to your children and yourself. It takes something vast and makes it accessible. It helps students and learners of all ages connect with historical events, figures, and contexts.
Conclusion
Education isn’t just about passing tests or getting jobs; it’s about the joy of learning. As homeschoolers, we have the unique ability to fan the flames of that joy, to make learning magical. So, I encourage you to find touchpoints that help you and your children make history relatable. When you see those magical brain connections forming, you’ll know that you’re providing a truly enriching education.
You can reach me in the comments or connect with us on Instagram at Making Everyday Magic.
Remember, making homeschooling magical is all about the connections we create and the joy of learning we inspire. Thanks for joining me on this educational journey, and I hope to see you again soon!
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