By Amy Pentimone
Have your kids ever asked “When will I actually use this?” when you introduced a new math formula or as they recorded data from a science experiment? It’s not a bad question if it’s meant sincerely — instead of as a complaint. (Sadly, I know I was guilty of saying it as a complaint at different points when I was being homeschooled!) The reality is we want our students to understand how their education is practical for their lives! Hands-on learning, unit studies, and field trips are all different ways to keep the practical and real-life elements alive in our teaching.
Yet, not all of those are options right now! Even for homeschooling families, life currently looks a lot different. Parks, libraries, church functions, co-op meetings, and the like are often essential aspects of homeschooling life; but as we are all well aware, a lot of our daily routines have been drastically altered right now.
Yes, we’re talking about the global pandemic known as COVID-19. Gas prices are at record lows. Entire US cities are effectively shut down as the population “shelters-at-home.” Church buildings have been closed (even on Easter Sunday). Globally, families are home educating their children, including in countries where such a thing was illegal just months ago. This is history in the making, and we are all living it!
One day, your kids will tell their children (and grandchildren!) their own stories and memories of COVID-19. But in the meantime, are you looking for some extra ways to keep your children busy right now? We’ve got something to help with that!
Your kids can document this history-in-the-making with a hands-on memory book (elementary-age) and time-capsule (high school). These unique books allow them to record their own thoughts and memories, as well as the history going on in their city and on a national level. They’re educational, fun, and practical, allowing your students to create their own “history books” about a time in history that has never yet been recorded.
Ready to get started? (We mean, for your students…but watch out! You might find yourself wanting to answer some of the questions and record your own memories.) You can download these memory books (as printable PDF files) for free below!