Caroline Haroldson is getting ready to embark on a fascinating endeavor, one which I have actually contemplated: a six week tour of the United States. From Homeschool Across America’s website:
Like millions of other children around the country, 9 year old Caroline Haroldson of Lake Oswego, Oregon will start school the day after Labor Day. But unlike most fourth graders, she won’t enter any school doors.Instead, Caroline will begin a six week trek homeschooling (or “travelschooling”) across the contiguous United States with her mother in a quest to learn about our nation’s history, geography, and government. She’s on a mission to find the best learning adventures in the country for families looking for enriching travel destinations.
You can share her travels with her through her website and podcasts, once her journey commences.
It reminds me of something Noah Webster once wrote which prompted me to begin thinking of incorporating more travel into our homeschool schedule. He was writing at a time when it was expected to send a child overseas to finish his education, but the suggestion has as much merit today, I think. Maybe even more in this age of “global citizenship.”
A tour through the United States ought now to be considered as a necessary part of a liberal education. Instead of sending young gentlemen to Europe to view curiosities and learn vices and follies, let them spend twelve or eighteen months in examining the local situation of the different states–the rivers, the soil, the population, the improvements and commercial advantages of the whole–with an attention to the spirit and manners of the inhabitants, their laws, local customs, and institutions.
As an American, it would be nice to know more about America, first hand from her inhabitants. Not just the “enriching travel destinations” but a glimpse of her character, that side of her she only shows when you take the time to do more than skim along the surface, taking in the sights.
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I want to thank you, because each time I come here I learn so much. Your blog is definately one of my favorites. Everytime I visit I walk away with something new.
Thank you.
I want to do this with my children!
Thank you kymberlyn…and I was excited to see another education type blog added to the Gack Ink network!
Me too, Renae! Money may be a bit of an issue, but we’ll see. When you all buy the book…let’s see. My readership times $20 for the book…well, it might pay for one short trip. : )
I love the idea!
I have read about a few children who have ventured out to see the great US of A as an educational endeavor; some on their own, some with their families, and some as apprenticeships staying with other families along the way here and there.
I talked with my oldest son about it back when he was 16, but I reached him too late–he was too envolved with his own friends and way of life to even consider it or see value in it. My middle son does like to go and see, but during down times such as summer and spring breaks–he really enjoys his school experience. It is my hope with this youngest child to incorporate lots of travel into our homeschooling experience. In fact, we took two trips already this year and have two more planned
And Parent’s Magazine has a good, short article in its September issue on 8 Great Places a Child Should See in the US…with some alternates if the 8 great cannot be seen.
Great post…inspiring me to get around to posting about our trips to date LOL I have been procrastinating BIG time!
Oh, and the map with the pins in it…was a wall decoration in my boys room for years LOL Each boy had his own colored pins. Then when they started doing international travel the map came down…too hard to pin point all those little places on a world map LOL But it was fun for all those years to see their travel course over the years.
And I could share a few really neat travel crafts as well that etch some of those memories into keepsakes for years to come if anyone is interested.
Please do, Shawna! If you get to it in the near future, let me know and I’ll add a link at the bottom of this entry. (I read your blog, but tend to read several entries all at once every few days, so I don’t see it right after you put it up!)
Crafts and activities are always a great addition to any homeschool program.
Dana,
I’ve nominated you for the Nice Matters Award. Come visit my site and see how that came about.
It would be wonderful. we’ve got a running dream here to buy an RV someday and drive from coast to soast and back again. Just soak it all in.
Needless to say I’m a bit jealous.